School of Design and
Architecture
Higher Education Division
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
Semester 2, 2024
Creation date: 2024
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
1. Project Background
2. Explanation of the Project
2.1 Scope
2.2 Constraints/Limitations
2.3 Considerations
2.4 Learning Materials & Resources
3. Requirements and Deliverables
4. Project Deadline
5. Teaching Method
6. Learning Objectives
Appendices: Assessment Sheet & Cover Sheet. Attach to the front of your essay.
Project Background
This project requires students to engage with a contemporary design issue that is relevant to
their particular design or media interests. Designers and media practitioners are required to
think broadly and deeply about the ways in which political, economic, social, technological
and environmental changes affect how and where they work, the kind of work they do and
every aspect of the reception and use of their designs/productions and management of
projects. They need to develop an understanding of the professional and ethical issues
related to their practice, minimising the use of resources, their capacity to contribute to better
environmental outcomes, and the social and cultural contexts their work will be received in
and influence. This assignment is intended to develop your knowledge of how design and
media are practised in the world today and your thinking about the kind of practitioners you
will aim to be.
Explanation of the Project
Scope
Select one of the questions about a design issue from the list below. Carefully consider the
question. You must read the set readings and watch the set media carefully, and think
critically about the ideas they present. Undertake additional independent research about the
issue. You must find relevant journal articles (not on the list), and seek out books and
websites. Research relevant examples of design or media to support and illustrate your
argument. Don’t rely solely on examples that have been introduced in tasks, studio learning
activities and lectures, you should seek out your own examples.
You will be required to submit an essay plan outlining your research, your examples, your
argument and relevant quotes from the set reading/viewing that you will use to support your
argument. Incorporate either visual analysis or an analysis of the chosen technology/
materials/ building/ manufacturing /production process of the examples in your own words.
Then write an argumentative article combining your ideas about the issue, the set reading,
your research and your own analysis.
The final article must be at least 1,500 words in length (no more than 1,700 words) and all
quotes must be acknowledged with double inverted commas, unless they are 3 or more
lines, in which case they must be indented. Reference to the source of quotes should be in
brackets according to the APA referencing system (as used in the questions below).
Here’s a link to the library guide:
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lib/studyhelp/referencing.htm.
Any significant research (statistics, a unique or new point of view) that you incorporate must
also be acknowledged with the source in a bracket. An illustration of each example
discussed should be included, should be numbered (ie Fig.1) and must have a caption
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
sentence or two and the source in brackets underneath the image. A reference list
(bibliography) in sections with alphabetical author surname order for books and articles and
first letter of web address after ‘www’ for web sources must be attached at the end of the
assignment. Do not include the hypertext Links to the articles – they are included here to
make the items easily accessible. The cover page for this subject (below), should be
pasted in as the front page of your assignment.
Constraints/Limitations
You are required to;
Choose one topic from the list.
Read all the set readings and view the set media (“set” means compulsory here). Refer to
them in your discussion. Read some or all of the recommended readings.
Research independently, finding your own texts including relevant scholarly journal articles,
online sources and books. Refer to some of them in your argument.
Find relevant examples of design or media to discuss the topic/answer the question.
Structure a coherent argument with an introduction, a discussion referring to your chosen
examples and a conclusion.
Express your own ideas on the topic.
Use APA in-text references to acknowledge the source of ideas and any significant
information from your research. The texts must be listed in your reference list
(bibliography).
Provide illustrations with one to two effective sentences of caption and cite the source in a
bracket. Find exciting examples - do not use examples extensively discussed in class or
already used in Tasks.
Practice good sentence and paragraph construction and use proper punctuation.
(Grammarly makes this easier.)
Check your article by getting a Turnitin Originality Report to ensure you have referenced all
quotes. You can obtain one every 24 hours.
Upload your completed Essay Plan for the article in .doc/docx/pdf format by end of
week 8 into the ‘Assignment’ area in CANVAS.
