11554 Masters Architectural Design Studio 4

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: Architecture
Credit points: 12 cp

Subject level: Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 144 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10413 Bachelor of Design Architecture Master of Architecture AND 11551 Masters Architectural Design Studio 1 AND 11552 Masters Architectural Design Studio 2 AND 11553 Masters Architectural Design Studio 3
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This subject is the fourth of four studio subjects required to complete the Master of Architecture (C04235).

This subject aims to further architectural design skills through the integration of a specific research agenda that may be tested through project-based speculations. The research agenda comprises a particular topic selected from a range of discipline areas including, but not limited to, computation and digital design in architecture and manufacturing, material and construction in architecture, environmental and performance-based design in architecture, urban design, and activism and the role of the architect and design within critical cultural discourse. The subject also enhances a critical understanding of architecture as both a discipline with an existing body of knowledge and a set of practices that continuously challenge and add to that body of knowledge. The subject requires the testing of ideas and modes of practice in architectural design, and the production of design proposals that accurately and persuasively convey the most relevant ideas and practices at an advanced masters level.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

1.	Develop core knowledge and skills in architectural design, including the integration of complex spatial/material problem solving skills and critical personal and disciplinary reflection.
2.	Undertake primary and/or secondary research to inform and enrich the design process and outcomes.
3.	Apply the design process as a research tool for understanding and refining a design proposal, for articulating broader ambitions in architecture, and for identifying essential questions to be addressed in a brief.
4.	Transfer knowledge and understanding of sub-disciplinary areas creatively and appropriately towards a resolved design proposal.
5.	Test and critically evaluate a variety of methodologies, processes and media involved in the development of architectural design proposals, and thus be able to analyse, question, and engage in informed and reasoned argument about such design proposals.
6.	Professionally frame an authored design proposal as a vehicle to articulate and defend an architectural proposition.
7.	Present complete and relevant findings of a professional quality in a public setting such as open juries, exhibition or published work.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

• Establish and develop an informed and ethical position towards social, technical and environmental issues and practices (A.1)
• Communicate ideas professionally and effectively through a variety of mediums: oral, written, visual, physical and digital (C.2)
• Produce inspirational responses that demonstrate the successful integration of sub-disciplinary areas of knowledge: history, theory, tectonics and/or practice (I.1)
• Understand and challenge disciplinary conventions through an engagement with emergent forms of architectural practice, technologies and modes of production (P.1)
• Thoughtfully apply disciplinary learning in work, with a continuing commitment to personal professional development (P.2)
• Position work within an extended and critically reasoned context through the identification, evaluation and application of relevant academic references and architectural case studies (R.1)
• Define, develop and apply an appropriate design method in the execution of an architectural project (R.2)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

In addition, this subject contributes to specific Performance Criteria (PCs) required to be met by Graduating students, as part of the National Standard of Competency for Architects 2021 v1.0, (https://aaca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021-NSCA.pdf) required by the National Accreditation Council of Australia accreditation proceedure. Students are required to demonstrate they have addressed the Performance Criteria outlined below for design studio subjects.

For a full list of PC's across all subjects see National Standard of Competency for Architects 2021 v1.0, (https://aaca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021-NSCA.pdf).

/// NSCA Performance Criteria met by Design Studio Subjects

Practice Management + Professional Conduct

PC03 Understand the principles of project planning, considering implications for Country, environmental sustainability, communities, stakeholders and project costs. 1

PC08 Understand how to implement culturally responsive and meaningful engagement processes that respect the importance of Country and reciprocal relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples across architectural services. 1

PC10 Understand the whole life carbon implications of procurement methods, materials, components and construction systems.

PC12 Understand how relevant building codes, standards and planning controls apply across architectural practice, including climate change implications, the principles of fire safety, and barriers to universal access.

PC15 Understand legal and ethical obligations relating to copyright, moral rights, authorship of cultural knowledge and intellectual property requirements across architectural services.

Project Initiation and Conceptual Design

PC17 Have an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ aspirations to care for Country and how these inform architectural design.

PC18 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. 1

PC24 Understand how to identify and evaluate project development options in response to a project brief – its objectives, budget, user intent and built purpose, risks and timeframe, including environmental sustainability considerations.

PC25 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. 1

PC26 Be able to undertake site, cultural and contextual analysis as part of preliminary design research. 1

PC27 Understand how to embed the knowledge, worldviews and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, shared through engagement processes, into the conceptual design in a meaningful, respectful and appropriate way.

PC28 Be able to draw on knowledge from building sciences and technology, environmental sciences and behavioural and social sciences as part of preliminary design research and when developing the conceptual design to optimise the performance of the project.

PC29 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.

PC30 Be able to explore options for siting a project, including integrating information and analysis of relevant cultural, social and economic factors.

PC31 Be able to identify, analyse and integrate information relevant to environmental sustainability – such as energy and water consumption, resources depletion, waste, embodied carbon and carbon emissions – over the lifecycle of a project.

