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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, LA3712 Sketchbook 2
2 Modular Credits each
For the bridging programme, the student is required to maintain
a sketchbook of observations about plants and landscape. The
sketchbook is intended as a documentary chart of 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.
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 module covers basic plant biology and horticulture. The use
of various soil types and mixtures as well as non-soil growing
media is discussed. The module will provide an introduction to
tropical horticultural practices from the nursery, growing and
maintenance procedures, treatment of pests and diseases as well
as management of the field and soil. The use of traditional
industrial methods will be discussed together with more recent
biological and ecological approaches.
LA4701 and LA4702 Landscape Design
Studio IVa and IVb
8 Modular Credits each
These studio based modules develop skills in landscape design.
Projects of various scales and time durations are undertaken to
explore issues of context, programme and socio-economic
considerations. For these Level 4 projects, both urban and
suburban sites will be tackled. 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. Projects
will increase in complexity over the semester and from LA4101 to
LA4102. There is an emphasis on sustainability and tropical
design.
LA4201
Theory of Modern Landscape Architecture
4 Modular Credits
This module covers the historic development of Western landscape
architecture as a profession. Key influences of modern 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 as opposed to plants – stones, timber, metals, glass,
plastics, etc. The discourse on materials is integrated with
their application on site and will include habitat access,
safety standards, site preparation and tree protection. The
effects of weathering and climate on materials will be
highlighted and sustainable practices for sitework will be
favoured.
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
Plant Identification 2
4 Modular Credits
This module follows from Plant Identification 1 and addresses
plants grown under special conditions. The format of learning
through site visits will remain. Constraints of the urban
context – the use of planters, planting on streets and roofs,
indoor plants, commercial applications – will be discussed in
particular. New techniques for growing plants like hydroculture,
non-soil growing media and aeroculture will be covered. In terms
of plant species, the use of non-local and climatically
different plants will be discussed.
LA5701 Collaborative Project: Regional
Sustainable Design
4 Modular Credits
This module investigates the sustainable issues surrounding land
development of very large scales. Methods to balance economic
and human development with conservation of the natural ecology
are highlighted and discussed both quantitatively and
qualitatively. The module will include a collaborative element
involving Masters students from related disciplines –
environmental management, urban design and architecture.
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
This module provides a palette of techniques and methods in site
analysis. Land capability, suitability and sustainability are
discussed. Methodology includes visual resource analysis, GIS,
interactivity between lands systems, analysis of land use
patterns, and studies of terrain, vegetation, geology and soils.
The module will include a discussion on development potential of
sites, raising issues of conservation vs economic development,
nurtured vs natural landscaping.
LA5702
Final Project
8 Modular Credits
The final project is a demonstrative proposal by the student to
spotlight 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 is an introduction to the principles and practice of
landscape architecture in private and public offices. Coursework
includes types of firms and their legal constraints, project
acquisition and execution, and project management techniques.
Professional liability and protection is covered. Students will
be required to prepare a professional compendium.
LA5742
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 module is
offered in the first semester of the Final year but submission
will be at the end of the second semester. The research will
culminate in a written report not exceeding 8000 words.
LA5302
Landscape Construction & Detailing
4 Modular Credits
This module covers landscape construction techniques and
detailing. Both hardscape and softscape detailing is covered.
Besides the correct use of materials, designing in response to
site conditions, different soils, and terrain is discussed. The
landscape is a dynamic and changing environment which requires
the designer to be cognizant of how built elements and plants
respond to climate and age over time. Universal design –
designing for children, the aged and the disabled – is
emphasized throughout.
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 modulewill 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
This module is taken in conjunction with urban design studios.
Methods of urban analysis and urban design will be taught to
enable the students to tackle urban design projects of varying
scales introduced in UD5601 and UD5602. 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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