The aim of the Modular Programmes, on a faculty-wide basis, is to provide advanced tuition in all aspects of the project and land development processes, allowing students maximum flexibility in modules selection within their chosen disciplines. Where appropriate the Programmes will be related to developments not only in Hong Kong but also the Peoples' Republic of China and the Southeast Asian region.

ARCH6032 Urban design I

The course covers basic theory and practice of urban design. Topics include history of urban form; Hong Kong's urban form, buildings and spaces; urban design analysis; urban design approaches; efficiency of urban design and evaluation criteria; case studies.

ARCH6033 Land use and infrastructure design

Against relevant aspects of land use theory and implications for site planning, the course introduces the principles and practice of site planning and infrastructure design for large urban developments. Topics include reclamation, land use and density thresholds, settlement capacity, infrastructure master planning, utilities planning, site layout and future design trends.

ARCH6034 Urban development and the real estate industry

The course reviews the operations of the real estate industry in the context of the urbanization and development process. Topics include the urbanization process, urban development policy and controls, the financial and commercial context of development, the real estate business, the development process, resources and community issues and the relevant legal and institutional framework.

ARCH6035 Urban design II

This advanced course in urban design attempts to build a coherent theory of urban form from the historical and material conditions of production. Hence the lectures/seminars progress in three main stages. Firstly, the economic and political determinants in the production of urban space are considered (urban politics, the state, ideology, social class, professionalism etc.). Secondly, considerations in the technology of form (forms of space, analogical models, and problems of aesthetics). Thirdly, a case study of Hong Kong which moves from the realm of theory into concrete social practices - urban planning, high-density development, public housing, and the other formal properties of a major world city.

ARCH6036 Landscape planning and design

The course reviews the history, theory and methods of landscape planning and design. Topics include social context for landscape design, aesthetic theories, landscape and physical planning, and approaches to design. Case studies of physical planning and landscape design will be presented.

ARCH6037 Real estate investment analysis

This course reviews emergent trends in project finance and investment appraisal. Emphasis is on private developments and joint ventures; capital budgeting, privatization, financial engineering, international funding and implications, deal structuring; case studies.

ARCH6038 Market analysis in urban design

The course focuses on trends in demand and supply of developments, considering location, patterns of regional changes, national economic cycles, technology and quality with a view to evolving marketable designs. Emphasis is on evaluation of design process from the perspective of a private developer, emphasizing inter-relationship of efficient form, function and financial returns.

ARCH6039 Design and construction management

The course examines key management tasks in the design and construction process related to urban projects. Topics include cost planning and design management, design and construction coordination, organization of a mega project, contractual systems and implications for productivity and cost, project planning, site organization and management.

ARCH6040 Location and transport in urban design

The course analyses location as a measure of urban efficiency and resource conservation, in particular as a factor affecting employment, transport, amenity and demand for energy in urban design. Inter- relationship of land use, housing, transport and economic activity, measured in terms of overall settlement capacity; and economy in physical design and operation, will be emphasized.

ARCH6041 Techniques in urban design

The course seeks an understanding of logic, methods and skills required in advanced urban design. Emphasis is on methods of evaluation of project and context; design methods and principles; computer aided design; information base; formulation of policies; evaluation and phasing of designs in terms of costs, benefits, and practicability.

ARCH6042 Seminars in urban design and development

A series of seminars on current research topics and recent developments in urban design and development.

ARCH6043 Urban design studio I

Introduction to urban design graphics and computer aided design: an introduction to basic drafting, graphics and computer-related tools and techniques in professional practice.

Urban design project 1:
a series of sessions encompassing practical drawing and sketches of urban design proposals for selected sites in Hong Kong.

Urban design project 2:
a group project which will normally be a real-life large-scale urban design and development project involving land reclamation and infrastructure provision leading to a 3-D built form. Designed to professional standards involving relevant urban design theory and implementation criteria, and conducted with participation of professionals in both public and private sectors.

ARCH6044 Urban design studio II

Urban design project 3: a series of sessions encompassing the practical management and implementation of urban design proposals involving larger sites, taking into account issues such as land acquisition, planning approvals, concept development, financing, the consultancy team, construction, marketing among others.

