Constructed Ecologies

Subject 702-586 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: Entry to a Masters programme within the Melbourne School of Design
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Margaret Grose, Dr Siqing Chen
Subject Overview:

Constructed ecologies engages with the key principles of ecology as a fundamental requirement for landscape architectural practice. The focus is on ecosystem function at various scales. Typical topics include

  • habitats
  • biodiversity
  • urban greening and urban ecology
  • changing rural ecologies
  • stormwater design strategies
  • brownfield remediation
  • environmental history informing landscape architecture

The course will address case studies from around the world as illustrations of ecological principles informing design. A range of environments with differing ecological issues or systems will be explored in a field trip outside of Melbourne.

Objectives:
  • Develop an understanding of ecological principles
  • Understand the role of the landscape architect in enabling ecological function through design
Assessment:
  • assessment will be to the equivalent of 5000 words including three design-based reports equivalent to 1000 words each (20% each, 60% total),to be submitted progressively from Week 3 during the semester
  • an essay or design/project/site report pf 2000 words worth 40% due at the end of semester
One report is to be presented orally to the class as a twenty minute seminar.
Prescribed Texts:

Adelson, G et al (2008) Environment: an interdisciplinary anthology. Yale University Press, New Haven and London.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Correct use of technical terminology
  • Evaluation of existing knowledge
  • Critical evaluation of practice and design
  • Identification of emergent trends in ecological design practice
Links to further information: http://www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/environments-and-design-students/melbourne-school-of-design-students.html
Related Course(s): Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Landscape Architecture

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