PC32 Be able to apply planning principles and statutory planning requirements to the site and conceptual design of the project. 1

PC33 Be able to investigate, coordinate and integrate sustainable environmental systems – including water, thermal, lighting and acoustics – into the conceptual design.

PC34 Be able to apply principles and methodologies for presenting conceptual design proposals and associated information to clients, stakeholders and communities, including using culturally responsive methods appropriate to different audiences.

PC35 Be able to assess operational and embodied carbon implications of materials, components, construction systems and supply chains (including transport) to achieve net zero whole life carbon when developing design concepts. This includes integrating relevant consultant expertise and advising on the impact of chosen materials, components and systems on carbon outcomes.

Detailed Design and Construction Documentation

PC36 Be able to apply creative imagination, design precedents, emergent knowledge, critical evaluation and continued engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to produce a coherent project design. This should be resolved in terms of supporting health and wellbeing outcomes for Country, site planning, formal composition, spatial planning and circulation as appropriate to the project brief and all other factors affecting the project.

PC39 Understand how the integration of material selection, structural and construction systems impacts on design outcomes.

PC40 Be able to resolve and present a coherent detailed design solution within necessary timeframes to obtain client and stakeholder approvals.

PC45 Understand processes for selecting materials, finishes, fittings, components and systems, based on consideration of quality and performance standards, the impact on Country and the environment, and the whole life carbon impact of the project.

PC46 Understand the processes for producing project documentation that meets the requirements of the contract and procurement procedure and complies with regulatory controls, building standards, codes, and conditions of construction and planning approvals.

PC 47 Be able to complete and communicate on-time, accurate documents for relevant stakeholders, including drawings, models, specifications, schedules and construction documentation.

Teaching and learning strategies

Overview
Students will be required to prepare and present research and design materials of various types in the context of this subject. These include printed and digital presentations of research materials, drawings, videos and animations, models, prototypes, reports, text based documents, exhibition materials of various types and an individual DESIGN LOG of student work. The intent of this subject is to develop design proposals and the necessary communication and research tools and evidence required to develop, present and describe that project in the most appropriate form for a professional and public audience.

Studio Selection

Students select from a range of studio offerings each semester. These are described in the studio prospectus and presented in BALLOT presentations by Studio Leads - this is an on campus event during O-Week. The BALLOT allows students to elect their studio preferences which is sorted in an unbiased procedure, giving preferetial selection of in the order of studios 11554, 11553, 11552, 11551 where required.

Delivery

This subject is delivered face to face in studios.

Masters design studios comprise two (2) tutorial sessions of three (3) hours each per week conducted on Tuesdays and Fridays offered between the hours of 0900 - 2100 with time allocations specific to each studio (as nominated in the PROSPECTUS. Students will be required to progressively prepare and present research and design materials of various types relative to the studio context and objectives of this studio.

In some circumstances, such as travelling studios, and interdisciplinary studios, there may be a period of intensive work undertaken which requires travel to various significant locations or collaboration with other groups of students or academics from UTS or other institutions. Any deviation from the typical studio pattern described above will be advertised in the PROSPECTUS and BALLOT before enrolments into elective tutorial groups is required.

IPD (Introduction to Professional Development)

As a comprehensive supplement to the Design Studio, each semester Students will need to complete a minimum of 12hours formal IPD and 5 hours of informal IPD. Formal IPD will be in the format of Lectures/ Seminars / Workshops that are a combination of compulsory sessions for all students as well as selective sessions that are useful specific to your studio type. These sessions will mostly be in-person on campus at select times around your studio schedule. A full listing and schedule will be issued with your Studio allocations, giving you time to plan ahead and select sessions that suit your studio.

Accreditation, deliverables and DESIGN LOG

Some deliverables are common across all studio groups as a requirement of for course accreditation. Specific details about design studio deliverables will be in the STUDIO SPECIFICATION (Brief) for each Studio, in addition to assessment task deliverables set specifically for individual studio.

The DESIGN LOG – captures and demonstrates application of specific accreditation Performance Criteria (PC). Students are to work on these independently and each assessment submission will have an individual draft of as many components as in complement to their design to suit your design process – the full log will be submitted at AT3. Detailed instructions for the DESIGN LOG will be uploaded to CANVAS

Uploading of deliverables

Students are required to upload digital submissions of all assessments as directed by the course director each semester for the purposes of archiving and accreditation.

Online Learning
All subject documents, assessment descriptions, and supplementary resources and readings will be made available on the CANVAS portal. Individual studio groups will distribute studio specific documents via Teams or other agreed platforms as agreed. Any concerns regarding access to this content should be made to your tutor in the first instance.

Feedback

The subject provides a range of formative feedback strategies.

1. All assessments will be graded in CANVAS. CANVAS. will be used as a formative feedback mechanism in Assessment

2. The subject is designed around the progressive development of a highly resolved design project. Each tutorial and assessment milestone enables the continual and progressive development of both the knowledge, technical skills and understandings necessary to deliver a successful outcome. As such, each tutorial serves as a continuous feedback mechanism for students and your engagement in each studio session is necessary.

