Landscape Architecture BA

Core modules:

Reading the Contemporary Landscape

This module introduces students to the full scope and diversity of landscape architecture and the role of landscape architects in tackling contemporary social and environmental issues, presenting and giving examples of the areas of practice known as design, management and planning, with particular reference to the Sheffield area. The role of the Landscape Institute is also introduced. The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the range of work undertaken by landscape architects and the challenges the profession seeks to address.

20 credits

Histories of Landscape Architecture

This course is designed firstly to provide a broad introduction to the discipline of Landscape Architecture and develop an interest in the study of designed landscapes. In order to do this it aims to create awareness and promote a working knowledge of the theoretical context of the profession including: 1. A working knowledge of the terminology defining landscape architecture, garden design and place making. 2. A basic chronology of the history of the profession. 3. A basic understanding of how various theories which have influenced landscape design are related to social, cultural, ecological (environmental) and economical contexts.

20 credits

Presentation, Communication and Research Skills

This module is about introducing students to some of the skills and knowledge needed on this course in general, in this Department, at this University and in the world of work. Communication is central to the profession of Landscape architecture in general and to this course in particular. The bulk of this module is about giving students some of the digital communication skills needed when communicating ideas in the rest of this course and, later, in the workplace.  The module will explain and help students to understand learning methods used in the Department of Landscape Architecture. The module will also introduce some of the tools needed for academic and professional life, including navigating and using the library, correctly referencing your work and avoiding plagiarism.

20 credits

Space Making

An understanding of the dynamic qualities of landscape and how space is formed, manipulated and communicated is central to the discipline of landscape architecture. This introductory module equips students with a range of skills and tools that enable them to evaluate existing designed landscapes and to present proposals for new landscapes. It will provide a basic introduction to materials of landscape and develop a theoretical understanding of the design process, use of precedent and different approaches to creating original and creative design solutions. The module will also introduce a limited pallet of trees and shrubs. This module is an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge developed in LSC115 - Current Challenges in Planning Design and Management, and digital skills developed in LSC117 Presentation Communication and Research Skills.

20 credits

The Changing Landscape

This module aims to: - Introduce landscape and environmental planning as a means of intervening in landscape at the large scale. - Provide an understanding of landscape formation, change and the drivers of change. - Introduce the toolkit available to landscape planners. - Introduce the theory and technique of Landscape Character Assessment. - Develop report writing skills and visual literacy. - Introduce students to GIS. By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate understanding of/proficiency in: - The influences and processes that shape landscape. - The relationship between landscape planning and landscape policy. - Sourcing and interpreting landscape information. - Appreciating the (sometimes controversial) nature of landscape change. - Landscape Character and Landscape Character Assessment at an introductory level. Communicating landscape data and analysis at a planning scale in a critical imaginative and creative manner.

20 credits

The Dynamic Landscape

This unit is designed to further develop the landscape design skills and knowledge gained in the 1st semester. The module runs over 12 weeks and will be largely studio-based, but there will be field trips and visits. Based on one site students will work through all the stages of design development from site analysis through to final presentation. Precedent will be used to inform practice and students will undertake self-directed study to build knowledge of the theoretical basis of the design approach in such settings. Students will further develop their understanding of and use of landform manipulation, vegetation and other built structures to create a variety of space and experience. Studio exercises and seminars will be central to the learning process. Particular emphasis will be placed on the interaction with water and approaches to the 'water's edge' in the landscape. Graphic skills, freehand and technical, needed to convey ideas at both the design development and the presentation stage (essential to the landscape architect ) will be developed with further teaching in the area of digital design communication. Development of the knowledge of vegetation, particularly native trees, and its use and place in the landscape will take place through taught sessions, field study and individual research.

20 credits

Core modules:

Ecological Processes, Design & Management

This module introduces the principles and practice of landscape ecology and ecological design and their application in a variety of contexts. Key ecological concepts such as 'biodiversity' and 'ecosystems services' are introduced and the special nature of urban ecology and its relevance to the design of urban green spaces is explored. Through lectures and site visits the structure and functioning of key UK biotypes, their characteristics and application on the designed landscape are explained, and particular emphasis is placed on the creative application of these in order to deliver ecosystems services and biodiversity. Site based project work is used to allow students to develop their own ecologically inspired concepts and designs for multifunctional green infrastructure that benefits both people and wildlife and to demonstrate their ability to communicate their knowledge of ecological principles and design to different audiences.Knowledge and skills developed will build on modules taken at level 1.

20 credits

Exploration of Contemporary Landscapes

This module aims to engage students in current practice in landscape architecture through inquiry based learning. Contemporary issues are introduced and critiqued primarily through participation in a staff-led Field study trip. Students undertake reading and case studies analysis prior to the trip, conduct on site observations of existing landscapes and make drawings. Afterwards this is used to develop a digital portfolio on their chosen area of inquiry.

20 credits

Landscape Design - Exploration and Intervention

Successful design of shared places demands innovative thinking to respond to shifting contexts and actions in a world of increasing complexity and diversity. This module focuses on approaches for generating original site-specific concepts and resolving these at a range of planning and design scales. An urban area is thoroughly explored, critiqued and communicated through on-site and multi-media activities. Students research and adapt precedent studies in art practice, urban realm interventions and emergent placemaking, and actively reflect on their own design process. These inform aims for regeneration and public engagement, the design of an urban public open space, and detailed design integrating hard and soft landscape materials.

