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History and Theory of Landscape Architecture II
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:57
Abstract
Landscape architecture connects different scientific disciplines, epistemological standpoints and different practices. This lecture series discusses relevant theories and concepts of landscape in their respective contexts of thought as well as by means of case studies and exemplary projects.
Objective
The course provides an overview of currently relevant understandings and theories of landscape. Students learn about different theoretical perspectives and case studies and how to relate them to their own work. The goal is to develop a sustainable basis for thinking and acting for a context-sensitive design practice that is embedded in larger contexts/problem situations.
Content
Landscape as a multi-perspective subject has problematized the dichotomy of nature and culture/art/technology as well as existing disciplinary determinations. Landscape means many things at the same time and is basically in a state of change. The course discusses different assumptions and viewpoints that has shaped the understanding of landscape (and nature), as well as its planning and design, in recent decades. It starts from landscape as an expanded field in which not only specifically scientific, but also overarching aesthetic, ecological, global, indigenous, decolonial, feminist, participatory, hybrid and other conceptions of landscape and nature have become established. Along these different theoretical conceptions and landscape discourses and in view of significant case studies and landscape practices, an understanding of nature and landscape adapted to the problem situation shall be discussed.
Resources
Literature
A definitive reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 20
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
History and Theory of Landscape Architecture II
No course on 18.3.2024 (seminar week) and in the last two weeks of the semester (see room assignments!).
|
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (The entire course programs of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich are open to the students to individual selection. The students have themselves to check whether they meet the admission requirements for a course.)
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Core Courses (The core courses build on the basic courses and convey basic, broad knowledge in the core areas of landscape architecture in relation to design lessons. Some of the core courses are compulsory and some are freely selectable. Further details, in particular about taking these subjects, for performance assessments and for compensating for failed subjects, are regulated in Art. 27 and Art. 31 Paragraph 4.)
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