Outline

Overview

Integrated Urbanism Studio is a capstone unit for the Master of Urbanism. The studio will be focussed on 'real world' strategic urban issues and the need for urbanists to formulate a compelling 'urban proposition' to convince the public, stakeholders, politicians and investors of the benefits of a particular approach or scheme. The studio will emulate practice by working with or being exposed to community groups, developers, politicians and practitioners to develop an appreciation of the strategic, economic, social and environmental context in which urban design and planning occurs. The specific intention will be to recognise and overcome the limitations imposed by professional 'silos' and give regard to, and reconcile the multitude of perspectives that are characteristic of the urban condition. Students will be working to develop abilities and skills (investigation, analysis and interpretation, design development and presentation) that enables them to prepare strategies, frameworks, concepts and master plans in a professional and visionary manner. Familiarity with economic, social and environmental factors, analytic and communication techniques will be assumed from previous units.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Urban and Regional Planning and Policy
Credit points	12
Prerequisites ?	Students must have completed 48 credit points of study in their graduate program
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Equivalent to 48 credit points in the degree
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sandy Burgoyne, sandy.burgoyne@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
Written work	Final Strategic Plan (submission) Final strategic plan document	40%	Formal exam period Due date: 09 Jun 2025 at 23:59	5000 words plus maps, tables, images etc	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Strategic Analysis (presentation and submission) In-class presentation	10%	Week 04 Due date: 18 Mar 2026 at 23:59	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Strategic Plan Development (presentation and submission) In-class presentation and submission	20%	Week 08 Due date: 22 Apr 2026 at 23:59	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Final Strategic Plan Presentation (presentation and submission) In-class presentation and submission	30%	Week 12 Due date: 20 May 2026 at 23:59	20 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessments

Assessment 1: Strategic Analysis and presentation (10%)

Conduct a metropolitan-scale assessment to identify at least two potential Transit Oriented Development (TOD) locations within a corridor or LGA(s) of Greater Metropolitan Sydney. Following a transparent multi-criteria analysis to compare options, a preferred location will be selected for strategic planning.

Assessment 2: Strategic Plan Development (30%)

In groups, you will develop a town centre strategic plan for the selected location, including vision, objectives, key moves, and staging. This will include identifying key urbanism themes to apply to the development and setting objectives and priorities for these.

Assessment 3: Presentation (20%)

Develop a group presentation,which includes individual thematic contributions of the Strategic Plan, and present this to an Industry Panel for feedback.

Assessment 4: Final Submission (40%)

Using the final feedback from the Industry Panel, refine the Strategic Plan and submit a professional Strategic Plan suitable for exhibition and stakeholder engagement.

This assessment will provide you with a chance to present your overall learning journey throughout the semester; in the format of submitting a Strategic Plan document, that includes the different stages and scales of decisions and interventions.

Attendance: 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 approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021(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:

Work submitted after the time established in the course description is subject to a percentage deduction based upon the tardiness of the submission

