LARCH 7033 - Final Landscape Architecture Project (M)

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2019

Students work on an individual design project of medium to high complexity, which showcases the student's mastery in particular areas of the discipline. The details of the project will be developed within guidelines and parameters defined by the coordinator. As the culmination of the masters program the project should aim to demonstrate a practical yet critical engagement with aspects of Urbanism, Design Research, and/or History, Civil Engineering Principles, Theory and Culture, developed in the previous part of the program. Accordingly, the design project needs to be accompanied by a theoretical exegesis which discusses the relevance of the proposed design to contemporary landscape architectural developments and debates.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code LARCH 7033
    Course Final Landscape Architecture Project (M)
    Coordinating Unit School of Architecture and Built Environment
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 12
    Contact Up to 12 hours per week. KEPP UP TO @ HOURS
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Restrictions Available to M.LArch students only
    Assessment Design Project and model
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Ms Tanya Court

    Name: Tanya Court coordinator & studio leader
    email: tanya.court@adelaide.edu.au
    contact: studio hours / by appointment


    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

            


  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    This capstone course is designed to foster advanced knowledge, understanding and skills that will assist the student in their future professional design practice.

    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Expand their individual knowledge through proposal and critique to develop conceptually strong landscape architectural design project
    2. Propose and develop a landscape architectural design project at a range of scales including strategically, 
      as part of a broader vision
    3. Utilise the research of design precedents, their evaluation and application
    4. Apply scientific, ecological, functional theoretical and ethical concerns to the design process
    5. Apply the use of advanced 3D modelling tools
    6. Articulate clearly informed design ideas including through the use of digital  tools to an advanced level
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1,2,3,4,5,6
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    1,2,3,4
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    1,2,3,4,5,6
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1,2,3,4,5,6
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    1,2,3,4
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1,2,3,4,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    None required
    Recommended Resources
    Recommended publications / readings will be announced and made accessible by the studio leaders.

    The University library has a collection of relevant design journals, which are an excellent resource for design ideas, precedent studies, theoretical texts, detailing and presentation techniques.

    The School has a speaker series where respected practitioners and academics speak on contemporary architectural practice. In order to expand your knowledge of contemporary directions in design, it is highly recommended that you attend these lectures. Dates and details will be made available on the School’s website.

    Online Learning
    Online Learning:
    Lecture summaries, image pdfs, handouts, links for further reference and additional material will be posted on the MyUni website following the relevant class.
    Discussion board will form the initial point of contact for a course related enquiries. Discussions will be opened up each assignment and will act as an online collaborative learning environment with student engagement and peer assistance vital.

    University Email:
    The school uses the University email system to get in touch with the students. So it is imperative that you check your email regularly and keep up to date with any new announcements.

    Noticeboard / Handbook:
    General information about the activities at the School is available online from the Student Noticeboard which can be accessed at https://unified.adelaide.edu.au/group/professons-student-architecture/current-student
    Students can also access a copy of the Student Handbook at the following link: https://unified.adelaide.edu.au/group/professons-student-architecture/current-student
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The format for Final Landscape Architecture Project is the Design Studio, a structure that parallels industry processes for design development and resolution. Students are required to present and discuss their worktwice a week in the studio workshop environment, subjecting it to analysis, critique and response by staff and fellow students. Students are encouraged to maintain a written diary of these sessions. This are "work in progress" presentations, nonetheless, the work needs to be articulated and referenced in regards to the individual topics, theoretical backgrounds and practical issues pursued by the students. Students are encouraged to claim a desk in the 5th year studio space and work there 24/7. This will be supported by case studies and theoretical assignments. 

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The University expects full-time students (i.e. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote at least 48 hours per week to their studies. Accordingly, students undertaking this 12 unit course are expected to devote 48 hours per week to contact activities and self-guided study. Self-guided study should be used towards preparation of supporting assignment, weekly pin-ups and the steady development of your project.

    The following figures are based on this framework and might assist in managing your workload. The workload, established by the expected final outcome (presentation & exhibition), is significant and adds up to a full time job. Organise your time wisely.

    Total contact hours: equivalent of 12 hrs per week x 12 weeks
    Total self-guided study: 36 hrs per week x 13 weeks
    Total workload hours: 48 hrs per week x 13 weeks
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Week 1 studio
    Week 2 studio
    Week 3 Concept design
    Week 4 studio
    Week 5 studio
    Week 6 studio
    Week 7 Mid Review
    Week 8 studio
    Mid Semester Break
    Week 9 studio
    Week 10 studio
    Week 11 Report
    Week 12 studio
    Week 13 Final Review
    Week 14 Catalogue submission
    Week 15
    Week 16 Exhibition submission
    Week 17 Exhibition setup
    Week 18 Exhibition demount
    The above dates may be subject to change. Students need to check their email regularly.

