Christophe Girot: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

Name	Prof. em. Christophe Girot
Field	Landscape Architecture
Address	Landschaftsarchitektur, Girot ETH Zürich, HIL H 56.1 Stefano-Franscini-Platz 5 8093 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 633 37 71
E-mail	girot@arch.ethz.ch
Department	Architecture
Relationship	Professor emeritus

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
051-0162-00L	Landscape Architecture II Only for Architecture BSc, Programme Regulations 2011.	1 credit	2V	C. Girot
Abstract	The lecture series gives an introduction to the field of contemporary landscape architecture. The course provides a perspective on forthcoming landscape architecture in terms of the aspects site, soil, water and vegetation.
Objective	Overview to contemporary and forthcoming tasks of landscape architecture. A critical reflection of the present design practice and discussion of new approaches in landscape architecture.
Content	The lecture series "Theory and Design in Contemporary Landscape Architecture" (Landscape Architecure II) follows the lecture series "History and Theory of Garden Design and Landscape Architecture" (Landscape Architecure I). Rather than concentrating only on questions of style, the series will also tackle issues such as revitalisation, sustainability etc. The lectures review design approaches that critically reflect our inherited perception of nature. The themes of site, soil, water and vegetation provide some useful aspects for the design practice.
Lecture notes	No script. Handouts and learning material will be provided.
Literature	A reading list will be provided for the exams.
Prerequisites / Notice	General Information for the final exam: Bachelor students: The content of the lectures as well as texts and exam-relevant literature provided by the Chair make up the basis for preparing for the exam. The lecture series is conceived as a yearlong course. Since the written session examination tests knowledge from both semesters. It is necessary to attend the lectures throughout the course of the year. The test themes will be announced at the end of the semester. The Chair will provide literature and texts available for download as pdfs. These allow a more in-depth understanding of the lecture material. Transfer students or students of other departments: Students attending one semester may opt to take only the oral end-of-semester examination. Test-relevant literature will also be made available for download for this purpose. The students are requested to get in touch by email with the Chair.
051-1238-21L	Integrated Discipline Landscape Architecture (Ch. Girot)	3 credits	2U	C. Girot
Abstract	Design concepts ranging from architectural objects to urban planning are developed together with the discipline of landscape architecture. Dependent on the task at hand different themes are investigated. The goal of the integrated discipline is to develop design solutions of a specific topic in landscape architecture, which have to be incorporated into the overall design submission.
Objective	Students gain an insight into the integrated disciplins of design in architecture together with landscape architecture.
Prerequisites / Notice	In order to complete the subject Integrated Discipline it is necessary that students apply at the Chair of C. Girot within the first three weeks of the semester. Thereafter no applications will be processed. Further information and required qualifications: www.girot.arch.ethz.ch
052-0706-00L	Landscape Architecture II	2 credits	2V	C. Girot
Abstract	The lecture series gives an introduction to the field of contemporary landscape architecture. The course provides a perspective on forthcoming landscape architecture in terms of the aspects site, soil, water and vegetation.
Objective	Overview to contemporary and forthcoming tasks of landscape architecture. A critical reflection of the present design practice and discussion of new approaches in landscape architecture.
Content	The lecture series "Theory and Design in Contemporary Landscape Architecture" (Landscape Architecure II) follows the lecture series "History and Theory of Garden Design and Landscape Architecture" (Landscape Architecure I). Rather than concentrating only on questions of style, the series will also tackle issues such as revitalisation, sustainability etc. The lectures review design approaches that critically reflect our inherited perception of nature. The themes of site, soil, water and vegetation provide some useful aspects for the design practice.
Lecture notes	No script. Handouts and learning material will be provided.
Literature	A reading list will be provided for the exams.
