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LAA215 Urban Landscape Design and Constructions

Credits (ECTS):15

Course responsible:Frode Degvold

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:Maximum of 35

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:Total workload is 375 hours, whereof app. 40% organized activities.

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in January block. This course has teaching/evaluation in January block and Spring parallel.

About this course

The core of the subject is the design of urban spaces. Through lectures, field trips and exercises, students learn methods for uncovering site-specific qualities and how to involve users of a place. The subject touches on methods from various project phases such as need clarification, programming and concept development, to design and detailing. The main emphasis of the work in the course is placed on an individual design task in a specific urban context. This assignment forms the basis for evaluation in the subject. The teaching will highlight current topics and issues related to the assignment, including the relationship to plans and regulations as well as material use and constructive solutions. Initially, short, compulsory practice tasks are given in literature studies, concept development and construction details, both individually and in groups. Time is set aside for guidance and for independent work The project assignment must be delivered and presented both halfway through and at the end of the semester.

Learning outcome

Students must have basic knowledge of:

  • various landscape architectural challenges and methods when designing in a site-specific and urban context
  • the landscape architect's role and interaction with other professions in planning
  • different urban space typologies such as streets and squares
  • contemporary landscape architecture that can serve as role models for various solutions
  • programming and design of urban spaces based on the location's character and it's stakeholders
  • user involvement and participation
  • site grading, constructions, material and vegetation use in an urban context

Students must have basic skills in:

  • applying landscape architectural methods and tools in planning
  • seeking and applying relevant knowledge to propose solutions to site-specific constructive and form-related challenges
  • creative and professional thinking develop and present a moderately complex landscape architecture project

Students must have general competence in:

  • task understanding
  • independent work
  • making reasoned choices in the implementation and design of a project
  • developing own ideas and formal expression as a landscape architect by exploring solutions, techniques and design language
  • reflecting on the importance of sustainability in landscape projects
  • Learning activities

    The learning activities provide an introduction to the professions' working methods and tools and require active student involvement. Students must:

    • use the sketchbook actively in lectures, exercises and own work as part of the learning
    • acquire subject matter through self-study and proactive use of guidance
    • practice reproducing subject matter in your own words
    • participate in discussions and exchange of opinions about acquired subject matter
    • practice task comprehension
    • apply the subject matter, including your own notes in exercises and assignments practice
    • developing quick concept sketches
    • practice using methods for registration and analysis, graphical representation and presentation
    • seek out relevant projects in the field and in literature for inspiration and ideas
    • express critical and analytical thinking, and overall understanding in project tasks
    • propose measures on submitted professional requirements
    • practice justifying your own choices
    • practice cooperative learning in group tasks and independent work in individual tasks
    • present their work graphically and orally
  • Teaching support
    The students receive weekly supervision, in groups and individually. Canvas is platform for shared information.
  • Prerequisites
    An approved Bachelor´s degree in Landscape Architecture from another educational institution or an approved two first years and passed course in LAA224, Vegetation design, in Landscape Architecture at NMBU.
  • Recommended prerequisites
    LAD100, LAA214, LAA224.
  • Assessment method
    Assignment: Individual project assignment with oral presentation. The assignment is graded with grades A-F, where A is excellent and E is sufficient, while F is given for not passing/failing.

  • Examiner scheme
    Course evaluation involves the examiner taking part in in-class, joint review sessions - concept phase presentation and final delivery with oral presentations . Semester assignments are approved by the responsible teacher.
  • Mandatory activity
    • 4 approved compulsory assignments
    • 1 compulsory excursion
    • attend all review sessions
  • Teaching hours
    App. 30h lectures, 60h supervision, 45h review sessions and 15h excursions.
  • Preferential right
    M-LA
  • Reduction of credits
    With LAA 216, 5 ECTS. Only for students who have completed LAA216 before they start LAA215.
  • Admission requirements

    Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse) and

    An approved Bachelor´s degree in Landscape Architecture from another educational institution or an approved two-year basic block in Landscape Architecture at NMBU, or the equivalent.