The Induction Studio sets the foundation for an understanding of the various dimensions of architectural design. In response to a studio brief, students apply and develop skills in architectural processes: from research, brief, site and precedent analysis to conceptual and schematic design, from technical resolution through to the documentation related to planning applications and construction. The studio thus provides a basis for the development of design, communication, and technical skills across the key phases of architectural design, whilst remaining attentive to the regulatory frameworks, and deeper cultural and historical contexts in which architectural practice is situated. Students engage in lectures, tutorials and exercises and apply skills and extend competencies developed in undergraduate contexts. The Induction Studio also introduces students to the Master of Architecture degree and its structure, processes and protocols.

The unit provides a comprehensive overview of building technologies with respect to complex building design and construction, with a focus on the Australian climatic and regulatory context. Students will gain the ability to integrate architectural design concepts with technological aspects such as structural design, building performance, material and components design, construction process, building maintenance and durability, end-of-life. The unit explores architecture and the integration of structural, construction, environmental and services systems within the design development process. It aims to give students the ability to understand how structural and constructional technologies and systems are conceptualised, developed and integrated within the technical design of architecture. The unit also aims to provide a basis for the development of specialised technical skills. This unit reviews a series of seminal architectural approachesand explores the technological approaches associated with realising such buildings, it explores the nature of both the building fabric and, the environmental and management systems which enable a building to function optimally in a complex and dynamic urban environment. Students are expected to develop the ability to research structural, environmental and construction systems within different frameworks of aesthetic and conceptual intent and to evaluate systems based on clearly articulated criteria. Knowledge required for the selection of strategies, systems, and the integration of the systems, within a variety of design situations, is assessed through case-study analysis, in-class test and a design-based exercise.

The Professional Practice unit of study aims to develop an understanding of the core ethical, legal, regulatory and practice management frameworks in which architects operate. The unit covers issues of professional ethics relating to service and practice management; introduces students to relevant contract law, building contracts and the agreement between client and architect. It provides knowledge in evaluating methods of procurement and methods of determining probable construction costs as commonly prepared by an architect. The unit aims to provide knowledge and skills in using the BCA and relevant Australian Standards and instructs students in the production of efficient and comprehensible working drawings, specifications, schedules and other relevant modes of information.

Architectural Studio 1 and Architectural Studio 2 aim to further architectural design skills through a diverse set of design projects that integrate specific research agendas and design propositions. These units are supported by lectures and seminars which introduce the relevant theory, knowledge and design precedents. Delivered by visiting national and international architects, design practitioners and researchers, this unit will provide students with a platform to explore the role of the architect and design within critical cultural discourse, and to engage architectural design as a way to investigate issues including, but not limited to, theoretical and philosophical problems, cultural expression and Indigenous knowledge systems, computational design, advanced manufacturing and construction, sustainable and performance-based design, the urban/architectural nexus, resilient communities and design activism. At the successful completion of this unit of study students will demonstrate the ability to formulate, interpret and communicate appropriate concepts derived from research, conceptual exploration, precedent studies, brief and contextual analysis; formulate schematic design proposals; develop design proposals in response to critique, and; produce a design which demonstrably embodies understanding of the principles associated with a specialised study area. The unit will also extend a student's capacity to communicate design propositions at a professional level.

Architectural Studio 1 and Architectural Studio 2 aim to further architectural design skills through a diverse set of design projects that integrate specific research agendas and design propositions. These units are supported by lectures and seminars which introduce the relevant theory, knowledge and design precedents. Delivered by visiting national and international architects, design practitioners and researchers, this unit will provide students with a platform to explore the role of the architect and design within critical cultural discourse, and to engage architectural design as a way to investigate issues including, but not limited to, theoretical and philosophical problems, cultural expression and Indigenous knowledge systems, computational design, advanced manufacturing and construction, sustainable and performance-based design, the urban/architectural nexus, resilient communities and design activism. At the successful completion of this unit of study students will demonstrate the ability to formulate, interpret and communicate appropriate concepts derived from research, conceptual exploration, precedent studies, brief and contextual analysis; formulate schematic design proposals; develop design proposals in response to critique, and; produce a design which demonstrably embodies understanding of the principles associated with a specialised study area. The unit will also extend a student's capacity to communicate design propositions at a professional level.

