Philosophy

Architecture as an integrative discipline drawing upon technical, social, and economic knowledge to transform the way humanity inhabits the earth in the creation of a pleasing and sustainable built environment in which to dwell.

Vision

To set forth an Architecture programme at UNIMAS that draws upon the special material, cultural and ecological circumstances of our locality to pioneer holistic approaches to the built environment. Faced with global issues of climate change, habitat and species loss, urban poverty and rural transformation, architecture needs to embrace a sustainability that is informed by indigeneity of people, culture and land to create a lasting, flourishing built environment that is global in outlook and uniquely Sarawakian in practice.

Mission

To produce versatile and responsible graduates with honest, ethical and creative minds in promoting Architecture for humanity and the advancement of knowledge.

1. To produce semi-professional graduates capable of advancing technology and driving innovation in the field of architecture.

2. To enable semi-professional graduates to focus on the process of design, discovering, through experiment, methods of working that develop aesthetic judgment and means of self-evaluation.

3. To cultivate and set forth an ethical attitude in the workplace as the basis for the development and advancement of the architectural profession among graduates.

4. To produce semi-professional graduates who are versatile, entrepreneurial, responsible and knowledgeable in the building industry for the progress of the nation.

Upon graduating from this programme, the students are able to:

1. Describe key architectural works, cultural movements and ideas, their theoretical and cultural context and relevance to design.

2. Apply the technical aspects of architectural technology to analyze, evaluate and make informed judgments on a wide range of architectural problems and situations.

3. Integrate architectural knowledge into socially meaningful design response through collaboration, teamwork and community engagement.

4. Engage effectively in self-directed life-long learning and adapt to changes in industry.

5. Demonstrate and articulate design skills from concept formation until design development.

6. Communicate complex design ideas through verbal, visual, digital and written media.

7. Recognize the effect of geometry, quantity, dimension, scale and cost on design decisions.

8. Apply and integrate knowledge of architectural theory, culture, design pedagogy and legislation toward professional practice and entrepreneurial activity in the field of architecture.

9. Implement graphic techniques using a wide variety of media to explain the Architectural design process.

10. Demonstrate ability to initiate and lead a team collaboratively in the process of conceiving and developing architecture solutions.

11. Demonstrate ethical values in accomplishing tasks and projects through utilizing knowledge of professional practice.

Within the studio, students engage in problem-based design projects that challenge them to develop architectural solutions and communicate their ideas through evidence-based outputs such as drawings, models, and other design representations. Studio learning encompasses a wide range of activities, including lectures, site analyses, guest talks, discussions, critique sessions, portfolio reviews, exhibitions, field-based learning experiences, and presentations. The outcomes of studio work may take various forms, such as presentation boards, animations, physical and digital models, reports, sketches, renderings, and other design documentation that demonstrate the students’ learning and creative development.

Critique session (or “crit”) is a structured discussion and feedback session focused on a design project, during which tutors and peers openly share their observations, opinions, and suggestions. Crits may be conducted individually or in groups, and can take place in either formal or informal settings.

Site visits help students develop a clear understanding of a site through direct observation and investigation. Relevant to both studio and non-studio courses, these visits involve activities such as site analysis, measurements, research, and interviews to identify key site conditions, issues, and opportunities.

Lectures are primarily used for theory-based courses. Although a traditional teaching method, they are often conducted interactively, promoting autonomous and student-centred learning. In addition to lecturer-led instruction, industry professionals and community representatives are frequently invited to share their expertise and experiences.

Tutorials are designed to accommodate individual learning needs and enhance knowledge retention. They provide personalized guidance and hands-on learning experiences that complement lectures, ensuring that specific skills and knowledge are effectively transferred to students in a more focused and interactive manner.

1. To produce graduates with essential in-depth technical competency, knowledge and skills in quantity surveying profession locally and internationally.

2. To equip graduates with required practical, interpersonal, digital and numeracy skills, leadership quality and effective communication consistent with the concept of sustainable development in the construction industry.

3. To produce graduates with strong personal and entrepreneurial skills who can work effectively in the construction industry.

4. To produce graduates who are engaged in quantity surveying practice with ethical and professional values.

Upon graduating from this programme, the students are able to:

1. Possess knowledge and principles in quantity surveying discipline.

2. Analyse problems in quantity surveying discipline using systematic approach to provide valid conclusions.

3. Interpret sustainability theory into quantity surveying practice in a holistic manner.

4. Demonstrate the ability to productively participate in group situations

5. Communicate effectively on quantity surveying activities within the same and different disciplines, and with community at large.

6. Apply knowledge of information and communication technology to quantity surveying activities.

7. Apply qualitative and quantitative techniques in quantity surveying practice as well as built environment

   research.

8. Function effectively as a leader and a member of multidisciplinary setting and multicultural teams

9. Appraise personal performance objectively for self-improvement and development within a dynamic environment

10. Demonstrate entrepreneurialism and business acumen suited for quantity surveying practice.

11. Appraise the inter-disciplinary nature of law ethically and professionally in quantity surveying practice.

The studio component focuses on measurement skills, which form the foundation of quantity surveying. Students are trained to quantify construction works accurately from drawings and specifications. This hands-on approach allows them to develop competency in preparing Bills of Quantities (BQ) and understanding standard methods of measurement. Studio sessions are interactive and practice-oriented, encouraging students to apply what they have learnt in real-world scenarios.

Site visits expose students to real construction environments. By visiting active construction sites, students can observe building processes, materials, machinery, and site management practices first-hand. This practical exposure helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing their understanding of how cost and project management decisions are applied on-site.

Lectures provide the essential theoretical framework of the discipline. Topics such as construction technology, cost management, procurement methods, contract administration, and professional practice are delivered by lecturers. This mode ensures that students gain a strong academic grounding and understand the principles that guide professional quantity surveying practice.

Tutorial sessions play a vital role in developing students’ technical and digital competencies, particularly through the use of industry-relevant software. These sessions emphasise hands-on learning, where students are guided step by step in applying tools commonly used in quantity surveying practice.

Key software introduced includes Building Information Modelling (BIM) applications such as Glodon Cubicost, which are used for digital measurement, cost estimation, and model-based quantity take-off. In addition, students are trained in Primavera, a project management software widely used for planning, scheduling, and monitoring construction projects.