GLA302 Design-research studio in landscape architecture

Through the analysis of a specific case of an landscape in an international context and the elaboration of a design-research based approach, students will learn how to conceive a project proposal relative to a global context. The studio course is a problem-driven research-by-design course and embraces essential environmental and socio-cultural problems (issues). Topics, methods, and objectives are specified in the studio brief.

The course includes a field trip, to the selected site of study determined by the course responsible. During the field trip, students get an insight into the particularities of the specific case study and site, and how to carry out fieldwork (under consideration of research ethics). The specific landscape is explored, documented and mapped in the field and by other available sources, such as maps and written material. The analysis of all material and the design process are carried out within a studio framework. (desk-critique, discussions, reviews)

Within this framework, students actively explore different theories, concepts, and methods that are relevant for the development of the design project, and test their application and relevance in an iterative process. In this individual process of exploration students produce sketches, diagrams, plans, models or other visual means of representation during the course of the term.

The students are guided through the project by lectures, short presentations, assignments as well as continuous feedback to the developing work (structured teaching). Feedback is provided by the responsible staff, and in the form of peer reviews, in a mid-term and a final review.

The course aims at providing students with practical experience in how to conduct a design-research project and explore and utilize research and design methods.

Knowledge: - Students gain insight into the site- and case-specific geographical, ecological, economic and socio-political conditions, at the selected case study site.

Skills: - Students are able to apply theoretical, methodological and empirical knowledge to a specific design challenge. - Students are able to present insights from their ongoing and final work in a concise way by means of a coherent graphic representation and oral presentation.

General competences: - Students can gather information from first-hand and secondary sources in a respectful, ethical and transparent way. - Students can critically assess various kinds of information regarding their relevance and value to a project. - Students find ways to creatively analyse and synthesize information, insights, challenges and concerns to a project proposal.