Designing Green Roofs and Walls

Subject HORT90046 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

September, Burnley - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 25-Sep-2016 to 30-Sep-2016
Assessment Period End 11-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 26-Sep-2016
Census Date 07-Oct-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 28-Oct-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 42
Total Time Commitment:

There is a total time commitment for this subject of 170 hours.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge:

Students wishing to take this subject should have an understanding of landscape plants, green infrastructure and urban environments.

Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/. Email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

Coordinator

Dr Claire Farrell

Contact

c.farrell@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject explores the design, specification and management of green roofs and walls. The content will include guidelines and policies supporting green roofs and walls, relevant typologies and categories of use, requirements for successful design, construction and maintenance, development of specifications and project management and local and international case studies. Students will gain a thorough understanding of green roof and wall design and function, the benefits provided to cities and people and gain hands on experience through practical activities and visits to local project sites.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Evaluate international green roof and wall guidelines, specifications and standards
  • Explain the key design considerations for green roofs and walls, including the development and use of specifications;
  • Analyse substrate properties relating to green roof specification and how these affect plant performance and plant selection
  • Assess and analyse experimentally how green roof substrates influence stormwater runoff retention capacity
  • Assess and analyse experimentally how green wall design influences thermal performance
  • Compare and evaluate methods for plant selection on green roofs and walls using research and case studies;
  • Discuss maintenance and management issues relevant to green roof and wall case studies
Assessment:
  • 1 x 2000 word assignment due 3 weeks after the workshop, 30%;
  • 1 x Case study equivalent to 2500 words due 4-6 weeks after the workshop, 60%;
  • 1 x 500 word practical report due during the workshop, 10%
Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Source, interpret and apply written information from a range of resources to describe issues pertinent to design and specification of green roofs and walls.
  • Use scientific and technical literature in the discussion and evaluation of green roof and wall design.
  • Develop investigative and analytical skills through study of green roof and wall design case studies.
  • Integrate theory of green roof and wall design with practical considerations in case study explorations of their implementation and on-going management and maintenance.
  • Develop a practical understanding of green roof and wall implementation through interaction with guest industry speakers; Linking students with potential employers.
  • Develop analytical and measurement skills in hands-on practical exercises
  • Gain experience in effective team work.
Related Course(s): Graduate Diploma in Urban Horticulture
Master of Urban Horticulture
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation
Energy Efficiency Modelling and Implementation
Master of Science (Ecosystem Science) - Discipline Elective subjects
Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions
Tailored Specialisation
Tailored Specialisation

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