Your tutor will provide feedback on your Essay Plan in CANVAS by the end of week 10. You
will use this feedback in completing your assignment.
Upload your completed article in .doc/docx/pdf format by end of week 12 into the
‘Assignment’ area in the left hand menu in CANVAS.
Failing to acknowledge use of copyright material represents failure to realise the brief
and will result in a mark of zero. Copying another student’s work or submitting work
for a second time if you are repeating this Unit is regarded as plagiarism and will
result in a mark of zero.
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
Considerations
You will need to carefully read the set readings for your chosen Issue Assignment question
and evaluate the authors’ arguments in relation to the issue and consider what you think
about the issue. Do you agree or disagree with the author’s claims? Did the author change
your viewpoint; did they expand or contradict any of your ideas about designers or media
practitioners and the practice of design or filmmaking? The use of concise and relevant
quotes substantiates your argument and provides evidence of your research.
Reading Materials & Resources
Essential reading and research resources for this assignment are listed with each topic
above. You are, in addition to using set texts you are expected to undertake further
independent research. These should be books, scholarly and professional journal articles
and web sources. The chosen texts and all other items used should be recorded in an
APA style reference list on a separate page at the end of your assignment. Do not include
the hypertext Links to the articles – they are included here to make the items easily
accessible.
Requirements and Deliverables
You are required to upload in CANVAS
1 x Essay Plan – on the supplied pro forma, due at end of Week 8.
1 x 1,500 word article with captioned illustrations due at end of Week 12.
Use the following format:
Word document or pdf with the cover sheet attached to the front. (The template for this is
on this assignment brief.) You must use double spacing of text and number the pages,
film and book titles should be in italics. You must use APA referencing. The expectation is
that you will produce a publication quality piece of writing (including proper paragraphs)
about your field of study, presenting a cogent argument, with no errors in expression or
spelling.
Project Deadline Due
Dates:
Essay Plan: Saved as a doc, docx or pdf, uploaded by Sunday 6 October,
11.59 PM.
Completed Assignment: Your article saved as a doc, docx or pdf uploaded by end of
Week 12, Sunday 27 October, 11.59 PM.
No late submissions will be accepted without a formal extension. For policy and procedures
regarding extensions, special considerations and appeals and procedures, please refer to
the Unit Outline.
Teaching Method
The issues will be discussed in the lectures and covered in screenings in weeks 2-10. At
least one set reading for each question will be discussed in the Group Discussion Board and
some will be the subject of a weekly learning activity or task. Students will collaborate in
discussing issues in their online studio and they will practice writing about design issues
each week in all required learning activities and tasks.
Learning Objectives
To become familiar with and use a body of relevant critical theory in the form of an argument
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
and apply it to design and/or media practice
To be able to analyse design and media in relation to social, economic and political contexts
To articulate an understanding of a range of contemporary issues related to design and
media practice
To write effectively about design and media at the level of a published (professional)
magazine
You will employ research in an applied outcome
QUESTIONS
1. Design with handcrafted elements or the appearance of handcrafting can suggest
resourcefulness and thrift, a luxury of time or childhood creativity according to author
and social theorist Mel Campbell. She also warns that “[F]etishising handmade things
is a tiny protest against the tyrannical consumer cycle of newness and obsolescence.
But ultimately it’s a just another kind of consumerism (2009, p.17).” Compare and
contrast three examples of contemporary design that include genuine handcrafted
elements or that give an impression of handcraft. Explain which elements of each
design is handcrafted or signifies handcraft and what messages these examples
communicate to their target demographic taking into account Campbell’s arguments.
Do you agree or disagree with the author’s claims? Is cultural appropriation also
evident in your chosen example? (ie faked Australian Indigenous design).
[Ensure your examples are design rather than handcraft. If in doubt, ask your tutor.]
Find exciting examples - do not use examples extensively discussed in class or
already used in Tasks.
