Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning : Guide to courses 3. Architecture

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Table of Contents

3. Architecture
    3.1. Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture)
        3.1.1. Course objectives
        3.1.2. Course structure - BPD (Architecture)
    3.2. Bachelor of Architecture
        3.2.1. Course objectives
        3.2.2. Entry into the BArch course
        3.2.3. Course structure - Bachelor of Architecture
        3.2.4. BArch electives
    3.3. Postgraduate programs in architecture
        3.3.1. Master of Architecture by coursework
        3.3.2. Master of Architecture by thesis or design
    3.4. Architectural history
        3.4.1. Bachelor of Arts (architectural history major)
            3.4.1.1. Course structure
    3.5. Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
        3.5.1. Course objectives
        3.5.2. Course structure - for BPD (Architecture) graduates
    3.6. Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Property and Construction
        3.6.1. Course objectives
        3.6.2. Course structure - Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Property and Construction

3. Architecture

Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture)

Bachelor of Architecture (Pass or Honours)

Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Property and Construction

Master of Planning and Design

Master of Architecture

Doctor of Architecture

The emphasis of the architecture program is on the design of buildings and the management of the building process, involving studies in design, building technology, history and theory, and architectural management. The Bachelor of Architecture degree enables graduates to become architects following registration who can undertake general practice or choose to specialise. The range of specialisations open to architects includes commercial, industrial and institutional developments, housing, historic building conservation and renovation, and building interiors. An architectural qualification is highly portable, with many graduates choosing to work as architects overseas. An architectural education has also proved to be a useful basis for a range of design-related careers such as industrial design, furniture design, interior design, landscape design, and urban design. It is also a useful preparation for careers in design management, in areas such as urban planning, facilities management, project management and development, conservation and heritage management, and public art. Most design-related careers or careers in design management require additional academic qualifications, and it is not unusual for BArch graduates to undertake further graduate or postgraduate studies.

Architecture and property and construction students undertake some common core subjects in most years of their respective courses. The flexible structure of the course allows students to gain experience of the wider professional and cultural context of architectural practice by taking subjects in landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, as well as additional building subjects. Students, through their choice of these options, are able to avoid up to a semester of subjects that are currently required of graduates who want to gain entry into the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLArch), the Master of Urban Planning (MUP) and other postgraduate courses such as urban design offered by the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning.

3.1. Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture)

The Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture) is a three-year, full-time course of 300 points. It is the pre-professional degree leading to entry into the BArch or BArch/BPC. On completing the BPD (Architecture), students who have obtained the required standard in their BPD pass degree and who wish to pursue a career in architecture are required to undertake a period of practical work experience before enrolling in the two-year BArch course. The BArch is the professional degree recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.

Graduates of the BPD (Architecture) course who have obtained the required standard in their BPD degree may choose to undertake a combined professional degree in architecture, property and construction - the BArch/BPC. Alternatively, they may choose to pursue professional careers in building, landscape architecture, urban design or urban planning by enrolling directly in the BPC, MLArch, MPD or MUP degree courses. These professionally recognised courses are generally of two years duration (and may require further preliminary studies). BPD (Architecture) graduates may also choose to undertake the BArch followed by the MUP or the MLArch, completing the second professional degree with as little as one year of additional academic study.

Students are considered to be in a particular year level of the course until they have completed all the compulsory and elective points requirements for that level of study.

