A cross-disciplinary and integrative approach to teaching Urban Theory and Design - blurring boundaries between the classroom and the real world experience

Reena Tiwari
Curtin University of Technology

Keywords: assessment activities; real world experience; urban design

As a response to the specific nature of units, Urban Theory and Urban Design, in the Masters Course in Urban Design and Bachelor in Architecture, a teaching approach has been developed that crosses the boundaries of the classroom and encourages students to have a first-hand experience of their future professional practice. This approach is Real (integrative), Cross-disciplinary, Cross-cultural and Community oriented and has been developed in various ways:

• by a thorough student assessment method which starts from careful selection of assessment projects which are closely aligned to learning outcomes. A range of assessment activities are provided which take students from foundation levels to embracing skills that would serve them well in their professional career;
• by organising seminars and workshops to expose students to current developments in the industry;
• inclusion of fieldtrips, both local and international, in the assessment tasks;
• by encouraging team work with students from varying disciplines; and
• by developing assignments that give an opportunity for a close interactive working relationship with local communities.

This approach is geared towards developing skills, of relating theory and analysis to practice in undertaking urban design, that become essential in the making of a good urban designer and an architect. Students are able to test their theoretical concepts in the real world. The real world experience is about cultivating a knowledge base that incorporates both global and local urban issues, and exposing students to the realities of politics and economics that underpin the design of any urban realm.