This unit aims to prepare you for professional practice as a strategic or development assessment planner. It focuses on social, economic and environmental principles for contemporary planning practice; the systems for land use planning and environmental management in Australia, and the practice of statutory planning and development assessment in NSW.
By the end of this unit of study you will: understand the social, economic, and environmental principles underpinning contemporary planning practice; appreciate key legal and institutional processes for environmental planning in Australia and internationally; be familiar with the various planning state, regional, and local planning instruments in NSW, and understand when and how they apply to planning proposals. You will also be able to assess the social, economic, and environmental impacts of basic planning proposals, and justify these recommendations in professional planning reports. In preparing for professional practice you will gain an understanding of the principles, techniques and requirements for public participation in environmental planning and assessment; and the ethical responsibilities of land use planners, including respect for diversity and the importance of social equity, in guiding decision making processes and assessing planning proposals.

The aim of PLAN9063 Strategic Planning and Design is to provide students with grounding in the core knowledge and skills needed to practice as a contemporary urban planner. A key emphasis in the unit is understanding strategic planning at a range of levels (both process and content), and applying this knowledge to a specific case study site. The latter includes a basic appreciation of planning and urban design skills in site evaluation, analysis and preparation of masterplans. Strategic planning in one form or other is a generic process that underpins much of the work that planners and urban designers are involved in at varying spatial levels.
By the end of this unit, students will be able to explain the varied forms, scales and key issues involved in contemporary strategic urban planning and urban design, prepare a basic strategic context analysis, site analysis, design proposal, and an articulation of planning and urban design issues; and apply key technical tools. This includes basic demographic analysis, graphic presentation, consultation strategies and survey tools to urban planning and problems. Students will be able to assess strategic plans, including basic urban design criteria, and identify their role and implementation relevance in the planning process. In addition, this Unit of Study will enable students to develop generic skills such as group discussion, productive group work and organisation, negotiation skills and information literacy skills.
This is an introductory core unit for the Urban Planning degree and an elective for the Urban Design degree.

This unit is in two overlapping modules, each of which is assessed.

Module one enables students to understand how the main concepts and practices of urban planning and development have evolved; appreciate different perspectives about the roles and purposes of planning; undertake basic historical research about Australian urban planning and development issues, and prepare basic stories and arguments about practical planning issues and current theories. There is a strong emphasis on enriching the ability of students to better appreciate urban form, structure and planning practice generally by analysing such form, structure and process through the lens of history (as 'snapshots' in time), and the understanding planning drivers that shape and express such urban change. Interpreting planning practice and what this means and reflects (such as underlying values, norms attitudes, public interest, etc) is a key element of this module.

Concurrent with module one, module two familiarises students with the main ideas and methods that have influenced urban design practice from the late nineteenth century to the present. It covers the dominant urban design theories, principles, conceptual and physical models, analytical methods and drawings from key contributing authors over the period, and explores critically how and why these arose, their interrelationships, spheres of influence, and continuing validity. In this module, key urban design 'classics' are discussed critically as history, design sources and tools.
Students will be able to: critically review and interpret key planning and urban design texts, construct and present basic arguments, orally and in documents; access and engage with key literature and other sources of knowledge; and use basic conceptual frameworks about planning arguments and stories for both the overlapping fields of urban planning and urban design.
This is an introductory core unit for both the Urban Planning and Urban Design degrees.

The aim of PLAN9045 Economics for Planners is to introduce the key economic theories, processes and techniques used by contemporary urban planners. The Unit of Study has two parts. In the first part of the Unit, students are introduced to the economic drivers shaping city and regional development outcomes, and the location and form of different land uses. The second part of the Unit equips students with core technical skills, including project and program evaluation, demographics and population forecasting, economic and social impact analysis, development feasibility, assessment of benefits and costs, and justification for public funding.

This unit aims to develop an understanding of planning law that enables competent professional practice in addressing a range of complex planning issues.
Students will be able to prepare reports on practical planning issues that demonstrate: knowledge of how planning intentions are implemented through policies, instruments and controls; knowledge of how planning law shapes practice; knowledge of instrumental arrangements and environmental planning procedures; knowledge of the main characteristics of well-reasoned and well-structured documents; awareness of the importance of evidence and argument in preparing planning proposals, for example, about planning instruments and development applications; and a general understanding of techniques for community consultation.

