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061-0141-23L 14 Credits MSC D-ARCH

Foundation Studio I

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Teresa Galí-Izard
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:15:50

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

This design studio builds on a series of precise exercises that translate and synthesize the scientific information learned in the linked fundamental module courses required by the MScLA program. Through these 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 2023 engages with a quarry site in Switzerland. 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 material and ecological potentials of the site. Course desk crits, pin-ups, site visits and reviews are generally scheduled in the afternoon, and are linked to the content covered in the lectures and other theoretical inputs from the morning fundamental course.

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 studio is split into eight parts, linked to the six MScLA fundamental module courses, an introductory week 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
Irregular course. The weekly schedule is published on the course website (and is included in the reader). Classes (and critiques) are held in English. No course on 23.10 (seminar week)
  • Mon 12:45-18:30 (HIL G 64)
  • Tue 15:45-18:30 (HIL G 64)
  • Wed 12:45-18:30 (HIL G 64)
  • Fri 08:00-13:30 (HIL G 64)
  • 18.09 Date 12:45-18:30 (HIL G 64)
  • 20.09 Date 08:00-13:30 (HIL G 64)
  • 27.11. - 19.12 Date 08:50-18:30 (HIL G 64)
  • 01.12 Date 08:00-13:30 (HIL G 64)
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;)