Course

LAA115 Introduction to Landscape Architecture I

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Kjersti Vallevik Håbjørg, Frode Degvold, Rannveig Søndergaard Holm

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:75

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:250 hours

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in August block. This course has teaching/evaluation in August block, Autumn parallel,

About this course

The course is an introduction to the professional educations landscape architect and landscape engineer. The course provides an introduction to the professions' foundations, working methods and breadth of work tasks. In parts of the August block and the autumn parallel, there is joint teaching for the landscape architecture and landscape engineering students.

Learning outcome

The students should have basic knowledge of:

  • Landscape architecture concepts
  • The history of landscape architecture and garden art
  • the importance of the profession for people's experience and well-being in landscapes
  • public, mapped knowledge banks and municipal planning
  • the connection between maps and the professional understanding of landscapes
  • factors that play a role in the quality of the natural and built landscape
  • health, safety and the environment (HSE)

The students should have basic skills in:

  • surveying landscapes
  • exploring the possibilities of the landscape through visual working methods
  • visualizing landscapes
  • understanding the connection between conducting water and shaping terrain
  • understanding the importance of vegetation as a spatial shaper
  • justifying academic decisions visually, in writing and verbally
  • using equipment and machines in the model workshop

The students should have general competence in:

  • combining problem solving with reflection in one's own work
  • reflecting upon the profession's contribution to sustainable social development
  • Learning activities

    The learning activities provide an introduction to the professions' working methods and require student-active involvement. This involves to:

    • work in an academic community, individually and in collaboration with fellow students
    • develop knowledge of the tools and the working methods (i.e. visual journal, drawings)
    • apply professional methods (i.e. registration and analysis)
    • reflect on and participate in the discussion of acquired subject matter and project assignments
    • present works visually, orally and in writing
  • Teaching support
    The students receive supervision in connection with exercises and assignments individually and in groups. Canvas is used for information, lectures, literature references, assignment submissions, etc.
  • Prerequisites
    General study competence
  • Recommended prerequisites
    General study competence
  • Assessment method

    A Portfolio consisting of two assignments and an oral presentation (M-LA).

    One assignment (B-LI).



    Portfolio for Landscape Architecture (M-LA) Karakterregel: Passed / Not Passed Assignment for Landscape Construction and Management (B-LI) Karakterregel: Passed / Not Passed
  • Examiner scheme

    Portfolio Assessment for Landscape Architecture (M-LA):

    Two internal examiners assess the project assignment.

    One internal examiner assesses the visual journal.

    An external professional provides oral feedback on the oral presentation of the project assignment.

    Assignment for Landscape Engineer (B-LI):

    An external examiner is used in the assessment of all exam submissions.

  • Mandatory activity

    The student must

    • attend 80% of exercises
    • attend construction practice all days (B-LI)
    • Participate in mandatory excursions
    • submit and pass all assignments
    • attend reviews
    • undergo safety training for operating machinery
  • Notes

    Local inspections in connection with project work. Travel expenses must be covered by the individual student.

    When repeating the course, the course must be retaken in its entirety.

  • Teaching hours
    Aproximately: Estimated 140-170 hours structured devided on lectures, exercises, plenary reviews with critiques and discussionsin, excursions.
  • Preferential right
    Students enrolled in the M-LA and B-LI have priority.
  • Admission requirements
    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)