Urban Design Studies

Subject 702-248 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: 880-104 (ENVS10004) Designing Environments, 880-107 (ENVS10007) Urban Environments
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Students undertaking this subject will be expected to regularly access an internet-enabled computer

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Justyna Anna Karakiewicz, Prof Kim Dovey
Subject Overview:

Urban design is defined as the shaping of public space, distinguished from urban planning by its focus on urban form, from landscape architecture by its focus on built form and from architecture by its focus on public space. This subject will introduce and critically analyse a broad range of concepts, ideas and theories that frame practices of urban design in a contemporary global context.

Project types will include:

  • new precincts and linkages
  • retrofitting and revitalization
  • new waterfronts
  • transport-oriented design
  • greenfield and brownfield developments
  • informal settlements.

Studies of urban design process will include:

  • staging and displacement
  • community process
  • design regulation

Critiques will include:

  • aesthetic
  • social
  • economic and environmental sustainability
  • urban intensity
  • livability and safety
  • politics of imagery
  • access and equity
Objectives:

At the conclusion of this subject students will be able:

  • to understand the major concepts and ideas of urban design theory and practice
  • to undertake critique of both contemporary and traditional urban design projects
  • to situate urban design theories and practices within the fields of urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture and property
Prescribed Texts:

Course Reader

Recommended Texts:

Larice, M. & Macdonald, E. (2007) The Urban Design Reader, London: Routledge.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Use and citation of sources
  • Written and verbal presentation of ideas
  • Essay and report writing
  • Application of generic theories to specific examples
  • Ability to analyze social and cultural contexts
Links to further information: http://www.benvs.unimelb.edu.au/
Notes:

This subject is required for the Urban Design and Planning Major of the Bachelor of Environments. It is advised, but not required, that it be taken during the second year of study.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Urban Design

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