b'The three scenarios were developed to test differentto be considered in terms of their respective costs, courses of action. In this way the class relinquishedeffectiveness and trade-offs involved. artificial notions of designer agency and instead developed visions that provided insight on possibleThe studio approach, moving between the evidence base outcomes in an uncertain future. In such a methodand the development of design visions, is characteristic designers avoid becoming trapped in group thinkof the geodesign method (Steiner & Shearer 2016; Steinitz or in a narrowing of vision, and instead test the2012). Geodesign is essentially the coming together of boundaries of their own knowledge whilst at the samegeography and design, assisted with some data-driven time developing useful knowledge for decision makingtechnology support (Pettit & others 2019). by local communities. Such an approach clarifies trade-offs required and the contrasting opportunitiesThe studio effectively critiqued the NSW Governments in alternative visions. The testing occurred at the scalestrategic planning for the Central Coast (NSW of the town centre and at the scale of the local urbanDepartment of Planning & Environment 2016; Greater district. These two scales were explored throughSydney Commission 2018). Instead of concentrating different collaborative combinations in the studio. Ondevelopment from Gosford to Erina in a narrow a weekly basis both the landscape students and thedevelopment zone, the studio took a more inclusive urban development and design students tested theapproach. Existing waterfront communities around broader scale. Urban design students tested the three- Brisbane Water were linked and networked to enhance dimensional implications of the larger scale strategy oftheir ongoing sustainability, resilience and connection one of the three scenarios in a process of validation.with nature. This urban landscape approach allowed the visualisation of the extreme vulnerability of some Urban development and design students alsoof the five communities to climate change-induced sea experimented with the opportunities presentedlevel rise and demonstrated the diverse and compelling by urban design mechanisms such as Transfer ofalternatives available to them through careful and honest Development Rights (TDR), whereby vulnerableconsideration of their urban futures. It also assisted in the properties are able to be sold by their owners in thedevelopment of new compelling identities and outcomes form of development floor space. This floor space isfor the communities surrounding Brisbane Water. sold by residents to developers (via a central fund) and used in special receiving zones in dedicated urban renewal and development areas such as Gosford Town Centre. Such approaches have been considered in nearby locations such as Collaroy, which sufferedfrom severe storm damage several years ago (Sheehan & others 2018). They have also proved effective in locations as diverse as Central Sydney through its heritage floorspace program and in Manhattan within the Theater District back in the 1970s (Barnett 1974) and the Highline Special Development Zone in recent times (Washburn 2013). TDR mechanisms are one of a range of climate adaptation methods including defence, adaptation and planned retreat. Each needs 55P3-20200301-SYDNEY STUDIO.indd 20 2020/3/6 22:17:33'