Set reading & viewing (compulsory)
ABC-TV (Australia). (2015, September 3). Rise of the Makers [Television Broadcast, episode 1). In
Bespoke. Australia: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Swinburne Link: https://clickv.ie/w/MJes
ABC-TV (Australia). (2015, September 10). Makers and Markets [Television Broadcast, episode 2).
In Bespoke. Australia: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Swinburne Link: https://clickv.ie/w/PJes
Campbell, M. (2009, May 21). Canvas. The Age, p.17.
Swinburne link:
https://www.proquest.com/docview/364167047/5DDDA0D2F14A4684PQ/5?accountid=14205&par
entSessionId=aKHdpE0GD9CoWnGHhzvT5Botrmbe2peFGmfbPCap9xw%3D
Hackney, F. (2013) Quiet Activism and the New Amateur: The Power of Home and Hobby Crafts,
Design and Culture, 5 (2), 169-194.
Swinburne link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.2752%2F1754
70813X13638640370733
Metcalf, B. (2008). DIY, websites and energy: The new alternative crafts [Blog post]. Retrieved from:
https://artjewelryforum.org/articles/diy-websites-and-energy-new-alternative-crafts
Recommended
Black, A. & Burisch, N. (2010) Craft Hard, Die Free: Radical curatorial strategies for craftivism in
unruly contexts. In G. Adamson, (Ed.) The Craft Reader. Oxford: Berg.
Swinburne Link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/0799578a-9af7-4780-999a-
a103d26f2150/1/99337651111.pdf
Engestrom, U. (2005). Draft Craft Manifesto. Retrieved from:
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
http://ullamaaria.typepad.com/hobbyprincess/2005/03/draft_craft_man.html
2. Data visualisation—the gathering, conceptualisation and presentation of data in 2D
and 3D formats and more recently, using digital technologies to create interactive
interfaces, has the capacity to transform our understanding of an issue. Designer
Aaron Koblin even suggests that designers and other creatives have a
“responsibility” to transform data to enhance public understanding of important
issues. Evaluate the validity of this concept supporting your argument with evidence.
Compare and contrast three outstanding examples of time-based data visualisation
that have transformed data into a coherent set of ideas about significant
contemporary political, economic, social, technological or environmental issues.
Explain which of Reas and McWilliams’ (2010) categories of data-visualisation the
examples fit, how their design elements contribute to the visual, sonic, spatial and/or
tactile representation and how symbolism (colour, shape, form, motifs, etc), have
been used by the designers to communicate with their target audiences and generate
understanding of data. Find exciting examples - do not use examples extensively
discussed in class or already used in Tasks. They must be time-based and
interactive, not static and 2D.
Set reading (compulsory)
Hohl, M. (2011). From Abstract to actual: art and designer-like enquiries into data visualisation,
Kybernetes, 40 (7-8), 1038-1044.
Swinburne Link
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1108%2F03684
921111160278
Lockton, D., Nicholson, L., Cain, R. & Harrison, D. (2014). ‘Persuasive Technology for Sustainable
Workplaces’, Interactions, 21 (1), 58-61.
Swinburne link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1145%2F25441
70
Reas, C. & McWilliams, C. (2010). Form + Code in Design, Art, and Architecture. New York:
Princeton Architectural Press.
Swinburne link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=3387346
Roberts, L (2006). Good: Ethics of Graphic Design. Lausanne Switzerland: AVA Publishing.
(Philosophy - an Interview with Anthony Grayling)
Swinburne Link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/9b79dcf3-fb05-4575-a212-
4848655a7585/1/1400986.pdf
http://www.ted.com/playlists/56/making_sense_of_too_much_data.html
http://www.ted.com/talks/aaron_koblin.html
3. Like development aid, much design for development has been increasingly
criticised for not having real, sufficient, diverse or lasting value for the people it is
intended for. Ambitiously, Victor Margolin (2007, p.115) imagines a design-based
future for developing countries: "Design for development needs to broaden its brief
from an emphasis on poverty alleviation to include the strategic creation of products
for export."
