DESIGN METHODS

LAR 385M
Instructor: Allan Shearer
 
This class examines theories methods of analysis and composition for landscape architecture and urban design. Class meetings include lectures and open discussions of theories and practices associated with design methods.
 
Pedagogic Objectives:

• Provide a basis to assess rigorous methods of analysis and consistent methods of composition that support environmental design.
• Expose students to a variety of methods that can be used in professional practice.
• Develop skills of criticism through the identification of underlying (and often implicit) assumptions about the built and natural environment.

 
Skills to be developed:

• Students will demonstrate competence in systems thinking.
• Students will demonstrate competence in discussing landscape performance, with emphasis on measures that support the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) certification process and the development of the Landscape Architecture Foundation's Case Study Investigation series.
• Students will demonstrate competence in presenting design issues to general audiences.
• Students will demonstrate competence in presenting their thought process to professional audiences.

 
Time commitment:
It is expected that a minimum of 4–6 hours outside of the regularly scheduled class meeting time will be necessary to prepare and complete the assignments.