Design Research

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Admission into one of the following courses:

MC-ARCH2Y Master of Architecture (200 points)
MC-LARCH2Y Master of Landscape Architecture (200 points)
MC-URBDES Master of Urban Design

Plus completion of 2 x 25-point master's studio subjects.

OR

Completion of the first 100 points of the following 300-point programs:

MC-ARCH Master of Architecture
MC-ARCH3Y Master of Architecture (300 points)
MC-LARCH Master of Landscape Architecture
MC-LARCH3Y Master of Landscape Architecture (300 points)

Plus completion of 2 x 25 points of master's studio subjects at second-year level or higher.

Enrolment in ABPL90115 Masters of Architecture Studio E, ABPL90072 Landscape Architecture Studio 5:Sustainable Urbanism, ABPL90061 Urban Design Studio A, ABPL90273 Urban Design Studio B or ABPL90169 Design Thesis

Design theory and history.

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

Students will learn a variety of creative research methods, critical reading skills and academic writing styles required for a scholarly and rigorous approach to Thesis subject in their chosen design masters degree.

This subject will introduce students to a range of creative research methods. As distinct from traditional ‘quantitative research’ (classical scientific research method involving systematic collection of verifiable data) and ‘qualitative research’ (in-depth inquiry into human perceptions used in social sciences often involving interviews) ‘creative research’ is a relatively new methodology. In this subject we follow de Bono’s definition that creativity involves lateral moves sideways in contrast to the logical, linear thinking inherent to traditional research methods. We follow the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of ‘research’ meaning investigation or inquiry into things. The focus of our creative research will be uncovering new knowledge that can lead to the generation of imagined futures for designed environments. On completion of the subject, students should have developed the ability to frame a design thesis question and identify appropriate creative methods through which to test it.

Week 7
1 x (Draft) Research Statement (100 words / 4 sentences
1 x Annotated Bibliography

(No marking at this stage but feedback provided in terms of satisfactory / unsatisfactory).

Week 14
1 x (Revised) Research Statement (100 words / 4 sentences, 25%

(Refined research statement in light of feedback received after interim submission).

1 x Research proposal. (approx. 2500 words) (30%)
3 x Creative research exercises, 45%, (15% x 3) that explore the research proposal, selected from the range that were taught during the semester (eg. critical mapping, rhythmanalysis, typological iterations, parametrics, prototypes, installations).

Each creative research exercise must include a brief (300 word max) exegesis.

Each creative research exercise must be communicated on 1 x A3 size sheet, landscape format.

On-line library guide

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Understanding creative research as a methodology
• Awareness of and beginning skills in a range of creative research methods
• Understanding of academic writing conventions
• Capacity to frame a research question clearly and concisely
• Capacity to determine the relevant research methods to explore a research question through design
• Capacity for independent, analytical and critical thought and reflection