Program Overview

Overview

The BDES1012: Architectural Communications 1 unit introduces students to fundamental modes of communication used to comprehend, conceive, explore, articulate, and document architecture. It covers various domains, including sketching, technical drawing, model making (physical and digital), verbal and written communication, diagramming, and photography. The unit aims to familiarize students with necessary technical skills and encourage their creative deployment through practical experimentation.

Unit Details and Rules

• Academic unit: Architecture
• Credit points: 6
• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Prohibitions: DESA1001
• Assumed knowledge: HSC Mathematics and HSC English Standard or equivalent
• Available to study abroad and exchange students: Yes

Teaching Staff

• Coordinator: Anastasia Globa

Assessment

The assessment for this unit includes:

• Assignment: Architectural forces Portfolio (45%)
• Assignment: Architectural presentation / InDesign development booklet Portfolio (30%)
• Assignment: Architectural explorations Portfolio (25%)
• Participation: Participation in Lectures and Studious (0%)

Assessment Summary

• Architectural explorations: Students are introduced to an architectural action and scene, which acts as a generative tool for subsequent work. Assessment is based on enthusiasm to explore, ability to follow the task, and rigor in developing multiple ideas.
• Architectural forces: Students develop an amalgamating model from abstract spatial, structural, and mass compositions. Successful students demonstrate rigorous development of their initial model as it is set in a site context, gains materiality, and responds to a program.
• Architectural presentation / InDesign development booklet: Students compile a comprehensive, tastefully designed, and presented A5 formatted design portfolio booklet. This assessment focuses on communicating various aspects and outputs of the design process.

Assessment Criteria

The University awards common result grades, with the following mark ranges and descriptions:

• High distinction: 85-100 (work of outstanding quality)
• Distinction: 75-84 (work of excellent quality)
• Credit: 65-74 (work of good quality)
• Pass: 50-64 (work demonstrating satisfactory achievement)
• Fail: 0-49 (work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement)

Late Submission

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

Academic Integrity

The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly. Allegations of academic integrity breaches are treated seriously, and similarity detection software is used to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches.

Learning Support

• Simple extensions: Available for up to five calendar days
• Special consideration: For exceptional circumstances or essential commitments
• Using AI responsibly: Guidance on the use of generative AI tools for learning and assessment

Weekly Schedule

The weekly schedule includes lectures and studios, covering topics such as:

• Introduction
• Modelling
• Drawing
• Space
• Site
• Forces
• Digital fabrication
• Animation
• Narrative
• Presentation

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:

• LO1: Develop an arsenal of mediums to explore, experiment, and develop architectural concepts
• LO2: Utilize fundamental architectural tools, including orthogonal drawing, physical modelling, and basic digital software
• LO3: Communicate ideas using an architectural vocabulary and presenting style
• LO4: Critically and enthusiastically engage with the design development process and wider design conversation
• LO5: Demonstrate appreciation and basic strategic response to the wider architectural context

Graduate Qualities

The University's graduate qualities include:

• GQ1: Depth of disciplinary expertise
• GQ2: Critical thinking and problem-solving
• GQ3: Oral and written communication
• GQ4: Information and digital literacy
• GQ5: Inventiveness
• GQ6: Cultural competence
• GQ7: Interdisciplinary effectiveness
• GQ8: Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity
• GQ9: Influence

Responding to Student Feedback

Changes have been made to the unit based on student feedback, including the development of longer computer tutorials.