Tokyo Field Trip

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject aims to train students in areas chosen to give them experience in different approaches and investigation tools. In this instance, it will involve cross-cultural and environmental comparisons relating to application of experience and concepts from one environment to another (Melbourne to Tokyo). Students are expected to report, analyse and interpret data gathered reliably and imaginatively, and to present it coherently.

This research-led subject focuses on cultural difference, as expressed through urban environment. The emphasis is on urban design analysis and design-research explorations of an urbanity which is significantly different from the one familiar to the majority of our students. The key topics of the subject are urban sustainability (eco-urbanity), and the need for cultural and environmental contextualisation of design.

During the fieldwork, students are expected to record data and analyse data by applying relevant urban design theory and to provide critical speculative responses to the identified urban design issues. The emphasis is on group work, and the aim is to develop the skills for effective group, interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration.

After the fieldwork, students are expected to summarise and present the fieldwork material and critically reflect on their own experiences during the fieldwork, in terms of both process and design-research products.

• Develop skills and confidence in understanding other cultures
• Develop awareness of the value of "culture shock" in stimulating creative thinking
• Develop awareness of the ways in which other cultures and their disciplines within those cultures address environmental and social issues
• Establish personal and professional networks

Fieldwork:

• Group fieldwork in Tokyo – urban analysis and urban design-research explorations – equivalent of 2500 words (40%)
• Individual fieldwork diary, including proposal for individual design-research focus – equivalent of 1000 words (20%)
• Contribution to the group in Tokyo (10%).

Post-fieldwork:

• Reflective diary and report (which may take form of an exhibition 2 x A1 panel) – equivalent of 1500 words (30%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Critical thinking and urban design analysis
• The ability to seek, analyse and evaluate information from multiple sources
• Comprehension of, and lucid expression of, complex concepts
• Time management skills
• Appreciation and implementation of ethics (cross-cultural practice)

Subject taught intensively over a 9 day period in Tokyo. An enrolment quota applies to this subject, with selection based on academic merit and priority.