Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 4
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Architecture, Design and Planning School
Students propose solutions to building types and situations that demand novel but rational structural and constructional responses at the macro and micro scale. Employing traditional and emerging design development and documentation methods, proposals are expected to synthesise design ambition with an informed coordination of structure, assembly and envelope. Design-research challenges may include: large spans, rapid assembly or disassembly, prefabrication, mobility or flexibility, and inaccessible or unstable sites. Design proposals are expected to critically engage with architectural discourse to produce a project that exhibits detailed integration of conceptual endeavour and technical performance.
ARCH7015 is an Advanced Architectural Design course in which project work and learning activities aim to ensure students meet the relevant competencies expected of a graduating architecture student. Students will respond architecturally, in a creative way, to current project scenarios involving social, technical, cultural and/or environmental challenges. Students will develop and apply critical thinking skills to common problems, resulting in refined and technically resolved design proposals.
In addition to extending competence in previously acquired architectural knowledge and skills,ﾠARCH7015 provides an introduction to architectural research and design in relation to novel structure systems and assembly techniques. ARCH7015 also develops knowledge of architectural design research; analysis of technical and theoretical options; integration of design strategies into an effective whole; communication in a professional context; critical self-reflection and experimentation; and how the engagement of ideas in architectural design works as a process through exploration of, or reflection on, a specific architectural theme. Knowledge acquired in this exploration or reflection is applied to the design of a complex architectural project.
In ARCH7015 Generative Structures, students will investigate the design of a large-scale equestrian facility to accommodate, train and compete horses. The methodology will be based on research by design, using studio-based techniques. The requested equestrian facilities design will utilise generative algorithms that allow a wide choice of possible design outcomes and unique morphology. Students will be offered lectures and tutorials on campus and these are intended to involve a degree of experimentation working with models and prototyping.
The studio offers a combination of parametric design tools and architectural design methods in order to propose an adaptable design solution, that can be applied in Queensland context. Students will learn how to use data-based structural algorithms, enabling morphogenetic process-based design solutions, and create 3D models using plug-ins to Rhinoceros software, such as Grasshopper.
Course requirements
Assumed background
A Bachelor of Architectural Design or equivalent with either a GPA of 4.5 or above, or a GPA of 4.0 with 6 months post graduate full-time experience to the satisfaction of the Executive Dean.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
Admission to the Master of Architecture
Restrictions
MArch students only. Study Abroad students must seek Head of School permission to enrol.
Course contact
Course coordinator
Dr Kristina Knox
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Kristina Knox
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to extend students' ability to formulate and implement design proposals from the macro to the micro scale which integrate structural performance and architectural intent.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically analyse the relationship between design ambition and structural performance, through individual and/or collaborative analysis and propositions.
LO2.
Deploy a reflexive and research-driven design process.
LO3.
Integrate contemporary architectural technology, practice and discourse in the design of a complex architectural project, with a focus on convincing and accurate structural integration.
LO4.
Communicate the technical, formal and spatial qualities of an architectural proposal across a range of scales and to an exhibition standard, using emerging techniques and technologies to demonstrate material and structural performance.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Poster |
Interim Presentation + Draft Research Report (Individual)
|
Formative Feedback |
12/08/2025 2:00 pm
Presentation and studio Pinup. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Poster |
Interim Presentation + Analysis + Draft Design (Individual)
|
Formative Feedback |
19/08/2025 2:00 pm
Presentation and studio Pinup. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Poster, Project |
Assessment 1 - Interim Design – Equestrian Centre (Individual)
|
40% |
Submission 1/09/2025 2:00 pm Presentation & Review in class 2/09/2025 9:00 am |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Poster, Project |
Assessment 2 - Detailed Design – Equestrian Centre 60% (Individual)
|
60% Hurdle |
Submission 27/10/2025 2:00 pm Presentation & Review 28/10/2025 9:00 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
Interim Presentation + Draft Research Report (Individual)
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Poster
- Weight
- Formative Feedback
- Due date
12/08/2025 2:00 pm
Presentation and studio Pinup.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
Individual Interim Presentation + Research Report (Not marked)
Week 3 Interim Presentation - Draft research report and masterplan – formative feedback.
A1 Panels (Min 3 in total)
- Week 3 Research Report – Precedents- 1 x A1 panel in landscape format containing:
- A research report of 1 Case Study of ‘Best practice’ Cultural and Environmental intervention, 1 structural precedent analysis. (Min 500 words per case study supported by bibliography, images, drawings).
Complex/Authentic assessment using AI to support learning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Critique panels cannot be reconvened for the presentation component of assessment when an extension has been approved.
Interim Presentation + Analysis + Draft Design (Individual)
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Poster
- Weight
- Formative Feedback
- Due date
19/08/2025 2:00 pm
Presentation and studio Pinup.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
Individual Interim Presentation + Analysis + Design Draft (Not marked)
Draft interim design Equestrian centre – formative feedback
Concept Minimum of 2 x A1 panels in landscape format containing:
- Draft analysis of the site
- Site/Context plan at 1:1000 or 1:500
- Identification of primary structural typology of bridge through diagrams and reference to precedent
- Relevant diagrams/models expressing the integration of the bridge within the landscape
- Plan at 1:200
- 1 cross section at 1:100
- 1 elevations at 1:200
- 1 x 3D render or photomontage
Submission requirements: The A1 Panels are to be presented during class time.
