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Bachelor of Design in Architecture

Program overview

The architects of the future will embody solutions-driven thinking through the implementation of innovative design and new technologies to make an impact on the major issues of our time – climate change, population growth, and rapid urbanisation.

At Bond University, the future of architectural design is already underway at the Abedian School of Architecture. As one of Australia’s only dedicated design studios for architecture students, the ASA building inspires with its soaring windows, floating mezzanine, internal streets and ‘scoops’, it provides the ideal setting to inspire innovation, creativity, and a new style of learning. 

Forget lecture theatres and classrooms: You will have your own assigned desk and workspace in an open-plan studio. You will have exclusive unrivalled access to computing and fabrication laboratories, a digital robotics laboratory, traditional workshops and an impressive events and exhibition space. 

You will use 3D printers, large format laser cutters, CNC routers and industrial robot arms to create scale models, prototypes, and installations. You’ll collaborate with colleagues from Years 1, 2 and master’s levels to develop blue-sky designs for urban and residential futures. And, in Bond’s small group classes, you’ll be mentored throughout by internationally acclaimed designers, award-winning architects and globally connected academic practitioners. 

In addition to building the core design and application skills, Bond’s Bachelor of Design in Architecture incorporates broader elements of construction, urban planning, digital media and even film. You will also develop the all-important people skills that are essential to dealing with clients, contractors, and stakeholders – time management, communication, team management, self-criticism, and spatial intelligence.

Program code: SD-90009

CRICOS code: 0101291

Program overview

The architects of the future will embody solutions-driven thinking through the implementation of innovative design and new technologies to make an impact on the major issues of our time – climate change, population growth, and rapid urbanisation.

At Bond University, the future of architectural design is already underway at the Abedian School of Architecture. As one of Australia’s only dedicated design studios for architecture students, the ASA building inspires with its soaring windows, floating mezzanine, internal streets and ‘scoops’, it provides the ideal setting to inspire innovation, creativity, and a new style of learning. 

Forget lecture theatres and classrooms: You will have your own assigned desk and workspace in an open-plan studio. You will have exclusive unrivalled access to computing and fabrication laboratories, a digital robotics laboratory, traditional workshops and an impressive events and exhibition space. 

You will use 3D printers, large format laser cutters, CNC routers and industrial robot arms to create scale models, prototypes, and installations. You’ll collaborate with colleagues from Years 1, 2 and master’s levels to develop blue-sky designs for urban and residential futures. And, in Bond’s small group classes, you’ll be mentored throughout by internationally acclaimed designers, award-winning architects and globally connected academic practitioners. 

In addition to building the core design and application skills, Bond’s Bachelor of Design in Architecture incorporates broader elements of construction, urban planning, digital media and even film. You will also develop the all-important people skills that are essential to dealing with clients, contractors, and stakeholders – time management, communication, team management, self-criticism, and spatial intelligence.

Program code: SD-90009

CRICOS code: 0101291

How architects will shape a sustainable future

About this program

The Bachelor of Design in Architecture provides the foundation for a career in broad fields of design and creative practice, with a specialisation in the discipline of architecture.

The Bachelor of Design in Architecture provides a broad design education in a creative studio-based environment focusing heavily upon learning to design through hands-on making and the use of state-of-the-art digital tools. Learning in a design studio comprises the majority of coursework and is project-based. This features projects focused upon real-world scenarios, collaborating with students and external guests from interdisciplinary fields of expertise to develop solutions for a range of stakeholders and end-users. In addition to practical skills and disciplinary knowledge learned through studio and seminar-based studies in design, communications, technology, history, theory, and professional studies, students acquire ‘soft skills’ in collaboration, teamwork, time management, interpersonal communication, self-critique, and overall, spatial intelligence which is unique to an architectural education.

Through the program offerings at the Abedian School of Architecture, issues of pressing international and national concern form the core content of the studio curriculum. Among the most prominent of these are the challenges posed by our contemporary condition globally, one characterised by rapid urbanisation, environmental change, technological emergence, and increasing socioeconomic inequity. The Bachelor of Design in Architecture aims to prepare students for globally-relevant employment by immersion into a program that provides broad yet focused experiences in synthesising diverse information in the resolution of complex creative-design challenges.    

Established as a highly-flexible and student-focused degree program, students will study for 2 years full time but may also choose to study part-time. Studies include content from the disciplines of architecture, digital media, construction, urban planning, film, and university electives. Key highlights of the program include an annual all-school “charrette”, several off-campus study tours (including international study opportunities), a monthly international guest-lecture series, study with distinguished guest faculty and Architects-In-Residence, a bi-annual student exhibition and publication, and an internationally and nationally recognised academic staff of scholars and practitioner-teachers. Students will undertake a brief period of work-integrated learning to provide relevant industry experience prior to graduation.

Students undertake the Bachelor of Design in Architecture in a unique setting: the national and international award-winning Abedian School of Architecture. This facility and its associated Fabrication and Robotics Lab are dedicated for student use, creating an environment to support creative activity that is accessible 24/7 throughout the year. Students enjoy their own studio-based desk in the School provided for the duration of their studies, which becomes the point of personalised contact with program staff for an individualised, highly supported education. The limited student cohort size of the School is maintained to ensure all students have unique access to workshop facilities and program staff that is unparalleled almost anywhere globally.

