Constructed Ecologies

This subject is not offered in 2014.

144 hours per semester

Admission into one of the following courses

MC-LARCH2Y Landscape Master of Architecture (200 points)
MC-LARCH3Y Landscape Master of Architecture (300 points)

AND

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

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 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 ecology 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.

• Presentation (500 words equivalent), one per student all through semester until Week 11, 20%.
• Small essay, 2,000 words derived from lectures and other reading material, due end of semester or week 13, 40%.
• Moleskin Journal based on an (up to) 5 day field trip (equivalent to 2,500 words), 40%.

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.