Prerequisites / Notice	General Information for the final exam: Bachelor students: The content of the lectures as well as texts and exam-relevant literature provided by the Chair make up the basis for preparing for the exam. The lecture series is conceived as a yearlong course. Since the written session examination tests knowledge from both semesters. It is necessary to attend the lectures throughout the course of the year. The test themes will be announced at the end of the semester. The Chair will provide literature and texts available for download as pdfs. These allow a more in-depth understanding of the lecture material. Transfer students or students of other departments: Students attending one semester may opt to take only the oral end-of-semester examination. Test-relevant literature will also be made available for download for this purpose. The students are requested to get in touch by email with the Chair.
052-0714-21L	Serendipity: Upper Waters Number of participants limited to 16.	2 credits	2G	C. Girot
Abstract	An investigation into the water infrastructure of Zurich and it's impact on the contemporary urban landscape will be undertaken. Through acoustic and visual field recordings the students find a variety of ways to represent urban systems.
Objective	Through the use of multimedia tools, this course will reflect on the contemporary use and perception of landscape. Analogue photography and audio recordings will be represent the core body of the work.
Content	Attention: The final inscription will take place on the first course date, everybody is treated the same. After a long journey from its alpine sources, Zurich’s drinking water is stored in hidden chambers underground before it is ultimately directed to the user. Although being vital to everyday life, these very specifically designed and highly connected infrastructures remain mostly out of sight. The fresh-water reservoirs form a ring of single bodies located on the hilltops around the city’s center. A second lake of the city—decentralized, artificial, underground. Throughout the historic development of Zurich it’s water supply has been critical to its flourishing as a city. Drinking water could initially only be sourced from groundwater wells or local springs. Both of which still play a role in today’s water supply. But additionally and most importantly today is the sourcing of lake water. The latest opportunity gradually became possible due to a combination of better filtration systems and the cleaning of rivers and lakes in and around Zurich. Different infrastructure and nationwide fishery and water protection laws established around 1900 made this shift possible. Ever since the water quality is constantly monitored and improved especially in regards to agricultural chemicals. Since 1914 Zurich gains a large portion of its drinking water from the lake even if a plurality of water sources is maintained for the water system to be resilient towards possible threats and natural disaster. Notes: The course will be limited to 16 students. Participation on all dates of the course (Introduction, Workshop, Mid- and Final Presentations) is mandatory. The Chair will provide some financial support (costs for production), possible additional costs (transportation, overnight stay, food and drinks) are asked to be paid by the participants. Basic trekking experience and outdoor clothing is required.
Prerequisites / Notice	Course language: English or/and German (number of participants is limited!) 25.2.2021 Introduction & final inscription – before the participation can't be guaranteed Zoom Link: https://ethz.zoom.us/j/97839041231 6th-7th Mar 2021 Weekend workshop, all day, in Zurich (mandatory) [if the current state of the pandemic allows] CORONA: Due to the pandemic and the current situation during the semester, the course may still be adjusted. It is unclear at the moment whether a visit inside the reservoirs will be possible. Likewise, the physical work in the laboratories will have to be adapted selectively, depending on the rules and regulations. More information under: https://girot.arch.ethz.ch/courses/elective-courses/upper-waters Any Questions regarding this course, contact: haeusler@arch.ethtz.ch
052-0716-21L	Topology: Choreographies of the Landscape	2 credits	2K	C. Girot
Abstract	The elective course 'Topology' in FS 2021 investigates the choreographic aspects of landscape.
Objective	This elective gives students the opportunity to expand their knowledge in the area of landscape architecture.
Content	The line of a path or the texture of a meadow not only guide the direction of our movements through the landscape, but also impacts its dynamics and rhythm. At the same time, the ephemerality of human movements is contrasted with the durability of natural (physical and biological) processes, such as the growth of trees, the erosive force of the wind, the folding of the mountains. These choreographic aspects of landscape morphology are investigated in different ways in this elective: We discuss a selection of texts and films and examine significant positions from dance, art and landscape architecture. In addition, we practically explore in various workshops the relation of our own movements to the landscape. Finally, we will focus on the dynamic qualities of a selection of squares and parks in Zurich. By juxtaposing our own intuitive choreographies with the spatial qualities of these sites, we will create a dynamic analysis of the landscape. This will be documented with videos and individually composed scores. Notes: The course will be limited to 20 students.