This unit is primarily concerned with planning, land use and infrastructure within the built environments. It emphasizes conceptual knowledge, with examples and case studies to demonstrate the application of concepts in practice. Students are encouraged to think independently, creatively and critically in developing understanding and practical knowledge about environmental planning at the metropolitan and local level.
This unit is in two modules, each of which is assessed.
1. Land use, infrastructure planning and urban development: different forms of infrastructure; the role of infrastructure in creating good environments and urban development; transport and the space economy; accessibility, the emergence of transport technologies and their influence on urban form; the impacts of car travel on densities, dispersion, congestion etc; orthodox transport planning; transport systems management; demand management and travel pricing; traffic restraint and local area traffic management; mobility and accessibility; networks, centres, and development corridors; transit oriented development and urban form. The Sydney Metropolitan Strategy and concepts contained therein are used as a main focus for this module.
2. Land use planning, development control and plan making: within the context of more effective land use planning, this module examines at the process of assessing a local area (such as structure, form and understanding character), developing local vision and neighbourhood strategies and structure plan, translating the strategy and structure plan into basic land use and planning controls (such as building height, floor space ratio, heritage, and other local area provisions) and producing a basic plan for development control purposes. A case study is used for class work (with practitioners involved) so as to understand how the plan making process evolves, including the assumptions and values used.
This is an introductory core unit for the Urban Planning degree and an elective for the Urban Design degree.

The planning report is a substantial piece of research conducted over one semester. It takes the form of report (between 10,000 and 15,000 words) on an approved urban and regional planning subject of your choice. Please note however that students electing to do a stream in the MURP program should select a topic relevant to their chosen stream. The planning report is therefore an opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in a particular area and so develop a "professional edge". The objective of the planning report is to allow you to develop research and analytic skills by undertaking an in depth study of your own selection. The expected learning outcomes of the report include the ability to: think critically about a planning problem and develop an appropriate research methodology or analytical approach to address it; identify and access appropriate sources of information, research and literature relevant to urban and regional planning issues; undertake primary and secondary research relevant to problems in planning practice; present your findings in a way that demonstrates academic and professional competence. A planning report generally includes: a literature review to delineate a planning problem or gap in knowledge; a statement of research aims or objectives, as well as research questions; an explanation of research methods; presentation and analysis of data; discussion of conclusions. Permission to continue the Planning Report is subject to a satisfactory research proposal which must be approved by your supervisor by week 3 of semester. Planning reports are due at the end of the first week of exams for the semester in which you are enrolled.

The planning dissertation is a substantial piece of research, conducted full time over one semester (by enrolment in PLAN9010 and PLAN9011), or part time over two semesters (by consecutive enrolment in these units). It takes the form of a document (between 15000 and 25000 words) on an approved urban and regional planning subject of your choice. Students electing to do a stream in the MURP program must select a topic relevant to their chosen stream. There is also an option for students to prepare a shorter document suitable for publication in a refereed journal. The planning dissertation is an opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in a particular area. For those intending to undertake further academic study, the dissertation also provides an opportunity for you to develop your research skills.
The objective of the dissertation is to allow you to develop higher order research and analytic skills by undertaking an in depth study of your own selection. The expected learning outcomes of the dissertation include the ability to: think critically about a planning problem and develop an appropriate research methodology or analytical approach to address it; identify and access appropriate sources of information, research and literature relevant to urban and regional planning issues; undertake primary and secondary research; present your findings in a way that demonstrates academic and professional competence.
A dissertation generally includes: a literature review to delineate a problem or gap in knowledge; a statement of research aims or objectives, as well as research questions and / or hypotheses; explanation of research methods; presentation and analysis of data; discussion of conclusions; an abstract.
Permission to continue the Planning Dissertation is subject to a satisfactory research proposal which must be approved by your supervisor by week 3 of semester.
The dissertation will be marked by two examiners. Dissertations are due at the end of the first week of exams for the semester in which you are enrolled in Planning Dissertation 2. Note that only one submission is required for both Planning Dissertation 1 and 2. It is not possible to complete Dissertation 1 independently of Dissertation 2. Students who intend a shorter project should enrol in PLAN9018 Planning Report.

