3.00 Credits
Olgyay. Corequisite(s): Summer Field Ecology Laboratory/Willig. Module 1: Landform; This foundation workshop focuses on the means by which landscapes are shaped by earthwork grading. Lectures and exercises develop the student's sensibility toward three-dimensional form given by ground-plane manipulation. Students explore the formal, textural, and scalar differences between naturally-occurring landform types, such as eskers, drumlins, etc., and human scaled landform types, such as stairs, ramps, and terraces. Related environmental considerations, such as drainage, aspect, growth, and the relationship between planting and landform are also covered in this workshop. Teaching in Workshop II emphasizes hands-on work with modeling and drawing, and field trips to sites that are especially appropriate for observing, measuring, and experiencing the sculptural qualities and capabilities of landform. Module 2: Planting Design; This workshop focuses on both the cultural and the technical aspects of planting design. Through a series of short design projects students investigate the characteristics of basic plant typologies, such as bosque, grove, glade, allee, hedgerow, etc., their origins in productive landscapes, and their application to contemporary landscape architecture. Students also learn technical aspects of planting such as basic horticulture, hardiness zones, and soil requirements. Planting details, planting plans and plant lists, specifications, plant inspection and selection criteria, and site inspections are also covered at this time. During the first week of May, a five-day field course focuses on techniques of urban revitalization, sustainable land use, reclamation, and restoration. The field trips offer insight into the diversity of approaches to using plants to promote positive environmental change.