LAR-22806 Landscape Architecture Theory and Aesthetics

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

The course offers an insight in architectural theory and aesthetics. Lectures will refer to the theory as explained during the Introduction Landscape Architecture and Planning: Theory. Both theory and aesthetics are offered in lectures and exercises. The content of the course reflects a variety of Dutch and international contemporary landscape architecture. It provides an overview of the various demands a landscape architect is confronted with. It deals with concepts concerned with natural forces and social constructs. It deals with the aesthetics of landscape architecture and characteristics of good design. It offers an understanding of the correlation between different scale levels in landscape design. It offers insight in aesthetic vocabulary, design principles and design processes.

Learning outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to be able to:
- define characteristics of landscape architecture, as well as interpretations of art and aesthetics;
- identify landscape architecture as cultural practice as well as an academic and professional discipline;
- identify principles and concepts in landscape design as they relate to socio-cultural, economic and environmental conditions;
- categorize types of theories and explain them by different design examples and attitudes;
- identify characteristics of design processes and methods and techniques for landscape-based and people-based analyses, conceptual formation and evaluation;
- explain the difference and correlation between small scale, operational design and large scale, strategic design;
- formulate critical judgment about good and relevant design practices, procedures and products.

Activities:

- instruction lectures;
- exercises in study groups (design analysis, literature analysis, discussion and presentation);
- small excursion(s).

Examination:

- written examination on the material covered in lectures and the literature;
- the results of the exercises.

Literature:

Students will be informed about the obligatory literature at the start of the course.