Overview

This unit covers the theoretical and critical analysis of architecture, cities, urban spaces and design practices. It explores existing and new methodologies and critical theories as applied to architecture and cities. This unit locates architecture and urban spaces within social, cultural, political, material, technological and creative practices. Students will explore recent developments in architecture and urban design academic theory and professional practice aiming to develop and evaluate a theoretical position and develop skills to put forward arguments for this position. The unit will also foster an understanding of the principles of designing with Indigenous peoples and cultures on an international level with reference to charters, approaches and precedents in conjunction with sustainable development and ecological systems.

Requisites

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
29-July-2024
27-October-2024
Last self-enrolment date
11-August-2024
Census date
31-August-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
13-September-2024
Results released date
03-December-2024

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Develop, evaluate and present arguments relating key architecture and urban design theories
  • Identify challenges and opportunities posed by operating in diverse and globally oriented settings
  • Recognise the position and relationship of the first peoples of Australia to design practice in historical and contemporary contexts; and evaluate international standards of best practice working with Indigenous communities
  • Communicate appropriately in written, oral, and graphic form to various audiences about design issues, development proposals and actions
  • Work as a team member, with a commitment to shared goals, team processes and appropriate interpersonal skills

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Face to Face Contact (Phasing out)
Studio
3.00 12 weeks 36
Specified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Readings
4.50 10 weeks 45
Specified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Various
6.71 7 weeks 47
Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Independent Learning
1.83 12 weeks 22
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Class ExercisesIndividual 35% 1,2,4 
PresentationGroup 20% 1,3,4,5 
Research ProjectGroup 45% 1,3,4,5 

Content

  • Exploration of architecture and urban design theory and issues
  • Exploration of Indigenous design principles including Caring for Country with respect to sustainability and design with nature
  • Exploration of techniques for analysing and synthesising literature
  • Presentation of theoretical concepts through illustration and verbally

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.