Architectural Computing - 3267

The focus of the Bachelor of Architectural Computing program is on the thoughtful and creative application of digital technologies to enhance the design professions and improve the quality of the built environment. While specialising in this computing field, students will be immersed in the culture and philosophy of the built environment disciplines.

Through specialised studios and projects, the program expands and deepens skills and understanding in the technical, analytical and conceptual application of technology to the design of various environments. The ability to apply this technical expertise with understanding of the practice of designing the multi-disciplinary landscape of the Built Environment flavours all work produced throughout the degree. Research projects and industry linkage round out an education geared at leading a range of industries and processes into the future.

Students are prepared for a leadership role in the thoughtful application of computer technology, informed by a solid understanding of design computing theory, and in that way, positioned to guide the built environment professions in the use of leading edge technologies to address the diverse imperatives of current design practice.

Students become immersed in the current culture of architectural computing, encouraged to test out emerging ideas and developments and look for novel ways to apply new technologies to the design of the built environment. As such, the Program is essentially design-based and idea-driven: students are not simply skilled up in the use of computers, but are encouraged to become technology innovators who are able to tackle complex issues by drawing on their integrated expertise across the full range of available digital technologies. They use this expertise to take the developing and semi-formed ideas of our industry, then explore and actualise them in both realistic and abstract ways.

Graduates will have expertise in a wide range of design tools, but more importantly, they will be leading the adaptation and application of the ever-changing digital technology landscape. Some of the technologies currently addressed include: building information modelling and management; visualisation & animation; multimedia, web and graphic design; interactive virtual environments; application extension and development; database management; analysis tools and ubiquitous computing.

It is recommended that students choose electives that will expand their knowledge in ways that will reinforce, extend or complement their Architectural Computing studies. This list shows examples of the courses that could be used to fulfil this role:

Semester 1 Electives

Semester 2 Electives

Summer Semester Electives

The Bachelor of Architectural Computing degree may be awarded with Honours after the successful completion of a two-semester Honours program following the completion of the BArchComp program, and in accordance with current Faculty regulations. Honours are Class 1 or Class 2 Division 1 or Class 2 Division 2.

The Honours program allows students to further extend the breadth and depth of their capability within the Architectural Computing discipline. The research elements prepare students for specialisation in a particular element of this field and further academic study.

Students must qualify by achieving a minimum Credit average during the first three years of study before being admitted to the Honours year.

1. The degree of Bachelor of Architectural Computing is awarded at Pass level after the successful completion of a minimum of 144 units of credit.

2. The degree of Bachelor of Architectural Computing is awarded at Honours level after the successful completion of a minimum of 192 units of credit including 48 units in an approved Honours program.

3. To fulfil these requirements, students must complete:

• 108 units of core courses, being all those prescribed in the faculty regulations for this program.
• 24 units of open electives, selected in accordance with the faculty regulations for undergraduate study in the Faculty of the Built Environment.
• 12 Units of General Education in accordance with University requirements. Students are only able to do a maximum of 6 UoC General Education from any one Faculty and only of 3UoC General Education from their own Faculty.

4. The standard duration of the program is 3 years consisting of 6 semesters of full-time study (24 units of credit per semester). This is extended by 1 year (or 2 semesters), if the Honours program is attempted. Students taking less than the standard full-time load will be extending the duration their program and will need to note that many courses are only offered in one of the two main sessions.

5. General Education courses may not be taken before a student enters Year 2 of the Program.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

The Faculty provides its students with secure, 24 hour access to computer labs with the hardware and software required to complete the program. Students specialising in Architectural Computing will find advantage in having a laptop computer capable of running the software used through the degree. For details on what sort of hardware and applications would be most suitable, please contact the Faculty.