The principles and practices of urban planning and design shape the physical spaces and social lives of our towns and cities. In this unit, you will learn about the historic and theoretical context of urban design and planning, including Aboriginal approaches and perspectives. By gaining a deeper understanding of urban environments, you will build knowledge of contemporary towns and cities by studying key urban dynamics and processes such as climate change, colonisation, housing financialisation and liveability. Focusing on a socio-economically diverse area, you will apply this knowledge in formulating just urban policy and developing a strategic plan for urban change. You will also develop knowledge and skills in urban design by applying design principles in on-the-ground evaluations of urban streetscapes. In this unit, you will benefit from local, national and international case studies, field trips, and extensive engagement with built environment professionals such as architects, developers, designers and planners.