The studio focuses on major urban projects in international cities. The location of the city will vary each year and involve 2 alternative locations. Central to the studio is developing an understanding of the urban context in socio–cultural, political, economic and environmental terms through expert briefings and field investigations, together with consideration of these factors in the urban design process and creative design outcomes. The studio normally involves two weeks of intensive overseas studio and field work (sometimes in collaboration with a local university or city agency) followed by 5 to 6 weeks of studio work back in Australia.