ABN561 Integrated Technologies Studio
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | ABN561 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | ABN403 or DAN111 or (ABN461 and ABN465) |
| Equivalent(s): | ABN511, DAN101, DYN211 |
| Credit points: | 24 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ABN561 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 24 |
| Pre-requisite: | ABN403 or DAN111 or (ABN461 and ABN465) |
| Equivalent: | ABN511, DAN101, DYN211 |
Overview
This studio focuses on the integration of advanced building technologies within architectural design, addressing sustainability, building performance, and compliance. Students will explore adaptive re-use as a design strategy, applying technical knowledge to achieve energy efficiency, thermal comfort, ventilation, lighting, acoustics, and structural integrity. The unit emphasises life cycle thinking, material selection, façade and envelope design, and detailed joinery solutions. Through iterative design and technical documentation, students will demonstrate how architecture can integrate technology to optimise environmental performance and meet regulatory standards. This studio develops professional competence in resolving complex design challenges and communicating technical solutions aligned with ethical responsibility and professional practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply advanced design methods integrating building technologies to optimise performance and sustainability
- Demonstrate responsibility to Country, climate, and community through material selection and life cycle thinking
- Resolve and communicate detailed design solutions to professional standards
- Critically evaluate and integrate regulatory requirements and planning controls into design
- Engage collaboratively and professionally with stakeholders and mentors to refine technical outcomes
Content
The major topics covered in the unit will include:
- Adaptive re-use principles and feasibility analysis
- Building performance: energy efficiency, thermal comfort, ventilation, lighting, acoustics
- Life cycle and embodied carbon considerations
- Structural systems and tectonic resolution
- Material selection and façade design
- Wet area detailing and internal joinery
- Compliance with building codes, standards, and planning controls
- Integration of sustainable systems (water, thermal, lighting, acoustics)
- Technical documentation and communication to professional standards
Learning Approaches
- Studio-based learning with iterative design development
- Technical workshops on building performance, compliance, and detailing
- Collaborative critiques with peers and academic staff
- Mentor engagement: practicing architects provide feedback on technical integration and industry expectations
- Independent research and application of emergent knowledge and digital tools
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback will be continuous through:
- Weekly studio reviews and technical pin-ups
- Peer critique sessions
- Mentor input from architectural practice
- Criteria-referenced rubrics for each task
- Written and verbal feedback at key milestones
Assessment
Overview
This unit comprises two integrated assessment tasks designed to develop and demonstrate advanced technical and design capabilities. Assessment 1 focuses on an adaptive re-use project of medium complexity, requiring students to produce a concept design supported by preliminary technical documentation, including structural systems, wall sections, façade details, and material selections. Assessment 2 builds on this work through a technical proof-of-concept report that critically evaluates how the design integrates building technologies to achieve sustainability, performance, and compliance. Students may refine and resubmit elements from Assessment 1 as part of this process. Together, these tasks ensure mastery of design resolution, technical integration, and professional communication aligned with industry expectations.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Adaptive Re-use Design and Technical Documentation
Develop an adaptive re-use project of medium complexity that demonstrates integration of building technologies and sustainability principles. Deliverables include concept design and preliminary technical documentation: structural system, wall sections, façade details, material selection, and detailed sections/plans
The design must be presented in class after submission for oral critique to peers and academics for feedback as part of verified identity assessment requirements for this unit. The late submission period does not apply to the oral critique, and no assignment extensions are available.
The submission of A1 sheets as a PDF is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions. However, the in class presentation and completion of the model for presentation is not eligible for the 48 hour extended submission window and must be presented in class.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Assessment: Technical Proof-of-Concept Report
Produce a report that critically evaluates how your design from Assessment one integrates technology to address the technical resolution and performance of the building, taking into consideration its whole of life requirements and embodied carbon. Include enhanced or revised elements from Assessment 1 and demonstrate compliance, performance optimisation, and life cycle considerations.
The proof of concept report must be presented at an end of semester symposium in class after submission for oral critique to peers and academics for feedback as part of verified identity assessment requirements for this unit.
The report is an assignment and is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
The late submission period does not apply to the in class presentation, and no assignment extensions are available.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Requirements to Study
Requirements
All students and staff are required to complete Workshop HSE Induction for access to campus buildings and facilities. This must be completed online.
Costs
There are no additional costs associated with this unit. However, consumable costs, typical of the preparation and presentation of design project work, are to be expected. This can include printing of larger poster-size drawings. Allowance for travel costs and incidentals may arise in the event of field trip.
Resources
There are no set textbooks for this unit. Essential reading materials will be made available through the Canvas site.
Risk Assessment Statement
During classes you are expected to comply with all evacuation drills, instructions and other occupational health and safety regulations at QUT. You are advised to avoid construction areas/hazardous zones and to minimise risks to both yourself and other members of the public while at QUT. In this unit, you will undertake lectures and tutorials in traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. The unit may require you to participate in field trips, both of a self-guided nature and sometimes organised trips overseen by staff. A risk assessment for the latter has identified only low impact risks. A risk assessment will be conducted prior to any organised field trips. You will be provided with relevant safety guidelines prior to any field trip and be required to comply with all guidelines and directions given while attending field trips.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.DE83 Master of Architecture
- Apply advanced design methods informed by history, theory, technologies, and precedents to generate contextually grounded and future‑focused architectural propositions that respond to environmental, cultural, and social systems.
Relates to: Adaptive Re-use Design and Technical Documentation - Research and integrate emergent knowledge, data, and digital tools to develop innovative, resilient, and regenerative architectural practices, including the application of circular economy and systems‑based design principles.
Relates to: Adaptive Re-use Design and Technical Documentation, Technical Proof-of-Concept Report - Conceive and collaboratively refine integrated architectural designs through imaginative, iterative, and evidence‑based processes that balance building performance, resource efficiency, and human and environmental wellbeing within professional practice contexts.
Relates to: Adaptive Re-use Design and Technical Documentation - Exercise critical, evaluative, and ethical judgment in architectural decision‑making using quantitative and qualitative evidence, including social, cultural, and life‑cycle and building performance data, to support responsible professional outcomes.
Relates to: Adaptive Re-use Design and Technical Documentation, Technical Proof-of-Concept Report - Communicate architectural ideas and outcomes effectively and respectfully across diverse audiences and disciplines, including clients, communities, and industry stakeholders, advancing architecture’s social and environmental value.
Relates to: Adaptive Re-use Design and Technical Documentation, Technical Proof-of-Concept Report - Demonstrate professional integrity and leadership in relation to Country, climate, and community wellbeing across all aspects of architectural design and documentation.
Relates to: Adaptive Re-use Design and Technical Documentation, Technical Proof-of-Concept Report - Engage collaboratively with team members and stakeholders using culturally appropriate, respectful, and ethically informed engagement practices when partnering with First Nations communities in the delivery of architectural services that support Country and community wellbeing.
Relates to: Adaptive Re-use Design and Technical Documentation