A4480 Elements of Landscape Architecture
Studio ElectiveNicholas Quennell
INTRODUCTION
Is landscape the space left over between and around buildings or are buildings simply objects to decorate the landscape? Should buildings be subsumed to the natural world or should they dominate it?
This course explores these questions by examining the relationship between buildings and the land upon which they are sited. It is intended as a general introduction to landscape architecture for architects touching upon the various factors which influence the design of buildings in the landscape, as well of the landscape itself.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COURSE
This is a one semester course and involves one two-hour evening class each week divided between lectures and class projects. At least one mandatory weekend field trip will be scheduled. Lectures will concentrate on three main areas:
1. Landscape architectural design theory, the historic development of the profession and theories underlying modern practice.
2. The natural landscape; how it should be treated and how it has so often been mistreated. Topics explores will include climate, geology, soils, hydrology and ecology.
3. Landscape technology and construction. Emphasis will be placed on those aspects of landscape technology which frequently confront the architect and which are often inadequately understood. Topics will include site grading; paving construction, and the use of trees and plants.
Class assignments, which may be done by groups of two or three, may focus on case studies of existing landscapes chosen to illustrate aspects of landscape design practice and theory, or on a specific design or technical topic. The organization and subject of these assignments are subject to discussion depending on the size of the class and the background of each student.
In addition to required readings and class assignments each student must keep a work book in the form of a three ring binder, which will contain lecture notes, class hand-outs and other relevant information. Work books will be reviewed at the end of the semester and will be considered in final assessment of the individual student's work.
SCHEDULE
1. Introduction
2. History and design: Pre-Renaissance to Olmsted
3. History and design: Frederick Law Olmsted; 19th century
4. History and design : Twentieth Century
5. Natural Environment: Introduction to environmental planning: geology, soils
6. Natural environment: climate, hydrology, vegetation
7. Plant materials and other elements
8. Construction: open space design issues; grading; drainage
9. Construction: Paving; walls; built elements
10. Construction: case study and site visit
11. Field trip: prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanical Garden