3.1.1. Course objectives

The Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture) course has as its objectives that graduates:

• have an architectural knowledge base consisting of an integrated system of concepts, principles, theories, technical data and skills relating to the design and practice of architecture;

• have a sound grasp of problem-solving techniques, such that they are able to synthesise and apply this knowledge base in the planning and design of medium-scale, energy-efficient buildings;

• understand the social context of their discipline and have an appreciation of the socioeconomic implications and tectonic and cultural significance of architecture in history;

• have developed critical techniques that enable them to take a professionally responsible role in the community through the formulation of independent evaluations of those social, economic and political institutions, existing conventions, and new ideas that inform the practice of architecture and its professional ethics;

• are introduced to the wider professional context of architectural practice, and have an appreciation of building, engineering, planning, landscape and design as related professional disciplines;

• are competent designers, able to understand, develop and successfully apply design tactics that are responsive to clients' needs with regard to the formal and functional organisation of the program;

• are able to engage confidently in the self-directed study and research necessary for their subsequent professional degree studies and their continuing professional development;

• understand the extent to which teamwork underscores the design and production of building, and have acquired an appreciation of the interpersonal, communication and management skills necessary for the successful practice of architecture;

• are technically competent and are able to demonstrate the acquisition of those professional and technical skills necessary to gain employment as an architectural draughtsperson/technical assistant.

3.1.2. Course structure - BPD (Architecture)

3.2. Bachelor of Architecture

The BArch is a two-year, full-time course of 200 points. It is available at both pass and honours levels. The course satisfies the academic requirements for registration by the Architects Registration Board of Victoria and for membership of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. An additional requirement of registration is up to two years of approved professional experience in architecture (experience as a student of architecture can count for up to one of these two years).

Students are considered to be in a particular year level of the course until they have completed all the compulsory and electives points requirements for that level of study.

3.2.1. Course objectives

The Bachelor of Architecture course has as its objectives that graduates:

• have an architectural knowledge base consisting of an integrated system of concepts, principles, theories, technical data and skills relating to the design and practice of architecture with particular relevance to Australia and to the broader Asia-Pacific region;

• have a sound grasp of problem-solving techniques such that they are able to synthesise and apply this knowledge base in the planning and design of large-scale, programmatically complex, energy-efficient buildings;

• have developed critical techniques that enable them to take a professionally responsible role in the community through the formulation of independent evaluations of those social, economic and political institutions, existing conventions and new ideas that inform the practice of architecture and its professional ethics;

• understand the social context of their discipline and have a critical appreciation of the aesthetic and functional implications of socio-economic factors on the cultural significance of architecture;

• are competent designers, able to understand, develop and apply design tactics that are responsive to clients' needs with regard to the formal and functional organisation of the program;

• are able to engage in the self-directed study and research necessary to their advancement through postgraduate studies and/or the continuing development of their professional careers;

• are effective managers with a developed understanding of those principles of interpersonal, communication, management and leadership skills necessary for the successful practice of architecture;

• are technically and professionally competent and are able to demonstrate the acquisition of those professional and technical skills necessary to gain employment as a graduate architect and to advance to full professional status as a registered architect.

3.2.2. Entry into the BArch course

Generally, to gain entry, graduates of the BPD (Architecture) or its equivalent must have completed one academic year (26 weeks minimum) of approved practical experience undertaken after the completion of the BPD.

Applicants from other institutions may be required to present to the Selection Committee a portfolio of their design work that convincingly demonstrates the ability to complete the BArch course. Such applicants may then be required to attend an interview. Applicants from other institutions may also be required to undertake preliminary studies.

3.2.3. Course structure - Bachelor of Architecture

3.2.4. BArch electives

History subjects

To graduate BArch, students are required to have completed 50 points of approved history subjects by the end of the BArch course. All or some of these subjects can be undertaken in the BPD (Architecture) course with any shortfall in the requisite points being undertaken in the BArch course. It is strongly recommended that the four history subjects include Modern Architecture B and one regional history eg. Australian Architecture A, Asian Architecture A or Asian Architecture B.

BArch students are required to use the electives available in the BArch course (totalling up to 50 points) to complement their architectural studies. Each student will be expected to develop an approved program of studies for these electives. When developing these elective programs, students with the approval of the Dean may choose subjects offered in other faculties. When developing a program of BArch elective studies, students should be guided by the subject lists published by the Faculty for this purpose.