Literature	Reader
Prerequisites / Notice	Course languages: German; (English and French if desired) Introduction: Thursday, 25 February 2021, 12h, online: the zoom link will be sent to all registered students by mail.
052-0734-21L	Summer School: Body - Wonder - Land Limited number of participants.	2 credits	6S	C. Girot
Abstract	Fluidity, sequence, choreography and composition are essential terms of both dance and architecture/landscape design. The two disciplines’ outcomes tend to be distinctly oppositional: One works with the ephemeral, with movement. The other is considered relatively static and permanent: It offers movement a vessel, mostly as a background scenery, sometimes taking over as a conductor.
Objective	Reflecting and rethinking the presence of the body within the discipline of architecture and landscape. Relying on our bodies' intelligence to be able to confront the spaces that surround us and to question the ideas that constitute them. Learning new techniques and terms from the discipline of dance. Gaining experience in physical building construction and on-site design strategies.
Content	Space is (and always has been) created for the human body moving through it. Nevertheless, in the field of architectural education, the physicality of our own body and the attention we pay to its sensibility is a blind spot. With the minimal action of a mouse click we create “dynamic and vibrant” spaces, represented in images populated by motionless half-transparent figures.   We feel that the subjectivity of the body as a vantage point enables us to critically address questions often neglected in the discourse of architecture, landscape and urban design: Which (mind-)bodies and communities are we building for? Which agencies and responsibilities are we entitled to as space- makers? And what can landscape, architecture and urban design actually afford? How fast / how slow do we want to move? The body moves according to its surroundings. It incorporates the space. It feels temperatures, surface textures, the presence of others. It feels pain and excitement. Danger. Empathy. The body always responds to gravity. It remembers. It knows the sound of open air next to a concrete wall. It knows the sound of rain from behind a window.    The body knows more than we think. Its intelligence is intuitive. The body's thinking is movement and the body's movement is thinking. The mind is a muscle. Asleep, the movement continues. In life, the human body gives space a meaning.    Using the summer school as a research tool we will move through a field of unknown terms and practices to question and position our bodies in a familiar environment. We would like to pinpoint and disentangle the knots in our heads and bodies in search of new terms and practices. Each day will start with modes of ephemeral space-making through the body guided by professional contemporary dancers Juliette Uzor and Marie Jeger. As a counterpoint we will construct an outdoor stage as a collective endeavor throughout the course of the summer school. The stage will act as central playground for our thoughts, fantasies, discussions, lectures, and performances. As architects we see ourselves as bricoleurs, by starting design with what is at hand, by rearranging and finding the fine line between what we consider to be a formal “space” and where that zone of possibilites ends. The process of construction work adds another layer of the physical and social to the experience. The continuous, rhythmic repetition of bodily exercises in the morning and construction in the afternoon are punctuated through inputs and discussions with external guests. The mixture of industrial, natural and even urban landscapes surrounding the site of Cima Norma pose an ideal foundation for the bodily explorations and architectural intervention. Being far from the hustle and bustle of the city is paramount to being able the concentrate on oneself as a group. The goal is not a presentation on the stage (unless initiated by the participants), but the embodied experiences that come with the constant construction and deconstruction of space and bodies within this time frame.
Prerequisites / Notice	The Summer School takes place from 5th to 16th July 2021. Location: In and around the Cima Norma Factory, Val Blenio, Ticino. No prior knowledge, dance experience or skills are required. Every body is welcome to subscribe. The number of participants is limited to 12 students. Detailed information on how to apply will follow by the 3rd week of the semester. Cost: 300CHF. Travel fees are not included
052-1128-21L	Architectural Design V-IX: Stadtpark Katzenbach. Shaping a New Peri-Urban Park in Zurich Nord Please register (www.mystudies.ethz.ch) only after the internal enrolment for the design classes (see http://www.einschreibung.arch.ethz.ch/design.php). Project grading at semester end is based on the list of enrolments on 2nd April 2021, 24:00 h. This is the ultimate deadline to unsubscribe or enroll for the studio!	14 credits	16U	C. Girot
Abstract	The Landscape Architecture Studio of Prof. Christophe Girot will design a new peri-urban park on the Katzenbach plain. The park will provide the inhabitants of Affoltern and Seebach with a new vision of public space that exploits the infrastructure, ecological value, and the productive landscape unique to the peri-urban area of Zürich Nord.