The planning dissertation is a substantial piece of research, conducted full time over one semester (by enrolment in PLAN9010 and PLAN9011), or part time over two semesters (by consecutive enrolment in these units). It takes the form of a document (between 15000 and 25000 words) on an approved urban and regional planning subject of your choice. Students electing to do a stream in the MURP program must select a topic relevant to their chosen stream. There is also an option for students to prepare a shorter document suitable for publication in a refereed journal. The planning dissertation is an opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in a particular area. For those intending to undertake further academic study, the dissertation also provides an opportunity for you to develop your research skills.
The objective of the dissertation is to allow you to develop higher order research and analytic skills by undertaking an in depth study of your own selection. The expected learning outcomes of the dissertation include the ability to: think critically about a planning problem and develop an appropriate research methodology or analytical approach to address it; identify and access appropriate sources of information, research and literature relevant to urban and regional planning issues; undertake primary and secondary research; present your findings in a way that demonstrates academic and professional competence.
A dissertation generally includes: a literature review to delineate a problem or gap in knowledge; a statement of research aims or objectives, as well as research questions and / or hypotheses; explanation of research methods; presentation and analysis of data; discussion of conclusions; an abstract.
Permission to continue the Planning Dissertation is subject to a satisfactory research proposal which must be approved by your supervisor by week 3 of semester.
The dissertation will be marked by two examiners. Dissertations are due at the end of the first week of exams for the semester in which you are enrolled in Planning Dissertation 2. Note that only one submission is required for both Planning Dissertation 1 and 2. It is not possible to complete Dissertation 1 independently of Dissertation 2. Students who intend a shorter project should enrol in PLAN9018 Planning Report.

This unit is designed to fill a significant gap in the evolution of the urban and regional planning syllabus. Development project assistance is a multi billion dollar industry with Australia alone contributing significantly through projects and technical assistance in Africa, Asia (east, south and north) and the Pacific. Additionally are the programs of the multilateral agencies like the World and Asian Development Banks and those of the largest donor countries of Japan, United States and European nations. There are many parallels between urban and regional plan making and the design of development projects. Indeed, some planning consultancies are primarily engaged in international development assistance work. Differences in context, approach, content and implementation place particular demands on development project designers that are not addressed in standard land use planning texts. Additionally, expenditure of large sums of public money has brought with it demands for quality assurance (QA) assessment at each stage of the development project activity cycle. An introduction to QA methodology and practice is a necessary component of development project design.
International development assistance is a huge business employing large numbers of Australian consultants, contractors and supplying companies together with those of partner governments. Planners contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of development projects in most of the neighbouring countries of Asia and the Pacific. Development project design is conditioned by several key elements including: components of the project activity cycle, thematic policy goals and essential quality assurance requirements. This unit is designed for planners who may work in the field of international development.
By the end of this unit of study you should have an understanding of the role and scope of development assistance project planning; an ability to undertake the studies required at each stage of the development project activity cycle; familiarity with the fundamentals of development project design; ability to comply with design conditions imposed by the key policy themes of: poverty, gender equity, environmental and sustainability focused development objectives; familiarity with the scope and character of urban and regional planning project design and implementation in the Asia-Pacific region; and an understanding of quality assurance assessment methodology in development project assessment.
The unit reflects the increasing internationalisation of Australian planning practice. It caters to the needs of local and international students intending to work on urban and regional planning projects within a development assistance context.

This unit introduces the key policy and planning issues associated with the "production" and "consumption" of housing. These range from the physical location and sustainable design of new housing, through to the dynamics of the housing market, and the contribution of housing strategies to urban and regional revitalisation. The unit focuses on emerging themes in housing and urban development, and develops practical skills in designing strategic planning, policy, and project based responses to encourage more affordable, appropriate and environmentally sustainable housing outcomes for urban and regional Australia. By the end of this unit of study you should understand the basic structure and operation of housing markets; be familiar with important policy objectives for housing within the broader context of sustainable urban or regional development, such as sustainability, affordability and appropriateness of design; and understand the relationships between these policy objectives and the land use planning framework. You will also learn the basic skills associated with the housing development process, from financial feasibility through to the design and approval of a particular project.

