Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Good design does not just happen—it is purposefully and carefully undertaken by skilled practitioners, valued by clients, and needs to be protected through delivery of the project. The procurement of a well-designed building starts with the appointment of a quality design team and the subsequent organization and management of the design process through to construction completion. Some approaches to the management of design can make it challenging to deliver quality outcomes particularly when design teams lack agency in the decision making process. One powerful way to help safeguard this is for good design to be ‘enforced' through policy, particularly at a state and/or federal level. In Western Australia the state has embraced a principal planning policy (SPP7 Design of the Built Environment) which sets a framework for achieving good design. Practicing architects and designers are now required to demonstrate to peers how their designs perform against 10 key principles of built environment quality.

This unit introduces the state design policy and the process of design review which is an increasingly important part of design practice. Guest lectures and case studies are used to illustrate the strategies used in relation the design quality principles in achieving quality design outcomes.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) differentiate between the different design quality principles used in the evaluation of architectural projects in Western Australia; (2) interrogate and explain the impact of design review on design quality of built environment projects; and (3) demonstrate understanding of the relationships between delivery of design quality and the process of design review undertaken in response to State Planning Policy.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) short tutorial paper and presentation and (2) a report, including a case study. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Anthony Duckworth
Contact hours
up to 3 hours per week for up to 12 weeks
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.