Overview
This unit builds upon students' knowledge of the foundational principles of human and built-environment relationships. Through exploring theories and principles of environmental psychology and social design, students develop critical knowledge of the symbiotic relationships between human and the physical surroundings and the importance of human-focused, inclusive, socially and culturally relevant and empathetic, and environmentally sustainable design solutions. Online studio-based activities, series of case study analysis, and spatial design exercises support student to develop skills in spatial design research methods and to critically evaluate design solutions that go beyond merely addressing basic functionality to include the concerns for improved quality of human life, equality, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Through engaging in project-based learning, students develop creative design and visual communication skills and design spaces that promote human health, well-being, and a sense of community and belonging.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Prerequisites: BLAR12036 AND (BLAR11045 OR ENEG11005)
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 3 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Academic Progression Policy and Procedure
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation Survey
There was a suggestion that the teamwork component is Assessment 2 to be replaced with an emphasis on participation in the online design critique sessions of online forums.
Review the strategies to further support online design critiques and peer-to-peer feedback on design tasks.
Feedback from Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation Survey
There was a comment about the lecturer being insightful and offering interesting discussion making students to contemplate each new public space they enter.
Continue to engage students in discussion about emerging studies and research in Human-Environment relationships.
- Explain and analyse fundamental principles and theories of human-environment relationships
- Apply spatial design research methods to evaluate design solutions for their impacts on community and human behaviours and experiences
- Propose spatial design solutions that are human-focused and culturally relevant
- Design built environments that are socially responsible and environmentally sustainable
- Demonstrate professional practice skills in creative use of visual presentation tools to communicate design ideas
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
|
1.
Assessment 1
(40% of unit )
Portfolio
|
|||||
|
2.
Assessment 2
(15% of unit )
Presentation
|
|||||
|
3.
Assessment 3
(45% of unit · 2 parts
)
Part 1 -
Reflective Practice Assignment
Part 2 -
Presentation
|
|||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | |||||
Textbooks
Environmental Psychology for Design
- Edition: 4th (2024)
- Authors: Dak Kopec
- Fairchild Books
- ISBN: 1501391860
The library holds an ebook of the book. It is recommended to use this. You may as well choose to purchase a hard copy of the book. If so, you need to source it yourself. Please note that a 5th edition of the book is to be published soon.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Computer headset (microphone + speaker)
- MS Office or equivalent software
- Web camera (webcam)
- Endnote bibliographic software. This is optional for formatting references.
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
n.abbasi@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 09 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Topic 1: Human in the Environment
Introduction to the unit, design project, and assessment tasks
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
A two-hour online session is dedicated to this event. Students are encouraged to attend this session. For the time and day of the online sessions, please check the Moodle page of the unit.
Week 2
Begin Date: 16 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Topic 2: Sensing Spaces
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
There is no online session for this week. Students are required to watch the lecture recording for the topic which is uploaded in the Moodle in the tile for the specific topic on the Sunday evening prior to the specified week.
Week 3
Begin Date: 23 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Topic 3. Spatial Design for Public Buildings i.e. Educational and Health Facilities
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
A two-hour online session is dedicated to this event. Students are encouraged to attend this session. For the time and day of the online sessions, please check the Moodle page of the unit.
Week 4
Begin Date: 30 Nov 2026Module/Topic
Topic 4: Moving through Spaces
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
There is no online session for this week. Students are required to watch the lecture recording for the topic which is uploaded in the Moodle in the tile for the specific topic on the Sunday evening prior to the specified week.
Week 5
Begin Date: 07 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Online Design Critique and Discussion
Topic 5: Spatial Design Promoting Well-being and Positive Behaviours
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
A two-hour online session is dedicated to this event. Students are required to attend this session. For the time and day of the online sessions, please check the Moodle page of the unit.
Week 6
Begin Date: 14 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Topic 6: A Place Called Home: residential environmental psychology
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
There is no online session for this week. Students are required to watch the lecture recording for the topic which is uploaded in the Moodle in the tile for the specific topic on the Sunday evening prior to the specified week.
Mid-Term Break
Begin Date: 21 Dec 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 04 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Online Design Critique and Discussion
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
A two-hour online session is dedicated to this event. Students are encouraged to attend this session. For the time and day of the online sessions, please check the Moodle page of the unit.
Assessment 1 Due: Week 7 Friday (8 Jan 2027) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 8
Begin Date: 11 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Topic 7: Spatial Design for Workplaces, Retail, and Recreation Facilities
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
There is no online session for this week. Students are required to watch the lecture recording for the topic which is uploaded in the Moodle in the tile for the specific topic on the Sunday evening prior to the specified week.
Week 9
Begin Date: 18 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Student Online Design Presentation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
A three-hour online session is dedicated to this event. Students are required to attend this session. For the time and day of the online sessions, please check the Moodle page of the unit.
Assessment 2 Due: Week 9 Monday (18 Jan 2027) 11:45 pm AEST
Week 10
Begin Date: 25 Jan 2027Module/Topic
Topic 8: Spatial Design Research Methods
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
There is no online session for this week. Students are required to watch the lecture recording for the topic which is uploaded in the Moodle in the tile for the specific topic on the Sunday evening prior to the specified week.
Week 11
Begin Date: 01 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Student Online Design Critique and Discussion
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
A two-hour online session is dedicated to this event. Students are encouraged to attend this session. For the time and day of the online sessions, please check the Moodle page of the unit.
Week 12
Begin Date: 08 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Student Online Design Presentation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
A three-hour online session is dedicated to this event. Students are required to attend this session. For the time and day of the online sessions, please check the Moodle page of the unit.
