This module sets out the discipline of landscape architecture in relation to physical and natural processes, and anthropogenic impacts. It will establish relationships to resource systems, ecology and climates, hydrology, geology and topography.

Case studies will explore key aspects of landscape appraisal, environmental assessment, planning and design strategy, and the integration of these matters into coherent landscape architecture projects. Landscape architecture detail is addressed, relating seasonality to materials, horticulture, soft and hard landscaping.

Across three lecture sequences, you will develop the following:

understanding of why key environmental systems matter in contemporary landscape architecture
	understanding of what those systems mean for built environments
	how to assess and realise built landscapes using contemporary building technologies
It is your responsibility to participate in the full programme of events, including lectures, seminars, site visits, reviews and tutorials. Design Studios will establish their own individual critical position towards the design, construction and delivery of landscape projects appropriate to their Studio ethos.

Your aims are to:

be introduced to the synthesis of diverse contextual information
	for you to be supported in critically analysing environmental and anthropogenic information and the application of ecological concepts in the design of landscapes
	gain core knowledge that is required to understand Environmental Systems which influence and are a fundamental condition for any natural and anthropogenic landscape
	develop an attitude towards creative design processes through the lens of ecology and climates, geology, topography, hydrology, and soil science
	develop an attitude towards construction methods and project realisation in soft and hard landscape design, seasonality and horticulture, which have an integral role within the creative design process
	hone the ability to convey your work through high-quality graphic representation (e.g. maps, diagrams, models etc)
 

You will be introduced to the basic detailing in soft and hard landscaping, including land manipulation, land retaining structures, grading and other construction techniques. On successful completion of the module, you will have achieved the following learning outcomes.

knowledge and understanding of the physical and natural processes and anthropogenic impacts that shape the landscape and bring about change over time
	knowledge of a range of techniques where appropriate to the subject and scale of work such as, site survey and analysis, landscape assessment, environmental audits, community participation and consultation.
	knowledge of the identification and specification of the various palettes used in the profession and show an understanding of soft and hard landscape materials and their utilisation
	knowledge of range of users and uses of different types of landscape and the interaction between them.