University of Miami School of Architecture

Topics: The development of landscape and garden design in relation to architectural context from the ancient world to the present day. Contemporary issues in American landscape architecture

Format: Lectures, seminar based discussions and site visits.

Prerequisite: ARC 267/567 and ARC 272/572 or permission of instructor

Educational Objectives To develop an awareness of the tools and methods of analysis and historical inquiry with regard to gardens and landscape. To familiarize students with the ecological and philosophical issues currently facing the profession of landscape architecture. To foster an understanding of historical principles of design and approaches to problem-solving with a view to enhancing students’ abilities in the studio both in design development and communication.

Instructional Method The class will meet twice a Week for 75 minutes. Material will be presented in lectures illustrated with slides, seminar based discussions, and through site visits. Students will be expected to complete any required readings in advance of the lectures and use the course web site (http://intranet.arc.miami.edu/rjohn) to review the visual material presented.

Text/References There is no required text for the whole course, though readings for individual classes may be issued. The first of several themed bibliographies is attached [Garden History]. Additional specialized bibliographies which may be helpful for term projects will be distributed in class handouts, noted on the website [see LINKS] or announced in lectures. You are encouraged to ask me for further bibliographical suggestions for your projects, preferably by e-mail (rjohn@arc.miami.edu).

Examinations All students will be required to undertake a term project, chosen from the following list in consultation with the instructor.

1. Analysis of historical or contemporary landscape [preferably one known at first hand]

2. Development of landscape architecture resources, eg. Trees for autocad

3. A design project relating to previous or concurrent studio work

This project will be presented toward the end of the semester in a seminar format for class discussion and then submitted for grading at the end of the semester. An interim submission will be required at mid term; this should be agreed beforehand with the instuctor; it may, for instance, consist of an annotated bibliography or paper outline. There will be no formal examination, though participation in class will be continuously assessed.

Grading Policy The final grade will be achieved cumulatively using the following weightings: Midterm submission 10%

Seminar Presentation 30%

Final paper 40%

Attendance/ class participation/notebooks 20%

Class schedule The schedule for classes for the first half of the semester is as follows. This may be altered to accommodate site and office visits, though these will generally occur in the second half of the semester.

Attendance Policy The University of Miami has no provisions for unexcused absences. Attendance at all Classes is expected. Roll calls will occasionally be taken. All excuses are to be submitted in writing for approval.