Ilse Oosterlaken (2009, p.100) equates most designs for development that use a
`participatory' process as having a limited, user-centred approach; and suggests
instead an approach which she calls ‘capability sensitive design’. Do you agree
or disagree with the author’s claims? Research three recent examples of
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
capability-sensitive design from one or more design disciplines – architecture,
urban planning, or industrial, communication, multi- media, digital design or
PSS – that improves the lives of poor people in developing countries. One
design should be sourced by a designer/s from a developing country. Discuss
aspects of each example’s potential for real, sufficient, diverse and lasting value
for the targeted users and the makers where is it made/built in a developing
nation. Find exciting examples - do not use examples extensively discussed in class
or already used in Tasks. One could be Indigenous Australian.
Set reading (compulsory)
Hancock,T. (2001) People, partnerships and human progress: building community capital, Health
Promotion International, 16, 275-280.
Swinburne link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1093%2Fh
eapro%2F16.3.275
Margolin, V. (2007).Design for Development: towards a history, Design Studies, 28, 111-115.
Swinburne link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1016%2Fj.dest
ud.2006.11.008
Oosterlaken, I. (2009). Design or Development: A Capability Approach. Design Issues: 25, (4), 91-
102. Swinburne link
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1162%2Fd
esi.2009.25.4.91
Polak, P. (2007) Design for the Other 90%. In C. Smith, (Ed.) (2007). Design for the other 90%. New
York, USA: Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian, National Design Museum.
Swinburne link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/f9472fc2-4ad5-45e9-bc92-
64c3ad033eb7/1/399271.pdf
Robeyns, I. (2011) Capability Approach. Retrieved from:
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/capability-approach/
Recommended
Murcott, S. (2007). Co-evolutionary design for development: influences shaping engineering design
and implementation in Nepal and the global village, Journal of International Development. 19, 123-
144.
Swinburne link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1002%2Fjid.
1353
Polak, P. (2008). Out of Poverty: What Works When Traditional Approaches Fail. San Francisco,
USA: Berrett-Koehler.
Swinburne link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=407870
Thackara, J. (2011) Africa: Where events are king.
Swinburne link: http://designobserver.com/feature/africa-where-events-
are-king/25028
4. ‘Design activists’ are contemporary designers who undertake projects based on
their ethical concerns and a sense of social responsibility. The objects,
communications, spaces and systems that they design, improve lives and benefit
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
communities and the environment. Evaluate the validity of this concept supporting
your argument with evidence. Explore three recent projects in a design discipline
and explain how these examples of design activism have led to effective responses
to one or more contemporary social problems.
(This could be a problem such as homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, youth
unemployment, etc. Please note: The focus of this question should be on a social
issue. If you wish to focus on sustainability, see question 8.) Find exciting examples -
do not use examples extensively discussed in class or already used in Tasks. One
could be Indigenous Australian.
Set reading (compulsory)
Fuad-Luke, A. (2009). Design Activism: Beautiful Strangeness for a Sustainable World.
London, UK & Sterling Virginia: Earthscan.
Swinburne Link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=476576
Heller, S., & Vienne, V. (2003). Citizen Designer: Perspectives on Design Responsibility.
New York: Alworth Press.
Swinburne link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=5279032
Rawsthorn, A. (2013, July 15). Expanding the Definitions of Design. New York
Times. Swinburne Link:
https://www.proquest.com/docview/1718089313/55B51395F9EC45D0PQ/1?a
ccountid=14205
Roberts, L (2006). Good: Ethics of Graphic Design. Lausanne Switzerland: AVA
Publishing. (Philosophy - an Interview with Anthony Grayling)
Swinburne link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/9b79dcf3-fb05-4575-a212-
4848655a7585/1/1400986.pdf
Thorpe, A. (2011) Defining design as activism. [Manuscript in preparation].Teaching
Fellow, Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London.
