ABN464 Circularity for Complex Projects
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: | ABN464 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2027, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ABN464 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
Overview
This advanced unit explores how circular economy principles and regenerative design strategies can transform the delivery of complex architectural and engineering projects. You will examine techniques to reduce embodied carbon through substitution of materials, reduction of resources, minimisation of construction impacts, and design for low end-of-life impacts. You will apply systems thinking to map material flows and propose circular solutions that integrate environmental systems and whole-of-life considerations. Through case studies, demonstrations, analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, you will extend your ability to evaluate, design, and advocate for circular and regenerative built environments.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically analyse complex architectural and engineering precedents to identify and evaluate circular design strategies, and reduce embodied carbon and environmental impacts.
- Develop and apply a material inventory and life-cycle mapping framework to assess how materials, systems, and procurement decisions influence whole-of-life carbon outcomes in complex projects.
- Synthesise architectural and engineering knowledge through systems thinking to design a circular project proposal that integrates environmental systems, regenerative principles, and interdisciplinary coordination across the building life cycle.
- Justify and communicate circular design propositions using quantitative and qualitative evidence to demonstrate environmental, social, and ethical value within professional and community contexts.
Content
The major topics covered in this unit will include:
- Exploration of circular economy and regenerative design principles in complex architectural and engineering projects.
- Strategies to reduce embodied carbon, including substitution of materials, reduction of resources used, minimisation of construction impacts, and design for low end-of-life impacts.
- Application of systems thinking to map material flows and life cycle relationships across the building process.
- Development of material inventories and life cycle assessment frameworks to evaluate circular performance.
- Integration of environmental systems (thermal, lighting, water, and acoustics) within circular design proposals.
- Use of digital tools for material mapping, data analysis, and communication of design ideas.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving through case studies and project-based learning.
Learning Approaches
You will learn by engaging in the following approaches:
You will engage in problem-based and collaborative learning by working in interdisciplinary teams to analyse real-world complex projects and propose circular design solutions. In these activities, you will use digital tools to analyse embodied carbon, visualise material flows, and communicate complex systems relationships. You will also be exposed to guest lectures from industry experts to learn about current innovations and challenges in implementing circular economy principles in practice. In preparing for these activities, you are expected to complete set readings, case study research, and preparatory analysis before class, and actively contribute to collaborative discussions and peer review during workshops.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in following ways:
- In-class formative exercises
- In-class review of weekly activities
- Criteria referenced assessment rubrics
- Verbal feedback from teaching staff at completion of projects
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit requires you explore circularity from two different perspectives. In Assessment 1, you will evaluate an existing project using circularity principles and then apply these ideas to design a new project. In Assessment 2, you will develop an original circular project proposal that integrates systems thinking, regenerative principles, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Circularity Case Study and Material Inventory
You will critically analyse a complex project using relevant technologies and tools and identify circular strategies and propose embodied carbon reduction approaches. You will produce a material inventory and life-cycle map that demonstrates material flows and carbon implications.
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.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Circular Design Proposal
Building on from Assessment 1, you will develop an original circular project proposal that integrates systems thinking and regenerative principles. You will provide a clear justification for your design decisions and the materials chosen.
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.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
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.
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
- 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: Circularity Case Study and Material Inventory - 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: Circularity Case Study and Material Inventory , Circular Design Proposal - 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: Circular Design Proposal - Demonstrate professional integrity and leadership in relation to Country, climate, and community wellbeing across all aspects of architectural design and documentation.
Relates to: Circularity Case Study and Material Inventory , Circular Design Proposal