    Specific Course Requirements
    Final Landscape Project is a self-lead design studio, in which students are asked to develop a landscape architectural proposition in response to a student selected site. In 2018 students, in discussion with the studio leaders, will develop a topic in relation to the studio themes.  The project develops along the students own lines of interest and inquiry. The studio leader’s role is to coach and assist the students in their design research.

    The assessment task sheets include additional information about the course requirements and the tasks to be completed.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Students work in groups of approximately 20 students
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Due Learning Outcome
    Concept Design Summative Assessment 5%
    Design for Research Summative Assessment 15%
    Mid-Review Summative Assessment 20%
    Final Presentation Summative Assessment 60%
    Total 100%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Participation in the bi-weekly meetings is required in order to demonstrate the projects’ progress and to take benefit from the studio leaders’ feedback. Students are asked to maintain a diary of comments and suggestions.

    Mid- and Final Review include studio leaders and invited guest critics.

    Mid Review presentations are scheduled for Week 7.
    Final Review Presentations are scheduled for Week 13.
    Presentation timelines and venues will be issued in a timely manner. Refer to the weekly schedule and emails. 

    Student participation in Mid and Final Review is compulsory.
    Work handed in but not presented in person is considered as “not submitted”.

    Assessment Detail
    ASSIGNMENT #1 CONCEPT DESIGN 5%
    The aim of this assessment task is to make sure that students are working in a productive way and to receive feedback on their working process and preliminary design tactics and designs. At this stage it is not ideal but it is still possible to change sites or direction if you have not established a project suitable for Final Landscape Project.
    Please refer to the assignment handout for detailed information. 

     
    ASSIGNMENT #2 DESIGN FOR RESEARCH 15%
    This assignment reflects the importance of design for research component to complete the major design task. 
    Please refer to the assignment handout for detailed information. 


    ASSIGNMENT #3 MID-REVIEW 20%
    This assignment is an opportunity to have you project reviewed at the midway stage and check that the project is progressing sufficiently well for this time of the semester. By this stage the themes, site and intent of the project should be clear. There should be a well-developed design proposal and many of the final elements of the final presentation begun.

    You should be considering the format of your final physical model. We will also review the quality for the graphics. You should have a sophisticated InDesign template but this stage. You should also be able to articulate the future direction of your project. What is going well? What do you still hope to work on or improve?

    Students will be required to speak to their display and answer questions from the assessment panel. A pdf version of the booklet has to be uploaded to MyUni one day prior to the presentation. This file needs to be named: family name_first name_ MID. Differently labelled files may not be assessed.
    Please refer to the assignment handout for detailed information. 


    ASSIGNMENT #4 FINAL REVIEWS 60%
    Students will be assessed for the coherent presentation that draws a clear and legible line of thought and argument, from the initial moves to the conceptual idea and proposed implementation. Students will be assessed for courageous investigations, demonstrated knowledge and understanding of design strategies, innovation, integration of functional and technical aspects, as well as addressing cultural, social and urban design issues. Students will be credited for a legible and detailed documentation of their designs including through plans, sections and elevations, expressing their confidence in using the language of landscape architectural communication.

    The presentation format will be in digital format and be accompanied by a single or multiple models. Content shall be similar to the Mid Review but developed to higher detail. Students are required to speak to their display and answer questions from the assessment panel. The presentation should be supported by annotated diagrams, drawings, renders, photographs, a written project description, and any other material that supports the design, and as negotiated with the studio leaders. It should include a graphical summary of the design process, any technical aspects that are pertinent to the scheme, and demonstrate structural considerations through the physical model, axonometric drawing or section. A pdf version of the digital presentation
    needs to be submitted prior to the presentation.

    This file needs to be named: family name_ first name_FINAL Differently labelled files may not be assessed.
    Please refer to the assignment handout for detailed information. 


    Catalogue Material
    The catalogue features students’ work selected for the exhibition as well as giving an overview of all students’ projects. Due to the
    production timeline, material for the catalogue needs to be supplied in advance and before the final assessment has been made.

    The material needs to be formatted to the following specs:
    Drawings: A3 PDF vector graphic (preferred) or 2500px x 1800px JPG Format (A3@300dpi), Images: 2500px x 1800px JPG Forma (A3@300dpi), project description: 300 Words word.doc format.

    The material needs to be ordered accordingly into five folders: GENESIS, CONCEPT, DRAWINGS, RENDERS, TEXT, bundled as a zip
    file and supplied via MyUni until November 8. The file is to be named: family name_first name_CAT. This material counts towards the grade for Semester Progress.


