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Programme Modules
LA3701
Introduction to Landscape Design
4 Modular Credits
This studio based module introduces basic concepts in landscape
design through a series of short design exercises. The exercises
will begin with site inventory and analysis, followed by studies
on external spaces, scale, planning and layout, covering issues
of handicap and safety requirements and discussing the use of
both hardscape and softscape materials. Tropical climatic
considerations are emphasized. The final project draws together
all the elements in a small scale design task.
LA3201
Introduction to the History of Landscape
4 Modular Credits
Human inhabitation and intervention on the landscape is traced
from prehistoric times to the present. In particular, the
relationship between humans and landscape as presented in
particular traditions and cultures is highlighted. The coverage
is broad, including both Eastern and Western traditions and
ancient and modern practices. Emphasis is on comparative studies
between different cultures and traditions rather than on detail
and depth of any particular practice of landscape intervention.
The utility of landscape is addressed as much as aesthetic and
design conventions.
LA3711 Sketchbook 1
2 Modular Credits
This fieldwork based module documents the student’s thoughts and
understanding about plants, their formal, environmental and
aesthetic qualities and about the seeing landscapes and their
embedded meanings. The sketchbook will include drawings and
notes reflecting the student’s development in terms of innate
and internalised perceptions of the environment.
LA3712 Sketchbook 2
2 Modular Credits
This fieldwork based module is a development from LA3711 and
extends the students understanding about the landscape. Through
the sketchbook, the student is expected to develop a strongly
personal approach to landscape aesthetics through a critical
analysis of the landscape. The sketchbook will be a compilation
of drawings and notes exhibiting the student’s drawing ability
and development of a personal style in sketching.
LA3211
Plant Identification 1
4 Modular Credits
This module comprises field walks to inculcate identification of
various tropical plants. Through in-situ observations,
instruction will be given on plant growth characteristics and
modifications in form as a result of site conditions. Students
are taught to differentiate the different leaf, flower, fruit
and bark characteristics of various species and will analyse
habitat constraints on growth rate. Conditions for low and high
maintenance in terms of plant selection and habitat are
highlighted.
LA3301
Plant Science and Horticulture
4 Modular Credits
This is the second plant module for students. Besides learning
plant identification skills, students will be taught the basics
of how plants live and die in their natural habitats: plant
biology, and begin to explore the science of horticulture, where
plants are planted in unnatural planned environments. Soil
science, arboriculture, pest and disease control, maintenance
regimes, management procedures and the relationship between
plant selection and habitat creation will be emphasised.
LA4701 Landscape Design
Studio 4A
8 Modular Credits
This studio based module develops develop higher level skills in
landscape design. Projects of various scales and time durations
are undertaken to explore issues of context, program and
socio-economic considerations for both urban and suburban sites.
Projects will cover sites with different functions, e.g.
residential, commercial, industrial, educational, health and
recreation. Civic spaces like roadsides, highways, plazas and
city squares will also be tackled. There is an emphasis on
sustainability and tropical design.
LA4702 Landscape Design
Studio 4B
8 Modular Credits
This studio based module develops an appreciation for design
skills in tropical landscape design as applied on a larger
scale. Interdisciplinary requirements from planning guidelines,
architecture design, engineering limitations; as well as
understanding existing natural land and urban systems will be
introduced into the design process. Project sites will be larger
in scale with more complex urban design issues, with projects
ranging from regional nature conservation sites to mix-use
regional urban centres. There will be an emphasis on deriving
innovative design solutions using ecological and sustainability
principles.
LA4201
Theory of Modern Landscape Architecture
4 Modular Credits
This module covers the foundations for the practice of
contemporary landscape architecture. It covers the current
influences and historic development of landscape architecture in
the Western world from garden design into a professional
discipline. Key influences of contemporary landscape
architecture and the development of design styles and theories
are discussed. References to landscape practices in other
countries – China, Japan, Middle East – where relevant are
highlighted. The module finishes with a discourse on current
Asian landscape architectural practice.
LA4301
Materials and Techniques
4 Modular Credits
This module provides an understanding of materials as they
pertain to landscape design. There is an emphasis on building
materials– stones, timber, metals, glass, composite material,
concrete, etc. The discourse on materials is integrated with
their application on site
The module provides also basic understanding of landscape
technique and design considerations relating to landscape
lighting, water feature design, drainage design and landscape
irrigation.
LA4202
Planting Design
4 Modular Credits
This module reviews design principles in terms of plant design
characteristics and responses to environment and seasonal
changes. There is an emphasis on plants as unique elements of
landscape design. Both aesthetic and functional uses of plants
will be covered. Design that favours natural distribution and
ecological considerations will be explored. Class assignments
will involve graphic and presentational techniques using
computer and small-scale modelling to explore architectonic
aspects of planting like massing, texture, colour, form and
shape.
LA4212
Tropical Plant Identification 2
4 Modular Credits
This module follows from Tropical Plant Identification 1.
Matching plants to site will be one of the topics covered.
