ABB311 Architecture Design 5
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: | ABB311 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | ABB100 and ABB107 and (ABB102 or DAB102 or DLB102 or DTB102) and (ABB211 or DAB201) |
| Equivalent(s): | DAB301 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,192 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,704 |
| International unit fee | $5,436 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | ABB311 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | ABB100 and ABB107 and (ABB102 or DAB102 or DLB102 or DTB102) and (ABB211 or DAB201) |
| Equivalent: | DAB301 |
| Coordinator: | Mirko Guaralda | m.guaralda@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In this studio unit, you will learn how to engage with building types to aid you in the design of architectures of intermediate complexity. Through a series of formative exercises, you will explore how to adapt typological precedents to meet the specific needs of peculiar programs, as well as relevant legislative requirements. You will critically assess composition rules, tectonics, materiality and aesthetics to nurture your own personal style and language. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the relationship between site, type, structure, and legislation, undertaking your own independent research and project development. You will advance your communication skills, engaging with different levels of detail and different media.
At the end of ABB311, you will be able to operate as a reflective practitioner with a good understanding of building types and composition rules as tools to address the current societal, economic, and environmental challenges of our times.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Critically analyse and investigate issues relating to architectural composition.
- Apply typological analysis to develop and test creative architectural design propositions.
- Research and critically appraise architectural problems using contextual, theoretical, and precedent-based evidence.
- Develop architectural designs that draw on relevant technologies for an integrated design resolution.
- Effectively communicate architectural intent through a range of representational techniques and media.
Content
This unit will be studio-based. It will ask you to conduct thorough and creative research to propose architectural solutions in a regional town context. The studio will allow you to explore your own aesthetic, style, and language through an analysis of architectural composition, precedents, and relevant legislation.
ABB311 will engage you in learning a specific method of architectural design that relies on building types as a starting point in developing your own design solutions.
The major topics covered in this unit will include:
- Architecture, Aesthetic, and Meaning
- Typological investigation of architecture
- Sustainability and Adaptability
- Tectonics and Poietic
- Materiality and Users' Experience
Learning Approaches
The chief learning experience of ABB311 will be the studio, where you will engage with professionals and practitioners in the discussion of your ideas. You will explore architectural composition through guided processes that will enable you to define your own style and language.
The unit adopts a hybrid approach relying on:
- Online lectures
- Face-to-face studio
- Asynchronous studio
- Workshops and Guided Exercises
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback in this unit is provided to you in the following ways:
- In-class formative exercises (desk-crits)
- In-class review of weekly activities
- Online asynchronous activities
- Criteria-referenced assessment (CRA) sheets
- Verbal feedback from teaching staff and industry experts
Assessment
Overview
The assessment for this unit will be based on three project-based learning assignments.
The first two assessments are design-based. They will challenge you to work with typological precedents and explore their adaptation and manipulation as a foundation for crafting your own original design propositions.
The third assessment will map and document your personal development as a designer. It will provide a reflective account of your learning journey and the evolution of your design thinking and skills.
While each project will be reviewed for grading at the completion of the assessment, there will also be ongoing formative feedback throughout the semester, to guide your progress. Assessment expectations will be provided through criteria-referenced assessment (CRA) sheets, and also discussed during relevant lectures and in-class activities.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Building Type Adaptation
Explore the adaptability of a simple single building type to fulfil the needs and requirements of different programs, independently researched.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
You may use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools ethically and responsibly to prepare for, generate and refine content for this assessment task. AI-generated content may be inaccurate, unreliable, or biased. It is your responsibility to critically evaluate any information you use. You must clearly acknowledge and appropriately reference any AI-generated content following the guidance in Cite | Write (APA, Harvard, AGLC or Vancouver).
Assessment: Building Types Integration
Develop, resolve, and document a building of medium-complexity through the integration and adaptation of different building types.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
You may use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools ethically and responsibly to prepare for, generate and refine content for this assessment task. AI-generated content may be inaccurate, unreliable, or biased. It is your responsibility to critically evaluate any information you use. You must clearly acknowledge and appropriately reference any AI-generated content following the guidance in Cite | Write (APA, Harvard, AGLC or Vancouver).
Assessment: Studio Praxis
This assessment requires you to document and reflect on the development of your design thinking and practice across the semester. You will submit a design development logbook and participate in a studio presentation that communicates key aspects of your design process and intent.
The in-studio presentation must be completed at the scheduled time and cannot be deferred or extended.
The design development logbook submission is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
You may use generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools ethically and responsibly to prepare for, generate and refine content for this assessment task. AI-generated content may be inaccurate, unreliable, or biased. It is your responsibility to critically evaluate any information you use. You must clearly acknowledge and appropriately reference any AI-generated content following the guidance in Cite | Write (APA, Harvard, AGLC or Vancouver).
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
ABB311 requires a standard set of drafting aids. While you are mainly expected to produce digital drawings, you are also encouraged to engage with other media to develop and communicate your ideas. You are recommended to access our fabrication workshop to produce physical models and maquettes during the semester and for the submission of the last assessment.
Online resources, readings, and other learning materials will be provided during the semester through Canvas.
Risk Assessment Statement
All commencing Faculty of Engineering students are required to complete the Mandatory Safety Induction
There are no extraordinary risks associated with the classroom/lecture activities in this unit.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.AB05 Bachelor of Architectural Design
- Apply theoretical, practical and cultural knowledge and skills in architecture.
Relates to: Building Type Adaptation, Building Types Integration - Design and critically evaluate sustainable and creative architectural solutions to social, economic, technological and environmental challenges.
Relates to: Building Type Adaptation, Building Types Integration, Studio Praxis - Communicate architectural knowledge, ideas and creative solutions in diverse modes, for a range of contexts and diverse audiences.
Relates to: Building Type Adaptation, Building Types Integration, Studio Praxis - Plan, develop and complete architectural research and projects.
Relates to: Building Type Adaptation, Building Types Integration