Outline

Overview

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

Academic unit	Urban and Regional Planning and Policy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	ARCH9100
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ARCH9021
Assumed knowledge ?	Some prior study of architectural, urban or planning history
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ian Woodcock, ian.woodcock@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	A3 URBAN ASSEMBLAGES II - PRESENTATION animated mixed media slideshow / video	20%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Nov 2025	5 min max. video/animated slideshow	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	A3 URBAN ASSEMBLAGES II - REPORT Illustrated report equivalent to 2,000words	20%	Formal exam period Due date: 17 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 27 Nov 2025	ADD	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	A1 SENSING COUNTRY In-class presentation	20%	Week 04 Due date: 25 Aug 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 26 Aug 2025	10 slides (Max), 5 Minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	A2 URBAN ASSEMBLAGES I - PRESENTATION Audio-visual oral presentation	20%	Week 10 Due date: 13 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Oct 2025	15 Minute max. Slide presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	A2 URBAN ASSEMBLAGES I - REPORT Illustrated Report equivalent to 4,000 words	20%	Week 10 Due date: 13 Oct 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 14 Oct 2025	Illustrated Report 4,000 word equivalent	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

SENSING COUNTRY This individual assessment is focused on researching and then walking through a place to explore the use of the senses to understand Country.
URBAN ASSEMBLAGES I: Students will work in groups to examine the evolution of urban form in terms of its impacts on Country and subsequent development to the present day and beyond.
URBAN ASSEMBLAGES II: Individuals will engage more deeply and in detail with part of the place studied for Urban Assemblages I, drawing on theory from readings, lectures, additonal fieldwork, mapping and archival research.
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:

Standard School of Architecture, Design & Planning policy on late submissions

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
Multiple weeks	Class attendance	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 01	INTRODUCTION TO URBAN FORM AND DESIGN	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	SENSING COUNTRY	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	WATER AND CITIES	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	A1 Presentations: Sensing Country	Presentation (3 hr)
Week 05	THEMES & TECHNIQUES 1: Country, Lines & Landscapes	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	MAPPING COLONIAL LAND GRANTS: Making Property Strange	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	THEMES & TECHNIQUES 2: Blocks, Lots, Streets & Creeks	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	RAILWAYS and the evolution of urban form	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	URBAN FORM AND ACTIVITY SPACES	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	A2 Group Presentations: A2 URBAN ASSEMBLAGES I	Presentation (3 hr)
Week 11	MICRO-URBAN MORPHOLOGY: Urban Interfaces	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	SPECTACLES, GENTRIFICATION & URBAN FORM	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	DESIGNING CONNECTIONS WITH COUNTRY - INDIGENISING PLACES	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study as per School resolution. Absence from class will require application for Special Consideration against the learning activity 'Class Attendance'.

https://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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Required readings will be provided via Canvas as the semester progresses

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. 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.

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.

Assignments have been reduced from four to three; Minor changes have been made to lecture sequencing and timing of presentations and submissions, all intended to spread study load more evenly in a more logical and focused way.

Additional information

Additional costs

Additional costs may be incurred in the purchase of drawing materials and the preparation of presentations.

Site visit guidelines

Wear appropriate footwear and clothing; always carry student ID; treat all people, animals, vegetation and built form with respect and courtesy; pay attention to directional and regulatory signage; refrain from making site visits in bad weather and when visibility is poor; always carry drinking water with you. Plan ahead, don't take un-necessary risks, use active and public transport wherever possible, you need to be able to look around you. Carry a notebook and writing implement at all times. Turn your headphones off, keep your ears and eyes open. Put your smartphone away except for taking photos or videos, you will need the full suite of five senses and spatial awareness to get the most out of field observations and the journeys involved as ways of learning about urbanism.

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARCH9063: Urban Form and Design

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

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links