About this course

Landscape architects play a key role in shaping more sustainable urban environments. This course prepares students to propose and advocate for measures that enhance environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Emphasis is placed on the landscape architect’s role and the decision‑making processes within urban development projects.

The studio is built around a real case area; in recent years, this has included Filipstad and the Alna River in Oslo. Dialogue with, and guest lectures from, professionals actively engaged in the case area form an integral part of the studio. These may include landscape architects, architects, biologists etc. working as designers, developers, researchers, politicians, NGO representatives, or municipal planners. Students will design an intervention—using design thinking methods—that addresses the site’s sustainability challenges.

To truly be able to propose interventions that address climate change, enhance biodiversity, manage stormwater, and support the desired environmental qualities, a deep understanding of natural processes is essential. This will be developed through outdoor workshops during the June block.

Through studio work, field investigations, lectures, and desk critiques, students gain insight into the course themes and the particularities of the selected case study. Throughout the semester, instructors foster student autonomy and self‑direction, encouraging an active and goal‑oriented design process that supports the development of an independent project.

Learning outcome

The course focuses on landscape and sustainability, emphasizing the maintenance and enhancement of well‑being and quality of life for current and future generations.

Students will:

  • Develop a self‑generated research question through analysis, structured methodology, design exploration, and alternative scenarios.
  • Carry out a process‑oriented design project using creative thinking methods.

Knowledge:

  • Understanding of ownership and legal processes in decision‑making
  • Understanding of the processes in nature
  • Ability to develop design solutions for complex challenges
  • Ability to formulate effective landscape strategies grounded in theory, ethics, and critical thinking

Skills:

  • Professionally communicate concepts of landscape sustainability orally, in writing, graphically, and through multiple media

Teaching is delivered through lectures, short presentations, assignments, and continuous feedback. Students receive guidance from instructors and peers during studio sessions and interim and final reviews.

  • Learning activities

    Lectures and in-class discussions on equitable development, social and environmental justice, and community resilience.

    Individual research and in-class discussion on the course topic.

    Selection and analysis of contemporary landscape design projects related to the course topic.

    Desk critics, Group discussions, Peer reviews, and Pin-up presentations

    Fieldwork and site analysis.

    Studio is a supreme place in design education; it is a physical space that becomes alive with activities if and when teachers and learners breathe life into it. Thus, it becomes a marketplace for ideas, a vital environment, and an essential factor in design learning. Students are expected to work in the studio during class time as as indicated in the course schedule.

    On a trial-and-error basis of continuous testing and vetting of their ideas, students take responsibility to drive their individual proposals and projects. Instructors provide guidance and assistance. Instructors will emphasize the 'learning by doing' design theory: through self-initiative and self-discovery, the students will gain a knowledge base that informs future decision-making.

  • Teaching support

    In the course of organized teaching, conducted by the instructors, suitable input is presented, regular feedback is provided, the project development is guided and supported, and reviews allow the students to develop and defend their work.

    Guidance to relevant references, precedents, best practices, literature, or other elements of the professional canon will be provided.

  • Syllabus

    Tailored for each thematic framework, particular studio topic, and project, it will be made available at the beginning of the studio.

  • Prerequisites

    Bachelor degree in relevant field or 3 years in a landscape architecture program.

  • Assessment method

    Portfolio.

    Grading: A-F

    All submissions have to be submitted in the English language.

  • About use of AI

    K2 - Spesified use of AI

    The use of AI for analysis is encouraged.However, AI-generated design suggestions will not be accepted.

    Descriptions of AI-category codes.

  • Examiner scheme

    An external examiner reviews and evaluates the deliveries.

  • Mandatory activity

    Compulsory attendance is required for all site visits, review and presentation days, and workshops. These activities will be clearly marked in the semester schedule. Students are expected to attend all classes.

    Week 23 (June 7-11) will include a compulsory outdoor workshop.

  • Preferential right

    Students enrolled in the Master of Landscape Architecture for Global Sustainability programme.

  • Admission requirements

    Priority to the Master of Landscape Architecture for Global Sustainability programme. Other master students in landscape architecture or other relevant fields are also welcome.