Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Architecture, Design and Planning School
Site and Surface: This course expands the scope of architectural design to include site and architectural surface. Techniques of mapping past and present occupation, topography and environmental qualities are used to derive the planning and placement of buildings. Processes of visual composition and techniques for mediating external conditions are employed to achieve responsive and considered facades.
Descriptive and interpretive representations using physical and digital models are used
ARCH2100 Architectural Design is one of six core courses in the Bachelor of Architectural Design in which solutions to design problems are developed through experimentation, iteration, collaboration and review in a studio setting. In addition to further developing previously acquired architectural knowledge and skills in form and planning, this course provides an introduction to the design opportunities presented by a site and architectural surfaces.ﾠThis course develops knowledge of orientation, topography, regulations governing urban planning frameworks and lands use controls, and the siting and massing of built forms in relation to their physical context. ARCH2100 also furthers skills in the composition of elevations through fenestration, material, pattern and proportion.ﾠ Students will be required to engage with digital design tools in virtual and physical forms to evolve and present design proposals.ﾠ
FUTURE-PROOFING BRISBANE’S SUBURBS – Responsive architectures for a changing climate
Brisbane's middle-ring suburbs, located just 5 to 10 kilometres from the Central Business District (CBD), are experiencing dynamic transformations as urban pressures and modern living demands reshape their landscapes. Traditionally characterized by larger lots and green backyards, these areas are now on the frontline of urban densification efforts. The proximity to the city centre makes them attractive for small lot infill development; yet, as the landscape shifts, numerous architectural and environmental challenges arise. This shift from low-density housing to clusters of impervious surfaces leads to several adverse consequences, including exacerbated flooding and drought conditions, increased vulnerability to extreme temperatures and buildings that fail to offer comfortable and safe shelter. This design studio explores how architecture can respond to changing environmental contexts and broader landscape systems, with a particular focus on how the interface between architecture and suburban creek networks can be ecologically and spatially improved. The project site will be situated within the Norman Creek catchment, where students will be tasked with rethinking a community building to be climate and flood resilient, and spatially versatile by designing its hypothetical upgrade and extension. Engaged with local community-led organisations, students will be exposed to to real-world environmental challenges with an aim to shift the architectural discipline away from typical 'business as usual' approaches. They will learn how to map and understand the site in its broader environmental and social context, shaping adaptable spaces and surfaces in response to its present and future challenges.
Course requirements
Assumed background
Students are assumed to have an introductory understanding of fundamental architectural knowledge and skills.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ARCH1100 and ARCH1160 and ARCH1201 and BLDG1220
Recommended companion or co-requisite courses
We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:
ARCH2140 and BLDG2120
Restrictions
BArchDes students only. Study abroad students must seek Head of School's permission to enrol.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to familiarise students with theﾠdesign opportunities and constraints presented by a site.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Analyse the opportunities and constraints presented by a site in relation to a given moderately complex architectural problem.
LO2.
Apply site responsive design strategies to the planning and massing of built form.
LO3.
Apply intentional design strategies to the articulation of building surfaces.
LO4.
Communicate a developed design proposal using drawings, physical/digital models and other media.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product/ Design |
CONCEPT DESIGN & MODEL
|
40% Concept Design |
Digital upload 1/04/2025 3:00 pm Presentation in class 2/04/2025 9:30 am |
| Product/ Design |
DEVELOPED DESIGN & SECTIONAL MODEL
|
60% IVAH |
Digital upload 27/05/2025 3:00 pm Presentations in class 28/05/2025 9:30 am |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
CONCEPT DESIGN & MODEL
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Product/ Design
- Weight
- 40% Concept Design
- Due date
Digital upload 1/04/2025 3:00 pm
Presentation in class 2/04/2025 9:30 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
This assignment involves developing a design concept for the upgrade and extension of an existing community centre located on a residential site in a Brisbane's middle-ring suburb. The focus is on rethinking the community centre within its broader landscape, enhancing water and climate resilience while integrating additional and existing structures.
