These studios are the heart of the urban design program. Values, knowledge and skills acquired in other units and from previous experience are supplemented and enhanced, and applied creatively to both the investigation and development phases of design projects at an urban scale. These may be concerned with the generation of strategies, frameworks, concepts, master plans, public space improvements, or other urban design purposes. They are chosen carefully to expose students to a range of contexts (central city, suburban, institutional campuses, etc) and contemporary issues concerning urban form, activity, transport and the implementation of projects.
Students are expected to extend their presentation methods by developing illustrative, writing and verbal skills appropriate to urban design. It is usual for the backgrounds of those enrolled in the studios to span at least architecture, planning and landscape architecture, with inter-disciplinary group work an essential part. Visionary and innovative approaches are encouraged.
Students will be expected to demonstrate appropriate (professional-level) problem recognition, investigative, analytical, interpretative, design and presentation skills and abilities on projects of an urban scale. Assessment may also embrace abilities to prepare and interpret project briefs, program proposals and work in groups.
The central aim of this unit is to develop abilities and skills (investigation, analysis and interpretation, design development and presentation) which will enable students to carry out urban design projects such as the preparation of strategies, frameworks, concepts and master plans in a professional and visionary manner.

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 elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment.
For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress.
For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic.
Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

This elective allows an individual to pursue an agreed topic with a member of academic staff, or for a group of students to pursue a topic proposed by a member of academic staff in a formal learning environment. For individual study arrangements this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills. The unit is undertaken with an agreement between the student and a supervisor on a topic related to the supervisor's expertise. The student will meet with the supervisor regularly to discuss progress. For group study arrangements the unit of study is available to engage in a topic that is organised by a member of academic staff. This allows a member of staff to teach a topic of special interest or for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their specialty. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic. Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises.

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 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.

This unit will introduce students to key controversies, theoretical propositions and practical innovations that have driven the historical development of heritage conservation. The unit covers ideas and examples from the ancient world until the present, with the main focus being on the period from 1850 until today.

The aim of the unit is to help students to arrive at a clear understanding of the concepts and practices that define the field and to promote a strong historical perspective on it. You will consider, for example, the meaning of, and differences between, conservation, restoration and reconstruction; the function of conservation protocols such as The Venice Charter, Burra Charter and Hoi Ann Protocols; the role of statutory lists, statements of significance and conservation management plans; the importance of advocacy and activism; the growth of world heritage and its relationship to human rights and cultural rights; and the ideas of cultural landscape and historic urban landscape. The unit will also challenge you to think about areas of practice and theory that challenge traditional approaches and knowledge such as indigenous heritage and the conservation of modernism.

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.

In this unit you will become familiar with the system of legal protections and policy instruments that underpin heritage conservation activity. You will explore the idea of cultural property and of shared environmental resources and the ways in which these are balanced with private property rights in heritage policy and law. Classes will address the varying levels at which heritage protections operate, from international protocols down to local planning schemes. You will become familiar with legislation, regulations, planning instruments and policies as well as the use of registers, inventories and other records of significant items. You will also become familiar with the roles and procedures of various government agencies involved in heritage conservation and develop an understanding of how such agencies utilize heritage studies and assessments, and how they develop heritage law and policy. You will consider how different instruments and heritage protections relate to different scales and types of place including landscapes, streetscapes, archaeological resources, gardens and individual buildings. You will consider how different sanctions and incentives achieve policy aims and support statutory obligations and you will be encouraged to explore innovative legal and policy mechanisms for preventing or redressing the destruction of historically significant places.

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 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 aim of the course is to form and develop interdisciplinary collaboration in design teams of students design and non-design related backgrounds and to work collaboratively following accepted levels of contemporary architectural and conservation professional practice. Additionally, it is intended that students will develop a critical ability to assess the appropriateness of the design of new additions to existing buildings of recognised heritage value.
The course objective is to analyse a given site with an existing building of identified heritage value and for the design-based students to prepare, with a given brief, a contemporary addition that is both a credible work of contemporary architecture whilst at the same time a sensitive and appropriate addition that respects the cultural significance of the existing building. The non-design based students will act as heritage consultants, in accordance with best professional practice and concurrently prepare for the proposed design a Heritage Impact Statement that conforms with the NSW Heritage Branch guidelines and standards of practice.
Class preparation: 2 hours/week

This elective unit will help build the skills and knowledge to design and implement forms of dialogue, deliberation and engagement that are most effective. In the context of major changes to the way planning and design is carried out in NSW and more widely, this is an opportunity to develop independent study skills and perspectives on engagement and collaboration in planning and urban design. The unit allows for a visiting academic to teach a subject related to their speciality. Students will participate in lectures, tutorials, or other activities as needed to pursue the elective topic. Students will develop an understanding of a special topic through reports, projects, and/or tutorial exercises. The workshop format is a stimulating combination of practical experience and scholarly learning, involving people working in the field of community engagement and public participation - planners, urban designers, consultants, change agents, community development practitioners, policy makers, government staff - who have an interest or a requirement to engage citizens or communities.

