The Future of Education

This paper explores the introduction of an innovative trial program to restructure an undergraduate foundation course in urban design at the University of Adelaide.

The authors challenge current pedagogical practice attempting to rectify a number of deficiencies in building fundamental understandings of core principles and approaches relating to Urban Design.

What has been developed in this course is an innovative methodology that better allows students to understand and apply basic underlying principles in urban design creating a structure and foundation for the remainder of their design studies over four years and into their future professional practice. As well this approach provides a structure to introduce and apply more effectively the creative thinking skills that students are expected to demonstrate in their work but from the authors observations not always evident or effectively taught in current curriculum programs and courses

The study is supported by a body of evidence appearing in the literature, from professional bodies in the discipline and also the author’s personal experience in educating designers over a number of years and their own architectural and urban design practice employing graduates in the discipline.