ARCH71-112: Contemporary Theory of Architectural Design and Urbanism

This subject exposes students to the current architectural and urban theories in contemporary practice and disciplinary discourse, which builds upon the knowledge students acquired during undergraduate studies on 20th and 21st-century architecture and urban planning within a wider historical context. Knowledge of contemporary theoretical and conceptual frameworks is intended to inspire creative topic development for the forthcoming Master of Architecture Design Thesis in developing one's own architectural position. The subject allows each student to contextualise a future proposal for the Master of Architecture Design Thesis by providing theoretical foundation for it through readings, precedent/case study investigations, speculation, reflection, critical thinking and rigorous analyses of relevant concepts and emerging trends in the discipline of architecture and environmental design nationally and/or internationally. The students are also encouraged to investigate topics addressing Country and First Nations' knowledge in design. The goal is to acquire skills in gathering information from various sources, defining the relevant key concepts, and synthesising the existing body of knowledge to support the theoretical foundation of each student's subsequent design thesis project.