The Bachelor of Design in Architecture is a standard degree pathway leading toward a Master of Architecture, which is the terminal award allowing graduates to gain registration as an Architect in Australia and other jurisdictions that recognise the award. Graduates of the Bachelor of Design in Architecture program may progress to the Master of Architecture upon application and review of undergraduate performance. However, entry to the Master of Architecture is not automatic.

Scholarship opportunities

The Abedian Foundation Master of Architecture Scholarship

The Abedian Foundation Master of Architecture Scholarships are full fee scholarships awarded on academic merit to successful applicants commencing Bond’s Master of Architecture. 

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What you'll be studying

  • Study overview

    The Bachelor of Design in Architecture comprises 27 subjects (240 credit points). Taking a full-time study load of 40 credit points per semester, you can complete your undergraduate degree in two years (six semesters), thanks to Bond’s fast-track trimester timetable. Intakes are offered in January, May or September.  

    Study plans can be tailored to your interests and career aspirations, with general electives that allow you to explore your passions outside of Architecture.

Program features

  • Learn by doing

    Our Architecture students learn by doing: The course structure is project-based and most of your time is spent working on those projects in Industry-simulated studio environments, including the Workshop, Robotics Laboratory and Digital Fabrication Lab.

  • Make a difference

    Bond University's architecture programs are dedicated to developing the emerging architectural professional to be fearless in their design ability. Gain the confidence to change the world and the habitats of the future through their creative design skills, imaginative vision, strategic thinking, and technical proficiency. 

    Extracurricular programs such as Transformer and Beyond Bond will take that process even further by giving you the opportunity to work on real-life passion projects and volunteering programs as part of your studies.

  • Only at Bond experiences

    Stand-out experiences include the annual all-school Design Charrette – a unique and immersive learning experience sees you working with a professional architect / guest lecturer to create design ideas for a piece of local public infrastructure; off-campus study tours (including international study opportunities); an international guest lecture series; and a bi-annual student exhibition and publication.

  • One-on-one attention

    The Abedian School of Architecture has the lowest student-to-staff ratio of any architectural school in Australia. It offers a unique learning environment where students can enjoy a personalised educational experience and take advantage of valuable one-on-one time with leading academics.

  • Industry in the classroom

    Our Architecture subjects are taught by people who don’t just work in the industry but are leaders in their field. In our small group, discussion-based classes, you will be mentored by people like Lindsay and Kerry Clare, Architects-In-Residence and Queensland’s only currently practicing AIA Gold Medallists. The Clares are the designers of GoMA in Brisbane and the Docklands Library in Melbourne. Additionally, our academic staff includes Brian Toyota who worked on the masterplan for award-winning residential/resort Sanctuary Cove, Australian House of the Year 2020 architect Matthew Eagle, noted Jorn Utzon scholar Dr Adrian Carter, and bio-materials expert Dr Daniela Ottmann.

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Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the essential abilities, knowledge and skills required to successfully complete the program. Learn more about the inherent requirements and make an informed decision about your capacity to undertake the program.

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Hear from our Bondies

  • I enjoyed the energy of the studio spaces, scoops and live critiques that would occur in the internal street. I liked the idea of learning through making, creating and knowing that the outcomes of design are formed by an iterative process. Being a smaller school, encouraged closer relationships and connectivity with each other, including your teachers. Enjoy your creative freedom and make time to spend with your peers. Learn to pioneer different ways of thinking. Test ideas and reflect on where what brings you joy - then run towards it!

    David Gray - Alumnus
  • Our students are gaining experience with elements of the design and fabrication process that they simply wouldn’t get anywhere else. Our graduates are not just prepared for what’s happening in the industry right now; they’re actually ahead of the game. The whole dynamic of the program is built around creativity, teamwork and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We have small groups working on design-and-build projects in our studio and workshop, where the studio is available to students 24/7.

    Professor Chris Knapp - Honorary Professor
PreviousNext

Inherent requirements

Inherent requirements are the essential abilities, knowledge and skills required to successfully complete the program. Learn more about the inherent requirements and make an informed decision about your capacity to undertake the program.

LEARN MORE

Hear from our Bondies

  • I enjoyed the energy of the studio spaces, scoops and live critiques that would occur in the internal street. I liked the idea of learning through making, creating and knowing that the outcomes of design are formed by an iterative process. Being a smaller school, encouraged closer relationships and connectivity with each other, including your teachers. Enjoy your creative freedom and make time to spend with your peers. Learn to pioneer different ways of thinking. Test ideas and reflect on where what brings you joy - then run towards it!

    David Gray - Alumnus
  • Our students are gaining experience with elements of the design and fabrication process that they simply wouldn’t get anywhere else. Our graduates are not just prepared for what’s happening in the industry right now; they’re actually ahead of the game. The whole dynamic of the program is built around creativity, teamwork and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We have small groups working on design-and-build projects in our studio and workshop, where the studio is available to students 24/7.

    Professor Chris Knapp - Honorary Professor
PreviousNext

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