This unit is concerned with using GIS to analyse planning problems and undertake policy analyses. The unit will include a comprehensive introduction to mapping and the use of GIS: data structures, topology, projections, spatial and non-spatial queries. Australian census products will be described and students will be expected to analyse census statistics using GIS maps. The role of GIS in coordinating various forms of information for policy analyses, preparing master plans, in presenting information for development control, impact analyses and wider management purposes will also be covered. The use of GIS to support visualisation will be covered, using examples about designing development projects and planning instruments. Finally, the various forms of distributing maps to the public and policy-makers will be discussed.
The unit integrates the hands-on learning of GIS software with a `research-based` approach. Teaching will involve short lectures, studios and workshops. Assessment will be on a series of smaller assignments and a larger report prepared by each student that integrates GIS-based (and other) graphics into a coherent policy analysis. In addition, each student will make oral presentations on their work in studio sessions.

This unit will cover the elements of public and community finance relevant to planners. The need for this unit has become more significant as planning policies shift from the regulatory towards direct engagement with the financial underpinnings of urban development. The unit will be divided into three modules. The first will cover the basics of business finance, including: the roles of equity and debt, analysing business finance statements (current account, balance sheets etc) and, understanding the role of depreciation, working capital, fixed capital and real estate finance. Students will learn to prepare basic feasibility studies using spreadsheets. The second module will focus on public finance. This will include discussion of the regulation of the banking sector, bonding authority and bonding, public revenue sources including the rating system, and public decision making, including issues of discounting and alternative discount rates. It will also consider the government's roles in financing urban development, (land, infrastructure besides buildings etc) and the related roles of departments and corporatised agencies with implementing public policy and managing urban development.
The final module will focus on the financing arrangements between government and private sector agencies, including public-private partnerships and development agreements. It will consider different forms of organizations for undertaking and owning urban development, and examine innovative arrangements drawn from overseas experience and consider their relevance to Australia.
Class preparation:12hours each of the two weeks, assessment preparation:40.hours/semester

The unit outlines the nature of urban morphology, and its rise as an area of study, and explores the evolution of city forms with an emphasis upon urban structure and typology. Most designed components of our cities conform in their general characteristics to identifiable types; they reflect the functions of cities, cultural values and the technological, economic and social circumstances of their times. These have been laid down over particular landforms and previous built forms and landscapes to result in usually complex, and often distinct, local characteristics.
The ability to recognize, investigate and respond to these forms and relationships lies at the heart of good urban design. The development of an historical knowledge, and of sensibilities and skills in the recording and interpretation of urban pattern and form for design purposes is the unit's primary aim. It will develop abilities to make more informed 'readings' of the urban landscape, and judgments about structure and form in contemporary urban design: retention, modification, replacement, etc. On completion, a student will be better able to: recognize structures and patterns, and key building and spatial typologies that contribute to overall city morphology; record and describe these, investigate and explain their origins, and discuss informatively their place in urban change and contemporary design.
It complements the Urban Design - Ideas and Methods unit (ARCH9062) which emphasises the theories and models underpinning the forms that are covered in this unit. It is a core unit that supports the Urban Design Studios in the Urban Design programs and an informative elective for students enrolled in or intending to enrol in the Urban Architecture Research Studio.

This unit will introduce the conceptual bases for sustainable development and explore how principles of sustainability can be introduced into land use planning and urban design, including environmental management and multi-criteria evaluation methodologies in three modules:
Module 1 will examine the evolution of urban areas in relation to their biophysical setting using the Sydney metropolitan area as a case study. This will lead to an understanding and appreciation of the urban ecology of the city in terms of the flows of materials, resources and energy, and the challenges presented by climate change and peak oil.
Module 2 will introduce principles of sustainability and the history and development of concepts of urban sustainability.
Module 3 will introduce methods and frameworks for evaluating and measuring sustainability.

This introductory unit of study will provide students with the necessary skills to participate effectively in the urban design studios and will include site, spatial and public domain analysis, map and plan reading, visual, verbal and written communication techniques, and basic computer-based 3 dimensional modelling and numerical analysis. This unit will introduce students to the objectives and principles of urban design by analysing a number of public spaces, the spaces between buildings and the public domain and urban conditions in Sydney.

