Course Title: Humanitarian Architecture
Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Humanitarian Architecture
Credit Points: 12.00
Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
ARCH1451 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
320H Architecture & Urban Design |
Internet |
PGRDFlex16 |
Flexible Terms
Course Code |
Campus |
Career |
School |
Learning Mode |
Teaching Period(s) |
ARCH1451 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
320H Architecture & Urban Design |
Internet |
PGRDFlex18 (All) |
ARCH1451 |
City Campus |
Postgraduate |
320H Architecture & Urban Design |
Internet |
PGRDFx2019 (ZZZZ) |
Course Coordinator: Professor Esther Charlesworth
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 99253518
Course Coordinator Email: esther.charlesworth@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: TBC
Course Coordinator Availability: TBC
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
Course Description
In this course you will profile the emerging movement of’ humanitarian architecture’ and the significant role that designers can play in the aftermath of disaster. Comparable in intent with the fields of humanitarian law and medicine, the emerging field of humanitarian architecture connotes using design skills to assist vulnerable communities, particularly after the crises of social conflict, war and natural disaster. You will investigate the different contributions that built environment professionals can make after disaster by examining case studies of ’humanitarian architects’ who have been involved in post disaster recovery and development. Case studies will typically be located in vulnerable, marginal and impoverished communities that are confronted with increasingly frequent and intense disasters, where correspondingly sensitive design approaches are required.
Key questions that will be considered include:
Why should architects be involved in humanitarian work and the often complex projects needed to deal with the recovery of post-disaster emergencies?
How can the design profession contribute to the long-term reconstruction processes needed to ensure the effective rebuilding of vulnerable communities after disaster?
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
-Critically analyse and reflect on contemporary discourses in humanitarian architecture
-Profile and review the contribution key figures working in the field of humanitarian architecture
-Deconstruct and critically evaluate the task of architects working in multidisciplinary teams concerned with large and complex post disaster and development projects.
Upon completion of this course you will be able to:
-Critically analyse and reflect on contemporary discourses in humanitarian architecture
-Profile and review the contribution key figures working in the field of humanitarian architecture
-Deconstruct and critically evaluate the task of architects working in multidisciplinary teams concerned with large and complex post disaster and development projects.
Overview of Learning Activities
You will engage in learning that involves a range of activities, such as discussions, group work and research. Learning how to analyse and comment on your own and others’ work will be achieved through individual presentations, reviews and discussions in groups. This course is offered in online mode only.
Overview of Learning Resources
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems including myRMIT. Additionally a list of recommended learning resources will be provided, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning. The University Library has extensive resources for students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies. The library provides guides on academic referencing: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.
Overview of Assessment
You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes.
Assignment 1 –Review of Humanitarian Architecture– Essay 3000 words-Individual 50%
This assignment meets the course learning outcomes.
- Critically analyse and reflect on contemporary discourses in humanitarian architecture
- Profile and review the contribution of key figures working in the field of humanitarian architecture
- Deconstruct and critically evaluate the task of architects working in multidisciplinary teams concerned with large and complex post disaster and development projects
Assignment 2 –Strategic Plan to work in the Disaster and Development Sectors–2000 words + images- Individual 50%
This assignment meets the following course learning outcomes.
- Critically analyse and reflect on contemporary discourses in humanitarian architecture
- Deconstruct and critically evaluate the task of architects working in multidisciplinary teams concerned with large and complex post disaster and development projects
Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/assessment-policy
The Student Charter provides an overview of key responsibilities of RMIT Staff and Students to ensure a successful experience of university life. www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/supporting-learning-and-teaching/student-charter/