Outline

Overview

The Digital Architecture Research Studio explores the application of digital technologies in architectural design and fabrication, and explores their potential to reinvigorate architectural discourse, develop new forms of architectural expression and make significant contributions to improving productivity and sustainability in the built environment. The studio will prompt students to develop critical positions in response to a studio brief selected from one or more options that probe the possibilities of digital design and fabrication and extend and explore those positions through a research-based architectural design process. MARC4001 Urban Architecture Research Studio, MARC4002 Sustainable Architecture Research Studio and MARC4003 Digital Architecture Research Studio are all available in both Semesters 1 and 2. Students may enrol or pre-enrol freely, but some will be asked to swap to create equal groups. After three semesters each student will have done each of the studios. The studios examine the relationships between architecture and urbanism; architecture and sustainability; and architecture and digital design. Each is based around one or more design projects which address a specialised area of study, supported by lectures and seminars which introduce the relevant theory, knowledge and design precedents. Studios require the investigation of key technical issues and systems, and their innovative integration in the design, with the preparation of appropriate documentation. On the successful completion of these units, students will have demonstrated: an ability to formulate, interpret and communicate appropriate concepts derived from the study of brief and site; an ability to extend those starting points into a working design proposal; an ability to develop the design proposal in response to critique, and produce a building design which demonstrably embodies understanding of the principles associated with the specialised study area; an ability to communicate the design ideas effectively through appropriate graphic and three-dimensional means using architectural conventions; and an ability to cohesively design and execute a comprehensive presentation of the project. These units are core to the Master of Architecture.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Architecture
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Dagmar Reinhardt, dagmar.reinhardt@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Final Submission: Design Portfolio, Individual Component Submission of Design Portfolio, Individual component	20%	Formal exam period Due date: 30 Nov 2020 at 12:00	7 weeks from Interim Review
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Final Submission: Design Portfolio, Group Component Submission of Design Portfolio, Group component	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 30 Nov 2020 at 12:00	7 weeks from Interim Review
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Interim Review Presentation and Submission of Digital Report/PPT	40%	Week 07 Due date: 12 Oct 2020 at 22:00	7 weeks from semester start
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Final Review Final Presentation and Submission of PPT for formative feedback	0%	Week 12 Due date: 16 Nov 2020 at 10:00	5 weeks from Interim Review
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Formal exam period	Final Submission	Project (1 hr)
Mid-semester break	work on project@DMaF during break	Block teaching (6 hr)
STUVAC	Debrief, Best-of Practice of Final Presentations and Final Steps	Seminar (1 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Studio	Lecture (1 hr)
	Grasshopper Introduction/Beginner	Computer laboratory (1.5 hr)
	Introduction to studio brief and research interest as groups	Studio (3 hr)
Week 02	Parametric and Rule-Based Design	Lecture (1 hr)
	Grasshopper Beginner	Computer laboratory (1.5 hr)
	DMaF-Introduction to Photogrammetry/Scanning	Workshop (2 hr)
	Group tutorials	Studio (2 hr)
Week 03	Digital Fabrication and Advanced Manufacturing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Grasshopper Intermediate	Computer laboratory (1.5 hr)
	DMaF-Introduction to 3D Printing	Workshop (2 hr)
	Group tutorials	Studio (2 hr)
Week 04	Customisation and Bespoke Fabrication	Lecture (1 hr)
	DMaF- Introduction to CNC	Workshop (2 hr)
	Grasshopper Advanced Topic	Computer laboratory (1.5 hr)
	Group tutorials	Studio (2 hr)
Week 05	Augmented Reality and Immersive Environments	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Site Visit: Sydney Olympic Park	Field trip (3 hr)
Week 06	Simulation to Robotic Manufacturing	Lecture (1 hr)
	Grasshopper Advanced Topic	Computer laboratory (1.5 hr)
	DMaF-Introduction to Robots	Workshop (2 hr)
	Group tutorials	Studio (2 hr)
Week 07	Interim Presentation, feedback and parity	Presentation (4 hr)
Week 08	Project/Practice Case 1	Lecture (1 hr)
	Grasshopper Advanced Topic	Computer laboratory (1.5 hr)
	Group tutorials	Studio (3 hr)
Week 09	Project/Practice Case 2	Lecture (1 hr)
	Grasshopper Helpdesk	Computer laboratory (1.5 hr)
	Group tutorials	Studio (3 hr)
Week 10	Project/Practice Case 3	Lecture (1 hr)
	Grasshopper Helpdesk	Computer laboratory (1.5 hr)
	Group tutorials	Studio (3 hr)
Week 11	Studio Wrap Up	Lecture (1 hr)
	Grasshopper help desk	Computer laboratory (1.5 hr)
	Group tutorials	Studio (3 hr)
Week 12	Final Presentation and feedback	Presentation (4 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Burry, Jane and Burry, Mark (2010). The New Mathematics of Architecture. London: Thames & Hudson.