The aims of this unit are to develop practical skills in the methods and practices of conservation at an accepted professional level, and to interpret and apply the theory of practice taught in the mandatory core of the course in practical, on-site projects.
The unit focuses on culturally significant structures and cultural landscapes and includes: methods of survey and documentation (locating, describing and recording components with possible heritage value; identifying and reading historic fabric; historic and archival research methods; thematic history methods; pattern recognition; natural systems; settlements; cultural mapping; aesthetic analysis; material and stylistic analysis); evaluation methodology (assigning heritage significance); assessment methodology (establishing conservation priorities); and appropriate conservation actions (conservation and management plans, policies and strategies).
At the end of the unit the student will successfully demonstrate: an understanding of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter and the ability to prepare, in accordance with current accepted professional practice, a conservation plan of a place or places of cultural significance; skill in methods and techniques of analysis, assessment and documentation of cultural significance; and the ability to develop relevant policies and strategies for the conservation of a variety places of cultural significance.
The intended outcomes are achieved through inquiry, individual study and research and are demonstrated by each student upon the successful completion of set assignments. The assignments are constructed to allow each student to demonstrate his or her level of understanding of the accepted professional methodology and practice in the preparation and presentation of a conservation plan. Assessment criteria based on unit outcomes are used for the examination of the assignments.

This unit will cover one of the most fundamental aspects of heritage conservation. Designing infill and additions to historic buildings and precincts are the common practice of architecture throughout time in all cultures. From a multi-disciplinary background this course will aim to develop skills in the assessment of the cultural significance of existing buildings, the impact of new works to the heritage significance of historic buildings in existing contexts, visual and spatial literacy in the design of new fabric in old settings. The course will provide a wide range of examples, including wide international perspective.
The aims of the unit are to develop an understanding of the history of designing and building new buildings in old settings; to develop an understanding of the major theoretical and practical issues of designing new buildings in old settings; to develop an ability to critically assess the appropriateness of the design of the new in the context of the accordingly accepted current conservation practice in Australia.
By the end of the course the student will be able to produce, at a professional level a Heritage Impact Statement as defined by the NSW Heritage Branch.

The purpose of this unit is to help student is the intent to develop an appropriate level of knowledge in the development of the ideas and practices of conservation over an historical perspective from Classical times to the present in the Western and Non-Western context. Particular emphasis will be placed on the theoretical ideas and practices of Sir George Gilbert Scott, John Ruskin, the Arts and Crafts Movement, SPAB in England, Eugene Voillet-le-Duc in France. The study of architectural history will provide a broad survey of the development of Western architecture and garden design from the time of the Ancient Egyptians to the present as well as examining in greater detail the development of Australian Architecture from 1788 till the present time.
The principal aims of the unit are to develop an understanding of the history and theoretical basis of the development if the idea and practice of conservation from Classical times to the present. Additional to this another main aim id to develop an understanding of the historical development of Western traditions of architectural and garden design, as well as to develop a sound intellectual basis for the understanding of the theory and practice of current conservation practice in Australia and beyond.
By the end of the unit the student will successfully demonstrate an understanding of the history of the development the idea of conservation through time and in Western and non-Western traditions; an understanding of the development of Western traditions of architecture and garden design; and skills in the applying this knowledge in the assessment of cultural significance in the Australian and international context.
Student workload effort expected:class preparation: three hours per week; assessment preparation 40 hours per semester.

The aims of the course are to introduce students to broad range of specialists from the related fields of architectural conservation and related disciplines that specialize in the conservation of modern building fabric; to introduce students to the appropriate and accepted methods of the conservation modern architectural materials; and to familiarise students with the relevant literature pertaining to the domain.
The objectives of the course are to allow the student to develop a broad understanding of excellent contemporary conservation practice in the conservation of modern materials; to develop a broad understanding of good and bad practice in the conservation of modern materials. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to research and prepare academic paper related to the domain.
Class preparation: 1hour /week, assessment preparation: 15-20 hours/semester

