Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
If, as Robin Evans asserted, "drawing is the principal locus of conjecture in architecture", then how might emerging digital techniques and systems of architectural production challenge existing forms of architectural representation? In an age of photorealistic rendering and virtual reality how might we interpret the complex history of architectural representation to inform and propose novel forms of architectural imaginary and new sites of architectural speculation?
This unit offers the opportunity for in-depth explorations of the specialised material that constitutes the very particular history of architectural production. Through seminar-based, student-lead presentations and discussion the unit interrogates the context, histories and theories that surround canonical drawings, models and treatises from medieval notebooks to the datascaping and diagramming of the late twentieth century. How might an understanding of these histories be synthesised into new ways of thinking about drawing into the future?
This unit is one of a number of options in the Masters of Architecture that has a differing and complementary focus on drawing. In this unit students investigate the subject matter via two means–the construction of analytical and critical drawings about existing architectural drawings as well as the written exploration of these drawings.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate understanding that the context, history and theories of different modes of architectural representation, and the manner in which these drawings constitute a specialised body of knowledge; (2) analyse and critically compare different and specific modes of architectural representation via drawings and the written word; and (3) gain expertise in understanding how architectural ideas are transmitted through models, drawings and treatises to architectural production.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) seminar presentation and discussion and (2) illustrated research essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Philip Goldswain
- Contact hours
- seminars: up to 3 hours a week for 12 weeks
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.