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061-0141-22L 14 Credits MSC D-ARCH

Foundation Studio I

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Teresa Galí-Izard
Only for Landscape Architecture MSc.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:10

Abstract

This course introduces a design methodology for landscape architecture that emphasizes the design of living systems and dynamic landscape processes in dialogue with the environmental sciences. With a focus on translating and synthesizing scientific information through rigorous drawing and critically engaging with the primary matter of landscapes, this course teaches core tools of the discipline.

Objective

Through a series of short exercises, students acquire essential analytical and methodological skills to support design in the field of Landscape Architecture.

Content

The Foundation Studio I in the autumn semester 2022 engages with an active gravel quarry in the territory of Lleida, Spain. Throughout the semester, students situate the local climatic, geologic, hydrological, pedological and vegetative processes in a larger context, and make proposals that respond to the specific potentials of the site. The semester is composed of six modules, which are linked to the respective fundamental course, and a synthesis module: Climate Module, 19-23.09.2022 Water Module, 26-30.09.2022 Soil Module, 03-08.10.2022 Ecology and Plant Sciences Module, 10-21.10.2022 Designing with Plants I Module, 31.10-04.11.2022 and 21-25.11.2022 Materials and Construction I Module, 07-18.11.2022 Synthesis Module, 28.11–23.12.2022 The general course structure includes lectures and other theoretical inputs in the morning (fundamental courses) and studio in the afternoon, working with these same topics as generators for design proposals.

Resources

Lecture Notes

The reader is handed out during the first week of the semester.

Literature

Relevant literature is included in the reader

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
The semester is composed of six modules and a synthesis module.The semester’s grade is composed of the average of the six modules (60% of the final grade) and of the grade of the synthesis module (40% of the final grade).Classes (and critiques) are held in English.

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
exercise Foundation Studio I
The weekly schedule is published on the course website (and is included in the reader). Classes (and critiques) are held in English and German
  • Mon 13:45-17:30 (HIL G 65)
  • 20.09. - 18.11 Date 12:45-17:30 (HIL G 65)
  • 09.11 Date 13:45-17:30 (HIL G 65)
  • 22.11. - 23.12 Date 08:00-11:30 (HIL G 65)
  • 22.11. - 23.12 Date 12:45-17:30 (HIL G 65)
26 h weekly

Offered In

  • Landscape Architecture Master
    • Design Studios (The design studios deal with problem and practice-related tasks on a local, regional, supra-regional, national and international level. Teaching of digital analysis, design and planning methods.)
      • Foundation Studio I and II (- Fundamental Studio I: basic knowledge; - Fundamental Studio II: Design tasks in the context of the contemporary landscape;)