    Exhibition Posters
    The format of the exhibition posters is 3 x A0 portrait 841x1189 = 2523 x1189 landscape. A physical model (whole or part of the
    project) is required. The exhibition posters should be based on the Final Review material yet be further improved by implementing the feedback received during the presentation.

    Participation in the exhibition is determined by the quality of the design at Final Review and as indicated by the Grade received. Works assessed as CREDIT and above shall be part of the exhibition, as well as selected, or components of, PASS work, if space permits. Final curation of the exhibition is done by the course coordinator in discussion with the studio leaders. The files for printing need to 3 individual pdf’s, and named:  family name_first name_EXH, bundled as a single zip file and submitted via MyUni until November 25. This material counts towards the grade for Semester Progress. The printing needs to be organised by the student cohort.

    A selection of exhibition posters will be kept by the school for reference.
    Submission
    Submissions (General)
    • All submissions must include Student Name and Student ID Number. Submissions without Student Name or ID Number will not be considered for marking, and will receive zero marks in accordance with the guidelines.
    • In addition, all assignments need to have an Assignment Cover Sheet which must be signed and dated by the student before submission. Please attach the cover sheet in front of the document, to the top left hand corner.
    • Please adhere to submission deadlines and follow instructions provided.
    • Students must not submit work for an assignment that has previously been submitted for this course or any other course without prior approval from the Course Coordinator.
    • On occasion, the lecturer/tutor may wish to retain students’ work for future reference and the relevant student will be informed at such a time.

    Early Submission
    • There is an early submission box located on Level 4 which is cleared out daily at 10am. Please mark your submission clearly before placing in box.
    • Models for in-class presentation cannot be handed in early.

    Late Submission
    • The school will NOT accept late submissions and any such assignment will receive zero marks. This also applies to electronic submissions.
    • Printing delays & hard drive crashes will not be entertained as legitimate causes for delay, so please ensure that the work is finished in advance.

    Good practice 
    • Students should ensure that they regularly backup their work on multiple locations as hard drive crashes are an unfortunate reality.
    • When relying on community printing facilities, students should attempt to finish their work in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.
    • Students must retain a copy of all assignments submitted (digital or hardcopy), as originals may be lost during the submission process.

    For modified arrangements of submission and assessment due to special circumstances see the following Assessment Task Extension(s) & Additional Assessment guidelines.

    Modified Arrangements (General)      
    • Students can apply for extensions or modified arrangements based on Medical conditions or other Extenuating circumstances. However, students need to submit their application along with supporting documents within 5 business days of the condition becoming applicable.

                • The application forms are available from the Front Office and at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/mod_arrange.html and need to be submitted at the Front Office along with any supporting documentation.

                • Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance and the Course Coordinator will inform the applicant if the application is accepted. Please DO NOT contact the Course Coordinator directly.

    Medical Reasons:
    • In case of an extended medical condition which makes it impossible for the student to submit the work on time, an Application for Assessment Task Extension due to Medical Circumstances may be lodged with the Front Office along with a doctor’s certificate within 5 business days.

    Extenuating Circumstances   
    • If the student is unable to submit the work on time due to extenuating circumstances an Application for Assessment Task Extension due to Extenuating Circumstances may be lodged with the Front Office.
    • Please note that this is only available for certain military, religious, or legal obligations and does not extend to minor personal problems. (Refer to the student handbook at http://www.architecture.adelaide.edu.au/current/resources/ or contact the Student Advisor.

    Compassionate Grounds
    • In case of certain extraordinary personal problems students can apply for extensions based on compassionate grounds. However, these must first be discussed with the Course Coordinator in person through appointment during the assigned office hours.
    • To maintain privacy relating to personal issues students can contact the University Transition and Advisory Service at 8313 0100 or transition@adelaide.edu.au , or approach the Counselling Service on 83035663 for an individual appointment.

    Additional Assessment
    • If a student receives a Fail grade for the course with an overall mark between 45 and 49, they may be eligible for an Additional Assessment which would allow them to get a maximum of 50 Pass for the Course.
    • Additional Assessment offers are made by the School and the student will be informed directly once these are made available.

    Disability
    • Students who have a disability and wish to seek modified submission or assessment arrangements need to contact the University Disability Services at 83135962 or disability@adelaide.edu.au for supporting documentation and then communicate these to the Course Coordinator in person through appointment during the assigned office hours.

    Elite Athlete
    • Students who have national/international sporting commitments and wish to seek modified submission or assessment arrangements need to register with the University Elite Athlete Support Scheme at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/eliteathletes/ and then communicate this to the Course Coordinator in person through appointment during the assigned office hours.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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