The Urban Report is a substantial project involving research conducted over one semester. It takes the form of a written and illustrated report (between 5,000 and 10,000 words) that is produced in response to a consultancy research brief. The aim of the unit is to build students’ skills and knowledge in conducting research within an urban research consultancy context. Depending on the research brief, the report may be: (1) be practically focused, such as the preparation of an urban design or urban development project; (2) be theoretically focused, such as a review of a conceptual viewpoint; or (3) occupy the middle ground, such as an exploration of a contemporary issue or review/testing of a theoretical method. The Urban Report is an opportunity to build skills and knowledge in a particular area of urbanism within a professional setting. The aim of the Urban Report is to enhance the student’s skills and knowledge in relation to the professional practice of urbanism.
The Planning Report is a substantial piece of research conducted over one semester. It takes the form of a report (between 10,000 and 12,000 words) on a topical urban and regional planning subject of choice. In some cases, the report is based on a priority thematic topic agreed with a local council in the Sydney metropolitan area. The Planning Report provides an opportunity to think critically about a planning problem and to develop an appropriate research methodology or analytical approach to address it. It advances knowledge in a real-world planning situation.
