Landscape Technology (HS 495XY)
4 credits (2.5-3-0) Spring
and Fall Preq: HS 495Z and HS 342
Course Description
HS 495XY, Landscape Technology, is imperative
in understanding and working sensitively with site conditions
and features as well
as designing and placement of site structures on the land that
are both aesthetic and functional. Landscape Technology combines
design skills with technical knowledge that allows students to
design meaningful yet safe and functional landscapes that do
not negatively impact the environment.
This course focuses on site planning issues and construction materials
used in small scale landscape design. Specific topics we will cover
include landform as an art form, interpreting two-dimensional site
plans, surveying, grading and drainage, site inventory and analysis,
user/client needs, circulation, functional role of vegetation,
site structures and special population requirements. Simultaneously,
we will be investigating appropriate construction materials used
in a variety of landscapes and settings.
Course Objectives
The overall goals of this course are to provide
students with an understanding of the technological aspects of
landscape design,
and to understand the impact that new designs have on existing
landscapes.
Students will:
- Learn to visualize and understand topographic form of the
land and how to sensitively and artfully manipulate landform
as a
design element;
- Introduce principles of land surveying, learn
how to perform field work and transfer that information to
a paper document;
- Develop an understanding of the essentials
of vehicular and pedestrian circulation (roads, small parking
lots, sidewalks,
steps,
ramps, handicap accessibility issues, etc.);
- Develop a
basic understanding of hydrology, storm water and site drainage;
- Continue to develop a process for analyzing site characteristics;
- Develop a process for analyzing user behavior, determining
user needs;
- Introduce students to site requirements of special
populations; and
- Gain an understanding of landscape
construction materials by themselves and in combination with
others
(this information
presented
simultaneously with other topics).
- Identify larger
contextual issues that impact smaller scale landscapes; and
vice versa
- Identify how plants are used in functional
ways and apply that information to design work
Course Methods
Learning will be accomplished through
several steps: knowledge acquisition, technique development,
practice, and evaluation. Class
sessions will serve to introduce basic knowledge and present
the technique to apply the knowledge. Knowledge will then be applied
to a range of hypothetical and real world projects. Class time
will also be used for working on projects and exercises and for
local field trips. A series of projects will be completed incrementally
through the semester to reinforce your ability to develop necessary
skills. A midterm and final exam will provide additional evaluation
of your understanding. Weekly or bi-weekly pop quizzes will also
be given.
Students conduct a site inventory and analysis to learn how urban
conditions impact green spaces.
All photographs taken by Anne
Spafford.
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