Dissertation/thesis: an in depth investigation of urban design or development issues which relate directly to the physical planning problems and potentials of urban areas. The topic chosen should be both academic and practical in nature and a report not exceeding 20,000 words or equivalent is required.

ARCH6045 Physical environment and site planning

The course reviews theory and methods of land use, site planning and design, and focuses on the interaction with the physical environment. Topics include location and site analyses; land use planning and programme development; environmental standards and facilities; infrastructure for urban and rural development; site formation and landscape planning.

ARCH6046 Urban analysis and models

This course examines the analytical models and methods in physical planning and development projects. The course presents techniques in population estimation, social and spatial analysis, economic studies, programme development, project appraisal and evaluation, urban dynamics and policy analysis.

ARCH6047 Planning law and practice

This course focuses on physical planning legislation and professional planning practice in Hong Kong. It deals with legal aspects of planning and development in general, and focuses on: planning policies, historical trends, development controls, procedures, administration and related legislation in Hong Kong and case studies.

ARCH6048 CAD in urban design

The course focuses on computer-related tools and techniques in professional urban design practice, and enables designers to fully exploit computers as design and presentation tools: overview of computer graphics, hardware, software and their applications in urban design.

ARCH6049 Design of cities

This course reviews historical trends in design of cities in different countries and explores their underlying cultural, spatial, social and economic contexts. Special emphasis will be given to the evolution and future form of cities in the Asia-Pacific region with reference to their physical, functional, political, social and economical developments in recent decades.

ARCH6052 Topics in architectural design

The study of various types of architecture in urban development in Hong Kong and abroad. Architectural projects of various complexity will be used to illustrate the process of design development that an architect has to face as a designer. Seminars will be conducted for students to deal with different cases and to learn problem solving techniques in the larger urban design context.

ARCH6053 Development management in urban design

The course examines the role of a development manager in coordinating urban design and development projects. Topics include planning, the development process; site selection, land use planning; lease modifications and financial implications; development coordination, phasing, marketing, time and budget controls. Case studies of projects will be presented.

ARCH6054 Economics for design and development

This course introduces principles of micro-economics and macroeconomics relevant to the design and development professions. Topics include: constraints and economic choice; demand, supply, returns and cost; land and rent; capital and interest; resources and productivity; economics of firms; banking and financial markets; factor prices; national income and business fluctuations; aspects of design and development decisions.

ARCH6055 Introduction to computers in urban design

This is an introductory course dealing with the following topics: hardware and software basics, file management, network communications, office software; 2D CAD drafting and 3D CAD modelling; multimedia; statistics and database tools; presentation and image processing software.

ARCH6050 Urban planning: theory and practice [for MUrbanDesign students]
RECO6001 Urban planning: theory and practice [for MSc(ConstProjectMan) & MSc(RealEst) students]

The course examines urban planning theory and urban planning practice especially in Hong Kong. Topics include contemporary urban planning theories, political and social influences in planning, nature and functions of the planning process and basic approaches to practice from strategic planning to local and site planning. Case studies will be presented.

RECO6002 Law and the real estate industry

The course provides a study of the law as it affects the real estate development process. Acquisition, ownership, management and disposal of land and real estate; town planning; finance of development; employment law; building contracts (standard forms, comparative studies); revenue law and the real estate market; agency law.

RECO6003 Economics for professionals

Demand and supply model, (consumer and producer surplus; gain from trade), theory of price control, (non-exclusive income, minimum wage legislation, rent control legislation), rent-seeking and rent-dissipation model, welfare economics, Pigovian Theory, (market failure: "external effects", "public goods", "monopoly"), welfare economics - Coasian critique, Neo-classical firm, Neo-classical firm - Critique.

RECO6004 Construction economics

Building cost control, life cycle costing, design economics, introduction to modelling, cost modelling - techniques, problems and recent developments, the Hong Kong construction industry.

RECO6005 Contract strategies and project management techniques

Risk analysis, contract strategy, organization form, planning techniques, value engineering, quality assurance, operations research.

