Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The core of the profession of landscape architecture is the design of controlled change to landscapes. Implementation of these designs requires the re-construction of the existing landscape into new forms. Landscape construction can be considered as a continuation of the design process at a finer scale of detail and precision to resolve the processes of implementation. In this context, the ability to define and resolve problems of physical site design and communicate required outcomes to others is essential knowledge and skill for the landscape architect. This studio will build on the work of DLB510 Landscape Design 5.

Aims

This unit will introduce the conceptual processes required for designing valid construction solutions and seek to:
1. establish an appreciation of landforms and the design and construction processes required to manipulate land surfaces into new forms including storm and ground water management and the construction of vegetated surface finishes;
2. incorporate appropriate theoretical concepts of applied geology, physics and chemistry that impact on the performance or properties of existing or constructed landscape elements; and
3. build on acquired graphics skills in the specialised area of construction documentation.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of structural principles;
   
2. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of common construction materials and techniques and the ability to evaluate and select new materials and techniques based on sustainable practices and other relevant project requirements;
   
3. design technical resolutions to construction problems (integraton of structures and construction); and
   
4. demonstrate intermediate skills in graphic (manual and digital) communication required to explore construction problems and communicate required outcomes.

Content

Topics to be covered in this unit include:
1. properties and principles for the use of timber in landscape construction;
2. basic structures theory: framed structures and the use of design tables;
3. properties and principles for the use of concrete in landscape construction;
4. properties and principles for the use of masonry in landscape construction;
5. basic structures theory: free-standing walls and retaining walls;
6. principles for the design and construction of pavements, stairs and ramps;
7. principles for the design and construction of ornamental pools and fountains;
8. principles of sustainability in selection of materials and techniques;
9. field studies examining constructed landscapes;
10. cost forecasting in construction;
11. the role of irrigation in landscape construction; and
12. principles of communicating new works in construction documentation.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode: INTENSIVE BLOCK mode delivered in close association with DLB510:
Hours per week: Varies from 4 to 8 for weeks 4 to 13
Lecture: 2-4 hours per week
Tutorial: 2-6 hours per week.
Field: Two, two (2) hour field trips to city or Samford sites.


Learning Approaches:
Learning approaches will cover the following:
Problem based learning through physical site design problems and project work designed to collectively address Learning Outcomes 1 to 4. The problems set will relate directly to the associated DLB510 design studio project.

Assessment

Overview of Assessment:
Assessment will be based on problem based learning assignments including a quiz, technical report and a major design project.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.Verbal feedback will be given in tutorials of work in progress and through in-class evaluation of set exercises. Written feedback will be given on each exercise in the report as well as the major project and will include detailed feedback through relevant standards based criterion referenced evaluation sheets issued with the assignments.

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: Complete a short on-line quiz on basic structural principles.
Relates to objectives: 1
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Report
Description: An analysis of the structure, construction or documentation of 3 existing elements at a near city site involving timber, concrete, masonry and pavements
Relates to objectives: 2
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 10

Assessment name: Design
Description: A major project requiring the detail design and documentation of a component of the DLB510 project.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 1st week exam period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required text:
Thomas, G. (1999). Landscape Construction Notes, RAIA Practice Services, Melbourne.

Note: The following references are all based in American practice and, although providing useful background reading, should be used with caution as units of measurement, terminology and materials differ greatly from practice in Australia and other parts of the world.

McLeod, Virginia. 2008. Detail in Contemporary Landscape Architecture. Laurence King Publishing, London.
Nelischer, M (Ed). (1985/88). Handbook of Landscape Architectural Construction, Vols 1 &2, Landscape, Architecture Foundation, USA.
Thompson, J.W. and Sorvig, K. ( 2000). Sustainable Landscape Construction, Island Press, Washington DC.
Weinberg, S.S. & Roberts, J.M. (Eds) (1988). Handbook of Landscape Architectural Construction, Vol 3, - Irrigation, Landscape Architecture Foundation, USA.
Weinberg, SS. & Gregg, RC. (Eds) (1992). Handbook of Landscape Architectural Construction, Vol 4 - Materials, Landscape Architecture Foundation, USA.

Other resource materials will be made available as appropriate through the unit BLACKBOARD site or at the QUT GP Bookshop.

Risk assessment statement

You will be required to undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. In this unit, you will also be required to undertake lecturer-led site visits to existing, public sites. A risk assessment for these trips has identified only low impact risks. You will be provided with any relevant safety guidelines prior to any field trip. You will be required to obey all safety guidelines and directions while attending field trips.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 05-Oct-2012