Architectural Systems and Research Methods
PostgraduateCUR-MAA4022025
Pick apart the advanced architectural systems that make up a complex project. Draw on a number of analytical and testing methods. Address the importance of a project's structure and façade. Juggle your research with a hands-on fieldwork component.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 23 Nov 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Mar 2025,
- 1 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $3,464
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Architectural Systems and Research Methods
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- apply skills and methods in analytical research appropriate to building systems in the context of a complex architectural project, including international references
- critically analyse the methods that apply to the integration of building systems and materials in a complex architectural project, in relation to decarbonisation and the need to sustain the natural, cultural and built environment
- demonstrate understanding of the role of relevant specialists and consultants in developing the project design
- synthesise and document exploratory findings using digital fabrication and making, related to a complex architectural project
- Introduction, Facade and Adaptive Architecture
- Passive Architectural Systems and Water in Architecture
- Structure
- Building Integrated Photovoltaics
- Acoustics
- Construction of envelope/facade/skin
- Design for Performance
- Mechanical and Environmental Systems
- Building Performance Analysis
- Fabrication and Integrated Biophilic design
- EZONE UWA
- Biophilic / Living Integrated skill / Building Envelopes & Home Biomes for Beautification, Health & repair
- Social Sustainability
This subject was previously known as Advanced Applied Architectural Systems.
Students will explore the applied advanced architectural environmental, technological and construction systems of a complex architectural project with diverse client profile. Students will be required to consider and incorporate multi-layered responses to environmental concerns employing decarbonsing strategies at different scales. Using skills and knowledge’s relating to their understanding of multiple contexts (natural, built and human), students will produce an outcome that will focus on a range of analytical, modelling and testing through methods of research including digital fabrication and making. In doing so they will develop an understanding of the interaction and relationships between key elements of the design, as a means of informing future design decision making processes. Students will be expected to demonstrate technical and architectural language proficiency. There may be a fieldwork component, the nature of which is dependent upon the project selected.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Environmental and Technical Explorations Report (40%)
- Portfolio (60%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- CUR-MAA-MAS-2025 - Master of Architecture
Elective
- CUR-FAST-MAS-2025 - Fast track your Curtin on campus study (Postgraduate)
- OUA-PSU-GCE-2025 - Postgraduate Single Subjects
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Audio video equipment required
- Other requirements - Access to the Internet. Admission to degree may be required.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
PostgraduateCUR-MAA-MAS
Fast track your Curtin on campus study (Postgraduate)
PostgraduateCUR-FAST-MAS
PostgraduateOUA-PSU-GCE