Planning Urban Sustainability

Subject ABPL90064 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 36 hours: 1x 3 hours of studio per week.
Total Time Commitment:

120 hours.

Prerequisites:

Admission to a master's program in the Melbourne School of Design or the Master of Environment (Graduate Environmental Program) or written approval from the subject coordinator.

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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

Contact

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

Enquiries
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
Web: http://edsc.unimelb.edu.au/
Email: edsc-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The urban dimension of sustainability is the focus of this subject. The nexus between cities and rural areas is acknowledged. A holistic view of sustainability is explored (environmental, social, cultural and economic). The contribution of cities to the crises of the environment is analysed. Solutions based on existing experience and practice are explored using international and local examples. Methods of planning are discussed, with an emphasis on the policy barriers likely to be encountered and ways of overcoming them.

Learning Outcomes:
  • To deepen students' understanding of urban sustainability and its relationship to public values and goals.
  • To analyse the means of governance and planning for urban sustainability.
  • To critically analyse approaches to planning for urban sustainability.
  • To propose solutions to facilitate urban sustainability.
Assessment:
  • Series of class papers / policy exercises – 500 words x 3 weeks (due weeks 3, 4 and 5, worth 30%)
  • Field trip report of 1500 words (due week 8, worth 30%)
  • Group project, and report with an individual contribution of no more than 2000 words (due week 12, worth 40%).
Prescribed Texts:

None specified

Recommended Texts:

Newman, P., and Jennings, I. Cities as Sustainable Ecosystems: Principles and Practices, Washington: Island Press, 2008.
Wheeler, S. M. Planning for Sustainability: Creating Liveable, Equitable and Ecological Communities, Milton Park, Oxon: Routledge, 2004.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • To be advocates for implementing the sustainability of the environment
  • To have a broad global understanding with increased regard for human rights, equity and ethics
  • To examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines
Links to further information: http://www.msd.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/coursework/
Related Course(s): Master of Urban Design
Master of Urban Planning
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Development
Development
Melbourne School of Design multidisciplinary elective subjects
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Tailored Specialisation
Tailored Specialisation

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