Assignment 1 (A01) is a concept design proposal that will be progressed and finalised in Assignment 2 (A02). Students get engaged in active learning through workshops, site-visits and mapping sessions, model-making, and studio-based activities to develop and finalise their design. On a weekly basis, tutorials sessions are structured to support teamwork and individual projects. The students’ task is to enhance the community centre’s interaction with the street, adjacent green areas and surrounding community, encouraging social engagement and broad usage of the facilities: multifunctional spaces adaptable to various activities and resilient to variable environmental conditions. Students visit, survey, and analyse the site and its broader urban, environmental and social context; they refine the general brief and complete a massing study for the addition to the existing building of a new inhabitable structure for community activities. They re-arrange the site within and beyond its current boundaries, identifying strategies to integrate it in the broader landscape and water network. The existing built volume is to be spatially and functionally extended with a new three storey pavilion. Its main function is to provide additional space for community activities (level 1), host a self-contained apartment for the community centre’s caretaker (level 2), and floodable facilities at the ground level to be publicly accessible. Existing and new volumes must be formally and functionally integrated through a climate responsive building skin (surface), which create opportunities for interstitial space while enhancing the community centre’s iconic presence in the suburb. The pavilion, whose volume is limited to 50 sqm footprint and a height of 9 m, must be located based on contextual and functional analysis, considering its relationship to the site (flooding), street (access and visibility) and broader landscape (usability).
Complex / authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The School of Architecture, Design and Planning uses Blackboard and Turnitin for assessment submission. Turnitin is accessed through the course Blackboard site. Turnitin also checks for plagiarism or instances where the original work of others is not appropriately acknowledged. Uploaded files must contain readable text and not be rasterised. Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check assignment preview and confirm successful submission. If the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed, the student should regard the submission as unsuccessful. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students who are experiencing upload issues must advise the Course Coordinator immediately by email and should include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission. To meet professional accreditation, public engagement and quality assurance obligations, digital copies of all course assessment items must be submitted in addition to any hard copy submission requirements specified in individual Course / Studio Outlines. Any physical models should be photographed and a minimum of two photographs describing the complete and full model must be included in the digital submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded.
Critique panels cannot be reconvened for the presentation component of assessment when an extension has been approved. Students with granted extensions (or pending extension applications) are able to attend but are not permitted to participate in the design review.
Late submission
The late penalty for this assessment item will be calculated as follows:
First 1-hour block - initial 1 hour grace period no penalty.
Second 1-hour block - An penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted
Third 1-hour block - An additional penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted. (adding up to a total penalty of 20% of the maximum possible mark)
Any submissions received after three hours will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each one-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
DEVELOPED DESIGN & SECTIONAL MODEL
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Product/ Design
- Weight
- 60% IVAH
- Due date
Digital upload 27/05/2025 3:00 pm
Presentations in class 28/05/2025 9:30 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
In this second and final assignment, students expand on, and finalise, their initial design proposal for a community centre, focusing on spatial, material and technical resolution of strategies for climate resilient, water sensitive and resource efficient design. The aim is to refine and articulate their design into a compelling, cohesive narrative, emphasising the interconnectedness of the centre with its social and environmental context. The community centre, comprising an existing building and a new pavilion, should be treated as a dynamic ensemble of 'spatial conditions' seamlessly linked to its site. This 'spatial narrative' must be developed to reflect the following components:
• Integration with surrounding landscape and water network. Enhanced relationship between the centre and its natural environment, incorporating water management and ecological design features that underscore resilience against climate change.
• Harmonisation of old and new architecture. Seamless formal and spatial integration of the new extension with the existing structure, preserving its tectonic character while offering adaptable features that meet the centre's functional needs.