RECO6006 Management theory and construction projects

The project organization, management theory: schools of thought, the project life cycle, organization structure, team roles, case studies of successful projects, project management tools.

RECO6007 Real estate and construction management practice

People in organizations, time management, leadership, motivation, conflict resolution, decision aiding technologies, decision making, negotiation, meetings, presentation techniques.

RECO6008 Real estate and construction business management

Hong Kong's economy, management theory - schools of thought, strategic management, marketing, forecasting and indices, financial performance, recruitment and human resources management, safety.

RECO6009 Construction information management

The course covers the basic concepts of information management and computerization in the construction industry. It also focuses on special application areas including computer-aided drafting and design, building information, geographic information, project management, property management, and facilities management systems.

RECO6010 Development case studies

This course examines in detail the interaction of the various components within the development process. It utilizes a series of case studies of actual projects of varying scale and complexity which will allow for an analysis of the essential inputs to the process and the effects these may have on outputs and the final product.

RECO6011 Real estate economics

This course deals with the economics and structure of the real estate industry with special reference to Hong Kong. It introduces the real estate sector as consisting of three interrelated subsectors, namely the market for real estate services, the market for real estate assets, and the real estate development market. The course also introduces principles of real estate market analysis and real estate project evaluation.

RECO6012 Real estate maintenance management

Principles of maintenance: scope, perspective, roles and objectives; maintenance management-policies, organization, legislation and implementation; maintenance contracts; information systems.

RECO6013 Real estate investment and finance

This course introduces real estate investments as part of the universe of investment opportunities. It further covers real estate investment decision-making under uncertainty. Principles of real estate investment and development project finance are also covered.

RECO6014 Real estate management

The course approaches real estate management from a total asset management viewpoint. It covers the real estate asset management environment, strategic decision-making in real estate, property asset management, and real estate portfolio management from corporate and institutional perspectives. It also deals with real estate agency and marketing principles.

RECO6015 Real estate investment and the capital markets

This course provides a framework for analyzing real estate investment within a capital markets theoretical framework. It deals with real estate investment and modern portfolio theory, the capital asset pricing model and portfolio performance measurement, and real estate market efficiency. The course highlights comparative problems in the application of modern investment theory to real estate investments and real estate markets.

RECO6016 Land economics

This course covers the fundamental determinants of location of economic activities: the concept of rent, marginal productivity and land rent, bid rent analysis and the formation of a land market, economic regions and retail locations, industrial locations, land use control, property rights and zoning, social cost and pollution problems, development timing and problems of urban redevelopment.

RECO6017 Project finance

This course deals with real estate project finance from an international financial markets perspective. It covers international project finance and principles of financial risk management. The course contains a substantial self-study component, and candidates are required to present a detailed case study as part of course requirements.

RECO6018 Modern developments in the law of construction contracts

Modern development in the laws of contract and torts; interpretation, comparison and application of various standard forms of building and civil engineering contracts and sub-contracts: programmes, interim certification, set-off of payments, pay when paid clause, variation and architect’s instruction, delay and extension of time, liquidated damages; preparation, evaluation and presentation of claims; contractual, non-contractual and ex-gratia claims; global claims; advanced claims techniques; contractual and common law remedies; bankruptcy and insurance in the context of the construction industry.

RECO6019 Workshop report [for MSc(ConstProjectMan) & MSc(RealEst) students]

Students are required to work on a group workshop project. For M.Urban Design students the project will normally be a large scale urban design and development real-life exercise project involving land reclamation and infrastructure provision leading to a 3-D built form, designed to professional standards, involving relevant urban design theory and implementation criteria, and conducted with a participation of professionals in both public and private sectors.

For MSc students, the project reflects the inter-disciplinary nature of the curriculum and aims to synthesize and apply the theory taught in the lecture courses to a problem which in practice would engage the combined skills of a number of the professions which constitute the property and construction industries. Through this simulation students will experience the demands and importance of teamwork under the exigencies of actual commence, and will appreciate the significance of their role and that of others in the context of the environment, planning, the property and construction industry and accountancy.

RECO6020 Dissertation/research seminar [for MSc(ConstProjectMan) & MSc(RealEst) students]