LK0347, Studio - Urban ecology for landscape architecture, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Landscape Architecture

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The aim of the course is for the student to develop theoretical and practical knowledge of urban ecology in designing sustainable landscapes.

Knowledge and understanding After the course, the student will be able to:

• explain the theoretical foundation of urban ecology and its application in landscape architecture practice.
• present knowledge from examples of implemented ecological landscape architecture projects in Sweden and internationally.

Competence and skills After the course, the student will be able to:

• apply key urban ecological theories into a landscape architecture design concept.
• design projects based on ecological solutions and urban biodiversity that includes a human and cultural perspective at overall and detailed level in the landscape.
• communicate complex interdisciplinary design solutions through successful visual and verbal methods.

Judgement and approach After the course, the student will be able to:

• reflect on ecological values in relation to the practice of landscape architecture and sustainable development.
• critically asses contemporary landscape architecture projects based on established ecological requirements.

Content

The course consists of lectures, seminars and studio projects and have two parts. One theoretical that cover terminology and main aspects of landscape and urban ecology and principles of ecological design. The other applying these knowledges in real case situations.

The students discuss and works with a broad range of aspects in the field such as landscape patterns and environmental processes, disturbance, succession, fragmentation, biodiversity, ecosystem services, technical solutions for low impact design and long term management.

The students produce conceptual strategies and ecological design solutions in groups on an overall level, such as dealing with green-blue structures on an urban-rural scale. Individually, the students continue designing on detailed levels that are important for urban development, such as an urban district or a city block. The different proposals will be based on real case, on site, scenarios in Sweden. Themes can shift between years and deal with housing, recreation, communication, health, trade etc.

Field trips around Uppsala and a longer trip in Sweden or neighboring countries provides important insights in how ecological design principles can be implemented.

Project work, seminars, exercises, field trips and activities connected to them are compulsory.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed project work and passed individual assignments as well as passed participation in compulsory activities.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Urban and Rural Development

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Landskapsarkitektprogrammet, Ultuna
• Landskapsarkitektprogrammet - Uppsala
• Landscape Architecture for Sustainable Urbanisation - Master's Programme

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Overall program (group work)	2.0	0007
Written exam (individual work) and seminars	7.0	0009
Design proposal (individual work)	6.0	0010

Other Information

The course gives 15 credits of skill training.

Travel costs within the course are financed by the student. Information about costs will be available at the course homepage 4 weeks before course start.

The course makes an exemption from SLU's admission regulations following decision: SLU.ua.2025.1.1-508