Swinburne Link: Defining design as activism. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external
site. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Recommended
Thorpe, A. (2012). Architecture & Design versus Consumerism: How Design Activism Confronts
Growth. London: Taylor & Francis Group.
Swinburne Link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=982117.
For architecture/interior design topics
Tanne, J. H. (2005). SAFE: Design Takes on Risk. 331(7524), 1087
Swinburne:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=http%3A%2F
%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1136%2Fbmj.331.7524.1087
For communication and digital media designers
http://www.inkahoots.com.au/
Jarvis, J. (2009) The Crisis of Credit Visualized. Retrieved from http://vimeo.com/3261363
5. How has the work of contemporary filmmaker Michel Gondry been inspired by the
work of two pioneers of spectacular cinema: Georges Méliès and Busby Berkeley?
Analysing three different feature films by Gondry to support your argument and taking
into account his own words (interviews), explain where you think they have been
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
influenced by the work of these directors, whether these influences are in the staging
of action or ‘in-camera effects’ and how these influences contribute to the
distinctiveness of his work. [Please note you may not use music clips as examples,
use IMDB to source a list of Gondry’s feature films.] Find exciting examples - do not
use examples extensively discussed in class or already used in Tasks. One could be
Indigenous Australian.
Set reading & viewing (compulsory)
Dellamorte, A. (2007). Exclusive Interview - Michel Gondry. Retrieved from
http://collider.com/exclusive-interview-michel-gondry/
Ezra, E. (2000). Georges Melies. Manchester & New York: Manchester University Press.
Chapter Melies does tricks
Swinburne link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/f0933c3c-6ee4-4c02-94cb-
47841db89998/1/497036.pdf
Goldsmith, L. (2004). The Work of Director Michel Gondry. Not Coming to a Theatre
Near You. Retrieved from Notcoming.com.
Swinburne link: The Work of Director Michel Gondry.
Rubin, M. (1993). Showstoppers: Busby Berkeley and the Tradition of the Spectacle,
New York: Columbia University Press.
Swinburne link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/ca68f3a0-1cfd-4df3-bccc-
2e71c383ee12/1/1012546.pdf
Recommended
Saint Charles, M. (Director) Hollywood's Best Film Directors: Michael Gondry.
Swinburne link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https://video.alexanderstreet.co
m/watch/michel-gondry
6. Architects and designers working on social infrastructure projects (schools,
hospitals and community centres, etc) for disadvantaged communities in
developing nations, should consult with communities about their needs and be
mindful of the long term impacts of the buildings they design. Evaluate the validity
of this concept supporting your argument with evidence. Compare and contrast
three recent projects for the way their designers have addressed the social,
economic, and environmental issues affecting the communities for whom they were
constructed. [Students choosing this topic should not use housing as an example,
although an institution like an orphanage or refuge would be acceptable. There are
many schools and hospitals and community centres in outback Australia for
example. Find exciting examples - do not use examples extensively discussed in
class or already used in Tasks. One could be Indigenous Australian.]
Set reading and viewing (compulsory)
Anna Heringer (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.anna-heringer.com/
Antonelli, P. (2005). Safe: Design Takes on Risk. New York: MOMA.
Swinburne link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/c176dcdb-1ada-44d4-81f1-
9cea502dc4cb/1/1259507.pdf
Bell, B. & Wakeford, K. (Eds.) (2008). Expanding Architecture: Design as Activism. New
Ground Up, Abrams, 2012.
Especially these chapters:
‘Toward a humane environment : sustainable design and social justice’, pp. 33-38
https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/2429a418-cc23-413e-9dc5-
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
cbc1f66abbbf/1/9781933045788_pp33-38.pdf
‘The architectural bat-signal: exploring the relationship between justice and design’, pp. 27-32
https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/a1e75fa5-0c6d-447e-95c2-
2ca275108707/1/9781933045788_pp27-32.pdf
Hancock, T. (2001). People, partnerships and human progress: building community.
Health Promotion International, 16(3), 275-280.