The unit's primary aim is to develop international and intercultural perspectives on design and planning practices affecting spatial organisation across multiple scales (from building to city), and the transferability of these between different cultures. The studio will introduce aspects of the country of the collaborating university (culture, values, beliefs, history and geography) that have influenced spatial predispositions and practices. The urban structures, patterns and building types, and design and planning approaches, including regulatory principles arising from a different cultural setting will be explored. Theories and analytical approaches concerned with interactions between form, use and movement at urban and architectural scales particular to the country will provide an inherent critique of many of Australia's ideas and methods. The unit will offer the challenge of developing architectural, urban design and urban planning proposals in a different context. A range of projects will be available to suit participants' respective backgrounds (disciplines).

The urbanism Report is a substantial project involving research conducted over one semester. It will usually take the form of an illustrated report (between 5,000 and 10,000 words) on an approved subject of the student's choice. The aim of the unit is to allow students to deepen their understanding, and methodological approach in relation to an aspect of urbanism of the student's choice and with the approval of the program director. The subject may be of a practical bent (e.g. review or preparation of an urban design, or urban development project) or more theoretical (e.g. review of a conceptual viewpoint), or it may occupy the middle ground (e.g. exploration of a contemporary issue or review/testing of a method). If of a more practical nature, its theoretical underpinning should be explicit. If more theoretical, it should refer to its practical implications. The report is an opportunity to advance knowledge and skills in a particular area of urbanism and so develop a 'professional edge'. The aim of the Report is to enhance abilities and knowledge essential to the practice of urbanism.

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 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 and how they evolve. The second part of the unit equips students with core technical skills, including project evaluation, economic impact analysis, development feasibility, and introductory aspects of public finance. A Key focus of the course is to equip students with a very good working knowledge of property feasibility analysis.

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 urban 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 and who have an interest in better understanding urbanisation, especially in the Pacific Region. By the end of this unit of study you should have an understanding of the role and scope of urban 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 in better managing urbanisation, especially within the Pacific Region. 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 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.

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 planner. A key emphasis in the unit is understanding the skills needed to undertake strategic planning at a range of levels (both process and content). 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. This course will provide students with the basic skills required to function as a planner and it will also act as an introduction to a number of other units in the program by highlighting the connection between the work of a planner and the need to understand a range of different knowledge and skill areas. The basic skills which will be covered include basic demographic analysis, graphic presentation, governance audits, consultation strategies and survey tools, economic analysis, and GIS. 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 primarily concerned with planning, land use and infrastructure within the built environments. It emphasises 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 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 group work (with practitioners involved) so as to understand how the plan making process evolves and is constructed. Questioning the assumptions and values that underpin planning controls and guidelines is a key skill emphasised in the unit via the group work. 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.

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 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 aims of the internship are to provide a direct link between the academic core of the course and the disciplines and methods of practice; to enable candidates to experience aspects of practice and provide the opportunity for them to work in areas of the field outside their specific expertise; to enable candidates to observe, analyse and comment on the interaction between theoretical and practical issues of their Program as it is practiced, and to establish connections between practice and the development of relevant research programs. The internship is intended to provide the opportunity for students to work in various situations in their Program's area. A secondary intention is that students use the opportunities of placement to broaden their own experience beyond the limitations of their chosen discipline. Candidates must find a suitable professional placement. Permission to enrol is given after the proposed placement has been approved by the Program Director. The host organisation will nominate a supervisor for the student for the internship. The student must complete at least 120 hours of full or part-time experience, supervised by a practicing designer (or other professional depending upon the field). A log-book of each day's work, signed by the supervisor must be submitted on completion. A 2,000-word report on the benefits of the internship must also be produced. At the end of the internship the student will: demonstrate that they have completed a program of work (through a log-book); present a report; analyse their experiences and compare these to the theoretical content of the units they have completed, and suggest appropriate research directions so as to improve the complementarity of theory to practice.