Complex/Authentic assessment using AI to support learning: Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI in each instance. A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Assessment 1 - Interim Design – Equestrian Centre (Individual)
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Poster, Project
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Submission 1/09/2025 2:00 pm
Presentation & Review in class 2/09/2025 9:00 am
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
A1 Panels (Min 4 in total)
- Research Report – 1 x A1 panel in landscape format containing:
- A research report of 1 Case Study of ‘Best practice’ Cultural and Environmental intervention, 1 structural precedent analysis. (Min 500 words per case study supported by bibliography, images, drawings).
- Interim Design Equestrian Centre - Minimum 3 x A1 panels in Landscape format:
- Analysis of the site
- Site/Context at 1:1000 or 1:500
- Plans at 1:100 or 1:200
- Minimum 1 section and 2 elevations at 1:100 per building
- 2x 3D linework drawing (Isometric, Perspective or Axonometric)
- 2x 3D render or photomontage
- Concept model of large span structure
- Parametric design strategy
Final Submission requirements:
- Digital Submission
- Hardcopy Submission
- Oral presentation (Individual)
Complex/Authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: 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. 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 14 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.
The maximum extension limit for assessment items in all design studio courses is 14 days.
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.
Assessment 2 - Detailed Design – Equestrian Centre 60% (Individual)
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Poster, Project
- Weight
- 60% Hurdle
- Due date
Submission 27/10/2025 2:00 pm
Presentation & Review 28/10/2025 9:00 am
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Assessment Rationale:
Final submission of ARCH7015 Generative Structures will be a compilation of the work developed throughout the studio. Assessment will involve final resolution and development of the detailed design and will involve a high level of professional presentation in drawn, modelled, prototype/axonometric, and oral format of the final design proposition. It should present all the produced and developed work according to the format specified below.
A1 panels (Min 4 in total)
- Minimum 4 x A1 panels in Landscape format:
- Site/Context at 1:1000 or 1:500
- Plans at 1:100 or 1:200
- Minimum 2 sections and 4 elevations at 1:100 per building
- 2x 3D linework drawing (Isometric, Perspective or Axonometric)
- 2x 3D render or photomontage
- Concept model of large span structure
- Minimum 2 detail plans and 2 detail sections of a connection between the structure and the building envelope at 1:20
- Parametric performance diagrams including adaptive behaviour (where applicable), generative process, scalability and other crucial features unique to design.
A Physical Prototype of the parametric structure
A physical prototype intended to be a standalone element that expresses the final work in a physical and testing format. The prototype should expose structural performance and generative strategy of the design. Scale 1:50 or 1:100 (1:200 upon request) to be discussed with your tutor. The contents of this prototype and the technique of fabrication need to be discussed in detail no later than week 7 with the Course coordinator and Workshop technicians to ensure its feasible realisation.
Complex/Authentic assessment using AI and/or MT to support learning: 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. 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 14 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.
The maximum extension limit for assessment items in all design studio courses is 14 days.
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) | 0 - 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. |
Additional course grading 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.
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 cannot be offered in Architectural Design, Advanced Architectural Design, Urban Design or Design courses to any student with a failing grade of 3 or less.
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
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.
Required
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| A laptop | Students are required to bring their personal laptop for studio tutorials | own item needed |
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 |
Lecture |
Lecture Week 1 - Course Introduction/ Cultural history: Bunya + Laidley Week 2 - Site visit to Laidley and Gatton Week 3 - Algorithmic design/ Cultural history: shade Week 4 - Generative patterns and form finding/ Sustainability - Materials Week 5 - Reciprocal Frames Week 6 - Assessment 1 Submission (Crits) Week 7 - Generative experiments/ Site+ Design Frameworks Week 8 - Digital fabrication Week 9 - Evolutionary and genetic algorithms Week 10 - Digital Prototyping Week 11 - Generative design for sustainability Week 12 - Responsive, adaptive and interactive environments Week 13 - Assessment 2 Submission (Crits) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Studio and Workshop Activity Week 1 - Site model and masterplan, development of site masterplan Week 2 - Site Visit Week 3 - Draft interim research report presentation – formative feedback Week 4 - Draft interim presentation – masterplan concept + Research into typological precedents Week 5 - Studio/workshop + Tutorials Week 6 - Assessment 1 Submission (Crits) Week 7 - Studio/workshop + Tutorials Week 8 - Studio/workshop + Tutorials Week 9 - Studio/workshop + Tutorials Week 10 - Studio/workshop + Tutorials Week 11 - Studio/workshop + Tutorials Week 12 - Studio/workshop + Tutorials Week 13 - Assessment 2 Submission (Crits) 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 for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.