Swinburne link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1093%2Fh
eapro%2F16.3.275
Humanity, Architecture. Design Like You Give a Damn [2]: Building Change from the Ground Up,
Abrams, 2012.
Swinburne link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=4463846
Kontentreal Productions (Producer) (2006). The Druk White Lotus School, Ladakh. Design
E2: The Economies of Being Environmentally Conscious [DVD]. Series 2 and Kontentreal
Productions (Producer).
Swinburne link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvideo.alexanderstr
eet.com%2Fwatch%2Fdruk-white-lotus-flower-
ladakh%3Faccount_id%3D14205%26usage_group_id%3D96785 (Links to an external
site.)
Recommended
Ban, S. (2013) Emergency Shelters Made from Paper [Video file]. Retrieved from:
https://www.ted.com/talks/shigeru_ban_emergency_shelters_made_from_paper?language=en
Fitrianto, A. (2011). Learning from Aceh, in M. Aquilino (Ed.), Beyond Shelter: Architecture
for Crisis, Thames & Hudson: London.
Swinburne Link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/93a7e473-80de-4620-a6d6-
a2a7cc139767/1/1002565.pdf
Heringer, A. (2014) Handmade Architecture as a Catalyst for Development [Video file].
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KQhbx3e_JM
Lewis, H. & Gertsakis J. (2001). Design + Environment: A Global Guide to Designing
Greener Goods. Sheffield.
Swinburne Link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=1741631
Lockton, D., Nicholson, L., Cain, R. & Harrison, D. (2014). ‘Persuasive Technology for
Sustainable Workplaces’, Interactions, 21, 1, pp. 58-61.
Swinburne Link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1145%2F25441
70
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
McQuaid, M. (2003). Shigeru Ban. London, UK: Phaidon, (especially chapter on ‘Paper’, pp.
28-47).
Swinburne Link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/5b2164e1-8796-4168-bcc8-
9732862d2ff0/1/99335518103.pdf
Murcott, S. (2007). Co-evolutionary design for development: influences shaping engineering
design and implementation in Nepal and the global village, Journal of International
Development. 19, 1, (Jan), 123-144.
Swinburne Link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1002%2Fjid
.1353
Thorpe, A. (2012) Architecture & Design versus Consumerism: How Design Activism
Confronts Growth. London Routledge/Earthscan.
Swinburne link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=982117
7. Expanding populations, urban sprawl and increasing motor vehicle traffic are
affecting life for residents in many cities around the world. But some inspirational city
leaders and designers are fighting back, advocating pedal power as a possible
solution. The social benefits of prioritising cycling are many. Cycling arguably results
in safer cities where there is increased ‘social inclusion’ and ‘public ownership’ of
space and there are measurable health and environmental benefits too. Evaluate the
validity of this concept supporting your argument with evidence.
Research cycling initiatives from three cities (not Bogota) to encourage bicycle use
and associated bicycle infrastructure. One example should be drawn from a
developing country, and one from here in Australia. Compare and contrast the
various strategies and use of design to encourage cycling. Which are the most
effective and why? How are the special needs of the disabled, the elderly and the
young addressed by these schemes? Find exciting examples - do not use
examples extensively discussed in class or already used in Tasks.
Set reading and viewing (compulsory)
City of Melbourne Bicycle Plan, 2016-2020. Retrieved from
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/city-of-melbourne-bicycle-plan-2016-
2020.pdf
Garrard, J. & Rose, G. & Lo, S. (2008). Promoting transportation cycling for women: The role of
bicycle infrastructure. Preventive Medicine 46, (1), 55-59.
Swinburne Link:
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/swin.edu.au?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1016
%2Fj.ypmed.2007.07.010
Hoffmann, Melody L. (2016). Bike Lanes Are White Lanes: Bicycle Advocacy and Urban
Planning, Nebraska: UNP.
Swinburne Link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=4529739
Hustwit, G. (Director) (2012) Urbanized [video]. Swiss Dots.
