11205 Architecture and Landscape Thinking
6cp; 2hpw (lecture), 1hpw (workshop), alternating with 1hpw (lecture), 2hpw (workshop)Requisite(s): ((11211c Architectural Design: Forming OR 11171c Landscape Architecture Studio 1: Forming) AND (11212c Architectural History and Theory: Orientations OR 11172c Landscape History and Theory 1) AND 11214c Spatial Communications 1)
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 11213 Introduction to Theory and Architecture
Undergraduate
Description
This core subject is designed for students commencing their studies in architecture and landscape architecture. The central aim of the subject is to demonstrate the importance that critical thinking and iterative working methods play in the development of good design thinking. The subject fosters an understanding of the design act by helping students develop an analytical, contextually situated awareness of the built and natural environments. Studio workshop sessions introduce the following approaches to design thinking: observation and collection of data; data visualisation, iterative development through drawing, prototyping and design-focused critique. The lectures provide a broader context for the application of these skills by introducing the students to the broader community of design.
The subject reinforces an analytical and contextual aware design practice for two reasons. First, the subject values the capacity of designers to respond thoughtfully to broader issues facing contemporary practice. Second, it provides students with the skills to use lateral thinking and to synthesise complex ideas.
The subject builds an awareness of how designers approach the act of design by asking students to work progressively through a series of complex problems. Centred around a series of exercises, these problems introduce students to the main approaches and methods required in design thinking. The workshops introduce active skills of making, testing, and analysing to help build student confidence to act as thoughtful and critical design thinkers. The workshops address a recognised process of design thinking, which involves stages of empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping and testing. They also introduce self-reflective practice which is an important lifelong learning attribute. This subject works to prepare first-year students for the diverse responsibilities and opportunities offered by architecture and landscape architecture as creative professions.
Typical availability
Autumn session, City campus
Detailed subject description.