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Monash University

Bachelor of Architectural Design

Course code: 3119 ~ Course abbreviation: BArchDes ~ Total credit points required: 144 ~ 3 years full-time ~ Managing faculty: Art and Design

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Caulfield - F/T only)

Course description

The course offers a program of education in the discipline and professional practice of architecture. It is the first in a two-degree program intended for students who wish to qualify for practice as an architect.

Course objectives

Students who complete the Bachelor of Architectural Design will have the ability to engage imagination, creativity, analysis and critical judgement in resolving design issues; they will be able to express ideas and concepts orally, verbally and visually.

The program of study will develop critical awareness of building materials, construction processes and structural service systems and their integration in architecture. The course delivers knowledge of the regulatory and business aspects of the architectural profession within an ethical and environmentally-aware framework.

Upon completion of both the Bachelor of Architectural Design and the Master of Architecture students will have achieved the Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA) National Competency Standards applicable to university courses, and will comply with the Royal Australian Institute of Architecture (RAIA) Education Policy Performance Criteria.

Course structure

The course consists of the following areas of study:

a.) Architectural design studios (72 points)

This is the major study. In first year it introduces students to the architecture workshop. There are design studios at each level of the course.

b. ) Technology (18 points)

This is delivered with the design studios and includes materials, construction, and environmental systems

c.) Theory and history (24 points)

This includes the common first year introduction to design theory and history and three architecture-specific units, exploring the culture and context of architecture over time.

d.) Communications (12 points)

In first year students take one perceptual drawing unit. There is also a unit of digital communications. Students must take one other visual arts/communications unit as an elective.

e.) Professional practice (6 points)

This unit focuses on the core business and regulatory aspects of practice as an architect.

f.) Electives (12 points)

Two electives are undertaken. One must be from the communications stream.

g.) Occupational health and safety (0 points)

This is compulsory to all courses in the Faculty, and deals with issues relevant to art and design.

Course requirements

First year (48 points)

First semester
  • ARC1001 Foundation studio (6 points)
  • ARC1101 Architecture workshop (6 points)
  • ARC1401 Introduction to architectural theory (6 points)
  • DWG1301 Drawing 1C (6 points)
  • OHS1000 Introduction to Art and Design Health and Safety (0 points)
Second semester
  • ARC1002 Architectural design studio 1 (6 points)
  • ARC1102 Material systems (6 points)
  • ARC1301 Digital techniques and descriptive geometry (6 points)

Second year (48 points)

First semester
  • ARC2001 Architectural design studio option 1 (12 points)
  • ARC2401 Architecture: Culture and context (6 points)
  • Elective (6 points)
Second semester
  • ARC2002 Architectural design studio option 2 (12 points)
  • ARC2101 Construction systems (6 points)
  • ARC2402 Modern and 21st Century architecture (6 points)

Third year (48 points)

First semester
  • ARC3001 Architectural design studio option 2 (12 points)
  • ARC3401 Sustainability: Urban contexts (6 points)
  • Elective (6 points)
Second semester

Contact details

Telephone +61 3 9903 1517, email enquiries@artdes.monash.edu.au or visit http://www.artdes.monash.edu.au.

Course coordinator

Mr Diego Ramirez