UWA Handbook 2023

Extended Major Overview

Description

Architecture provides a rich experience in creative thinking across a broad set of studies bridging the humanities and the sciences. In this major, students engage with the ideas and processes involved in making interventions within built and natural environments. Practical application is supported by consideration of relevant theoretical and ethical aspects of architecture. Units in technology, science, history, theory and communication provide core knowledge of the architecture discipline. In these, students learn how to think and communicate through analytical, critical and representational modes. Running in parallel are the design studio units which offer an immersive and integrative experience. In these units, project-based learning develops students' propositional capacities in relation to a range of contextual concerns: theoretical, environmental, technical, material and spatial. Students learn how to conceptualise and design single buildings, urban configurations and landscapes in response to existing and emerging economic and social needs and desires. Manual and digital technologies and production methods are used to generate drawings, models and prototypes.

The major Architecture A includes an emphasis on discovery through drawing in both digital and analogue forms; grounding in cultural landscapes and integration of culturally diverse content; engagement with contexts that are local, regional and international; and an embedding across learning areas of a deep appreciation for sustainability. Students who wish to progress to the Master of Architecture must successfully complete the co-requisite Architecture majors and associated complementary units.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate capacity for analytical, critical and propositional modes of thought; (2) respond creatively to local, regional and international contexts, issues and practices; (3) engage critically with the history and theory of architecture and allied disciplines; (4) integrate technical knowledge and skill in resolving design proposals ranging from simple to moderate complexity; (5) demonstrate advanced understanding of the implications for architecture of sustainability; (6) work productively in collaborative and transdisciplinary situations; and (7) communicate at a sophisticated level through a range of manual and digital media.

Broadening guidelines

All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.

Corequisite

Architecture (B) MJD-ARCTB

Courses

Architecture A can only be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

• BP011 Bachelor of Environmental Design
• BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Units