Burry, Mark (2013). Scripting Cultures: Architectural Design and Programming, John Wiley & Sons.

Carpo, Mario (2017). The Second Digital Turn: Design Beyond Intelligence. MIT Press

Grosz, Elizabeth (2001). Architecture from the Outside – Essays on Virtual and Real Space, Massachussetts Institute of Technology.

Lynn, Greg. Animate Form, Princeton Architectural Press.

Menges, Achim and Ahlquist, Sean (2011). Computational Design Thinking, John Wiley & Sons.

Reiser, Jesse and Umemoto, Nanoko (2006). Atlas of Novel Tectonics, Princeton Architectural Press.

Terzidis, Kostas (2006). Algorithmic Architecture. Oxford: Architectural Press.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. independently research, analyse, and synthesise a design project
LO2. understand concepts and methods of digital architecture across design, simulation, optimisation, fabrication and augmentation
LO3. develop a complex design situation using a criteria catalogue, framework and definitions of design rules and variations for design, and develop a workflow for design to fabrication/construction
LO4. develop and demonstrate computational design skills through scanning, 3D/parametric modelling, visualisation/simulation and digital fabrication
LO5. test, creatively shape and resolve a design project through detailed and technical solutions at various scales (design model, scale model, prototype)
LO6. collaborate successfully in a team project including work distribution, clear communication, roles and responsibilities
LO7. communicate a design project in an aesthetic, precise, and convincing manner

