Unit Outline

Research in architecture takes place for a variety of reasons: from architectural professionals using targeted research to find answers to novel problems on a building or design project to specialised researchers identifying and addressing abstract questions to create generalisable new knowledge for the benefit of society. Often, architects and architectural researchers work together and with other disciplines and professions to create new transdisciplinary knowledge and address complex, society-wide problems. Research approaches in architecture are similarly broad, drawing on the humanities, social and natural sciences, as well as ‘designerly ways of knowing’ common in artistic practice.

In this unit you will be exposed to the breadth of contexts and situations in which research in architecture takes place as you learn to identify and address valid questions for the discipline and profession. Through lectures and seminars, you will learn about some of the most common approaches and methodologies for research in architecture; in face-to-face workshops you will practise using a range of methods to address research problems in the field. You will also learn how to implement and communicate the findings of architectural research for an identified audience and context.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1.	Identify valid topics and questions for research in architecture
2.	Map the breadth of research approaches in architecture to position research activity within the discipline and profession
3.	Adopt and develop a research approach and methods appropriate to a selected research problem
4.	Communicate research in architecture for an identified target audience or context

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Finding the right problem	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO4
Assessment Task 2:	Finding the right approach	Refer to Assessment Description	30 %	LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Pilot study	Refer to Assessment Description	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Finding the right problem

Task Description:

Identify and justify a research problem in architecture based on a thorough engagement with existing literatures and professional practices. Propose a research approach suitable for addressing the problem/question you have identified.
Due: Week 4-6

Task Length:

Poster

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Review relevant literatures to identify knowledge gaps	LO1
2	Articulate a question or problem to address through research	LO1
3	Map different research approaches in architecture to position your own research project	LO2
4	Communicate your findings professionally and according to disciplinary standards	LO4
5	Identify a target audience for a research output	LO4

Assessment Task 2: Finding the right approach

Task Description:

Identify and justify an appropriate approach/methodology for addressing the research problem/question you identified in AT1. Test multiple different methods to see if they are appropriate. Carry out a peer evaluation and provide feedback.
Due: Week 7-9

Task Length:

Video 5-7minutes

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify and select research approaches relevant to addressing a selected research question	LO3
2	Test research methods for their suitability to a research problem and context	LO3
3	Justify a selected research approach and methods based on secondary research, testing, and peer evaluation	LO3
4	Communicate your findings professionally and according to disciplinary standards	LO4
5	Identify a target audience for a research output	LO4

Assessment Task 3: Pilot study

Task Description:

Carry out a pilot research study of limited scope to address your research question (AT1), applying the approach/methodology/methods you identified (AT2). Critically evaluate the success of the methods for addressing the question. Communicate the outcome of your pilot-study using a multimodal presentation.
Due: Week 12-14

Task Length:

multimodal presentation including visual, 3D, textual, and verbal content.

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Review relevant literatures to identify knowledge gaps	LO1
2	Articulate a question or problem to address through research	LO1
3	Map different research approaches in architecture to position your own research project	LO2
4	Communicate your findings professionally and according to disciplinary standards	LO4
5	Identify a target audience for a research output	LO4
6	Identify and select research approaches relevant to addressing a selected research question	LO3
7	Test research methods for their suitability to a research problem and context	LO3
8	Justify a selected research approach and methods based on secondary research, testing, and peer evaluation	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.