The Thesis Studio is a final design studio option of the Master of Architecture. A unique aspect of the Thesis Studio is the integration of a capstone design project with a research thesis. Firstly, this unit requires students to produce an original design proposition in respect to an architectural brief that integrates a specific research agenda and a critical theme pertinent to current architectural discourse. In the continued engagement with critical topics, students further specialise their areas of design and research expertise. Through thoroughly investigated, well-resolved and technically adept architectural projects, students deliver contributions to knowledge in their chosen field of investigation. Secondly, students develop an in-depth piece of research in an area of architectural study. Topics can include any aspect of architecture for which adequate supervision can be made available. Specialisation include, but are not limited to architectural design, the history or theory of architecture, architectural or building science, urban design, indigenous architecture, and architectural technology. Research methods may likewise be drawn from across the full breadth of disciplinary, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary practices in which architecture figures. The research may inform or be complementary to work being undertaken. The outcome of the research is presented for assessment in a form appropriate to the research topic (which might include, but not be limited to, a short dissertation, or a design, prototype, workflow, or art project presented with supporting text). Within the programmatic framework of the Thesis Studio, students will develop individual design propositions and research approaches that demonstrate skills in critical evaluation, independent decisionmaking and communication through multi-disciplinary collaboration and discussion with academics, practitioners, researchers, government and industry. Delivered by visiting national and international architects, design practitioners and researchers, this unit will provide students with a platform to demonstrate design prowess and an engagement with critical cultural discourse.

Architectural Studio 3 is a final design studio option of the Master of Architecture. This unit requires students to produce an original design proposition in respect to an architectural brief that integrates a specific research agenda and a critical theme pertinent to current architectural discourse. In the continued engagement with critical topics, students further specialise their areas of design and research expertise. Delivered by visiting national and international architects, design practitioners and researchers, this unit will provide students with a platform to demonstrate design prowess and an engagement with critical cultural discourse. Within the programmatic framework of the studio, students will develop individual design propositions and research approaches that demonstrate skills in critical evaluation, independent decision-making and communication through multi-disciplinary collaboration and discussion with academics, practitioners, researchers, government and industry. Through thoroughly investigated, well-resolved and technically adept architectural projects, students deliver contributions to knowledge in their chosen field of investigation.

This unit of study supports students to undertake individual research into a defined topic or problem within architecture, broadly defined. Topics can include any aspect of architecture for which adequate supervision can be made available. Specialisations include architectural design, the history or theory of architecture, architectural or building science, urban design, indigenous architecture, or architectural technology. Research methods may likewise be drawn from across the full breadth of disciplinary, interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary practices in which architecture figures. The research may inform or be complementary to work being undertaken in the corresponding architecture design studio unit, but will be assessed on its own terms. The research may result in a written dissertation of 10, 000-125, 000 words' length, or its equivalent as a combination of creative work with an exegetical element. Independent research will be conducted in consultation with a supervisor, while regular seminars will address questions of practice and approach that will be common to the cohort. A digital and hardbound copy of the dissertation (including appropriately formatted creative work or documentation of the same, if relevant) must be submitted upon completion.

This unit will explore the history of Australian architecture in its various contexts. Lectures and seminars will cover key architects, projects and building types and their relation to Australian history. Students will explore a range of architectural styles and movements and their characteristics. They will undertake individual self-directed research and learn how to record and present the results of this research. Students will develop an appreciation of the factors that shape architectural design and thought in Australia and how these relate to wider social and cultural circumstances. Tutorials will explore key books, essays and journals concerned with Australian architecture. On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to: demonstrate an advanced familiarity with a range of Australian architects, buildings and types; research, record and present a specific project in Sydney; connect specific works to other works of a similar style, period or cultural context. This will be assessed in the submitted essay.

Code to Production is an elective that explores the potential of an iterative design process from parametric variations; to analysis and simulation; to digital prototyping and manufacturing. The course has a two-fold agenda: to examine the performance of complex geometries available through computational design processes, and to translate the optimised design by digital manufacturing into construction and prototype (CNC/robotic fabrication). Based upon the development of a series of controlled variations derived through parametric and scripting methods, the elective aims to further expand an understanding of structural and acoustic performance of these geometries. It reviews an open system of design research in which design process, structural analysis and acoustic analysis are deployed to improve the acoustic and structural performance of complex spatial geometries, and derive fabrication knowledge for architectural practice. The unit of study extends students' knowledge of advanced computational design, interdisciplinary processes and fabrication methodologies by application of commercial and specialist 3D-modelling, scripting, analysis and manufacturing packages (including various software such as McNeel Rhino and Grasshopper, Karamba, RhinoNest and KUKA/prc).

