The foundation Building Studies course is presented as a block release course in two modules. The first module comprising 50% of the course mark is a survey of a range of building materials, their application in specific buildings, their embodied energy, origins and processing and their reaction and interaction with other materials and environmental conditions. The second module and the remaining 50% of the course mark presents these building materials as the basis for a range of structural systems used in buildings. This is done as a survey of historical and contemporary examples of exemplary buildings and structures from around the world and across cultures. Assessment is through a report done at the end of the semester that catalogues a range of building materials and responses as well as a reflective analysis of the structural logic of one or more of the design projects done in the Foundation Studio.

Awareness of historical and cultural precedents in local and world architecture. Awareness of the social context in which built environments are procured, of ergonomic and space requirements and, issues of equity and access. Awareness of the principles of learning from historical precedent. Awareness of the built environment and understanding of structures in an analytical and constructive, critical manner. Awareness of the histories and theories of architecture and the related arts, technologies and human sciences that influence the design of buildings. Awareness of the structural design, constructional, material and engineering problems associated with building design. Awareness of the physical properties and characteristics of building materials, components and systems, and the environmental impact of specification choices.