Constructed Ecologies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

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

170 hours

Admission into one of the following courses:

MC-LARCH2Y Master of Landscape Architecture (200 points)

OR

MC-LARCH Master of Landscape Architecture (300 point, entry point)
MC-LARCH3Y Master of Landscape Architecture (300 points)

PLUS

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 approaches within ecology as a fundamental requirement for design practice. Typical topics include biodiversity, soils, changing rural ecologies, wetlands and stormwater design strategies including water flows, environmental history informing design, lighting as a constructed ecology, and performative design and the use of big data. The course will be informed by case studies from around the world as illustrations of ecology informing design. A range of environments with differing ecological systems or issues might be explored in a field trip (of up to 4 days) outside of Melbourne which would be held during the Easter non-teaching period; this is yet to be confirmed for 2015.

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

1. Constructed ecology design critique, due week 3, 15%, 500 words.
2. Suburban charrette in class, due week 5, 5%, 500 words equivalent.
3. Water flow assignment, mid-semester; due in class, 10%, 500 words.
4. Journal (currently based on field trip), due approx Week 8, 30%, 1500 words. Essay, due during exam period, 30%, 2000 words.
5. Tutorial participation, throughout semester, 10%.

Hurdle requirement: Attendance of at least 80% at tutorials and lectures is a hurdle requirement for this subject.

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.