Course overview
Designed Ecologies is a foundational course for Master’s students in Landscape Architecture, focusing on the design of ecosystems and plant habitats within urban and regional contexts. Through a comprehensive study of ecological principles, planting design theories, and habitat restoration methodologies, students will learn to create biodiverse and sustainable landscapes that foster a strong human-nature connection. The course emphasizes practical skills, including technical drawing of plants, sketching for visual research, and the documentation of horticultural implementation and ongoing landscape maintenance. By integrating ecological, aesthetic, and functional considerations, the course prepares students for advanced design projects and strengthens their understanding of environmental stewardship, aligning with the program’s emphasis on sustainability and ecology, equipping students with the tools necessary for creating resilient, sustainable landscapes. This course is a prerequisite for the Landscape Architecture capstone project and is available to related fields as an elective.
- Learning From Nature
- Designing With Nature
- Planting Design Documentation
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse Ecological Systems and Abstract Key Ecological Principles: Students will evaluate core ecosystem structures and then employ them to create biodiverse landscapes
- Develop Horticultural Knowledge: Students will acquire practical knowledge of horticulture relevant to Landscape Architecture and apply strategies to ensure ecological resilience
- Evaluate and Apply Planting Design Theories: Students will examine different planting design methodologies and utilise them to enhance habitat restoration and ecosystemic services
- Develop Visual and Technical Communication Skills: Students will learn to synthesise and communicate ecological design principles effectively trough visual media, utilising hand sketching and digital tools
- Design And Document Planting Plans: students will develop proficiency in sketching and technical drawing of planting plans to create experiential landscapes that consider human-nature relationships
- Demonstrate Environmental Stewardship and Ethical Responsibility: Students will understand the importance of a profession committed to sustainable and ethical landscape practices and promote ecological awareness and climate resilience practices in their landscape designs