This unit investigates topics in the study of architectural history. Assuming an undergraduate knowledge of the field, the course will explore in depth specific moments in time, bodies of work, geographies, building types, thematics, or other frames that will be defined year to year. Seminars and assessment tasks will offer an introduction to the history of architecture, broadly defined, and to the literature allowing for advanced independent study. Seminars will foster close attention to specific topics within the history of architecture, which consider a range of topics. These may include the intellectual and cultural contexts of architectural production and/or use; formal or implied debates that have shaped the field; historical problems in architectural design, planning or construction; modes of evidenced thought and communication; race, labour or religion; institutions and literature and their role in mediating knowledge. Working against a defined canon of significant works, this unit is global in its scope and open to treating the architecture of all periods of time. The unit will hone students' skills of historical analysis to prepare for both further study and a full engagement with architecture's professional culture. It will, too, foster a sense of historicity for the present moment.

The objective of this unit is to orientate students within the landscape of debate around contemporary architecture. Perspectives on this objective will change from year to year, but will work within the trajectory the Enlightenment to the present. Emphasis is placed on analysis of theories and positions of direct import to architectural design. Emphasis is also placed on the specific situations and cultural and philosophical contexts in which those theories arose, and ultimately how they were represented within the domain of architecture. It is organized predominantly as a conceptual survey which clearly identifies particular trains of thought in their continuity and transformation. Students will become generally conversant in the principles of theories central to contemporary architectural practice and debate, and will understand their terms and references. Through reading and participation in seminars, students will acquire the literacy required to perceive and articulate contemporary theoretical standpoints, and will refine their research and writing skills through independent research into a defined aspect of contemporary architectural theory. Close attention will be paid to the exchange between practice and theory and the relevance of the discussed theories to the formation of current circumstances, and to the place of architecture within contemporary culture.

In this unit of study students will explore the concept of sustainability from a technological perspective. The unit of study builds upon the current technical knowledge and evidence-based design in the field of sustainability. Students will learn how to assess sustainability through a series of indicators such as indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and embodied emissions. Sustainable techniques and technologies will be explored and assessed to challenge current concepts and practices. The overarching aim of the unit of study is to equip students with relevant knowledge and skill to propose coherent and robust design solutions that consider enviromental impacts and sustainable strategies.

Ethical Practice in Architecture introduces students to some foundational principles of ethics and then turns to the ethical questions and capacities of architectural practice. Students will conceptualize a design approach into an explicit ethical issue and explore the opportunities and limitations of the architect as activist. The student will be exposed to a series of ethical challenges and architectures that relate to ethical positions. Working through a series of case studies that explore social, environmental, political, and Indigenous positions, students will develop a sense of the role of architecture in society and the capacity of the architect to enact change. These case studies prompt critical reflections on architectural conventions, and their intersections with both social conventions and disruptions. On the successful completion of this unit, students will have demonstrated: An ability to recognise the validity of both sides of an ethical dispute; an ability to critique architecture from an ethical standpoint; and a capacity to formulate architectural design approaches that recognise ethical issues.

Formulating architectural briefs is an art. Identifying the problems that a built work might engage and solve, negotiating forces that are both contextual and generic. This intensive UoS will allow students to chart the forces that impact an architectural project, prior to design. These include forces that are contextual: constraints set by clients, budgets, sites, social functions of the building, local practices and funding, the specifics of a site and the involvement of other building specialists. Also included are forces that are generic: formal laws and regulations, institutional interests, state ideologies, cultural taboos and general social and political conditions. Through a series of workshops students will critique the architectural briefs developed for a series of projects and develop their own architectural briefs.

Architecture and Diagrams is an elective that aims to provide students with an overview of various techniques of production and theories that relate to architectural diagrams. Its objectives are: to learn how to analyse buildings from a diagrammatic point of view; to acquire a basic knowledge of the history and theory of diagrams in architecture; and to develop basic skills to generate urban and architectural diagrams directly related to the students' respective design work in other units of study.

This elective will explore the relationship between a range of representational strategies and embedded content in a selection of significant 20th century architectural works. Via a series of meticulous analytical models we will interrogate these works to develop precise yet productive close readings. Our tools will be detailed analysis, accurate measurement and conceptually ambitious re-modelling. Within a search for inventive, literate, contributions, a rigorous yet experimental attitude to architectural thought and its rich disciplined development in weekly classes will be encouraged.

This unit of study involves an intensive 4-day workshop focusing on 'finding country': that, is recuperating the erased or imperceptible layers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories within the urban fabric of Sydney. The workshop also aims to make propositions for urban interventions within the city fabric that would re-establish the value and importance of those histories to the cultural and experiential futures of the city.