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	Introduction to the unit	Lecture (1 hr)
	Setting the Scene: Different perspectives on the Greater Sydney context.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Getting Started: Form group and establish group charter. Commence research on metropolitan context and location selection.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 02	Strategic planning and choices	Lecture (1 hr)
	Setting the Scene cont. Strategic planning and choices.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Establishing and applying strategic options analysis criteria.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 03	Strategic Planning and Choices cont.	Lecture (1 hr)
	Strategic planning and choices cont.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Interaction time for assignment work with a focus on Assessment 1: Strategic analysis and location selection.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 04	Assessment 1: Strategic Analysis ( Group presentations) Introduction to Assessment 2: Strategic Plan Development	Lecture (1 hr)
	Assessment 1: Strategic Analysis ( Group presentations) cont.	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Assessment 1 Strategic Analysis ( Group presentations) cont.	Practical (3 hr)
Week 05	Introduction to Assessment 2: Strategic Plan Development. Planning a Metropolitan Centre: Town Centre: Planning Framework	Lecture (1 hr)
	Town centre planning framework: Vision and Themes: setting objectives and priorities	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Interaction time for assignment work with a focus on Assessment 2: Strategic Plan Development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 06	Planning a Metropolitan Centre part 2: Action planning	Lecture (1 hr)
	Interaction time for assignment work with a focus on Assessment 2: Strategic Plan Development	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Interaction time for assignment work with a focus on Assessment 2: Strategic Plan Development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 07	Strategic Plan refinement	Lecture (1 hr)
	Questions, and interaction time for assignment work with a focus on the Centre strategic plan and implementation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Questions, and interaction time for assignment work with a focus on the Centre strategic plan and implementation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 08	Introduction to Assessment 3: Strategic Plan Presentation	Lecture (1 hr)
	In-class Presentations - Assessment 2 - Strategic Plan Development	Tutorial (2 hr)
	In-class Presentations - Assessment 2 - Strategic Plan Development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 09	Strategic Plan Refinement	Lecture (1 hr)
	Questions and interaction time for assignment work with a focus on Strategic Plan Development	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Questions and interaction time for assignment work with a focus on Strategic Plan Development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 10	Implementing the Strategy: Exhibition, finalisation, and delivery	Lecture (1 hr)
	Questions, and interaction time for assignment work with a focus on Strategic Plan Development	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Questions and interaction time for assignment work with a focus on Strategic Plan Development	Practical (3 hr)
Week 11	Communication strategies for presenting Strategic Plans	Lecture (1 hr)
	Draft strategic plan presentation (formative)	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Draft strategic plan presentation (formative)	Practical (3 hr)
Week 12	In-class Presentations - Assessment 3: Final Strategic Plan Presentation	Lecture (1 hr)
	In-class Presentations - Assessment 3: Final Strategic Plan Presentation	Tutorial (2 hr)
	In-class Presentations - Assessment 3: Final Strategic Plan Presentation	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	Final submission overview	Lecture (1 hr)
	Interaction time for completion of final submission	Tutorial (2 hr)
	Interaction time for completion of final submission	Practical (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

ADP resolutions extracts:
(1)
Students are required to be in attendance at the correct time and place of any formal or informal examinations.
(2)
Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for each unit of study.

https://rp-handbooks.sydney.edu.au/handbooks/archive/2022/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml.html

All information for the unit will be offered via Canvas.

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.

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 features and characteristics of urban settings, and summarise the opportunities and constraints to be considered for urban planning and design proposals
LO2. research and critically analyse current planning policies and strategic plans to inform strategic objectives for the study area
LO3. analyse and understand users’ needs from available data and research
LO4. define strategic objectives and key moves to support the public interest and to identify opportunities within the study area
LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the principles of movement networks (public transport modes, private and share vehicles, pedestrian and cycles) and car parking on spatial planning, connectivity, density and the public domain
LO6. recognise the basic processes of land development, subdivision and forms of tenure and ownership and their implications for urban design and planning
LO7. understand and apply the principles of opens space distribution and use in relation to user needs
LO8. understand and apply the principles of social equity in relation to the contribution urban design and spatial planning may contribute to achieving relative equality
LO9. demonstrate a consideration of sustainability and resilience principles at the strategic scale
LO10. demonstrate an awareness of building types and understand their role in facilitating local activity, diversity and character
LO11. understand the differences between the needs of government and the private sector in relation to land use, density and public benefit
LO12. define targets, criteria and/or development controls to facilitate implementation of the stated project objectives through planning policy or urban design frameworks
LO13. demonstrate the use of precedents to evaluate design ideas and to communicate design intent
LO14. consolidate design investigations across the term and present a compelling urban design propositions using appropriate visual and verbal materials and media
LO15. synthesise and consolidate an urban proposition into a succinct, well-argued presentation to address a specific stakeholder audience
LO16. demonstrate ability to apply an urban design and planning methodology at the strategic scale and to integrate both individual and group considerations
LO17. 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.

Student feedback has been taken into consideration since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Additional costs

Additional costs may be incurred for travel for site visits; and in the purchase of drawing material, presentation materials, and print.

Site visit guidelines

Site visit guidelines will be provided via Canvas and studio sessions.

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

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

ARCH9093: Integrated Urbanism Studio

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

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