Architecture and Urban Design Thesis (ABPL90448)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject is the culmination of each student's studies in Master of Architecture and Master of Urban Design double degree. It will consist of a number of autonomous studio groups offering a range of opportunities for students to demonstrate an original approach to design synthesis in urban design and architecture, which is based on research and critical thinking. These studios will offer an interdisciplinary experience, and in some cases students may be working alongside others in a parallel design discipline.
Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of conceptual engagement with the shaping of urban and architectural space, design resolution, and aesthetic expression.
With course coordinator approval, high-achieving students may undertake the Architecture and Urban Design Thesis as an individually supervised design investigation. Similarly, under exceptional circumstances and with course coordinator approval, the Architecture and Urban Design Thesis may be undertaken as a written thesis (Please see ABPL90067).
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate a capacity to make a contribution to the existing body of knowledge in architectural and urban design theory and practice.
- Demonstrate critical awareness of how their chosen specialisation contributes to this body of knowledge.
- Develop projects which demonstrate a capacity to formulate proposals at urban design and architectural scales.
- Situate a completed proposal within urban design and architectural knowledge, including its intersections with related design perspectives.
- Apply design as a form of research enquiry.
Generic skills
- Written, verbal and graphic presentation of ideas.
- Correct use of design terminology
- Ability to analyse social and cultural contexts
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Creative response to complex problems
- Ability to select the appropriate design approach.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
All of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABPL90438 | Design Studio D |
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| ABPL90439 | Design Studio E |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| ABPL90389 | Urban Design Studio C |
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
It is recommended to complete ABPL90140 Architectural Practice prior to enrolling in this subject.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Preliminary Thesis Proposal: Oral presentation (7 minutes) of research questions, accompanied by critical evaluation of relevant precedents from practice and research, and a draft 'thesis statement'
| Week 4 | 10% |
Interim design: Design crit comprising oral presentation (7 minutes) of refined research question accompanied by representations of design-in-progress, that might include including site investigations, sketches, drawings, maquettes, concept test models and/or digital multi-media experiments, as appropriate to the research.
| Week 8 | 20% |
Resolved Design: A fully resolved Architecture and Urban design thesis that explores the research question presented in two forms: A5 digital book that records the research investigation through text and visual representations that may include drawings, digital multi-media and physical models as appropriate to the design; and Design crit (10 minutes
| During the teaching period | 70% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Up to 80 hours: including 2 x 3 hours of studios and 8 x 1 hour lectures over the teaching period Total time commitment 340 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 - Semester 2
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Up to 80 hours: including 2 x 3 hours of studios and 8 x 1 hour lectures over the teaching period Total time commitment 340 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
Last updated: 4 March 2025