In this unit students produce light objects exploring diverse materials and fabrication techniques in the DMaF workshops. Emphasis is placed on developing and inter-relating manufacturing and artisan skills with research, analysis and design development. The course aims to develop a critical awareness of the nature of objects that surround us, exploring cultural, contextual and symbolic aspects of object design as well as functional and aesthetic qualities working with light. Sustainability and social issues relating to their manufacture, use and disposal are also discussed; the unit aims to increase appreciation of the materiality of objects focusing on timber as an example paying attention to associated environmental and ethical issues, and emerging alternative materials. Through a series of exercises, experiments and production of their major project, students develop knowledge of construction techniques and skills in using wood/plastics tools and machinery and in so doing, build an awareness of industrial and craft practices and how they impact on the design process and outcome. Students will be expected to produce a research process journal and report on how a particular designer/s or movement has informed or influenced their final project/s

This studio-based unit introduces a variety of traditional and experimental techniques that will enable students to design and print a series of 2D works both within and around the context of design and Architecture. It will provide students with the knowledge and skills to design and print on a variety of substrates including paper, wood, and perspex through a range of techniques and creative exercises that can be developed into an edition or a series of experimental printed works. Students will also explore the historical roots of print and print as an element in design and architecture. Techniques covered include: digital photography and vector illustration, typography, hand and laser-cut paper stencils, ink mixing, registration and print set-up for multi-coloured prints. Through studio practice, set exercises, illustrated talks, gallery visits and library research, students will develop an understanding of their creative process and ability to interpret ideas through the medium of printing and with particular focus on design and architecture applications.

This studio-based unit focuses on critical engagement with materiality and form. The course introduces fundamental knowledge and technical skills for students to produce a series of 3D objects through high-definition casting and complimentary construction techniques. Students will work with a broad range of traditional and experimental materials. Emphasis is placed on developing students' material and spatial awareness of three-dimensional forms in context and investigating their conceptual applications. Students will be required to design, plan and produce a series of sculptural works, utilizing mediums and techniques explored throughout the semester. Additionally, students will critically contextualise and discuss their projects against historical precedents and contemporary practices that inform their creative inquiries. Postgraduate students will further investigate possibilities to expand their project into an ambitious site-based intervention.

This studio-based unit explores ceramic media and processes. Students will investigate different fabrication techniques such as slip-casting, ceramic rapid prototyping and analogue modelling. There will be an emphasis on ceramics as a modelling medium in design and architecture. Students will use the digital modelling and fabrication lab within the school to investigate possibilities for ceramic production. This exploration will be in relation to historic and contemporary architectural frameworks. Set projects will enable students to explore expression and design in an architectural form and materiality context. Students will be expected to produce a research process journal and report on how a particular practitioner/s or movement has informed or influenced their project/s.

Through design projects offered by visiting national and international design practitioners and school staff, this unit of study will provide students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of design issues and ideas in an intensive design studio environment. At the successful completion of this unit of study students will have: extended their ability to develop creative responses to a design brief or situation; extended their understanding of the theoretical, historical, cultural, environmental or technical framework of design; applied these understandings and demonstrated good architectural judgement; and communicated these ideas and understandings effectively through presentation means including drawings, models and CAD, which are assessed in a jury context. This unit is Pass/Fail. Contact hours: 40 hours intensive. Assessment and preparation: 38 hours.

Through design projects offered by visiting national and international design practitioners and school staff, this unit of study will provide students with the opportunity to explore a wide range of design issues and ideas in an intensive design studio environment. At the successful completion of this unit of study students will have: extended their ability to develop creative responses to a design brief or situation; extended their understanding of the theoretical, historical, cultural, environmental or technical framework of design; applied these understandings and demonstrated good architectural judgement; and communicated these ideas and understandings effectively through presentation means including drawings, models and CAD, which are assessed in a jury context. This unit is Pass/Fail. Contact hours: 40 hours intensive. Assessment and preparation: 38 hours.

This unit of study enables students to engage in a collaborative project to research, design and produce a high-profile public exhibition and accompanying yearbook of graduating work from the BDesArch and MArch programs. The project will exercise and extend design skills and knowledge required to produce a plausible concept for the exhibition and yearbook and to implement the necessary logistical, technical and practical means to realise it. The project integrates multiple activities which exercise different skill sets including research and precedent studies of exhibition, curation and potential venues; developing a critical, plausible and achievable concept for the event; budgeting and financial management; exhibition design; graphic design; construction and installation of the exhibition; production of the yearbook; consultation with stakeholders and implementation. Students will extend their research, design and implementation skills through a real project with a concrete outcome to real-time deadlines and resource limitations.

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment.
For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress.
For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic.
Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment.
For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress.
For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic.
Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment. For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress. For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic. Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment. For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress. For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic. Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment.
For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress.
For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic.
Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment.
For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress.
For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic.
Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment.
For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress.
For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic.
Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment.
For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress.
For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic.
Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.