Landscape Architecture - Design Theory

The subject area explores design as a means of generating both theoretical and practical knowledge, and as a representation of future environments.

Design Theory contributes to development of the landscape architecture discipline  from both a theoretical as well as practical point of view. The ongoing research and teaching activities include, but are not limited to: 

• Aesthetics and creativity - The subjective and creative dimensions of the design process and their theoretical and practical roles in landscape architecture.
• Values, perception, and use of landscapes.
• Cultural and emotional significance of landscapes for identity and meaning-making.
• Form, scale, and materiality as core aspects of design and designing.
• Landscape design history - how the profession and the academic discipline have  developed over time.

The subject area applies a variety of methods, both qualitative and quantitative. Pedagogy is an integral part of the research activity, and the group avoids rigid distinctions between ›teaching‹ and ›research‹, ›theory‹ and ›practice‹. The group strive instead to foster a culture of collective knowledge creation where diverse methods and approaches can flourish and enrich one another. One of the strategies to foster this culture is the monthly meetings where group members share and discuss scientific readings. These can be either drafts from colleagues within the group, or publications from other international research fellows.