Om dette emnet

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.

Dette lærer du

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.

  • Læringsaktiviteter

    The first part of the course, taught during the spring parallel, will function as a classic landscape architecture design studio. Students will propose an intervention and develop a presentation that communicates and promotes their design idea.

    The second part, taught in the June block, will be an in‑depth exploration of natural processes. Outdoor exercises will give students the opportunity to study and understand the forces of water movement, vegetation patterns, the effects of wind, and the ways in which soil and bedrock shape landscape forms and vegetation — the dynamic interplay between these five elements.

  • Læringsstøtte

    During the organized teaching activities led by the instructors, relevant input is provided, regular feedback is offered, and the project development process is actively guided and supported. Reviews give students the opportunity to refine, articulate, and defend their work.

    Students will also receive guidance toward relevant references, precedents, best practices, literature, and other elements of the professional canon.

  • Pensum

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

  • Forutsatte forkunnskaper

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

  • Vurderingsordning, hjelpemiddel og eksamen

    Portfolio.

    Grading: A-F

    All submissions have to be submitted in the English language.

  • Om bruk av KI

    K2 - Spesified use of AI

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

    Her finner du KI-kategoriene beskrevet.

  • Opptakskrav

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