Course Contents

The course introduces the basic concepts and historical developments in landscape design; alteration of the basic landforms through urbanization and rural development from ancient times to date in specific cultural, historical, and environmental context. It discusses the significant themes of landscape design Visual communication techniques: exploration of landscape symbols, model building, design development drawing, and construction documentation drafting are introduced to students. Various planning considerations for conducting an exercise in landscaping are briefed upon in reference with the projects of various scales and magnitude. Students are made to develop an understanding and knowledge of the various plant species and varieties. Common varieties of plants and trees are introduced and their forms, profiles, shapes, propagation techniques, suitable soil conductions, desired solar orientation, etc. are discussed. The tips for maintenance and care of plants and trees are also briefed upon. Considers the integration of plants into the design process and emphasizes scale, development density, natural site characteristics, natural plant associations, and individual plant characteristics. Planting design studies in a variety of contexts are included.

Course Synopsis

The class will explore the possibilities of landscape design that can shape purposefully, productivity and (when our best) provocatively, the built environment. Assignments will concentrate on the aesthetic and practical applications of landscape architecture. They will work to refine their design process and graphic skills through a series of projects at a variety of scales and project program complexity. The selected projects will address site and road planning, accessibility, sustainable development, principles of vehicular and pedestrian circulation issues as well as basic landform manipulation. The course is composed of Lectures, Presentations and Field surveys. Lecture topics will introduce history, theories and methods relating to the assigned design projects with an emphasis placed on the research and the practice of Landscape Architecture. Projects and associated assignments are intended to engage students in an investigation of graphic language and representation, form, spatial and material articulation, and the communication of design intent through sketching, model making and drawing techniques.

Course Learning Outcomes

As a two-credit hour course, Landscape Design I introduce the fundamental skills, history, concepts and approaches essential to understanding and engaging with landscape architecture. After completing the Landscape Design course, students will be able to: Identify various, plants, flowers, surface materials, and enclosures used to create and enhance exterior design spaces and describe the many applications and configurations used for these materials. Articulate an understanding of identified problems and questions within the theoretical and historical context of the profession of landscape architecture. Justify and defend the proposed design or planning solution within the context of aesthetic, social, political, economic, and environmental conditions; and Communicate the entire problem-solving process or method of inquiry in written, oral, and graphic ways using appropriate media. Interpret the visual elements used during the landscape design process. This includes drawings and graphics tools. Apply this knowledge to the development of personal design concepts. Explain how to visualize the landscape site and design space as outdoor rooms. Apply standard design principles. Use these to enhance the appearance of residential and commercial outdoor space. The knowledge and skills acquired in this course provide a fundamental basis for students understanding landscape architecture. This knowledge and the related skills constitute a seminal part of landscape design education in the Bachelor of Architecture.