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

How is the future of architecture? If there is a common denominator characterising the contemporary world, it has to do with change and transience. We are surfing the waves of a society in constant change with increasingly unpredictable consequences. The time of post-modernism is a time without certainties while, as inhabitants of transitory society, it seems we are deprived of even the means to forecast the future. In the absence of certainties, individuals, and particularly designers, are required to connect episodic, short-term projects in new, meaningful ways. This fragmented way of living and designing requires considerable adaptability and flexibility. Accordingly, it is necessary to ask how the architect can work with this context of transience and uncertainty. In other words: Is there potentially new opportunity in the instability and constant change of evolving urban, social and economic contexts? If so (and it seems to be the case), how can the architect adapt and acquire new ways of thinking and designing in order to work with uncertainty? Students will engage the techniques of popular culture to imagine and visualize near future worlds. Using data visualization, mapping, and collage, students are encouraged to develop their own unique body of work about the emerging conditions of the twenty-first century.

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

Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the changing context of the contemporary world from a social, philosophical and technological point of view; (2) research and analyze data to visualize near future scenarios; and (3) develop visual tools and narratives to communicate new architectural spaces and urban scenes..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) short essay and data visualisation and (2) graphic portfolio. 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)
Associate Professor Fernando Jerez
Contact hours
3 hour seminar each week
  • 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.