Landscape Materialities

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

120 hours

Entry into the following 200-point programs:

Master of Architecture (MC-ARCH2Y)
Master of Landscape Architecture (MC-LARCH2Y)
Master of Urban Design (MC-URBDES)

Completion of the first 100 points of the following 300-point programs:

Master of Architecture (MC-ARCH3Y)
Master of Landscape Architecture (MC-LARCH3Y)

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

The subject engages with contemporary landscape architecture practice through guided investigation projects on materiality and technology. Students will select an area of interest from a list of nominated topics to investigate through research-design exercises. The subject emphasises exploratory investigations (which could extend to fabrication) and encourages the uncovering of new knowledge that can extend the possibilities of landscape architectural design.

The subject establishes research-design approaches that are further reinforced in Design Research, Design Thesis and Landscape Practice subjects.

On completion of the subject, students should have:

• The ability to conceive and conduct an independent research project;
• An understanding of research enquiry through material investigation; and
• An expanded understanding of materiality and technology as it relates to contemporary landscape architecture practice.

Illustrated research paper (1000 words) due week 4 (25%)

Exploratory design application (equivalent to 3500 words) due end of semester (60%)

Reflective essay (500 words) due end of semester (15%)

Liat Margolis & Alexander Robinson (2010) Living Systems: Innovative Materials and Technologies for Landscape Architecture, Birkhauser: Basel

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• Understanding creative research as a methodology in design practice;
• Awareness of and beginning skills in a range of creative research methods;
• Capacity to frame a research design query as a basis for creative exploration;
• Capacity to determine the relevant research/design/fabrication methods/processes to address the posed question through design;
• Capacity for independent, analytical and critical thought and reflection.