20 credits

Landscape Planning for a Changing World

This module explores the relationship between landscape,planning, policy and governance at different scales and in different contexts. This ranges from international decision-making frameworks down to individual sites in different contexts. Students will learn about the impact of policy and ideas on landscape and vice versa, and explore the role of landscape planning tools, techniques and methodologies within the wider planning framework. The module will examine how decisions about landscape are made and the effects they have from the strategic to the site scale.

20 credits

Materials of Landscape - Construction Design

This module introduces the basic principles of landscape construction. It will demonstrate that construction is an integral component of the designed landscape creating its own design opportunities and constraints. Students will study the functional, aesthetic and technical properties of a range of different landscape components. They will undertake on-site observations and produce a range of contractual drawings for a small scale design project. Computer aided design will form an integral part of the project and will be used to produce technical details. This module is closely integrated with LSC234 Landscape Design, Exploration and Intervention. Students are encouraged to take forward their detailed design proposals from this module and to develop a more comprehensive understanding of material selection and the relationship with design detailing.

20 credits

Materials of Landscape - Planting Design

This module introduces students to plants used by landscape architects in urban and rural landscape and how these can be used to develop effective planting design. Knowledge and skills developed will be built on in modules the following year. By the end of the module students will be familiar with a basic palette of plants for use in design, their botanical names, visual and use characteristics familiar with key aesthetic, functional and ecological principles under pinning planting design: have practised the basic principles of plant selection according to site conditions: have developed stimulating, creative, attractive and easily interpreted planting plans and sections - elevations based on colour, textural and structural characteristics: have evaluated the structural role of plants in defining landscape spaces at a range of scales.

20 credits

Core modules:

Integrated Urban Design Project

The integrated urban design focuses on  developing proposals for an area of urban greenspace  regeneration from the initial planning strategies through to site  masterplanning and detailed design.  The module is closely integrated with the Materials of Landscape module LSC333, and also draws on and applies theoretical material delivered in specialist Ecology and Planning modules.  The  module requires students to develop their own design manifesto in response to the client brief and also in response to contemporary social and environmental challenges.  The module looks to build on skills in landscape spatial design and communication through a reflective design research process which also draws on and applies critical analysis of relevant precedent studies. 

20 credits

Landscape Planning - Urban Regeneration

This module addresses the patterns and processes of urban development, examining theories and typologies of urban form, the drivers of urban change and urban regeneration. It investigates the relationship between urban form and urban greenspace and the implications for green infrastructure. Students are expected to research and present understanding of a core component of relevant literature, and relate this to examples of urban form, and to devise a masterplan for a previously developed site in Sheffield, drawing on their understanding of history and theory of urban development and using precedent to inform their approach. The course uses a mixture of lectures, field work, workshops and studio based independent study to provide insight into planning and design approaches and languages relevant to successful urban regeneration. It aims to give students knowledge and understanding of the complex planning and design frameworks within which different aspects of urban regeneration take place.

20 credits

Landscape Planning Toolkits

On completing this module students will:- have gained an overview of contemporary landscape planning tools- be aware of the legislative basis to environmental impact assessment and the circumstances in which it is likely to take place- understand the scope of the process and the steps that are involved, distinguishing between the assessment process itself and the environmental statement- have gained knowledge and understanding of the range of environmental topics covered in environmental impact assessment and the techniques involved- have understood the place that considerations of landscape and visual impact play in the process- have gained practical experience of assessing the landscape and visual impacts of a development scheme- understand some of the methods of presenting information on landscape and visual impacts in an environmental statement.

20 credits

Materials of Landscape - Detailed Design

This module further develops knowledge and skills in detailed landscape design. It is focussed on developing the ability in students to demonstrate appreciation and knowledge of landscape materiality and the integration of organic and inorganic elements. It enables students to: produce a range of drawings which appropriately communicate the detailed design of soft and hard elements; select vegetation and hard materials in response to site conditions and design framework; demonstrate understanding of plant growth and establishment and appropriate construction techniques. It is integrated with LSC332 Integrated Urban Design Project, in that it follows the same overall development brief and site, and materiality exploration will feed into the design work you produce for that module (design strategy, masterplan, detail design). This module forms part of a programme of study accredited by the Landscape Institute.

20 credits

Site Planning For Sustainable Housing

This module will introduce the context and requirements of sustainable housing provision with a particular emphasis on how this might be achieved through a holistic landscape vision. It will provide the opportunity to explore different approaches to the sustainable development of a housing site, socially, ecologically and economically. By the end of this module students will be able to demonstrate 1. an understanding as to how different housing theories and typologies affect sustainability. 2. an awareness of the political and financial issues surrounding the provision of housing. 3. Their ability to challenge conventional ideas about living and housing. 4. How a specific layout contributes to social, economical and ecological sustainability. 5. An understanding of the design process from writing a brief to masterplanning, and skills in communicating design proposals.

20 credits

Sustainable Communities

Sustainable communities is a module focusing on people and landscape. It introduces students to the theories and practice of the social nature of sustainable communities with a particular emphasis on diverse and under-represented users. It provides the foundation to develop an understanding about planning, designing and managing landscapes for users needs and desires.

20 credits