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

This unit introduces students to the professional discipline and practice of architecture, and its evolution over time through to the present day. It covers the broad set of roles, responsibilities, activities, contexts and documents that are common to the everyday practice of architecture, with a particular focus on Western Australia.

Regulatory, ethical and social issues are addressed alongside the creative and professional enterprise of architects. The stages through which a project progresses are presented in relation to important contractual mechanisms and key concepts of procurement, as well as the participants and stakeholders involved in projects besides the architect: client, consultants, contractors, authorities, building users and the general public.

As a way of tangibly illustrating the fundamentals of practice, sessions are framed around a key document that plays an essential role in influencing, regulating and shaping the practice of architecture, its built outcomes, and the communication between participants.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationModeFirst year of offer
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of the architectural profession, and the regulatory requirements, obligations and codes pertaining to architectural practice; (2) articulate the roles and responsibilities of the architect in the early stages of practice, including principles of project planning, and assess the implications for Country, environmental sustainability, communities, stakeholders and project costs; (3) articulate the processes of architectural practice as exemplified in various modes and scales of practice and in regard to local, national and international projects and contexts; and (4) analyse and contextualise the major documents that shape and influence architectural practice in Australia.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class tests and (2) report. 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 Kate Hislop and Emily van Eyk
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
25520 Master of Architecture
Incompatibility
ARCT4461 Architectural Practice
Contact hours
lectures: 12 hours
tutorials: 24 hours
Note
Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).
Recommended
Reading

'Acumen', a comprehensive set of advisory notes published by the Australian Institute of Architects, will form the primary text for the unit. This is available through the EDFAA library online.

A list of recommended texts and other resources will be available on LMS.

 

  • 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.