The course considers the aesthetics of contemporary selected local and overseas design approaches such as the aesthetics of the New Urbanism. Also considered are major urban interventions such as designing for the Olympics and the revitalisation of devastated cities. Topics studied may include historic and theoretical issues about style, cultural difference, context and townscape, tradition, authenticity, proportion, scale, materiality and technology. Selected case studies are presented on significant and controversial buildings, projects, and architects/designers, from Australia and overseas. Assessment by essay and design study. Course may be offered in compact mode, including weekends.