• Engagement with public spaces. Strengthened connection between the community centre and public spaces (streets and adjacent green areas), fostering accessibility and community involvement through spaces that are welcoming and versatile for various community activities.
Through model-making and studio-based activities students will test and refine their design concepts, focusing on cross sectional exploration of spatial and material solutions. They participate in weekly tutorials for expert feedback and guidance in refining their design approach.
Complex / authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied to receive a specific grade in the course. This assessment item is designated as a Hurdle in this course. This means a minimum achievement of 50% (a grade of 4) is required for this assessment item in order to pass the course. Meeting the hurdle requirement for a course does not guarantee a passing grade for the course and in order to pass this course, students also need to achieve a minimum grade of 4 overall.Submission guidelines
The School of Architecture, Design and Planning uses Blackboard and Turnitin for assessment submission. Turnitin is accessed through the course Blackboard site. Turnitin also checks for plagiarism or instances where the original work of others is not appropriately acknowledged. Uploaded files must contain readable text and not be rasterised. Students are advised to commence assignment uploads with sufficient amount of time (consider possible technical problems with computers, internet speed, etc). After successfully submitting an assignment through Turnitin, a ‘Submission Complete!’ screen will be displayed. It is the student’s responsibility to check assignment preview and confirm successful submission. If the ‘Submission Complete!’ screen isn’t displayed, the student should regard the submission as unsuccessful. Students should download a copy of the digital receipt as proof they have submitted the assignment. Students who are experiencing upload issues must advise the Course Coordinator immediately by email and should include screenshots and a copy of the assessment for submission. To meet professional accreditation, public engagement and quality assurance obligations, digital copies of all course assessment items must be submitted in addition to any hard copy submission requirements specified in individual Course / Studio Outlines. Any physical models should be photographed and a minimum of two photographs describing the complete and full model must be included in the digital submission.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If a student wishes to apply for an extension, they must apply online on or before the assignment due date. When possible, it is suggested that requests are submitted 2 business days prior to the submission due date for the assignment to allow processing time. Students with outstanding applications for extensions are advised to submit their assessment by the original due date, irrespective of whether the work is complete, so that what has been done can be graded.
Critique panels cannot be reconvened for the presentation component of assessment when an extension has been approved. Students with granted extensions (or pending extension applications) are able to attend but are not permitted to participate in the design review.
Late submission
The late penalty for this assessment item will be calculated as follows:
First 1-hour block - initial 1 hour grace period no penalty.
Second 1-hour block - An penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted
Third 1-hour block - An additional penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark allocated for the assessment item will be deducted. (adding up to a total penalty of 20% of the maximum possible mark)
Any submissions received after three hours will not receive any marks unless an extension has been approved. Each one-hour block is recorded from the time the submission is due.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is not available for this course.
Due to the need for the cumulative integration of critical reflection and feedback on original creative ideas in an iterative process of project work development over time, supplementary assessment will not be offered in Architectural Design courses to any student with a failing grade of 3 or less.
Additional assessment information
Identity verified assessment (IVA) -ﾠArchitectural Design Courses
Architectural Design Courses require the cumulative integration of critical reflection and feedback on original creative ideas in an iterative process of project work developed over time in the studio context. To meet assessment validity and integrity obligations in Architectural Design Courses,ﾠstudents mustﾠregularly present and discuss their work with staff over the course of scheduled studio learning activities including lectures, structured studio activities, workshops, individual and group consultations, presentations and critiques. Students are expected to participate in at least 80% of scheduled studio activities in which the progress of their work is intended to be monitored and reviewed. If participation in such activities falls below 80% students may be requested to submit process work (such as drawings, models and design exegesis). If a student is not able to provide evidence of authorship to the satisfaction of the course coordinator, or if their participation falls below 50%, a maximum grade of 3 will be awarded.ﾠ ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Additional studio specific resources and information are included in theﾠStudio Outline.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Studio |
Studio Please see Blackboard for information. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.