Swinburne link: UrbanizedLinks to an external site.
Kontentreal Productions (Producer) (2006). Bogotá. Design E2: The Economies of Being
Environmentally Conscious [DVD]. Series 2 Link: Bogotá. Design E2: The Economies of
Being
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
Lucas, C. (2011, July 22). Melbourne gains 'bike city' status. The Age. Retrieved from
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/melbourne-gains-bike-city-status-20110721-1hqx1.html
8. While designing for sustainability has been considered essential to the practice of
contemporary design, increasingly the ‘cradle to cradle’ philosophy is being adopted
by designers and architects. William McDonough and Michael Braungart in their book
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way we Make Things, offer a range of ideas and
approaches to help designers to go beyond sustainability in their work. Evaluate the
validity of this concept supporting your argument with evidence. Using two relevant
recent projects by two different designers/practices explain how they have used the
cradle to cradle approach, referring to the role of upcycling, design for disassembly,
keeping materials in closed loops and any of the relevant Five Steps. [Your chosen
examples must be by different designers/design practices and you must find them
independently. Do not use any of McDonough and Braungart’s projects. Find exciting
examples - do not use examples extensively discussed in class or already used in
Tasks.]
Set reading and viewing (compulsory)
Fuad-Luke, A. (2002). ecoDesign:The Sourcebook. London: Chronicle & Thames and
Hudson. Swinburne Link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/70fd8a43-42b0-483b-9219-
3e81e91277f3/1/932207.pdf
McDonough, W. & Braungart, M. (2002). Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way we Make
Things. New York: North Star Press.
Swinburne Link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/file/4c0089e1-e4cc-4947-9ba9-
8880a980fbbc/1/9780099535478_pp157-186.pdf
Van Hattum, R. (Writer, director). (2007). Waste=Food [video]. New York: Icarus Films.
Swinburne Link: https://commons.swinburne.edu.au/items/60c8faad-abf7-47b9-9d70-
de48dcdae105/1/
Set reading for interior design
Thorpe, A. (2012) Architecture & Design versus Consumerism: How Design Activism Confronts
Growth. London: Routledge/Earthscan. (EBook).
Swinburne link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=982117
Set reading for communication design
Benson, E. & Perullo, Y. (2017). Design to Renourish: Sustainable Graphic Design in Practice. Boca
Raton, London & New York: CRC Press. (E Book)
Swinburne link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=4778648
Dougherty, B. (2008). Green Graphic Design. New York, USA: Allworth Press & Celery Design
Collaborative.
Swinburne link: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/swin/detail.action?docID=1320773
Graham, L. (2012). ‘Towards a More Sustainable Graphic Design Philosophy’, International Journal
of the Arts in Society, 6, 5, pp.169-176.
Swinburne link:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=asu&AN=91821585&site=
ehost-live&scope=site&custid=swinb
DDD20004
Contemporary Design Issues
Assignment Brief
School of Design and
Architecture
Assessment criteria
1. Evidence of research and evaluation of information
2. Arguments are grounded in analysis and are logically
structured. Engagement with issues raised in Question
and compulsory set readings. English grammar, spelling
and editing.
3. Examples of PSS: Including choice and analysis of PSS examples,
illustrations with Fig numbers, captions, images sources.
4. References/ Presentation: Adherence to APA style for in-text references
and reference list. Illustrations have correct Fig numbers, captions and source
urls. Overall presentation of essay includes appropriate font choices, page
numbers.
NB. The use of unacknowledged quotes is regarded as plagiarism, which will be
penalised with a fail grade.
School of Design and
Architecture
Higher Education Division
DDD20004 Contemporary Design Issues
Issue Assignment Cover Page
Student Name:
Student Number:
Online Group name / weekly class time:
Discipline (ie name of your course):
Tutor’s Name:
Due date: midnight Sunday 27 October 2024
Topic: Paste the first sentence of your chosen assignment question here. Word count