The elective program in the BArch also permits architecture students to undertake subjects in the MUP and the MLArch. With appropriate course planning, BArch graduates may be able to complete a professionally accredited MUP or MLArch in one additional year of academic study. Electives also provide pathways into research. Appropriately prepared BArch graduates should then be able to complete the MArch research degree (either by thesis or by design) in one full-time year.

3.3. Postgraduate programs in architecture

3.3.1. Master of Architecture by coursework

The Master of Architecture by coursework is normally a two-year program. Credit may be given to applicants who have a five-year professional degree with honours and to students who have completed four years of a five-year professional degree at honours standard. Please refer to the Faculty's Postgraduate Handbook for details.

3.3.2. Master of Architecture by thesis or design

The MArch may be undertaken either by research and submission of a thesis, or by design involving preparation of a series of designs with accompanying dissertation. Contact the Faculty's Research and Graduate Studies Office for further details and application forms.

3.4. Architectural history

3.4.1. Bachelor of Arts (architectural history major)

Architectural history is taught within the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, but also in the Faculty of Arts. It deals with aspects of the history, interpretation, representation, cultural context, design, planning, construction, and conservation of buildings, viewed in a perspective of social history and cultural milieu. Specific subject areas include the wide range of European architecture, architecture of the 19th and 20h centuries, Greek and Roman architecture, Asian architecture, and Australian architecture.

3.4.1.1. Course structure

Refer to Architectural history in the Faculty of Arts section of the Handbook.

3.5. Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

The Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is open to graduates of the BPD (Architecture) and students who have completed year 3 of the BLArch. Having the two professional degrees allows graduates to combine the architecture course's strengths in the design and procurement of buildings with the landscape architecture course's strengths in designing, planning and managing environments ranging in scale from small urban spaces to entire geographical spaces.

Applicants would have to meet the following requirements:

• An average of H3 (65%) or above in the third year of their BPD (Architecture) or BLA course;

• The completion of nominated prerequisite subjects. For BPD (Arch) Students 705-216 History of Landscape Architecture (12.5p) (as history elective BPD 2, Semester 2 or as elective BPD 3, Semester 2). For BLA Students 702-204 Architectural Design and Practice 2A (12.5p) (in lieu of 705-435 Advanced Planning and Design BLA 3, Semester 1);

• The achievement of 26 weeks of approved practical experience with either an architecture emphasis, a landscape architecture emphasis or a combination of both, after their third year of study.

3.5.1. Course objectives

The Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Landscape Architecture course has as its objectives that graduates:

• have an architectural knowledge base consisting of an integrated system of concepts, principles, theories, technical data and skills relating to the design and practice of architecture and landscape architecture with particular relevance to Australia and to the broader Asia-Pacific region;

• have a sound grasp of problem-solving techniques such that they are able to synthesise and apply this knowledge base in the planning and design of large-scale, programmatically complex, energy-efficient buildings;

• have developed critical techniques that enable them to take a professionally responsible role in the community through the formulation of independent evaluations of those social, economic and political institutions, existing conventions and new ideas that inform the practice of architecture and landscape architecture and its professional ethics;

• understand the social context of their discipline and have a critical appreciation of the aesthetic and functional implications of socio economic factors on the cultural significance of architecture;

• are competent designers, able to understand, develop and apply design tactics that are responsive to clients' needs with regard to the formal and functional organisation of the program;

• are able to engage in the self-directed study and research necessary to their advancement through postgraduate studies and/or the continuing development of their professional careers;

• have the ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts;

• are effective managers with a developed understanding of those principles of interpersonal, communication, management and leadership skills necessary for the successful practice of architecture;

• have an ability to act in a leadership capacity in the community of their profession and in the greater community;

• are technically and professionally competent and are able to demonstrate the acquisition of those professional and technical skills necessary to gain employment as a graduate architect or landscape architecture and to advance to full professional status through registration

• understand the systems operating both in natural environments and in those environments that, as landscapes, manifest human intervention and culture;

• are equipped with basic skills which will be necessary to be able intervene positively in the process of change to those landscapes through planning, design and management;

