Constructed Ecologies

Subject ABPL90263 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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

Parkville

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 hours per week
Total Time Commitment: 144 hours per semester
Prerequisites: Enrolment in the 200 or 300 point Master of Landscape Architecture.
Corequisites: None specified
Recommended Background Knowledge: None specified
Non Allowed Subjects: None specified
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr Margaret Grose

Contact

Environments and Design Student Centre
T: +61 3 8344 6417/9862
F: +61 3 8344 5532
Email: msd-courseadvice@unimelb.edu.au
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, brown field remediation, and 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 and includes:
  • 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 of equivalent to 2000 words worth 40% due at the end of semester or in May.
  • A compulsory field trip of up to 4 days in the mid semester break which is associated with the major project of 40%.
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.
Related Course(s): Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Landscape Architecture

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