II. INTRODUCTION

Following on your introduction to basic design form generation and human factors considerations in the LAND 318/319 studios, the purpose of this course is to introduce natural biophysical factors and environmental process considerations as major determinants of design form. Additionally, technical construction considerations are included as an integral component of design decision making to reinforce the content from LAND 329/330.

The major theme for the studio is Landscape as an expression of Natural Process Ñ the influence of natural factors on landscape architectural design. Primary content focus for the course will be:

Introduction to ecological design approach
Ecological inventory and analysis methods
Introduction to the integration of environmental issues: wetland, floodplain, biodiversity, wildlife habitats, water quality, stormwater management, erosion control, etc.
Synthesizing natural factors information to formulate design performance criteria.

The underlying themes for the course include:

Continuation / integration of previous studio content to address projects at a complex level.
Integration of technical consideration with basic design concept.
Graphic analysis and representation of site processes as design influences to reveal the nature and impact of site process factors as they influence design decision-making.
Portfolio development will continue as an ongoing aspect of the design studio sequence.

III. COURSE GOALS

Students are to be introduced to ecological design approach and ecological inventory and analysis methods as integral elements of design process. The application of natural process considerations to inform design decisions determines the learning outcomes of the semester's work. The goals for the course are to:

1. Understand environmental processes as they integrate to influence landscape form.

2. Understand environmental factors as they integrate to influence design form.

3. Understand the integration of technical considerations as influences on design form.

4. Learn to access site factors information to inform design decisions.

5. Learn to translate information into design performance criteria.

6. Learn to design landscape settings to meet natural process criteria

7. Introduce design research and programming as an integral aspect of design process.

IV. COURSE CONDUCT

LAND 320 will be conducted through a series of design projects. Assignments will typically be on an individual basis with some collaboration in accessing, analyzing and documenting site factors information to guide design decisions. Lectures on subjects germane to the studio projects will be delivered twice weekly. The projects will be selected to demonstrate the applicability of lecture content and provide experience with gaining access to and making constructive use of site factors information.

Design projects will typically be of a broader scale than those of the LAND 318/319 studios to illustrate design process and pattern in a holistic way and to better illustrate their interdependent relationships. The generation of physical form for each project will be the result of logical and rigorous inquiry in the context of the site and the relationships between the program of the design and its impact on the environmental context.

V. FIELD TRIPS

The venue for some of the projects of the semester will be off campus. Several field trips to the sites will be required during the course of the semester. Costs for field trips is to be borne by the student.

VI. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Student performance will be evaluated on the basis of the work submitted. Project evaluation components will comprise the following:

Project Programming/Establishing Performance Standards 25% of the final grade

Design Satisfaction of Environmental Performance Standards 25% of the final grade

Design Form Resolution 25% of the final grade

Communication of Design Satisfaction of Criteria 25% of the final grade

Projects will be averaged for the calculation of the semester grade. Each project will be weighted according to the time spent on each project. For example, a project requiring three weeks will count only half as much in the final project average as a project requiring six weeks to complete. The final grade for the course will be calculated as follows:

Cumulative Average for Project Grades 85% of the final grade

Class Participation & Reading/Design Process & Research 15% of the final grade

Final grade 100%

Late work will not be accepted for grade in this course. Any deviation from a previously established due date must be arranged to the satisfaction of the instructor in advance of the established due date. This requirement will be waived only under exceptional circumstances that are clearly beyond the student's control, such as illness or death in the family. One of your most important professional obligations is to be able to deliver the promised products, on time and at an acceptable level of performance. This course is intended to provide training in both these areas of professional preparation.

Class attendance is required. If you cannot attend class due to a legitimate excuse, please call ahead to alert instructors of your absence in advance. Bringing information regarding absences to the attention of the instructor in a timely way is the responsibility of the student. Three unexcused studio or field trip absences will result in a reduction of one letter grade in the course.

Individual work is required. Work submitted for credit is to be individual effort. Plagiarism in any form is a violation of Department Policy. Submission of work copied from others without reference will receive no credit. However, suggestions from class reviews that lead to the evolution of individual concepts are intended to guide the development of ideas and unless copied directly, are not considered inappropriate.

Grades will be assigned according to the following standard:

A (90-100) Excellent academic performance with only minor mistakes or omissions that would not materially affect the quality of the overall solution or communication requirement. All technical requirements are complete and accurate. Work is graphically clear, well organized and submitted on time.

B (80-89) Good academic performance with minor mistakes or omissions, the overall quality is good but needs improvement. Technical requirements are appropriate, complete and correct. Work is graphically clear, well organized and submitted on time.

C (70-79) Average academic performance, mistakes are apparent that seriously affect the quality of the solution or communication requirement. Technical requirements are incorrect or only partially resolved. Graphic quality is average and needs substantial improvement to reach appropriate entry level professional standards.

D (60-69) Poor academic performance, the solution is inappropriate to requirements and/or context or unworkable with major mistakes or omissions. Clearly inappropriate technical response indicating a lack of adequate technical understanding or performance ability. Work is substantially incomplete or graphic communication is understandable but of poor quality.

F (0-59) Unsatisfactory academic performance, work is below the standard of fourth year level as revealed in a variety of areas; completeness, appropriateness to requirements, evidence, technical detail or graphic communication. The solution is unworkable within the context assigned. Work not submitted on time.

VII. THE LECTURE SCHEDULE

The lecture content will cover:

1. An overview of natural processes as landscape determinants

2. Introduction to the nature of climatic processes as an influence on the landscape

3. Introduction to the nature of geomorphological processes as an influence on the landscape

4. Introduction to the nature of soils as an influence on the landscape

5. Introduction to the nature of vegetation as an influence on the landscape

6. Review of ecological processes as landscape determinants

7. Introduction to systems theory as a way to comprehend landscapes as complex systems

8. Introduction to design process as a decision-making mechanism

9. Introduction to programming as a design quality control mechanism

VIII. REQUIRED TEXT

Motloch, J.L 2000. Introduction to Landscape Design. 2^nd edition

IX. RECOMMENDED READING

McHarg, I.L. 1999. Design with Nature. 2^nd edition

Marsh, W. M. 1991. Landscape planning environmental applications. 2nd ed.

Steiner, F. 1991. The living landscape.

X. ADA POLICY

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Department of Student Life, Services for Students with Disabilities in Room 126 of the Koldus Building, telephone number 845-1637.