The aims of the course are to introduce students to broad range of specialists from the related fields of architectural conservation and related disciplines who specialize in the conservation of traditional building fabric; to introduce students to the appropriate and accepted methods traditional construction and of the conservation traditional architectural materials; and to familiarise students with the relevant literature pertaining to the domain.
The objectives of the course are to allow the student to develop a broad understanding of excellent contemporary conservation practice in the conservation of traditional materials; to develop a broad understanding of traditional building methods; to develop an understanding of good and bad practice in the conservation of traditional materials. Students will be expected to demonstrate the ability to research and prepare academic paper related to the domain.
Class preparation: 1hour/week, assessment preparation: 15-20 hours/semester

The unit teaches knowledge and skills relevant to designing and planning the built environment. It engenders capability with designing buildings, places and urban form, having regard to a range of environmental design, planning and sustainability considerations.
The unit covers a range of related concepts and topics: designing for user comfort, quality built environments, and sustainability; key environmental design factors (air flow and ventilation; natural and artificial lighting; solar provisions; noise; energy efficiency, waste management etc); urban ecology and landscapes; natural environments and urban systems; innovative hydraulic systems; sustainable architectural and urban design; social dimensions of environmental design; lighting public places for safety, amenity and enclosure; designing secure and manageable public places; implementing ESD with instruments, guidelines and approvals; and environmental studies and development approval.
The key attributes engendered by the unit are: to be able to use concepts and methods in a sound and creative manner; to be able to solve relevant design problems; to be able to apply appropriate technical skills and knowledge; and to be able to produce appropriate reports and designs.

The aims of this unit are (1) to understand basic principles and decision making tools of sustainable environmental and resource planning and management through social science perspective; (2) to apply principles of resource and environmental management to assess the impacts of development activities through case study discussion, and (3) to help students formulating strategies to address environmental and resource management issues and enhance environmental equity and sustainability, particularly with respect to conducting, managing and evaluating environmental impact assessments and addressing the issues of stakeholders participation in collaborative planning and management of environmental and natural resources in Australia. This unit is especially relevant to government agencies, community groups and also non-government organisations involved in environmental and resource planning and management at local, regional, state and national levels; to international conservation and environmental management organisations; and to consulting firms, including those that specialise in environmental assessment and management. Through lectures, case study analyses and discussions, this unit aims to enable students to explore and understand how political and economic processes at various scales can influence environmental and resource management decisions and outcomes at local and regional levels, affecting the nature and extent of social and ecological outcomes in relation to moving towards achieving sustainable environmental and resource management.

The unit aims to develop a professional standard of competence in the generation and implementation of urban design and development controls; and to demonstrate a critical and reflective awareness of the philosophies, concepts and practice of urban design and development control.
The unit focuses on the development of design arguments, the translation of preferred design outcomes into development control codes, the legal framework of development controls and the comparison and contrasting of desired design outcomes against appropriate controls.
Students should be able to prepare clear and concise development controls, assess and report on the physical and social impact of alternative urban design and development control strategies, and prepare and evaluate design proposals. By the completion of this unit students will be expected to: understand the nature, history, and evolution of development controls; have fundamental notions of good urban design; critically examine design strategies and development controls and make inferences about the type and quality of urban design they are likely (or not) to produce; and develop skills in understanding the implications of overlaying development controls over the built environment. It is expected that: each student will demonstrate critical skills for assessing the soundness of policies, regulations, norms, and codes; students will be able to prepare case studies, which demonstrate understanding of various forms of development controls, and the ability to apply these to urban design proposals.

This unit focuses on emerging issues associated with the role of governments in housing, particularly the provision of housing assistance. The field of housing policy studies is extensive with a strong interdisciplinary base that provides a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives on housing issues facing professional housing workers, planners and architects working in Australia or abroad. The unit includes a comparative and historical perspective to increase awareness of differences in housing markets and housing needs, and to promote discussion of alternative approaches to housing policy. The unit will provide opportunities for students to discuss the policy making process and policy choices with practitioners working in different agencies and to analyse the drivers, objective and impacts of recent housing policy initiatives. Students will gain a comparative perspective on housing policy approaches using European and regional examples; and learn to analyse housing assistance needs and measures, including approaches for particular groups - for example housing for indigenous people and communities, housing models for people with support needs. The anticipated outcomes of the unit are to provide a conceptual framework for understanding the rationale for, and scope of, government intervention in housing; and to develop skills in developing and implementing policies that assist lower income earners and those with particular needs to access appropriate and affordable housing.