Architecture and Culture Research Topics and Methods
PostgraduateCUR-MAA4012025
Build up an understanding of the theory and history that informs architectural practices in urban environments.Reflect on how cultural considerations underpin an architect's decision-making process. Explore the interplay between city and climate.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 23 Nov 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Mar 2025,
- 1 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $3,464
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Architecture and Culture Research Topics and Methods
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- critically analyse and communicate First Nations world view and practices around Caring for Country drawing on relevant disciplinary knowledge
- communicate orally and in writing, appropriate to the discipline and the principles of academic integrity
- evaluate and synthesise design principles for developing economically sustainable built environment that puts an equal emphasis on health and well-being outcomes for Country
- examine and apply Indigenous cultural practices and research methods specific to First Nations social, cultural and environmental built environment design
- The role of built environment design in enhancing Connection to Country.
- Physical and virtual healing centre design.
- How the natural and built environment can be used as tools for healing.
- How built form erasure can lead to memory erasure.
- How personal and communal memory can be embedded in the landscape and built environment.
- Participatory Action Research in built environment co-design.
This subject was previously known as Architectural Culture Research Topics 1.
Students use critical and analytical skills to develop an advanced understanding of themes, concepts and research methods relating to the theoretical, historical, social and cultural aspects of architecture and urban environments. Students are provided with a particular focus on exploring and understanding of the Australian First Nations worldview, and of Indigenous practices and Indigenous research methods. Students will be expected to gain knowledge of Caring for Country practices and implications for Country as an aspect of environmentally sustainable landscape. This will be done through a range of First Nation literature, design precedents and through a meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. A fieldwork component is dependent on the focus of the research.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integritymodule.
- Abstract and objectives (20%)
- Oral presentation of Data (30%)
- Scholarly Research Essay (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- CUR-MAA-MAS-2025 - Master of Architecture
Elective
- CUR-FAST-MAS-2025 - Fast track your Curtin on campus study (Postgraduate)
- OUA-PSU-GCE-2025 - Postgraduate Single Subjects
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-MAA400 (Not currently available)
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Audio video equipment required
- Other requirements - Access to the Internet
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
PostgraduateCUR-MAA-MAS
Fast track your Curtin on campus study (Postgraduate)
PostgraduateCUR-FAST-MAS
PostgraduateOUA-PSU-GCE