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 and the Design Studio Basics. Both theory and aesthetics are offered in lectures and exercises. The content of the course reflects a variety of Dutch and international references in landscape architecture. It provides an overview of the various demands a landscape architect is confronted with. It deals with concepts concerned with natural systems 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. To develop students' English writing skills, lectures on structuring and formulating English texts are part of the course.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- define characteristics of contemporary landscape architecture and relate them to design theories and aesthetics;
- recognize landscape architecture as an academic and professional discipline from literature sources and excursion;
- analyse principles and concepts of landscape design as they relate to socio-cultural, economic and environmental conditions;
- distinguish the most important design methods in relation to the most common spatial and temporal scale levels;
- interpret through exercises and discussion the position of natural and social analyses within design processes, methods and techniques;
- recall by design references the differences and correlations between operational and strategic design;
- evaluate by critical discussion the legal and political context of design practices, procedures and products;
- write a scientific critique in correct English.

Activities:

- lectures on architectural theory and aesthetics;
- lectures on English writing;
- exercises in study groups (design analysis, literature analysis, discussion and presentation);
- individual writing exercise (design critique);
- small excursion(s).

Examination:

The work of the individual student is assessed on the basis of:
- a written examination (75% of the final mark);
- the design critique of a given landscape architecture project written in correct English (25% of the final mark).
Both components should be graded with a minimum of 5.5. The level of correct English writing will be graded with a separate formative mark. This mark won't be included in the final mark for the course.

Literature:

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