Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Urban Design is a relatively new discipline area which is rapidly evolving in between three key professions: architecture, planning and landscape architecture. Best practice urban design is informed by the theory and practice of urban design in a global context. It is this intersection between the theory of urban design and the practice of urban design that will form the basis of engagement for semester 1.

This unit offers a broad introduction to the range of theoretical approaches to urban design and the complexity of issues requiring resolution through design propositions.

Aims

The aims of this unit are to:

• Introduce the broad spectrum of urban design theories through a series of lectures, critical texts and seminars


• Equip candidates with a working knowledge of urban design skills, strategies and tactics to develop urban design propositions


• Engage with stakeholders (from Government bodies to industry professionals) through lectures, seminars, design projects and presentation reviews


• Encourage students to successfully communicate their ideas and arguments through design using a range of presentation media and forums.

Objectives

Unit-Specific Objectives:
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Select an appropriate and strategic urban design response to a set problem;
2. Apply a particular urban design theory through a design proposition;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of different stakeholders in the project (and thus testing theorectic ideas through praxis);
4.Communicate your competency through a professional presentation demonstrating clear ideas and a rational urban design process [boards, power point presentation and verbal explanation].

Content

The focus of the semester will be on issues specific to our immediate region, i.e. South East Queensland. In order to gain perspective on local practice, we will draw on typological examples and similar case studies from around the world to expand our knowledge of urban best practice.

The content of this unit will include themes relating to:

• Emerging topical urban issues relating to building a sustainable future in South East Queensland, such as: designing for flooding, developing resilient and smart cities, urban consolidation, transit-oriented development, smart transport, population density, renewable energy, waste and food security;


• urban design theories (historic and contemporary);


• urban best practice case studies and exemplars.



Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The approach taken in this unit is based on case studies of topical projects. This involves:




• hearing presentations from industry professionals and Government bodies [reviews, critiques, guest lectures, colloquium];


• exploring creative ways to solve problem-based learning using a design workshoop process or directed seminar reviews;


• selecting appropriate theories to assist in designing propositions that respond to specific challenges;


• working collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams to achieve the best possible outcomes;


• using a range of media and communication skills to effectively communicate your ideas and design propositions.





On completion of this unit you should have become aware of your current abilities in the following capabilities:

(a) ethical behaviour; through developing an understanding of stakeholder and community needs and possible conflicts in relation to urban design;

(b) discipline knowledge; through developing an urban design proposition based on an understanding of the urban design and theory processes;

(c) sustainability and global awareness; through developing an appreciation of the environmental, social and economic impacts on urban design.

Assessment

There will be 2 assisgnments set for the semester:

1. Project: Analytical mapping analysis worth 40% due in week 6, and a

2. Portfolio & Viva Voce showcasing the urban design project worth 60% due in week 14 [examination]

A viva voce is verbal explanation/account of your proposition and individual response to the urban design problem set.

The portfolio and viva voce will be examined by a review panel comprising at least:

- one external reviewer
- two tutors and
- the unit coordinator

The portfolio will contain an edited version of all the work you have carried out through the semester (i.e. both assignments, and any workshops/charettes) and thus demonstrate your capacity and skill set in urban design.Formative feedback is given verbally at every tutorial session by tutors, unit coordinator and on occasion guest critics.

Summative feedback occurs in Week 6 (40%) and Week 13/14 (60%)

Assessment name: Assignment 1
Description: Project: Mapping Analysis (40%)

There are three components to this project that will build your urban design skills:

1. Psychogeograpic mapping study of the January 2011 floods in Brisbane [group] 10%
2. Assigned mapping analysis [individual] 15%
3. Time line of all natural and extreme weather events in Brisbane [group] 15%

The project will be reviewed and graded in Week 6
Relates to objectives: 2 and 4

2. Apply a particular urban design theory to a design proposition:
- Psychogeographic mapping, figure-ground, relational and contextual imagery.

4.Communicate your competency through a professional presentation demonstrating clear ideas and a rational urban design process [boards, power point presentation and verbal explanation]:
- Clarity of analysis, maps and data through abstract drawings, diagrams and mapping techniques;
- Demonstration of understanding of the subject and project of a new perspective/view of the case study selected;
- Demonstration of an ability to edit information and collate material from a wide range of sources and websites;
- Ability to express ideas and information through grammatically correct English, abstract drawings and diagrams;
- Free from plagiarism;
- Professional - of a standard comparable to that of industry
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Week 6


Assessment name: Assignment 2
Description: Portfolio & Viva Voce - Urban Design Project (60%)

An appropriate strategic urban design response to the problem set.
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3 and 4

1. Select an appropriate and strategic urban design response to a set problem:
- Understanding of selected strategic and sustainable urban ideas.
- Ability to explain and argue your position.

2. Apply a particular urban design theory through a design proposition:
- Demonstrate through your project how you have answered the brief to a review panel.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of different stakeholders in the project (and thus testing theorectic ideas through praxis):
- Meet the requirements of at least 75% of stakeholders involved in your site.

4.Communicate your competency through a professional presentation demonstrating clear ideas and a rational urban design process [boards, power point presentation and verbal explanation].
- Professional - of a standard comparable to that of industry
- Demonstration of an ability to collate a wide range of material and media to produce a cohesive and professional set of boards, power-point presentation and report.
- Free from plagiarism
- Ability to express ideas and information with clarity, using grammatically correct English, abstract drawings and diagrams
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13


Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

www.blackboard.qut.edu.au

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Risk assessment statement

Students participating in this unit will undertake lectures, seminars and tutorial sessions during the formal contact time in a QUT lecture theatre/class room. On occasions there will be a site visit to a public space in Brisbane. There are no extraordinary workplace health and safety aspects associated with formal contact.

Students will be responsible for their own health and safety, and that of other members of the community as a responsible citizen, should they elect to conduct any field visits in their own time.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 05-Oct-2012