Because of the tropical context the focus will be on trees. The
course will leverage on the experience gained through
establishing Singapore as a “Garden City”. The creation of a
forest within a city, an "urban forest”, is one of its aims. The
course will start with an appreciation of the immense
biodiversity of plants in our region. The irreplaceable values
that natural primary forests have will be emphasized. The case
of the need to extend these forests by recreating them in the
urban context will be discussed. The appropriate use of
non-indigenous plants will also be covered. The need to be
ecological-minded when selecting plants will be emphasized with
particular attention being placed on conservation; the
beautification of place should not be done at the expense of
making another landscape look less attractive. Lectures will be
augmented with field trips which serve illustrate the
application of the principles discussed to the ground. The
business implications to matching the right plant to site, using
quality plants and then being able to care for them
professionally will be covered.
LA5701 Sustainable
Regional Design
8 Modular Credits
This module investigates the sustainable issues surrounding land
development of large scales. Methods to balance economic and
human development with ecological aspects are highlighted and
discussed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The module aims
on tropical design issues in the urban context of Singapore and
other tropical countries. Thinking globally, acting locally
(regionally) forms the topical framework of design content.
LA5201
The Politics of Landscape
4 Modular Credits
This module presents a review of current topics in landscape
architecture through lectures, readings, and discussion. A broad
sweep of contemporary issues is provided and students are
challenged to critique current practice and to reflect on the
relevance of landscape architecture to current society. Guest
lecturers will provide a substantial portion of the lectures and
present their perspectives based on their individual practices
and careers.
LA5301
Site Systems
4 Modular Credits
The module focuses on developing the knowledge and techniques of
site analysis and planning, which are essential for sustainable
landscape architecture. The module is named as “site systems”
because it emphasizes on the systematic thinking of site and
site alternatives in broad context, in which the analysis is
supported by contemporary theories and methodologies in
landscape and urban ecology. This course will develop skills and
explore issues and chances of modeling and understanding the
physical and visual aspects of sites and their context using
georeferenced digital resources. The topics of the module
include site inventory, site and landscape assessment, landscape
and vegetation modeling, scenario techniques, and interactive 3D
visualization as well as how geo data and these methods can be
incorporated into the planning and design process. The tool of
geographic information system (GIS) is provided for the
development of advanced techniques in analyzing, evaluating,
managing, and modeling site systems.
LA5702
Final Design Project
8 Modular Credits
The final project is a demonstrative proposal by the student to
highlight his strengths and special interests in landscape
architecture. Projects that reflect and/or extend current
research in the department are encouraged. Students are assigned
a supervisor who will guide the student in terms of selecting
and developing the final project.
LA5402
Professional Practice
4 Modular Credits
This module conveys to the student the requisite knowledge
encompassing professional practice as it pertains to the
practice of landscape architecture in Singapore. Major topics
covered are the Singapore legal system, organisation of the
landscape industry, role of the landscape architect, statutory
requirements, specification writing, cost control and contract
administration.
LA5742
Research Dissertation
8 Modular Credits
The research dissertation engages the student in a short
research project related to the research interests of the
department. The student will be exposed to previous and current
research in the department and will then frame a research
project of his own that utilizes the research methodology and
issues adopted by his supervisor and his team. The research will
culminate in a written report not exceeding 5000 words.
LA5302
Landscape Construction & Detailing
4 Modular Credits
This module covers landscape construction techniques and
detailing. The emphasis is in the integration of details in
terms of performance and coherence of the overall design.
Consistency in the use of materials and adaption of detailing to
develop thematic strategies to carry design conceptual ideas are
explored. The interrelationship and interdependence of parts and
whole, between near and far, and between small and large scales
are engaged. Current examples of local and international designs
are presented and critiqued.
Modules from
other Master programmes offered by SDE
BL5102
Environmental Science – MSc(EM)
4 Modular Credits
The module discusses earth's environmental dimensions of air,
water and land, and the interaction between living and
non-living components. Earth is considered as a system through
which materials are continuously cycled. Impacts caused by
natural or human influences affect the state of balance, leading
to environmental problems, with human impacts causing more
serious consequences to the environment and human society. The
module covers the properties of air, water and land, ecosystems,
biogeochemical cycles, ecosystem integrity and environmental
capacity, pollution pathways and impacts, conservation science,
integrated management approaches. The scientific basis of
environmental management is stressed.
DE5107
Environmental Planning – MSc(EM)
4 Modular Credits
This module will introduce students to the multi-disciplinary
nature of environmental planning, by exploring the basic
principles of sustainable development and the physical planning
instruments that can be employed to achieve it. It will include
an introduction to urban and regional planning theory as the
framework for the discussion of environmental planning
procedures. The decision environment involving the policy
framework and resources, the use of strategic, sectoral, master
and local plans, regulatory instruments, economic measures,
participatory processes and public investment projects will be
covered. Processes of identifying desired developments and
intensities, site selection, planning, design and construction
management, mitigation and augmentation of environmental impacts
would be discussed. The module will include a planning project,
that will demonstrate the technical, decision-making and plan
formulation, site planning and design procedures involved.
UD5622
Methods of Urban Design and Urban Analysis (MAUD)
4 Modular Credits
Methods of urban analysis and urban design will be taught to
enable the students to tackle urban design projects of varying
scales. The various aspects of urban growth, city
limits/boundaries, urban structure, urban architecture,
typologies as well as infrastructural planning, parcellation,
public space and design guidelines will be introduced. The
critical role that transportation plays in structuring the city
will also be examined. This course will be conducted intensively
on a daily basis over a period of three weeks beginning at the
beginning of semester 1.
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