University of Technology Sydney

17919 Urban Design Studio 4: Special Project (Part 1)

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: School of the Built Environment
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 17902 Sustainable Urban Development AND 17905 Urban Analytics AND 17918 Urban Design Studio 3: Transit Neighbourhoods
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

Urban Design Studio 4, together with 17920 Urban Design Studio 5, builds on the core skills gained through the previous Urban Design studios and further develops students’ abilities in integrating morphology analysis, urban analytics, understanding of place, and the planning environment. Urban Design Studio 4 and 5 are designed to be flexible, so that students can take them in any order. Students work with an academic supervisor to identify which tasks will be completed in each of the subjects. After completing both subjects, students have a grasp of the urban design process and how design can generate urban change whilst considering the importance of urban greening and ecology, addressing climate change challenges, and applying place-making approaches to deliver healthier and safer places.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Communicate urban design analysis and ideas effectively verbally, in writing and using a variety of visual media
2. Analyse and explain the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of the given site and its context by using a wide range of analytical tools
3. Identify the factors underpinning the challenges and opportunities facing particular places
4. Assess and explain the environmental, social and economic impacts urban design proposals have on their context
5. Develop critical and creative urban design recommendations based on a clear rationale founded on the site analysis
6. Develop a set of recommendations that integrate environmental, economic and socio-cultural responses to the opportunities and challenges your site poses

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate ethical responsibilities of professional planners and urban designers and develop critical ethical thinking capability (A.2)
  • Communicate with people with a wide variety of cultural, social, economic, and political perspectives and interests using verbal, written, and visual media (C.2)
  • Develop creative solutions to complex problems based on research and evaluation (I.1)
  • Apply urban design principles to develop creative solutions for urban problems (I.2)
  • Apply a wide array of analytic tools (which may include spreadsheets, geographic information software, three-dimensional simulations, or negotiation tools) to determine constraints and opportunities (P.3)
  • Develop and apply the principles of urban design to analyse places (P.5)
  • Apply an integrated understanding of environmental, social, and economic factors to inform an advanced level of urban design solutions (P.9)
  • Interpret spatial relationships and evaluate the spatial and physical impacts of proposals (R.3)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is primarily studio based, including online-interactive content discussing fundamental concepts, self-guided site visits, virtual site visits to a given precinct and weekly live in-class studio sessions to discuss the students’ progress. This subject also includes peer discussions and collaboration in developing analytical activities. These will be complemented by self-directed student learning via subject readings guided by discussion points / questions. These different activities involve the provision of formative feedback from the lecturer and the students. Participation in Zoom sessions for this subject is mandatory to foster a collaborative studio environment, enabling feedback from both your instructor and fellow students.

Content (topics)

  1. Setting the scene
  2. Analysis framework documents and shared vision
  3. Analysis: context
  4. Analysis: urban analytics
  5. Analysis: synthesis
  6. Analysis precedent and a-contextual exploration
  7. Problem statement and principles
  8. Draft concept plan: macro
  9. Draft concept plan: micro
  10. Draft plan: macro and micro (presentation)
  11. Incorporating feedback and finalise design proposal
  12. Finalise report

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Written Report

Intent:

For this assessment, your task is to create a written report. This assignment is based on Module 01 and the assignment task is outlined in more detail on Canvas. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter and its significance in the field of urban design. The report will consist of several sections that will help you establish a solid foundation for your project. Through this assignment, you will enhance your analytical and communication skills, allowing you to effectively convey your ideas and insights in a written format.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 3 and 4

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.2, C.2 and R.3

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Establishing a Strong Foundation: Setting the Scene and Problem Statement 35 4 A.2
Understanding the foundational challenges and opportunities of the site and the project 35 3 R.3
Effective written communication 10 1 C.2
Appropriate use of visual aids 10 1 C.2
Professionalism and Structure of Report 10 1 C.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Draft Professional Report

Intent:

For this assignment, your task is to create a draft professional report based on the subject matter covered in Module 2 to 4. The specific assignment tasks and guidelines can be found in detail on Canvas. The purpose of this report is to assess your ability to communicate information effectively in a professional manner. It is essential that the report follows a clear and logical structure, presenting the information in a concise and organised manner. Once you have completed this initial draft, you will have the opportunity to finalise your report by incorporating the remaining information for Assignment 03. This process will enable you to refine and enhance your report, ensuring that it meets the requirements and expectations of a professional document.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 4 and 5

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.2, C.2, P.3 and P.5

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Consistency and coherency of Shared Vision 15 4 A.2
Understanding of Urban Design Principles 15 5 P.5
Depth of Analysis and Design Proposal 30 2 P.3
Presentation to Panellists 30 1 C.2
Effective communication 10 1 C.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Final Professional Report

Intent:

For this assignment, your task is to revise and finalise a professional report based on the feedback received on your draft report, whilst incorporating items discussed in Module 5 and 6. The details for the assignment tasks can be found on Canvas. The purpose of this assignment is to showcase your ability to incorporate constructive feedback, improve the clarity and effectiveness of your communication, and produce a polished final version of the report, containing all the relevant information.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 4, 5 and 6

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

A.2, C.2, I.1, I.2 and P.9

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Incorporation of Feedback 10 4 A.2
Understanding of Urban Design Principles 10 5 I.2
Depth of Analysis and Design Proposal 25 6 I.1
Strategies of Analysis and Rationale of Design Proposal 30 5 P.9
Effective written communication 10 1 C.2
Appropriate use of visual aids 10 1 C.2
Professionalism and Structure of Report 5 1 C.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total mark.