Outline

Overview

Design 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. Urban Design Studio: Urban Precinct is concerned with developing design propositions that respond to the changing environmental, economic and social context of the city and that challenge 'business as usual' practice. Projects are carefully chosen to explore large complex urban areas, such as urban centres, waterfront precincts, renewal precincts, institutional campuses or major infrastructure interventions. The studio will generate proposals for major urban structures, spaces and forms which are rigourously informed by design methodologies. Inter-disciplinary group work is an essential part of the studio and integrates the broad range of backgrounds and skills of the students while mimicing the reality of practice. The central aim of this unit is to develop illustrative, writing and verbal skills which will enable students to carry out urban design projects such as the preparation of strategies, frameworks, master plans and public domain concepts in a professional and visionary manner. Students will be expected to demonstrate appropriate problem recognition, investigative, analytical, interpretative, design and presentation skills and abilities on projects of major urban scale. Assessment may also embrace abilities to prepare and interpret project briefs, program proposals and work in groups.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Urban and Regional Planning and Policy
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	ARCH9100
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Deena Ridenour, deena.ridenour@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Master Plan Presentation (Final) Verbal and graphic presentation in class	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59	15-25 slides, 15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Individual design journal Weekly written and graphic documentation of individual design work	30%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59	Refer to Canvas for content list;	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Precedent Study Drawings, cad file and digital modelling, site photo survey	10%	Week -03 Due date: 17 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 18 Aug 2025	6 A3 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Analysis Presentation Verbal and graphic presentation in class	10%	Week 05 Due date: 31 Aug 2025 at 23:59	15 slides 10 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Design Scenario Presentation (Mid-term) Verbal and graphic presentation in class	20%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Sep 2025 at 23:59	15 - 20 slides 15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Waterfront Precedent: Students research and document a built precedent through site photos, accurate drawings and 3d modelling for a Sydney waterfront site. The study conclude with the identification of key urban elements and characteristics. Findings are shared in class. Demonstrates individual drawing skills. (10%)
Urban Analysis Presentation: This assessment analyses in drawings the planning, urban, environmental and social context for the project and syntesises the findings into draft opportunities and constraints drawings with supporting bullet points to guide the design process. Analysis includes the spatial attributes of the urban form, the qualities of the place and the inhabitants who live and work there. (10%)
Structure Plan (Mid-term): This assessment proposes a structure plan for the whole study area and describes through drawings and images design principles for the movement network, blue green network, character areas, and building typologies. The graphic and verbal presentation will be reviewed by a guest design jury. (20%)
Master Plan Presentation (Final): This assessment develops a local centre and corridor plan at a more detail scale within your group’s structure plan. A three-dimensional master plan demonstrates how the design addresses the group vision, objectives and structure plan prinicples to create a compelling alternative to current practice. The master plan describes the spatial distribution of urban form, open spaces, street layouts and types, building typologies and the human scale experience. Group coordination is required to design and document the master plans inalignment withthe group structure plan. The graphic and verbal presentation will be reviewed by a guest design jury. (30%)
Individual design journal: Throughout the term each individual will keep a record of their weekly design thinking and drawing exploration as well as specific tutorial task requirements in a design journal. The journal will compile scanned hand drawings, digital drawings, precedent research and reflective text to demonstrate the design development and learning process. Design reflection text of 300 words (maximum) is required for each weekly entry, including presentation weeks. (30%) This is a hurdle task as it demonstrates individual participation, contribution to the group project and achievment of core individual design skills.
Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator.
Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per university policy.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Studio introduction Lecture; Connecting w Country Lecture; Urban Setting Tutorial	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 02	Understanding context; Precedent research; Drawing skills (online)	Field trip (6 hr)
Week 03	Blue Green Infrastructure Lecture; Waterfront Precedent Pin-Up; Mapping Tutorial	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 04	Movement and Place Lecture; Street Design tutorial; Light Rail Site Visit	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 05	Urban Infill Typology Lecture; Urban Analysis Presentations; Building Typology Tutorial (including yield calculations and 3d modelling)	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 06	Neighbourhood Structure; Design Scenario Workshop; Design Journal Check In	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 07	Site Specific Design Principles Lecture; Opportunities and Constraints Tutorial; Design Principles Tutorial	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 08	Design Scenario Presentation	Presentation (6 hr)
Week 10	Master Plan Design Lecture; 3d Modelling Workshop	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 11	Design Guideline Lecture; Master Plan Key Moves and Guidelines Tutorial; 3D Modelling; Career Discussion Panel	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 12	City at Eye Level Lecture; Draft Master Plan and Model Pin-Up	Lecture and tutorial (6 hr)
Week 13	Master Plan Presentations to guest jury	Presentation (6 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance at lectures and tutorials is expected.

Students are required to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study as per faculty resolution (2022)

https://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

Assessment 1a: Precedent Study is due on 17/08 at 11:59pm in canvas and students are expected to pin-up printed A3 pages at the start of tutorial at 2:00pm on 18/08.

Assessment 4: Design Journal is an individual assignment and is a hurdle task that must be passed to pass the course. This demonstrates your individual contribution to the group work and you achievement of learning outcomes.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Refer to Canvas;

Useful references will be provided in Weekly modules

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. investigate, understand, and communicate key features and characteristics of urban settings, and summarise the opportunities and constraints to be considered for urban design proposals
LO2. research and critically analyse current planning policies and strategic plans to understand planning context for the study area relevant to the design project
LO3. develop an appreciation for Country and opportunities for First Nations People's in the design process and its outcomes
LO4. identify users needs from available data, background reports, and site observations
LO5. define strategic objectives and design principles to support a clear urban proposition for the study area
LO6. demonstrate a basic understanding of movement networks across modes to inform street layout, street scape and building use distribution.
LO7. demonstrate an awareness of building types as a design tool for shaping local activity, diversity, and character
LO8. demonstrate the use of precedents to evaluate design ideas and to communicate design intent
LO9. quantify floor space, housing, and jobs projections
LO10. recognise the basic processes of land development, subdivision, and forms of tenure and ownership, and their implications for urban design
LO11. demonstrate a considered approach to the spatial definition, qualities, and uses of the public realm and its nexus with building form
LO12. describe and prioritise design criteria and recommendations to guide the evolution of the project over time
LO13. consolidate design investigations across the term, and present compelling urban design propositions in drawings with supporting diagrams and text
LO14. demonstrate effective contribution to group work and capacity to deliver studio outcomes through group collaboration.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Amendment to the courese included: - some of the lectures were reordered as student wanted a clearer understanding of the design process - tutorial topic were also adjusted to develop individual areas of knowledge and opportunities to reflect on overall design thinking and concept development

Additional information

Additional costs

Additional costs may be incurred for travel for site visits and final presentation, and in the purchase of drawing, modelling and presentation materials. Students are expected to bring A3 or A0 prints of drawings and maps to tutorials.

Site visit guidelines

Information will be provided in Canvas

Work, health and safety

Information will be provided in Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARCH9001: Urban Design Studio: Urban Precinct

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links