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Unit of study_
ARCH9063: Urban Form and Design
2025 unit information
The unit explores the complexity and evolution of city form and the influences of planning and design processes and practice. Using Australian and international case studies, the unit will investigate how urban functions, cultural values; technological, socio-economic and political circumstances; and design theory and practice shape the form of specific cities over time. The course is offered with a strong commitment to understanding the relationship of urban design and form to Aboriginal culture and Country including practical examples of how to embed these into practice. It also notes the importance of understanding how concepts such as grids, place names, land ownership patterns, and ‘expert’ approaches to land and water management have been part of colonial planning systems, and thinking through ways of decolonising these approaches.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Urban and Regional Planning and Policy |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
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ARCH9100 |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
?
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ARCH9021 |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Some prior study of architectural, urban or planning history |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. recognise major urban structuring elements and patterns, and key building and spatial types in the urban environment
- LO2. record and describe these structures and patterns and their evolution both graphically and in words
- LO3. investigate and explain key changes in the urban fabric and their influences (cultural, economic, philosophical, geographic and technical)
- LO4. discuss the relationship between urban forms and the broader planning and urban design objectives for a place; in particular the extent to which forms limit or facilitate particular desirable patterns of living and working
- LO5. analyse and interpret urban form for urban design and physical planning purposes
- LO6. explain urban contexts for architectural, heritage and landscape design purposes in a methodical and coherent manner
- LO7. work effectively with others to deliver consolidated assessment outcomes.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2025
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
