Landscape Architecture Courses
LAEL 1020-01 / LDAR 1020-01
HISTORY AND THEORY II
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course provides a cultural history of landscape and landscape architecture through various voices, lenses, and built examples. Following a loose chronology, this seminar will trace the shifting trajectory of landscapes at multiple scales, including lawns, gardens, and suburbs; roads and sanitary infrastructure; agricultural and energy landscapes; rivers and waterfronts, among others. As the second history-theory course in the sequence, we will continue to build upon key concepts explored in History-Theory 1, such as the relationship between Nature and culture, land ethics, systems thinking and ecology, and how landscape architecture has operated as a site for unequal, racialized distributions of power. To that end, we will study, define, critique, and attempt to make sense of the multiplicity of actors that shape environments, including the role of the Designer and the inextricably intertwined forces of colonization and capitalism, federal policies, non-humans, shifting attitudes about Nature, etc.
To provoke critical thinking about the development of landscape form and ideas, readings will be drawn from various perspectives, including landscape architecture, social and environmental history, anthropology, science and technology studies, queer and feminist studies, and geography. These fields will help us understand history as a foundation for thinking about the landscape’s relationship between past and present and center and margin. By critically probing landscape architecture’s canon and its counter-narratives, we will consider how we can be better poised to understand and articulate our own contributions to the field as future practitioners.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Landscape Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LAEL 1020-02 / LDAR 1020-02
HISTORY AND THEORY II
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course provides a cultural history of landscape and landscape architecture through various voices, lenses, and built examples. Following a loose chronology, this seminar will trace the shifting trajectory of landscapes at multiple scales, including lawns, gardens, and suburbs; roads and sanitary infrastructure; agricultural and energy landscapes; rivers and waterfronts, among others. As the second history-theory course in the sequence, we will continue to build upon key concepts explored in History-Theory 1, such as the relationship between Nature and culture, land ethics, systems thinking and ecology, and how landscape architecture has operated as a site for unequal, racialized distributions of power. To that end, we will study, define, critique, and attempt to make sense of the multiplicity of actors that shape environments, including the role of the Designer and the inextricably intertwined forces of colonization and capitalism, federal policies, non-humans, shifting attitudes about Nature, etc.
To provoke critical thinking about the development of landscape form and ideas, readings will be drawn from various perspectives, including landscape architecture, social and environmental history, anthropology, science and technology studies, queer and feminist studies, and geography. These fields will help us understand history as a foundation for thinking about the landscape’s relationship between past and present and center and margin. By critically probing landscape architecture’s canon and its counter-narratives, we will consider how we can be better poised to understand and articulate our own contributions to the field as future practitioners.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Landscape Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 1566-01
*ITALY: PERSPECTIVES ON PIRANESI
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Giovanni Battista Piranesi, the engraver, widely known for his picturesque illustrations of eighteenth-century Rome, was also a skilled architect, surveyor, curator, antiquarian and archaeologist, creating one of the first comprehensibly visualized catalogs of roman antiquities. His apprenticeships to engineers, cartographers, theatrical scenographers, and muralists in his native Venice, unquestionably guided his imagination and acumen for the delineation and understanding of how to make pictures in light of the urban and natural landscapes as well as the interpretation of artifacts of roman antiquity. The "art and mind" of Piranesi continues to conjure the imagination of even most accomplished artists who study in Rome and remains a pivotal luminary used to orient studious visitors to the Eternal City and its vast visual metaphors and allusions. The course will cover Piranesi's essential contribution to our contemporary understanding of antiquity while presenting a practicum in the very image-making techniques used by Piranesi in the field. Workshops, tours, and lectures take place on the very sites of the artist's own discoveries, many which are emblematic of the scholarly and artistic pursuits of the Grand Tour at the forefront in Europe during Piranesi's life. This is an immersive and intense adventure into why artists and designers traditionally go to Rome and what they do while they are there: they draw, they explore and record what they see and experience so it can be shared with those who cannot.
Students must complete an application through RISD Global to be added to this course. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, good conduct standing, and permission of the instructor. GPA, Student Conduct Standing, and standing with Equity and Compliance will be verified and may preclude a student from participation, either before or during the term. Most courses are open to first year students with approval from the Dean of Experimental and Foundation Studies.
