Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts

Architecture

It is an intense, enjoyable program which requires the development of an individual viewpoint and an understanding of how the values of society affect the production of architecture. In addition to the design of individual buildings, the discipline of architecture is seen to include urban design and all aspects of the designed environment.

The Faculty also teaches a course in Landscape Architecture and a strong relationship with this discipline is encouraged through elective studies and design studios. Students are prepared for entry into the profession and are capable of practising architecture worldwide. 

The full professional architecture course comprises two degrees, the Bachelor of Environmental Design (BEnvDes) and the Master of Architecture (Coursework) (MArch), totalling five levels of study.

Design studio units are the central focus of education in architecture. Each level of the course requires the completion of two such units, each with increasing levels of technical complexity and requirements for detailed design resolution.

Core units provide the necessary knowledge base in areas of history, theory, technology, science, computing, structures and professional practice to meet professional standards.

Elective units in the BEnvDes allow you to choose from a range of Fine Arts units. Students in the MArch use elective units to pursue areas of particular interest to a greater depth.

Bachelor of Environmental Design
Level 1 In the first year Design units you will be given an introduction to the use of drawing instruments; scaled drawing; conventions of plan, section and elevation; free drawing; projective drawing—perspective and axonometry; collage; workshop practice and model making. Students are also introduced to a number of specialised software types and to analytical and technical practices employed in the design of the constructed environment.

In Level 2 you will be introduced to building planning and structural design problems of a simple nature, and introduced to issues of sustainability and environmental science. You will improve your knowledge of Computer Aided Design and study relevant construction materials, techniques and processes. You will study modern architectural history and Australian architectural history.

By Level 3 you will be required to achieve a more complex level of design and to integrate theoretical and historical concepts into your design work, and to be able to document your work. You will be introduced to more complicated notions of architectural theory and will have the opportunity to undertake a fine arts option unit. Professional practice and documentation are also introduced at level 3.

Master of Architecture
Emphasis in Level 4 is on the application of concepts to the design of specialised building projects, in particular students will be introduced to issues regarding the servicing of complex buildings. Students learn about the integration of the various technical systems in the making of architecture, continue their learning about professional practice and are introduced to research methods in preparation for honours at Level 5

Level 5 requires the completion of fully resolved projects taken to a developed design stage and integrating program development, site planning and organisation, technological and servicing aspects with building planning, material selection and design detailing. Students also have the opportunity to undertake a number of elective options to increase their knowledge of specialised areas of design and architecture. High achieving students can undertake a research project in their final semester.

Career opportunities

Architects are expected to administer contracts for the erection and construction of buildings, to nominate and coordinate consultants, and to represent clients in their dealings with authorities and contractors. Architects may become research specialists.

The Master of Architecture is a nationally and internationally recognised degree. Students in the MArch are required to complete 16 weeks approved professional experience. Architecture students are eligible for student membership of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects while undertaking the course, and for graduate membership on completion. This degree is also recognised by the Singapore Board of Architects, and the Malaysian Government, and the Board for the Control of the Engineering and Architects Professions in Thailand.

In recent years UWA graduates have been employed by a wide variety of private architectural firms including Odden Rodrigues, Denton Corker Marshall, Blackett Smith, Spowers Architects, Hillam Design Partners and Greg Davies Partners