ABN512 Master Studio Three

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

This unit offers a focused inquiry into applied architecture through the investigation of a complex design problem that demonstrates a high level of design proficiency. It uses developmental exercises to enhance and extend your perceptions of the built environment through problem-based learning experiences. You will develop advanced architectural design skills, with a focus on evidence and research-based design and reasoned argument skills. Your projects should demonstrate a high level of research and judgement in the following areas: evidence and assessment, contextual response, spatial qualities and organisation, planning and functional requirements, formal qualities, and tectonic development. You will engage with advanced architectural design issues with an emphasis on design options, their relevance to given contexts, climate considerations, environmental and social sustainability, and outcomes that embrace and integrate all areas of architectural concern.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Inform design process through research and rigour.
2. Work with complex ideas through imaginative and creative thinking.
3. Support architectural decision making through evidence and reasoned argument.
4. Develop and analyse multiple design options in different design phases.
5. Produce complex architectural designs.
6. Communicate design propositions to diverse audiences.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit adopts a project-based approach to developing architectural proposals, focusing on specific project types, areas, and issues in architectural design. Presentations and site visits will provide a theoretical framework for the project-focused work. You will learn primarily through practical activity in the studio setting. You are to progress your design development and research between weekly classes independently, participate in in-person studio activities, and engage in constructive critique of each other's work led by the teaching staff.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Assessment

Overview

The assessments in this unit will focus on developing a design proposal divided into two phases. You will be allocated to a studio group based on your preference and develop projects under the guidance of your studio leader. Assignment One, the first phase, will focus on the development of vision, mission, and architectural strategies to identify design direction, develop a return brief, and present the first iteration of the design scheme. Assignment Two, the second phase of the proposal development, will focus on refining and further developing the design scheme submitted for Assignment One into a fully developed architectural proposal creatively addressing diverse architectural issues.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Design research and proposition

You will develop a return brief that illustrates the strategic development of your complex architectural proposition. This brief is to discuss the project background with extensive research, analysis and design exploration, and present the architectural strategies and solutions to demonstrate their response and contributions to the given contexts.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Assessment: Design Project

You will develop a comprehensive design proposal for a complex architectural entity. The proposal is to demonstrate evidence of research, analysis, and testing through the iterative process of exploring options and decision-making. Final project outcomes will be a comprehensive set of information communicated through a design presentation, development report, and architectural drawing set that respond strongly to the National Standard of Competency for Architects.

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.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students and staff are required to complete the Tier 1 Laboratory and Workshop HSE Induction for access to campus buildings and facilities. This must be completed online.

Costs

Consumable costs, typical of the preparation and presentation of design project work, are to be expected and for broad budgeting purposes could range from $200 to $400. This can include printing of larger poster-size drawings. Allowance for travel costs and incidentals may arise in the event of field trip.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit is based in QUT teaching spaces, and as such there are no out of the ordinary risks or hazards.

Course Learning Outcomes

DE83 Master of Architecture

1. Identifying, explaining and working with appropriate knowledge of architecture, its history and precedents and with knowledge of people, environments, culture, technology, history and ideas pertinent to architectural propositions.
   Relates to: ULO1, Design research and proposition, Design Project
2. Independently researching and evaluating emergent knowledge as it becomes necessary to fulfil the profession's role in society.
   Relates to: ULO1, Design research and proposition, Design Project
3. Propositional, imaginative, iterative, integrated thinking to synthesise complex architectural designs.
   Relates to: ULO2, ULO4, Design research and proposition, Design Project
4. Supporting their decision-making using evidence-based, reasoned argument and judgement pertaining to architectural propositions.
   Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Design research and proposition, Design Project
5. Communicating with a variety of audiences in appropriate ways.
   Relates to: ULO6, Design research and proposition, Design Project
6. Demonstrating their understanding of architecture's status as an ethical service-oriented profession committed to responsible care for the inhabited environment.
   Relates to: ULO5, Design Project
7. Engaging proactively and autonomously in the effective procurement of architectural propositions.
   Relates to: ULO5, Design Project