Design Thesis

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

240 hours

Admission into one of the following courses:

• Master of Architecture MC-ARCH2Y or MC-ARCH3Y
• Master of Landscape Architecture MC-LARCH2Y or MC-LARCH3Y
• Master of Urban Design MC-URBDES
• Master of Design (Urban Design) MC-DESURBD

plus completion of the following subjects:

Master of Architecture students:

Master of Landscape Architecture students:

Master of Urban Design or Master of Design (Urban Design) students must complete one of the following subjects:

*The below subjects (taken prior to 2010) may replace prerequisite subject ABPL90061 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

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/

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.

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

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.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• 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