Objective	We will work on the Katzensee area and its Hinterland (a protected nature reserve) and the space in between Affoltern and Seebach along the 7km long Katzenbach, Zurich’s longest open stream. The site borders a dynamic urban area which has been transformed from a pastoral landscape of scattered farmsteads into the city’s largest growing residential district with a projected population growth rate of over 17% until at least 2038. Affoltern has yet to transform any of the areas zoned for public space into significant public parks. When viewing the remaining ‘space in-between’ Affoltern and Seebach from the perspective of the open space, recasting sprawling settlements as urban islands within a larger territory, the area holds significant value as a potential site for Zurich’s first large-scale urban park. This raises the question: what can we do as designers to give this area a structure that can hold over time and improve the quality of living at the northern edge of the city? The FS 2021 Design Studio will focus on large-scale urban landscape design through digital point cloud modeling. During the semester, students will acquire skills in point cloud technology, digital 3D modeling and visualization techniques. The goal of the studio is to develop a peri-urban park along the Katzenbach between Affoltern and Seebach. Students will work with microtopography and the topology of water to restructure the plain into a patchwork of public programs. The design will follow a three-scales approach: urban design (large scale), park design (medium scale) and detail design (small scale).
Content	The studio is structured into three phases and includes multiple site visits. PHASE 1: SITE VISIT, URBAN DESIGN AND HYPOTHESIS In the first part of the semester, students will focus on the urban design scale in the area between Affoltern and Seebach. After an introduction, a site visit will give the students a better understanding of the area. They will analyze the periphery of Affoltern and Seebach, identify and structure areas for public space along the urban edges and envision a landscape park using the Katzenbach as a strategic backbone to connect the urban context of Glattpark with the rural setting of the Katzenseen. In this phase, students will also attend guest lectures on urban design and park design. A one-day design charrette with experts will help to build basic knowledge of the peri-urban area and to create the first urban park sketches. PHASE 2: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT THROUGH MODELING AND ITERATION This phase will be dedicated to the focus area, namely the perimeter of the new public park. At this landscape scale, they will focus on the topology of water, microtopography and propose a program appropriate for the park. Furthermore, they will be introduced to key tools such as 3D scanning and point cloud technology to generate topographies for 3D modeling. PHASE 3: PROJECT SYNTHESIS AND VISUALIZATION In the final part of the semester, students will focus on further defining the social aspects of the park area through detail design. By applying modeling and visualization techniques, they will illustrate the recreational activities and opportunities for social gathering of their detail area.
Lecture notes	A course booklet will be provided at the introduction.
Literature	A course booklet will be provided at the introduction. Furthermore, a semester apparat will be available to the students at the ILA Library.
Prerequisites / Notice	- Introduction: Tuesday 23.02.2021, 10:00h - The studio space is ETH Hönggerberg HIL C40.1 (we will work via Zoom) - The design will be developed in groups of two, with individual assignments - Language of instruction is English; Assistance in English or German - The studio includes "Integrierte Disziplin Planung (Ch.Girot)", 3 ETCS credits
061-0114-00L	Digital Design Methods II	2 credits	2G	C. Girot, I. U. Hurkxkens, B. Kowalewski
Abstract	This course continues to introduce digital design methods in landscape architecture from data acquisition and modelling, to simulation, and visualization and consolidates already learned techniques.
