Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Landscape Architecture Master Information
Basic Courses
All basic courses (in terms of content and methodology linked to "Foundation Studio I") must be completed.
Compulsory Basic Courses
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
061-0101-00LClimate / Water / Soil Information Restricted registration - show details
Only for Landscape Architecture MSc.
Course languages are English and German.
O2 credits3GH. Joos, R. Kretzschmar, R. Weingartner, N. Bluvshtein, E. L. Davin, S. Dötterl, A. Frossard, T. Galí-Izard, R. Knutti, P. U. Lehmann Grunder, T. Peter, S. Schemm, J. Schwaab, C. Steger, H. Wernli
AbstractLectures, exercises and excursions serve as an introduction to atmospheric sciences, hydrology and soil science. Students gain a broad vision of the cutting edge topics that are being researched and studied at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH, Eawag, WSL a.o. This will be the base for a future dialog between the field of landscape architecture and the field of sciences.
Learning objectiveStudents acquire basic knowledge in atmospheric sciences, hydrology and soil science:
- Understanding basic chemical and physical processes in the atmosphere that influence weather and climate
- Knowledge of water balance, principles of integral water management and climatic factors in the field of hydrology
- Fundamentals about the classification of soils, soil-forming processes, physical and chemical soil properties, soil biology and ecology, soil degradation and protection

Students develop an understanding of the relevance of these topics in the field of landscape architecture. Temporal and physical scale, research methods, units of measurement, lexicon, modes of representation and critical literature form the framework for the joint discourse. Students will develop a graphic language in order to integrate this knowledge into design.
ContentThe course unit consists of the three courses "Climate", "Water" and "Soil", which are organized in modules.

Module 1 “Climate”, 14.–18.09.2020
- Atmospheric dynamics: weather conditions, precipitation formation, weather forecast
- Climate physics: past and future changes in global climate and scenarios for Switzerland
- Land-climate dynamics: interaction between the land surface and the climate system
- Hydrology and water cycle: extreme precipitation, influence of climate change on the cryosphere
- Atmospheric chemistry: aerosols, greenhouse gases, air pollution

Module 2 “Water”, 21.–25.09.2020
- Water balance: theoretical fundamentals; water balance; central importance of runoff; blue, green and grey water
- Water as a resource: Switzerland's water resources, water supply, hydropower use
- Water as a hazard and risk: floods, flood protection, urban drainage
- Water protection: qualitative and quantitative water protection, water and landscape
- Water and climate change: basics, situation in Switzerland with focus on the Alpine region

Module 3 “Soil”, 28.09.–2.10.20
- Introduction to soils: definition, function, formation, classification and mapping
- Soil physics: soil texture, soil structure, soil water potentials, hydraulic conductivity
- Soil chemistry and fertility: clay minerals and oxides, cation exange capacity, soil pH, essential plant nutrients
- Soil biology and ecology: soil fauna and microflora, fungi, bacteria, food web, organic matter
- Soil degradation and threats to soil resources: erosion, compactation, sealing, contamination, salinization
- Practical aspects of soil protection
Lecture notesCourse material will be provided.
LiteratureThe course material includes a reading list.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe courses "Climate", "Water" and "Soil" are organized with the Fundamental Studio I as joint one-week modules. The weekly schedules will be provided with the course materials.

Module 1 "Climate", 14-18.09.2020
Module 2 "Water", 21-25.09.2020
Module 3 "Soil", 28.09.-2.10.20