3. It is the student’s responsibility to record any feedback given during meetings. This will assist in how iterative development can be accessed and ultimately assessed.

Content (topics)

Studios will be offered across a range of disciplinary modes, which will each deal with their own specific domains of knowledge and the techniques necessary to their successful investigation to broader topics of speculation. These modes of interrogation will include but are not limited to:

- Critical design practice
- Urban design
- Computation and digital design in architecture and manufacturing
- Material and construction in architecture
- Environmental and performance based design in architecture
- Advocacy and the role of the architect and design within critical cultural discourse
- Advanced design techniques

To the broader topics of:

- Decarbonisation

- Decolonisation

- Urban Equity + Housing

- Biodiversity

- Repair

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Review 01- Research

Intent:	Evaluate the quality of the student's research and critical/conceptual project framing leading to positioning a preliminary design proposal.
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 7 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): A.1, C.2, I.1, R.1 and R.2
Type:	Project
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%
Criteria:	This task will enable students to set up a theoretical framework based on a response to the brief and established research question set by the Studio. Students will respond to specific deliverables of their Studio, refer to the SUBJECT SPECIFICATION GUIDE (Briefing Document) relevant to each Studio. In addition, Students will submit DRAFT I of the DESIGN LOG. Specific details and requirements of the DESIGN LOG submission will be uploaded on CANVAS.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Context - Ability to analyse the social, economic, legal, ethical, material context of the assigned studio directives with clear and considered 20 1 R.1 Research - Ability to independently research, draw from theory, contemporary debate, and architectural precedent, to extract and analyse and curate 25 2 R.2 Conceptual Framing - Ability to synthesise contextual analysis and research to independently conceptualise a project framing + return brief within an expanded intellectual and cultural context 25 3 I.1 Communication + representation - Ability to verbally and visually communicate architectural conceptual ideas through innovative and appropriately selected media; written, visual, physical and digital 10 7 C.2 DESIGN LOG DRAFT I – Comprehensive response to deliverables in LOG aligning to AACA National competencies, for AT1 specific to design studio 20 1 A.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Review 02- Mid review

Intent:	Evaluate the quality of the student's design proposal, the applicaiton of appropriate techincal skills and critical reflection in developing and testing an approach towards a well considered and highly developed design proposal.
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): A.1, C.2, I.1, P.1 and P.2
Type:	Project
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	30%
Criteria:	This task will enable students to translate their conceptual framing into an architectural proposal - Students will respond to both generic and specific deliverables of their Studio, refer to the SUBJECT SPECIFICATION GUIDE (Briefing Document) relevant to each Studio. In addition, Students will submit DRAFT II of the DESIGN LOG. Specific details and requirements of the DESIGN LOG submission will be uploaded on CANVAS.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Design Concept and Process - Ability to translate conceptual framing, test and iteratively refine a project through the selection and development of meaningful design actions and strategies 20 3 P.2 Technological development and integration - Demonstrated ability to employ/exceed disciplinary material, structural, construction, environmental conventions meaningfully towards the iterative development of an insightful, creative and technically proficient architectural proposal 20 4 P.1 Design Quality - Ability to propose a well-designed, integrated, high quality architectural response to the studio brief 30 6 I.1 Communication + representation - Ability to verbally and visually communicate architectural conceptual ideas through both command of conventions and innovative and appropriately selected media; written, visual, physical and digital 15 7 C.2 DESIGN LOG DRAFT II – Comprehensive response to deliverables in LOG aligning to AACA National competencies 15 1 A.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Review 03- Final review

Intent:	Evaluate the quality and completeness of the student's final design proposal.
Objective(s):	This task addresses the following subject learning objectives: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.): A.1, C.2, I.1, P.1, P.2 and R.2
Type:	Project
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	50%
Criteria:	This task will enable students to refine and conclude their architectural proposal - Students will respond to both generic and specific deliverables of their Studio, refer to the SUBJECT SPECIFICATION GUIDE (Briefing Document) relevant to each Studio. In addition, Students will submit their FINAL DESIGN LOG. Specific details and requirements of the DESIGN LOG submission will be uploaded on CANVAS.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Concept - Well Informed and articulated understanding of, and response to, the specific themes and issues raised by the studio brief, underpinned by a clear conceptual framework 10 3 P.1 Process - Demonstrated Ability to initiate and execute a self-reflective informed, critical and creative design process towards the realisation of a high quality architectural proposal 15 5 R.2 Design Quality - Ability to propose and creatively resolve a well designed, high quality architectural response to the studio brief 25 6 I.1 Technology - Demonstrated integration of appropriate disciplinary conventions towards an integrated technically and materially sound architectural proposal 20 4 P.2 Communication + representation - Ability to verbally and visually communicate architectural conceptual ideas through both command of conventions and innovative and appropriately selected media; written, visual, physical and digital 10 7 C.2 DESIGN LOG FINAL – Comprehensive response to deliverables in LOG aligning to AACA National competencies 20 1 A.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (lectures and tutorials) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.

Required texts

Please refer to your detailed studio description.

Other resources

Please refer to your detailed studio description.