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. 2.2. Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site. 3.1. Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose. 3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options. 3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content. 4.2. Evaluation of design options against values of physical, environmental and cultural contexts. 4.3. Application of creative imagination aesthetic judgement to produce coherent design 4.5. Investigation and integration of appropriate structural, construction, service and transport systems in the project design. 5.1. Application of creative imagination and aesthetic judgement in producing a resolved project design in regard to site planning, physical composition and spatial planning as appropriate to the project brief. 5.2. Resolution of project design addressing all building occupancy and functional aspects including spatial requirements and relationships and circulation aspects.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1.2. Establishment, analysis and evaluation of client project requirements and objectives. 1.4. Identification of factors that may impact on client project requirements and objectives. 1.7. Preparation of project brief for approval by client and relevant stakeholders. 3.1. Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose. 3.3. Design response incorporates assessment of the physical location and relevant wider regional, contextual and environmental issues. 3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content. 4.2. Evaluation of design options against values of physical, environmental and cultural contexts. 5.1. Application of creative imagination and aesthetic judgement in producing a resolved project design in regard to site planning, physical composition and spatial planning as appropriate to the project brief. 7.2. Selection of procurement method incorporates assessment of the impact on all phases of project including design, documentation and project delivery. 9.8. Clear and consistent communication with client and relevant stakeholders throughout project.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 1.2. Establishment, analysis and evaluation of client project requirements and objectives. 1.4. Identification of factors that may impact on client project requirements and objectives. 1.6. Selection and presentation to clients and relevant stakeholders of procurement method for the project. 2.1. Identification, analysis and integration of information relevant to siting of project. 2.2. Application of principles controlling planning, development and design for the project site. 2.3. Evaluation of factors influencing and impacting on project cost. 4.6. Investigation and integration of appropriate material selection for the project design.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options. 3.3. Design response incorporates assessment of the physical location and relevant wider regional, contextual and environmental issues. 3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content. 3.6. Assessment of the economic impact on the project of design strategies and options. 3.7. Assessment and integration of construction systems and materials consistent with project brief. 3.8. Application of manual and digital graphic techniques and modelling to describe three-dimensional form and spatial relationships. 4. Design: Schematic Design 4.1. Evaluation of design options in relation to project requirements. 4.2. Evaluation of design options against values of physical, environmental and cultural contexts. 4.3. Application of creative imagination aesthetic judgement to produce coherent design 4.4. Inclusion of expertise of relevant specialists and consultants in developing the project design. 4.5. Investigation and integration of appropriate structural, construction, service and transport systems in the project design. 4.6. Investigation and integration of appropriate material selection for the project design. 4.7. Coordination and integration of appropriate environmental systems, including for thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 3. Design: Conceptual Design 3.1. Design response integrates the objectives of brief, user intent and built purpose. 3.2. Application of creative imagination, aesthetic judgement and critical evaluation in formulating design options. 3.3. Design response incorporates assessment of the physical location and relevant wider regional, contextual and environmental issues. 3.4. Design response incorporates assessment of relevant legislation, codes and industry standards. 3.5. Exploration and application of ordering, sequencing and modelling of three-dimensional form and spatial content. 3.6. Assessment of the economic impact on the project of design strategies and options. 3.7. Assessment and integration of construction systems and materials consistent with project brief. 3.8. Application of manual and digital graphic techniques and modelling to describe three-dimensional form and spatial relationships. 4. Design: Schematic Design 4.1. Evaluation of design options in relation to project requirements. 4.2. Evaluation of design options against values of physical, environmental and cultural contexts. 4.3. Application of creative imagination aesthetic judgement to produce coherent design 4.6. Investigation and integration of appropriate material selection for the project design. 4.7. Coordination and integration of appropriate environmental systems, including for thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics. 5. Documentation: Detailed Design 5.1. Application of creative imagination and aesthetic judgement in producing a resolved project design in regard to site planning, physical composition and spatial planning as appropriate to the project brief. 5.2. Resolution of project design addressing all building occupancy and functional aspects including spatial requirements and relationships and circulation aspects. 5.5. Integration of materials and components based upon an understanding of their physical properties. 5.8. Presentation of detailed design to facilitate relevant client and stakeholder approvals. 7. Project Delivery: Procurement 7.1. Identification of available procurement methods and assessment of relevance and application to the project. 7.2. Selection of procurement method incorporates assessment of the impact on all phases of project including design, documentation and project delivery. 8.1. Selection process for appropriately qualified contractors is in accordance with procurement method and project contract.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 2.5. Attainment of approval from client of project budget and timeframe. 4.4. Inclusion of expertise of relevant specialists and consultants in developing the project design. 6.1. Identification and adoption of a strategy, program and process of documentation integrated through all project stages to enable project delivery. 6.3. Incorporation of the project requirements and objectives in accordance with Project Brief and approved Detailed Design. 6.4. Timely completion and communication of accurate and comprehensible documents that will include, as required, drawings, models, specifications, schedules and other relevant modes of information. 6.7. Establishment of quality assurance systems to ensure consistency and completeness of project documentation in accordance with the requirement for the project brief, project timeframe and project budget.
	National Standard of Competency for Architects - 4.1. Evaluation of design options in relation to project requirements. 4.5. Investigation and integration of appropriate structural, construction, service and transport systems in the project design. 4.7. Coordination and integration of appropriate environmental systems, including for thermal comfort, lighting and acoustics. 4.9. Obtain approval for the design from client and and/or relevant stakeholders. 5.1. Application of creative imagination and aesthetic judgement in producing a resolved project design in regard to site planning, physical composition and spatial planning as appropriate to the project brief. 5.8. Presentation of detailed design to facilitate relevant client and stakeholder approvals. 6.1. Identification and adoption of a strategy, program and process of documentation integrated through all project stages to enable project delivery. 6.2. Continuing coordination and integration of information and project material from relevant consultants, specialists and suppliers. 6.3. Incorporation of the project requirements and objectives in accordance with Project Brief and approved Detailed Design. 6.4. Timely completion and communication of accurate and comprehensible documents that will include, as required, drawings, models, specifications, schedules and other relevant modes of information. 6.7. Establishment of quality assurance systems to ensure consistency and completeness of project documentation in accordance with the requirement for the project brief, project timeframe and project budget. 6.8. Project documentation is in accordance with, and appropriate to, the project contract and project procurement procedure.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

new unit coordinator and subject content

Additional information

Additional costs

This unit has costs associated with it for digital fabrication (such as laser cutting, 3D printing, CNC), material expenses, and printing.

Site visit guidelines

Site visits are planned as self-guided trips up to w5 and studio trip in week 5.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect

Current students

MARC4003: Digital Architecture Research Studio

Semester 2, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

Media

Student links

About us

Connect