3.5.2. Course structure - for BPD (Architecture) graduates

3.6. Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Property and Construction

The professionally accredited combined architecture and property and construction course (BArch/BPC) is open to graduates of both the architecture and the property and construction streams of the BPD and allows graduates to complete the two professional degrees in a minimum of six full-time academic years plus the mandatory industry experience requirement. The BArch is recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. All three streams of the BPC are recognised by the Australian Institute of Building as are relevant streams by the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Australian Property Institute and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Having the two professional degrees allows graduates to combine the architecture course's strengths in design with the property and construction course's strengths in construction technology and management and the property field. The career opportunities for graduates with professional accreditation in both architecture and property and construction are considerable. Graduates can operate at a much more effective level of professionalism as either architects or as property and construction professionals, or as architect/ property and construction professionals; and they can also follow careers in the fields of project management, construction management and economics, design and construction, and the property industry.

Admission to the course is open to graduates of both the BPD (Architecture) and BPD (Property and Construction) courses who have achieved an average grade of H3 (65 per cent) or above in the third year of the BPD. Graduates of the BPD (Property and Construction) degree will need to have completed the following architecture subjects as their electives: Year 1: 702-101 Architectural Design 1A, Year 2: 702-204 Architectural Design and Practice 2A, or 702-103 Architectural Design 1B, Year 3: 702-204 Architectural Design and Practice 2A, or 702-206 Architectural Design and Practice 2B. Graduates of the BPD (Architecture) will need to complete the subjects 306-102 Accounting Concepts and 451-102 Introduction to Surveying (BPD). It is recommended that one of these subjects be chosen as an elective in the BPD. Approved work experience in the building industry (architecture and/or property and construction) must be undertaken before admission to the BArch/BPC. Both BPD Architecture and Property and Construction graduates are required to complete a minimum of 26 weeks of professional experience prior to entry. For entry from other institutions, applicants will need to hold a similar qualification and may be required to undertake preliminary studies.

The course is of three years duration including a program of prescribed preliminary subjects totalling 100 points. On successful completion of the preliminary year, students will be enrolled in the two-year BArch/BPC course of subjects totalling 200 points as set out below.

3.6.1. Course objectives

The Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Property and Construction course has as its objectives that graduates:

• have an architecture and property and construction knowledge base consisting of an integrated system of concepts, principles, theories, technical data and skills relating to building technology, the design and practice of architecture, management of the construction process and property investment with particular relevance to Australia and to the broader Asia-Pacific region;

• have a sound grasp of problem-solving techniques such that they are able to synthesise and apply this knowledge base in the planning and design of large-scale, programmatically-complex, energy-efficient buildings, in the construction of buildings and in the financial management of the construction process;

• have developed critical techniques that enable them to take a professionally responsible role in the community through the formulation of independent evaluations of those social, economic and political institutions, existing conventions, and new ideas that inform the practices of architecture and property and construction and their related professional ethics;

• understand the social context of their discipline and have a critical appreciation of the aesthetic and functional implications of socioeconomic factors on the cultural significance of architecture;

• are competent designers, able to understand, develop and successfully apply both strategies for developing and organising building programs, and design tactics that can give appropriate cultural and tectonic expression to the resulting architecture;

• are able to engage confidently in the self-directed study and research necessary to their advancement through postgraduate studies and/or the continuing development of their professional degrees;

• are effective managers with an understanding of those principles of interpersonal communication, management and leadership skills necessary for the successful practice of architecture and to ensure competence in the construction and cost management of building projects;

• are technically and professionally competent and are able to demonstrate the acquisition of those professional and technical skills necessary to gain employment as a graduate architect and/or graduate builder and/or graduate quantity surveyor or property professional and to advance to full professional status as an architect and/or builder and/or quantity surveyor and/or property professional.

3.6.2. Course structure - Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Property and Construction

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Property and Construction should seek subject selection advice from the course coordinator Mr Tony Mussen.

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