CORE LECTURE MODULES

The Landscape Core Lecture Modules expose students to wide-ranging landscape theories, methodologies, and technologies and are aimed at developing advanced skills and critical thinking. While some are oriented to practice and others take a research focus, all modules provoke a deep appreciation for the critical role of landscapes in the sustainability, liveability, and resilience of urban areas. Often linked with the concurrent design studio topic, they develop technical design skills in implementation detail and proficiency using cutting-edge software, explore timely topics like water urbanism and urban ecology in depth, and dive into theory, history, contemporary landscapes, and policy. Through the accompanying design studio projects, students are able to apply knowledge and skills gained in the lecture modules to real world problems in real design sites. Twentythree core lecture modules have been conducted over ten years, led by 30 full-time and visiting tutors with a broad range of expertise spanning research and practice.

Core Modules

LA4202 Planting design

LA4203 History and Theory of Landscape Architecture

LA4212 Topics in Tropical Forest Ecology

LA5201 Policy of Landscape

LA5222 Urban Ecology and Design

LA5301 Geodesign

LA5302 Detail design

LA5303 Urban greening: Techniques and Technologies

AR5954A Topics in Landscape Architecture

Past Modules

AR5954a Topics in Landscape Architecture: Water Urbanism (2018/19-1)

LA3201 Introduction to the History of Landscape (2008/09-2 - 2010/11-1)

LA3211 Tropical Plant Identification 1 (2008/09-1 - 2013/14-1)

LA3301 Tropical Urban Horticulture (2012/13-2 - 2013/14-2)

LA3701 Introduction to Landscape Design (2008/09-1 - 2013/14-1)

LA3711 Sketchbook 1 (2008/09-1 - 2013/14-1)

LA3712 Sketchbook 2 (2008/09-2 - 2013/14-2)

LA4201 Theory of Modern Landscape Architecture (2008/09-1 - 2013/14-1)

LA4212 Tropical Plant Identification 2 (2008/09-2 - 2013/14-2)

LA4301 Material and Design (2010/11-1 - 2017/18-1)

LA5301 Site Systems (2009/10-1)

LA5402 Professional Practice (2009/10-2 - 2011/12-2)

LA4202 Planting Design

The urban environment is very different from the environment in which plants have naturally evolved. For plants to thrive in the often challenging growth conditions in urban areas, two specific general conditions need to be met: favourable growing conditions and appropriate landscape design for groups of plants to thrive. This module focuses on:

(1) understanding unique growing urban conditions, covering aspects such as urban temperatures, water, nutrients, light and soil;

(2) designing planting areas to satisfy growth needs;

(3) understanding the plants suitable for different urban conditions; and (4) creating a planting design to ensure diverse groups of plants can thrive in urban areas. The module takes students through the whole spectrum of design with plants on a large and small scale, focusing on tropical plants, though the design theory can be applied to any climatic region. It includes field trips to view live examples.

LA4203 History and Theory of Landscape Architecture

In this module, human inhabitation and intervention in the landscape is traced from prehistoric times to the present, highlighting the relationship between humans and landscape in particular traditions and cultures. The coverage is broad, including both Eastern and Western traditions and ancient and modern practices. Emphasis is on comparative studies of different cultures and traditions rather than on detail and depth of any particular practice of landscape intervention.

LA4212 Topics in Tropical Forest Ecology (previously: Tropical

Plant Identification)

The module starts with an appreciation of the immense biodiversity of plants in our region, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of natural primary forests and the need to extend them by recreating them in the urban context. The module also covers the appropriate use of nonindigenous plants. It emphasizes the need to be ecological-minded when selecting plants, with particular attention placed on conservation; the beautification of place should not be done at the expense of making another landscape look less attractive. The business implications of matching the right plant to site, using quality plants, and then being able to care for them professionally are also covered. Lectures are augmented with field trips to illustrate the application of the principles discussed.

LA5201 Policy of Landscape (previously: Politics Of Landscape)

This module integrates design capabilities with ecological baseline knowledge to be applied in a landscape policy and decision-making context. It presents a review of current topics in landscape architecture and planning, considering environmental and nature conservation issues through lectures, readings and discussion. In a broad sweeping presentation of strategic, comprehensive regional design and landscape planning, as well as impact assessment issues, students are challenged to critique current practice and to reflect on the relevance of landscape policies to society. Guest lecturers provide a substantial portion of the lectures, presenting their perspectives based on their individual practices and careers.

LA5222 Urban Ecology and Design

Urban ecology is the study of ecosystems that includes humans living in cities and urbanising landscapes. It is an emerging, interdisciplinary field that aims to understand how human and ecological processes can coexist in humandominated systems and to help societies become more sustainable. It has deep roots in many disciplines, including sociology, geography, urban planning, landscape architecture, engineering, economics, anthropology, climatology, public health, and ecology - all of which are described in this class. The module is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of urban ecology so they can better integrate ecological principles in their future designs.

LA5301 Geodesign (previously: Site Systems)

This module focuses on developing the knowledge and techniques of site analysis and planning which are essential for sustainable landscape architecture. The module is named Geo Design because it emphasises the systematic thinking of site and site alternatives in a broad context, with the analysis supported by contemporary theories and methodologies in landscape and urban ecology. The tool of geographic information system (GIS) is used to develop advanced techniques in analysing, evaluating, managing and modelling.

LA5302 Detail Design

This module covers landscape construction techniques and detailing. The emphasis is on the integration of details in terms of performance and coherence of the overall design. The module explores consistency in the use of materials and adaptation of detailing to develophematic strategies to carry design conceptual ideals, engaging the interrelationship and interdependence of parts and whole, near and far, and small and large scales. Current examples of local and international designs are presented and critiqued.

LA5303 Urban Greening: Technologies and Techniques

This module introduces students to contemporary and emerging technologies and techniques that have become essential components of urban greening design and practices. It traces the origins of such technologies and techniques as responses to the challenges and opportunities of creating a green and ecologically-balanced urban environment, explains their scientific underpinnings, and illustrates the theory with examples of real-life applications. It emphasises the role of R&D in a continual process to improve the performance of greening in areas of sustainability, ecological health and liveability of the built environment. Topics covered include metrics used to measure greenery, technologies used to integrate greenery with the grey and blue elements of the built environment, and plants used as the basic building blocks of functional landscapes. The module includes lectures, class discussions, and site visits demonstrating real-life applications, as well as R&D in progress.

AR5954A Topics in Landscape Architecture

This module covers contemporary approaches and discourses in landscape such as landscape urbanism, water urbanism, ecological urbanism, landscape ecology, etc. Specific topics covered take advantage of visiting and adjunct faculty members who are experts in the different fields. Modules on landscape urbanism, landscape ecology, and water urbanism have been offered in the past.