- The courses are held in English or German.
- The written session examination covers all three courses "Climate", "Water" and "Soil".
- During the excursions there will be at least one external overnight stay.
061-0103-00LEcology and Plant Sciences Information Restricted registration - show details
Only for Landscape Architecture MSc.
Course languages are English and German.
O2 credits3GT. Galí-Izard, N. Buchmann, C. Buser Moser, A. Gessler, N. Guettler, A. Guggisberg, F. Kienast, M. Lévesque, A. Rudow, B. Wehrli
AbstractThis course introduces ecology and plant sciences. Through lectures, exercises and excursions, students will gain a broad vision of the cutting edge topics that are being researched and studied at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH, Eawag, WSL and others. This will be the base for a future dialog between the field of landscape architecture and the field of sciences.
Learning objectiveStudents acquire basic knowledge in ecology and plant sciences focusing in its application in the field of landscape architecture. Temporal and physical scale, research methods, units of measurement, lexicon, modes of representation and critical literature form the framework for the joint discourse. Students will develop a graphic language in order to integrate this knowledge into design.
ContentThe fundamental course “Ecology and Plant Sciences” is an introduction to the field of living systems, starting with the history of ecology, followed by an introduction to general terrestrial ecology, plant systematics, taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and basic notions of landscape ecology. A more specific approach to Swiss ecologies will follow with a concentration on grassland systems, aquatic systems and forests. Finally, the course focus on the specifics tree structure and function, and plant physiology.
Lecture notesCourse material will be provided.
LiteratureThe course material includes a reading list.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe fundamental course is organized with the Fundamental Studio I as a joint two-week module. The weekly schedule is provided with the course documents.

Module 4 "Ecology and plant systems", 5.10.-16.10.20

The course is held in English or German.
061-0105-00LDesigning with Plants I Information Restricted registration - show details
Only for Landscape Architecture MSc.
O2 credits2GS. Hassold
AbstractThis fundamental course provides an introduction to the basics of botany and forms a solid foundation of knowledge for the following semesters. The course covers the following areas: Species knowledge of native shrubs and trees in winter conditions and their habitat requirements, introduction to the identification of plants and consolidation of botanical terms.
Learning objectiveStudents will be introduced to botany and after the course they will be able to identify about forty native trees and shrubs in order to use them appropriately their designs. They will be familiar with botanical terms, which will enable them to have a high level of understanding of botanical literature.
ContentThis course focuses on excursions with botanical experts. In addition, the students are supported by theoretical and conceptual lectures. This gives the students a good basis of botanical knowledge, which can be professionally integrated into the designs. This module is organized together with the Foundation Studio I, so that the knowledge imparted can directly influence the designs.

The module is divided into different subject areas:

1) Consolidation of botanical terms. These form the basis for the identification and recognition of plants. The most important technical terms are explained and illustrated with suitable material.

2) Species knowledge is taught on regular field excursions and supplemented with theoretical input. The species can also be studied in the classroom using fresh material. In addition to site characteristics and seasonal changes, growth forms are also taught.

3) Through the introduction to identification, the students will understand how an identification key is constructed and how it is used, so that unknown species can be identified independently.

The fundamental course Designing with Plants I (26th October – 06th November 2020) and the foundation studio I are interrelated modules. The weekly schedule is published on the course website (and is included in the reader).
Lecture notesThe notes will be distributed during the course.
LiteratureThe relevant literature and content for the examination will be indicated during the course.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course is aimed exclusively at the students of the master's programme in landscape architecture.

The detailed course schedule is published on the course website (and is included in the reader).

The lectures might take place outside. It is necessary to foresee clothes adapted to the weather.
061-0107-00LMaterials and Construction I Information Restricted registration - show details
Only for Landscape Architecture MSc.
O2 credits2GG. Vogt
AbstractThe fundamental course discusses current constructive problems in landscape architecture as part of the complex and multi-faceted urban space that is cultivated and animated by humans. The two parts of the lecture (Materials and Construction I and II) are designed as complementary modules.
Learning objectiveThe students learn comprehensive skills in dealing with constructive questions (regarding the topics of soil, water and topography). The goal is to promote a value-based critical and research-based thinking that is the prerequisite for discovering new questions and developing independent solutions.
ContentThe course Materials and Construction I in the autumn semester 2020 deals with constructive questions around the topic of soil, water and topography. The introductory lecture introduces the two parts of the lecture (Materials and Construction I and II) as a whole and illustrates with concrete examples how thinking about constructive possibilities co-determine and penetrate the design process.

