In this course students will study the interaction between architecture and consumer society. The main focus will be on how the ethos of consumerism relates to the design of urban spaces, cities and the buildings within them. Consumerism will be examined not only in terms of shopping, but also as a way of relating to culture and cultural education. We will consider the explosion of "themed" environments over the last thirty years, from shopping malls to whole cities such as Las Vegas. Themed environments are usually designed to stimulate consumer spending by amalgamating spaces for retail activity with those of entertainment and amusement. By drawing on the work of cultural and architectural theorists, as well as site visits to places within Sydney, the subject will examine three types of consumer-orientated space: shopping malls, casinos and new 'interactive' museums. Students will be encouraged to develop critical attitudes toward the influences consumerism has on contemporary architecture. Material will be presented in lectures and seminars.