This studio focuses on major urban projects in international cities. The location of the project will vary from year to year and typically involves two alternative locations, one of which is usually located in the East Asian region. The projects are typically large-scale urban interventions that are complex by nature and may include financial and commercial centres, tourism and recreation development, housing areas and associated transport, services, communications, and environmental management. Central to the studio is developing an understanding of the regional context in socio-cultural, political, economic and environmental terms through expert briefings and field investigations and consideration of these factors in the urban design process and appropriateness of the design products. The studio normally involves two weeks of intensive overseas studio and field work (sometimes in collaboration with a local university) followed by 5 to 6 weeks of studio work back in Australia. Note: Travel and associated costs for this project are in addition to the course fees.