Design Thesis

Subject ABPL90169 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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

Semester 2, Parkville - 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: Contact Hours: 84 hours: 1 x 1 hour lecture per week; 2 x 3 hours of studios per week
Total Time Commitment: 240 hours
Prerequisites:

Master of Architecture students:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
25
Semester 1, Semester 2
25
Semester 1, Semester 2
25

Master of Landscape Architecture students:

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

**The below subjects (taken prior to 2010) may replace prerequisite subject 705-663 Urban Design Studio A, with permission from the subject coordinator.

  • 705-664 Sustainable Environments Studio

OR

  • 705-664 Sustainable Urbanism Studio

OR

  • 705-664 Studio 5: Sustainable Urbanism
Corequisites: None specified
Recommended Background Knowledge: None specified
Non Allowed Subjects: None specified
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Philip Goad

Contact

Environments and Design Student Centre
Ground Floor, Baldwin Spencer (building 113)

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Website: http://www.msd.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject is the culmination of each student's studies in Master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Urban Design. It will consist of a number of autonomous studio groups offering a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate an original approach to design synthesis in the relevant discipline, which is based on research and critical thinking. These studios may offer an interdisciplinary experience with students working alongside others in a parallel design discipline.

Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of design resolution, conceptual engagement and aesthetic expression.

Under exceptional circumstances and with course coordinator approval the Design Thesis may be used as a framework for design research on a student's chosen specialization, which does not produce a design outcome.
Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate a capacity to make a contribution to the existing body of knowledge in architectural, landscape architectural or urban design theory and practice
  • demonstrate critical awareness of how their chosen specialisation contributes to this body of knowledge
  • demonstrate an understanding of design as a form of research enquiry
Assessment: Written, graphic and verbal presentations to the equivalent of 10,000 words. Submission of project work will be progressive: 10% assignment (Week 3); 30% assignment (Week 7); 60% submission at the end of semester.
Prescribed Texts: None specified
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Written, verbal and graphic presentation of ideas
  • Correct use of design terminology
  • Ability to analyse social and cultural contexts
  • Critical thinking and analysis
  • Creative response to complex problems
  • Ability to select the appropriate design approach
Related Course(s): Master of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Master of Design (Urban Design)
Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Urban Design
Master of Urban Design

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