Elective
LDAR 2201-01
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course explores design principles central to landscape architecture. Three interrelated aspects of design are pursued:
1) the elements of composition and their formal, spatial, and tectonic manipulation
2) meanings conveyed by formal choices and transformations
3) interactions of cultural and ecological forces in the landscape.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $250.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Landscape Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MLA-I, MLA-II Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2201-02
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course explores design principles central to landscape architecture. Three interrelated aspects of design are pursued:
1) the elements of composition and their formal, spatial, and tectonic manipulation
2) meanings conveyed by formal choices and transformations
3) interactions of cultural and ecological forces in the landscape.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $250.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Landscape Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MLA-I, MLA-II Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2204-01
CONSTRUCTED LANDSCAPES STUDIO
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This core studio stresses middle scale landscape architectural design. A series of studio problems will explore urban public spaces. Students will endeavor to represent contemporary cultural and ecological ideas in land form. There will be an emphasis on constructive strategies, the use of plants in design and methods of representation.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $250.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Landscape Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MLA-I, MLA-II Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2204-02
CONSTRUCTED LANDSCAPES STUDIO
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This core studio stresses middle scale landscape architectural design. A series of studio problems will explore urban public spaces. Students will endeavor to represent contemporary cultural and ecological ideas in land form. There will be an emphasis on constructive strategies, the use of plants in design and methods of representation.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $250.00
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Landscape Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MLA-I, MLA-II Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2251-01
MATERIAL LOGIC: WOOD, METAL, STONE, CONCRETE, SOIL
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to the material properties of wood, metal, stone, concrete and soil. Through material experiments, hand drafted material details, 1:1 construction and material case studies, students will gain experience working with the materials to understand the inherent constraints and opportunities of each material. In addition, a series of field trips will help students understand the geographies of material extraction and the processes of assembly and installation.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2251-02
MATERIAL LOGIC: WOOD, METAL, STONE, CONCRETE, SOIL
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to the material properties of wood, metal, stone, concrete and soil. Through material experiments, hand drafted material details, 1:1 construction and material case studies, students will gain experience working with the materials to understand the inherent constraints and opportunities of each material. In addition, a series of field trips will help students understand the geographies of material extraction and the processes of assembly and installation.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2252-01
PLANTS: BOTANY AND ECOLOGY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This class will explore the botanical, horticultural and ecological aspects of plants and plant communities. Through lectures and field trips, students will become familiar with the form, physical qualities, identifying characteristics, seasonal aspect, preferred growing conditions, native habitats and ecological function of common plants of New England. In addition, lectures will focus on contemporary ecological theories around disturbance ecology and ecological succession to gain an understanding of how designers can work with these forces to shape landscapes over time.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2252-02
PLANTS: BOTANY AND ECOLOGY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This class will explore the botanical, horticultural and ecological aspects of plants and plant communities. Through lectures and field trips, students will become familiar with the form, physical qualities, identifying characteristics, seasonal aspect, preferred growing conditions, native habitats and ecological function of common plants of New England. In addition, lectures will focus on contemporary ecological theories around disturbance ecology and ecological succession to gain an understanding of how designers can work with these forces to shape landscapes over time.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2253-01
PLANTS: FORM AND SPACE
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course will explore the use of plants as a design medium while balancing the horticultural considerations. There will be analyses of existing gardens, field trips, and the creation of schematic and detailed planting plans for different types of sites. Topics such as seasonality, texture, color and form will be discussed.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2254-01
MATERIAL ASSEMBLIES: DETAILS AND CONSTRUCTION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This seminar addresses advanced problems in landscape construction, materials, and site engineering. In this class, students will be asked to apply their knowledge of landscape technologies and materials gained from earlier classes into an abbreviated technical drawing set. Through the drawing set, students will gain an understanding of the different stages of design including; concept development, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation. This project will become the basis for understanding the how details and materials develop and change throughout the pre-construction process.
Major Requirement | MLA-II Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2254-02
MATERIAL ASSEMBLIES: DETAILS AND CONSTRUCTION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This seminar addresses advanced problems in landscape construction, materials, and site engineering. In this class, students will be asked to apply their knowledge of landscape technologies and materials gained from earlier classes into an abbreviated technical drawing set. Through the drawing set, students will gain an understanding of the different stages of design including; concept development, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation. This project will become the basis for understanding the how details and materials develop and change throughout the pre-construction process.