Objective	Essential large-scale design tools are introduced and expand the students' knowledge of digital design methods. By the end of the semester the students have mastered the introduced survey methods, landscape modelling tools as well as simulation and visualization techniques. They are able to use those methods independently in the following semesters and in practice.
Content	Based on a case study, the students work on the entire workflow of a landscape architectural project: From data collection in the field to 2D and 3D modelling in the Landscape Visualization and Modelling Lab (LVML), analysis and simulation with various software solutions to visualizations and physical prototypes, this course covers the most important digital methods in landscape architecture. The course is divided into three parts: 1. Survey 2. Modelling 3. Analysis, Simulation, Visualization The case study will serve as a synthesis project where the students can apply their acquired skills. During the course, students are supported by an interdisciplinary team in the development of their case study. The case study will be conducted individually.
Lecture notes	Digital and physical learning material is provided throughout the course.
Prerequisites / Notice	It is also highly recommended to visit the lecture series D-ARCH, LV-063-0502-00 (no credits).
063-0626-21L	Serendipity (Thesis Elective)	6 credits	13A	C. Girot
Abstract	The thesis elective involves the creative refinement and testing of the theses on the perception and design of landscape developed during the semester in the elective course Serendipity.
Objective	The thesis elective Serendipity offers students the opportunity to develop an intervention concept based on the use of multimedia tools, and thus to explore the possibilities of shaping perceptual qualities.
Content	Please find more information concerning the respective semester topic and the course schedule on our website: http://girot.arch.ethz.ch/landscape-education/bachelor-master/current-courses
Prerequisites / Notice	Limited admission due to technical equipment. For participants of the elective course Serendipity only.
063-0628-21L	Topology (Thesis Elective)	6 credits	13A	C. Girot
Abstract	The elective project serves to further explore the themes of the elective course Topology.
Objective	The elective gives students the opportunity to expand their knowledge in the area of landscape architecture.
Prerequisites / Notice	This elective is supervised by the TheoryLab in the spring semester and by the DesignLab in the autumn semester.
064-0018-21L	Research Methods in Landscape and Urban Studies	3 credits	2K	G. Vogt, T. Avermaete, T. Galí-Izard, C. Girot, H. Klumpner, F. Persyn, C. Schmid
Abstract	As part of the ‘Doctoral Programme in Landscape and Urban Studies’, the ‘Research Methods in Landscape and Urban Studies' seminar offers PhD students at the D-Arch an application-oriented introduction into the variety of methodologies and tools available to conduct research on the (built) environment at the urban and territorial scale.
Objective	The seminar's objective is to introduce PhD students to the multitude of research methodologies, tools, and techniques within the fields of urban studies, urban design, territorial planning and landscape architecture. Based on the conveyed knowledge, the seminar ultimately aims at enabling PhD candidates to critically assess existing methods and tools, and to refine and develop an academically sound research framework for their own studies.
Content	The seminar is organised along four modules that are arranged according to the PhD classes' particular needs: A: Methodology Module >>> Introduction of a research methodology/approach by an expert + exercise and discussion / moderated by doctoral programme coordinator. (3 per semester) B: Framework Module >>> Sessions organised and conducted by doctoral programme coordinator and invited experts to develop a first overview of different theories on landscape and urban studies (with this semester a specific focus on the Anthropocene and living systems). (3 per semester). C: Techniques Module >>> Introduction into research techniques and tools / organised by doctoral programme coordinator and respective experts. These modules will make students familiar with technical aspects such as academic writing, or the the use of GIS software and visual analysis (3 per semester) D. Doctoral Reviews >>> Presentation and discussion of individual PhD projects organised by the doctoral program coordinator with external guests (2 per semester).
Prerequisites / Notice	The online seminar is jointly organized by the coordinator of the Doctoral Programme in Landscape and Urban Studies, and the I-LUS faculty. Although located at the D-Arch, the seminar is open to all doctoral students (at ETH) who are involved or interested in research at the urban and territorial scale. This seminar is complementing the gta doctoral colloquiums on Thursday afternoons.