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 Project is concerned with the design development for a local urban project that explores how a specific design intervention can be a catalyst to broader urban change. Projects are carefully chosen to explore complex local urban sites or groups of sites and to generate proposals for public and private building types, streets, spaces and transport infrastructure that are rigourously informed by design methodologies. Implementation through staging, development controls and guidelines will also be addressed. 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 frameworks, master plans and public domain concepts in a professional manner. Students will be expected to demonstrate appropriate problem recognition, investigative, analytical, interpretative, design and presentation skills and abilities on projects of local 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 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Presentation	Master Plan proposal presentation (formative) and submission (summative) Master Plan Presentation Week 13 (formative) with group scheme and individual urban components; Master Plan Submission (summative) with updated design in response to design jury comments; 10% group and 10% individual	20%	Formal exam period Due date: 08 Jun 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes, 20 slides	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Design Journal Design Journal compiling individual work over semester to illustrate individual design knowledge and contribution to group project	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 08 Jun 2026 at 23:59	Digital submissions - no page limit	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Case Study Analysis Site photos and measured drawings demonstrating accurate urban form and analysis of urban elements	10%	Week 03 Due date: 09 Mar 2026 at 12:00	5 A3 pages	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Data analysis	Urban Analysis Urban analysis with summary of opportunities and constraints	10%	Week 04 Due date: 22 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 slides and 12 minute presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Concept Design Presentation Concept design for study area based on group precedent and analysis findings	20%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Apr 2026 at 23:59	15 slides, 15 minute presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

A1 - Case Study Analysis (individual): This assignment is an individual precedent study illustrating the context, urban form and design elements for a specific part of the city. The intent is to demonstrate student's drawing skills and accurate spatial representation of urban form.
A2 - Urban Analysis (group): This assignment is a group presentation of urban analysis for the study area which will culminate in a synthesis of the sites opportunties and constraints.
A3 - Concept Design Presentation (group): This assignment presents a group concept design for the study area based on urban precedent research and the application of principles to the study area.
A4 - Master Plan Presentation (group): This assignment includes two parts a) presentation of the developed master plan proposal to a guest design jury (formative); and b) a final submission of the ameneded presentation slides responding to jury feedback (summative). The master plan includeS group coordination for the whole study area and individual design development for specific components.
A5 - Design Journal (individual): This assignment is an individual design journal maintained throughout the semester demonstrating group contribution, individual design development skills and achievement of the course learning outcomes. It documents specific tasks during the term as outlined in the course syllabus.
Peer reviews of group contribution are also submitted at week 8 and 8 June.

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 (1 hr)
	Studio brief; urban setting	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio work	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Tutor guided site visit to Crows Nest - Studio precedent study area	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Studio work in Crows Nest	Practical (4 hr)
Week 03	St Marys Urban Context and Current Master Plan	Lecture (1 hr)
	Precedent studies, Connecting with Country	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio work	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Urbanity, Density and Walkability	Lecture (1 hr)
	Opportunities and constraints	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio work	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Urban Design and Coding	Lecture (1 hr)
	Precedent research	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Analysis presentations	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Understanding blocks, lots and building types	Lecture (1 hr)
	Concept design	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio work	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Mixing uses and designing built form	Lecture (1 hr)
	Key moves and design principles	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio work	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Concept Design Presentation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Studio work	Practical (4 hr)
Week 09	Urban form design and measurement	Lecture (1 hr)
	Modelling and measuring urban form	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio work	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Street and Open Space Design	Lecture (1 hr)
	Design scenarios	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio work	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Place Qualities and Human Experience	Lecture (1 hr)
	Design for place experience	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio work	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	Design Review	Lecture (1 hr)
	Design review and master plan learnings	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Studio work	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Draft Master Plan	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Draft Master Plan	Practical (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

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 class schedule and weekly modules in Canvas.

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. Methodically investigate, understand and communicate key physical and social characteristics of the existing and planned urban context, and summarise the opportunities and constraints to inform an urban design proposal.
LO2. Synthesise analysis findings and design investigations into design objectives and principles to guide and evaluate qualitative and quantitative performance of design propositions.
LO3. Develop an appreciation of First Nations people and apply cultural awareness and knowledge of Country to projects.
LO4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of movement networks and the implications for connectivity, street design and development density.
LO5. Demonstrate an ability to design and document three-dimensional urban form, public spaces, building envelopes and building types across scales from the precinct to the lot.
LO6. Demonstrate the role of comparative analysis and the use of good precedents in defining and explaining urban design.
LO7. Recognise the basic processes of land development, subdivision, and forms of tenure and ownership and their implications for urban design.
LO8. Use appropriate visual and verbal communications to present a well-argued design proposition for a specific stakeholder audience.
LO9. Demonstrate ability to apply an urban design methodology to deliver a coordinated and synthesised group proposition across the term.

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.

The course study areas have been amended. The area and design scope is retained. A station precinct has been changes to a second park precinct to enable the same level of exploration as the town park precinct. 3d models and in class charettes are retained in studio work to improve students spatial design and visualisation skills. A drawing skill tutorial has been added in week 1.

Additional information

Canvas:

Additional costs

Additional costs may be incurred for travel for site visits and final presentation to Council, and in the purchase of drawing, modelling and presentation materials. Refer to studio materials list on Canvas.

Site visit guidelines

Information will be provided in Canvas

Work, health and safety

Information will be provided in Canvas

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

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

ARCH9002: Urban Design Studio: Urban Project

Semester 1, 2026 [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