Subsequently, in addition to principles in dealing with soil (floor structures, surface treatment) and water (physical state, element dynamics), a wide range of topics are discussed. These deal with current questions of today's urban landscapes in dealing with contaminated soil, flood protection, drinking water management, etc. The topic of topography represents the continuous and connecting moment.

The fundamental course Materials and Construction I (9th November – 20th November 2020) and the foundation studio I are interrelated modules. The weekly schedule is published on the course website (and is included in the reader).
Lecture notesThe reader will be distributed on Friday, 6th November 2020.
LiteratureThe reader contains all relevant literature (also relevant for the exam).
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course is aimed exclusively at the students of the master's programme in landscape architecture.

The detailed course schedule is published on the course website (and is included in the reader).
061-0109-00LHistory and Theory of Landscape Architecture I Information Restricted registration - show details
Only for Landscape Architecture MSc.
O2 credits2VA. Bucher
AbstractThe course deals with phenomena, terms and social contexts of designing nature since the 19th century, in order to derive a basis for ways of thinking and action for the present.
Learning objectiveStudents acquire an overview of the history of landscape architecture as well as an insight into the changing concepts and ways of thinking about designing nature. They become familiar with historical developments and their actuality and learn "from history". Students also analyse examples and design contexts and develop a basis for ways of thinking and action for current landscape architectural proposals.
ContentDesigning nature accompanies the history of mankind. Since industrialisation and with the establishment of landscape architecture as a profession, the understanding of nature and design concepts have changed from the green lung of cities to the current saving of the planet in the Anthropocene. The course deals with the relevant phenomena of designing nature (park, garden city, garden reform, new gardens, modern gardens, natural gardens, postmodern parks and landscapes, ecosystem repair, urban agriculture, slum upgrading, nature-cultures, etc.), terms (nature, landscape, garden, ecology, agriculture, etc.) and their wider contexts. Based on the history and theory of the profession, students develop a strong fundament for designing in the present.
Lecture notesCourse material will be provided.
LiteratureThe course material includes a reading list.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe course takes place as a block course alternating with "Ethics in Landscape Architecture". The final event on 7 December 2020 is held jointly by the lecturers of both courses.
061-0111-00LEthics in Landscape Architecture Information Restricted registration - show details
Only for Landscape Architecture MSc.
O2 credits2GA. Kirchengast
AbstractThis course covers basic positions of philosophical ethics with a strong emphasis on central debates in landscape architecture.
Learning objectiveThe course aims to provide basic knowledge of concepts and terms within moral philosophy; engage with current debates in landscape architecture through lectures, text analysis, discussions and presentations; develop an understanding of the relation between science/society/design as well as practice and theory; help establish one's own design attitude; provide tools for argumentation; put to practice scientific working methods.
ContentBetween the poles of theory and practice and through the development of a foundation in ethics, the students' sensitivity for ecological, political and social issues will be awakened and strengthened. In response to current issues touched upon in the disciplinary media or journalism, we will reflect upon the role of landscape architects in today's society as well as one’s own individual attitude within the profession. The overall goal is for students to gain a critical understanding of a range of design approaches as well as an awareness of the specific role of design and design quality in the context of ethical debates.

Texts will be read in both German and English.

A handout with detailed information will be presented during the first course meeting.

Detailed information regarding the course will be communicated at the beginning of the semester.
Lecture notesCourse material will be provided.
LiteratureThe course material includes a reading list.
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents will write an essay during the semester, which is part of the examination interview and is included in the assessment.

The course takes place as a block course alternating with "History and Theory of Landscape Architecture I". The final event on 7 December 2020 is held jointly by the lecturers of both courses.
061-0113-00LDigital Design Methods I Information Restricted registration - show details
Only for Landscape Architecture MSc.
O2 credits2GI. U. Hurkxkens, B. Kowalewski, C. Girot
AbstractThis course introduces digital design methods in landscape architecture from data acquisition and modelling, to simulation and visualization.
Learning objectiveStudents know the most relevant 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.
ContentBased 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 in teams of two students.
Lecture notesDigital and physical learning material is provided throughout the course.
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