Major Requirement | MLA-II Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2256-01
DESIGN FOUNDATIONS/FIELD ECOLOGY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
All entering Landscape Architecture students are required to participate in the department's four-week preparatory summer program in design fundamentals and field ecology. This course parallels similar ones being held for new students in other departments within the Architecture and Design Division. The design fundamentals component of the program is intended to provide the methodological and theoretical framework for RISD's Landscape programs and initiates discussion of design making and critique necessary for the more specialized studio work that follows. The summer course, in preparation for this, builds a basic design language, familiarity with tools and materials, and 2 and 3-dimensional skills that will be needed immediately upon entering the studio sequence. The field ecology component of the summer program places basic design discussions within the context of landscape-based practice. It is intended to build awareness of ecological issues (using southern New England as a case study), facilitate the ability to interpret the landscape and the nonhuman and cultural forces which have shaped it over time, and foster an environmental ethic. This segment of the program is critical for building a knowledge base and a philosophical framework within which future design efforts may be evaluated. The summer program offers a unique opportunity to engage classmates and faculty in a focused discussion of design-related issues which can be sustained over the course of one's studies. The course meets five days a week (including some weekends).
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Landscape Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2256-02
DESIGN FOUNDATIONS/FIELD ECOLOGY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
All entering Landscape Architecture students are required to participate in the department's four-week preparatory summer program in design fundamentals and field ecology. This course parallels similar ones being held for new students in other departments within the Architecture and Design Division. The design fundamentals component of the program is intended to provide the methodological and theoretical framework for RISD's Landscape programs and initiates discussion of design making and critique necessary for the more specialized studio work that follows. The summer course, in preparation for this, builds a basic design language, familiarity with tools and materials, and 2 and 3-dimensional skills that will be needed immediately upon entering the studio sequence. The field ecology component of the summer program places basic design discussions within the context of landscape-based practice. It is intended to build awareness of ecological issues (using southern New England as a case study), facilitate the ability to interpret the landscape and the nonhuman and cultural forces which have shaped it over time, and foster an environmental ethic. This segment of the program is critical for building a knowledge base and a philosophical framework within which future design efforts may be evaluated. The summer program offers a unique opportunity to engage classmates and faculty in a focused discussion of design-related issues which can be sustained over the course of one's studies. The course meets five days a week (including some weekends).
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Landscape Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2264-01
REPRESENTATION I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course develops the different levels of dexterity and control in the construction of architectural drawing. The pedagogy allows for students to build a basic understanding of orthographic drawing typologies and traditional drawing methods while preparing them for more complex hybridized drawing methods. A parallel segment of the course addresses freehand representation, developing observation and translation tools necessary to design. Through these multiple approaches, drawing is developed as a tool to transform conceptual ideas into tangible form. The class will be taught as a series of lectures that discuss both why and how we draw accompanied by skill building workshops.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2264-02
REPRESENTATION I
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course develops the different levels of dexterity and control in the construction of architectural drawing. The pedagogy allows for students to build a basic understanding of orthographic drawing typologies and traditional drawing methods while preparing them for more complex hybridized drawing methods. A parallel segment of the course addresses freehand representation, developing observation and translation tools necessary to design. Through these multiple approaches, drawing is developed as a tool to transform conceptual ideas into tangible form. The class will be taught as a series of lectures that discuss both why and how we draw accompanied by skill building workshops.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2266-01
MATERIAL TESTS: PROTOTYPING AND DIGITAL FABRICATION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This seminar builds on the class Material Logic to investigate and test landscape materials and construction methods with an emphasis on prototyping and digital fabrication. Students will learn to take an idea from concept to prototype to 1:1 construction. Through research, lectures, and site walks, this course will build student's understanding of current landscape construction methods and ask them to develop new materials and assemblies to respond to specific site and design considerations. Through exercises, students will advance their CAD and Rhino skills, as well as learn how to prototype ideas through the use of 3D printers and CNC machine.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture
LDAR 2266-02
MATERIAL TESTS: PROTOTYPING AND DIGITAL FABRICATION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This seminar builds on the class Material Logic to investigate and test landscape materials and construction methods with an emphasis on prototyping and digital fabrication. Students will learn to take an idea from concept to prototype to 1:1 construction. Through research, lectures, and site walks, this course will build student's understanding of current landscape construction methods and ask them to develop new materials and assemblies to respond to specific site and design considerations. Through exercises, students will advance their CAD and Rhino skills, as well as learn how to prototype ideas through the use of 3D printers and CNC machine.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department.
Major Requirement | MLA-I Landscape Architecture