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Unit of study_
MARC6000: Thesis Studio
2025 unit information
The Thesis Studio is a final design studio option of the Master of Architecture. A unique aspect of the Thesis Studio is the integration of a capstone design project with a research thesis. Firstly, this unit requires students to produce an original design proposition in respect to an architectural brief that integrates a specific research agenda and a critical theme pertinent to current architectural discourse. In the continued engagement with critical topics, students further specialise their areas of design and research expertise. Through thoroughly investigated, well-resolved and technically adept architectural projects, students deliver contributions to knowledge in their chosen field of investigation. Secondly, students develop an in-depth piece of research in an area of architectural study. Topics can include any aspect of architecture for which adequate supervision can be made available. Specialisation include, but are not limited to architectural design, the history or theory of architecture, architectural or building science, urban design, indigenous architecture, and architectural technology. Research methods may likewise be drawn from across the full breadth of disciplinary, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary practices in which architecture figures. The research may inform or be complementary to work being undertaken. The outcome of the research is presented for assessment in a form appropriate to the research topic (which might include, but not be limited to, a short dissertation, or a design, prototype, workflow, or art project presented with supporting text). Within the programmatic framework of the Thesis Studio, students will develop individual design propositions and research approaches that demonstrate skills in critical evaluation, independent decision-making and communication through multi-disciplinary collaboration and discussion with academics, practitioners, researchers, government and industry. Delivered by visiting national and international architects, design practitioners and researchers, this unit will provide students with a platform to demonstrate design prowess and an engagement with critical cultural discourse.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Architecture |
| Credit points | 24 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
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MARC5000 and MARC5010 and MARC5020 and MARC5300 and MARC5400 |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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MARC6010 or MARC6020 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Be able to apply creative imagination, design precedents, research, emergent knowledge and critical evaluation in formulating and refining concept design options, including the exploration of three-dimensional form and spatial quality.
- LO2. Be able to explore options for siting a project, including integrating information and analysis of relevant cultural, social and economic factors.
- LO3. Be able to undertake site, cultural and contextual analysis as part of preliminary design research.
- LO4. Be able to develop and evaluate design options in terms of the heritage, cultural and community values embodied in the site, and in relation to project requirements.
- LO5. Be able to draw on knowledge from the history and theory of architecture as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design.
- LO6. Be able to generate a detailed piece of research, including original findings and/or analysis.
- LO7. Be able to demonstrate well-developed skills and fluency in various modes of architectural expression, including writing, drawings and models, to develop and communicate convincing architectural propositions and present findings/analysis/scholarship in a manner appropriate to the conventions of design and humanities research.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
|
Normal day | Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney | |
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Semester 2 2025
|
Normal day | Camperdown / Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