Exam Week
Begin Date: 15 Feb 2027Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Portfolio
This assessment relates to Learning Outcome no.1. The assessment tasks focus on Topics 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 and include "Reading Activities" and "Spatial Design Exercises". Students review, summarise the key points, and critically analyse the practical implications of research papers and reports through "Reading Activities". "Spatial Design Exercises" are included where students develop skills of a reflective practitioner. Students are also required to propose four spatial design solutions for the unit design project (design of a public building as specified in the Moodle page of the unit) which can later be further elaborated in A2 and A3.
Level of GenAI use allowed: AI-Assisted / Guided Collaboration
Level 1: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
Week 7 Friday (8 Jan 2027) 11:45 pm AEST
Electronic submission via Moodle Unit Site with giving enough time for a Turnitin report to be generated.
Week 9 Monday (18 Jan 2027)
Return via Moodle
The assessment will address the following attributes:
- Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues
- Demonstration of an understanding of all issues raised in the study guide
- Use of quality supporting documentation
- Use of original thought and content
- Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other graphics
- Demonstration and application of core knowledge
Specifically for Assessment 1, you need to address the criteria set out in assessment 1 rubrics which will be accessible via the Moodle on the first official day of the term.
Your assessment should be produced in electronic format.
Before or on the nominated due date, upload your work following the on-screen instructions.
Your submission will be processed through the similarity detection software, Turnitin. You may amend your work based on the detection report.
You must ensure that the submission is your own and that any cited work has been correctly referenced as per the CQU requirements.
- Explain and analyse fundamental principles and theories of human-environment relationships
2 Presentation
This assessment relates to Learning Outcome no.2, 3, 4, and 5. The assessment tasks focus on Topics 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 and include identifying a proper site for your project (design of a public building as specified in the Moodle page of the unit), analysing the site, and developing project visions. Students are required to create a minimum of eight presentation slides and make a verbal presentation to the class on the specified Student Design Presentation online session (check the Moodle page of the unit for details i.e. the date and time).
Level of GenAI use allowed: AI-Assisted / Guided Collaboration
Level 1: You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
Week 9 Monday (18 Jan 2027) 11:45 pm AEST
Deliver a verbal presentation in an online session specified by your lecturer and upload your lecture slides in the assessment block of the Moodle page of the unit by the due date (each student's presentation needs to include a number of presentation slides)
Week 10 Monday (25 Jan 2027)
Return via Moodle
The assessment will address the following attributes:
- Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues
- Demonstration of an understanding of all issues raised in the study guide
- Use of quality supporting documentation
- Use of original thought and content
- Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other graphics
- Demonstration and application of core knowledge
Specifically for Assessment 2, you need to address the criteria set out in assessment 2 rubrics which will be accessible via the Moodle on the first official day of the term.
Your assessment should be produced in electronic format.
Before or on the nominated due date, upload your work following the on-screen instructions.
Your submission will be processed through the similarity detection software, Turnitin. You may amend your work based on the detection report.
You must ensure that the submission is your own and that any cited work has been correctly referenced as per the CQU requirements.
- Apply spatial design research methods to evaluate design solutions for their impacts on community and human behaviours and experiences
- Propose spatial design solutions that are human-focused and culturally relevant
- Design built environments that are socially responsible and environmentally sustainable
- Demonstrate professional practice skills in creative use of visual presentation tools to communicate design ideas
3 Reflective Practice Assignment
This assessment relates to Learning Outcome no.1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The assessment has two parts: A. the design brief and drawings (70% of the assessment mark); and B. verbal presentation of the proposed design (30% of the assessment mark). The assessment tasks focus on Topics 1-8 and include developing design brief, site analysis, and initial design drawings and sketches for your project (design of a public building as specified in the Moodle page of the unit). Students are required to create a minimum set of written design brief, drawings i.e. plans and sketches (as specified in the Moodle page of the unit) and deliver a verbal presentation to the class on the specified Student Design Presentation online session (Check the Moodle page of the unit for details i.e. the date and time). For Verbal Presentation of the proposed design (Part B), a minimum of eight presentation slides need to be prepared and uploaded to the assessment block of the Moodle page of the unit on or before the due date.
Level of GenAI use allowed:
Part A. Design Brief and Drawings: No AI is permitted. You must not use Al at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Part B. Verbal Presentation of Proposed Design: Level 1-AI-Assisted / Guided Collaboration. You may use Al to assist with specific tasks such as drafting text, refining and evaluating your work. You must critically evaluate and modify any Al-generated content you use.
Exam Week Friday (19 Feb 2027) 11:45 pm AEST
For Part A, electronic submission via Moodle Unit Site with giving enough time for a Turnitin report to be generated and for Part B, presentation is live and online via the class online Zoom session.
Marks and feedback will be issued prior to the University's Grade Certification meeting.
The assessment will address the following attributes:
- Clarity of expression and comprehensive coverage of issues
- Demonstration of an understanding of all issues raised in the study guide
- Use of quality supporting documentation
- Use of original thought and content
- Overall presentation and ability to communicate using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation and the use of appropriate diagrams and other graphics
- Demonstration and application of core knowledge
Specifically for Assessment 3, you need to address the criteria set out in assessment 3 rubrics which will be accessible via the Moodle on the first official day of the term.
Your assessment should be produced in electronic format.
Before or on the nominated due date, upload your work following the on-screen instructions.
Your submission will be processed through the similarity detection software, Turnitin. You may amend your work based on the detection report.
You must ensure that the submission is your own and that any cited work has been correctly referenced as per the CQU requirements.
- Explain and analyse fundamental principles and theories of human-environment relationships
- Apply spatial design research methods to evaluate design solutions for their impacts on community and human behaviours and experiences
- Propose spatial design solutions that are human-focused and culturally relevant
- Design built environments that are socially responsible and environmentally sustainable
- Demonstrate professional practice skills in creative use of visual presentation tools to communicate design ideas
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
