Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102853

Coordinator Sebastian Pfautsch Opens in new window

Description Climate change, urban expansion and densification result in hotter microclimates and loss of green infrastructure. The increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves, floods and droughts require changes to how we design and retrofit existing neighbourhoods and build new suburbs. Contemporary urban planning and design principles recognise blue and green infrastructure as a 'must have'. Blue and green infrastructure is key to building cool and resilient cities capable of functioning well within the social, environmental and economic challenges of the 21st century. This unit provides knowledge about what it takes to deliver cool green cities. Focusing on practical applications at precinct or suburb scale, it enables students to implement learned principles in their professional practice.

School Social Sciences

Discipline Urban Design and Regional Planning

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Equivalent Subjects ARCH 7013 - Green Urbanscapes Bio-physical Functions and Services

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Discuss complex functional links between services provided by urban ecosystems and how climate change may alter these functions.
2. Examine current and anticipated extent of urban ecosystems in metropolitan areas.
3. Evaluate biophysical dimensions of environmental impacts from urban development to critically assess/apply strategies for managing and developing urban regions.
4. Integrate ecological benefits and economic incentives of urban blue and green infrastructure into planning processes for sustainable urban development.

Subject Content

Urban ecosystems and urban planning
Blue and green urban infrastructure
Threatened urban ecosystems and strategic conservation planning
Urban cooling
Principles of Biophilia for contemporary, sustainable urban planning