Constructed Ecologies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

This subject involved an (up to) 5 day field trip which runs during the University Easter non-teaching period.

144 hours per semester

Enrolment in the 200- or 300-point Master of Landscape Architecture.

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/

Constructing 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 ecologies of place, changing rural ecologies, wetlands and stormwater design strategies, environmental history informing landscape architecture, lighting as a constructed ecology , and the redirective return brief. 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 (of up to 5 days) outside of Melbourne which will be held during the Easter non teaching period.

• Develop an understanding of ecological principles.
• Understand the role of the landscape architect in enabling ecological function through design.

• Wiki reports (equivalent to 1, 500 words), 30%, to be submitted on wiki progressively from week 2 during the semester until week 9.
• Small essay, 1,000 words derived from wiki design analysis, 20% due end of semester or week 11.
• Moleskin Journal based on an (up to) 5 day field trip (equivalent to 2,500 words), 50%. The field trip will run during the University Easter University Non-teaching period (which may include Passover and Orthodox Holy Friday). The Moleskin Journal is to be submitted 2 weeks after return from field trip (or as advised).
• (Alternative assessment may be provided for students who for valid reasons cannot attend the field trip.)

A Reader is available from the University Bookshop. Additional useful background reading is: Adelson, G et al (2008) Environment: An Interdisciplinary Anthology, Yale University Press; but is not required.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Correct use of technical terminology.
• Evaluation of existing knowledge.
• Critical evaluation of practice and design.
• Identification of emergent trends in ecological design practice.