Foundation Studio II

Abstract

RETHINKING LANDSCAPE STRUCTURESThe semester explores new ways of dealing with infrastructure projects and exemplary climate adaptations of the Swiss cultural landscape.

Objective

DESIGNING LANDSCAPES AND PROCESSES The primary goal of the studio is to project landscapes. This entails the constant oscillation between territorial relationships and local actions - between landscape space and place. THINKING IN SYSTEMS Due to the dynamics of their constituent elements such as soil, water and vegetation, landscapes change their dimensions and character with cycles and time. Designing landscape consequently means thinking in and designing systems and processes. DEVELOPMENT OF A LANDSCAPE VOCABULARY 'Reading' a landscape, its space-defining elements – like water, topography and vegetation – and the processes and forces that shape them is as much a focus of teaching as designing. Thus, an intensive examination of our understanding of landscape and our relationship to nature goes hand-in-hand with the semester. METHOD TO DESIGN FROM AND WITH PROCESSES Because of the complexity of territory and task, the iterative design method is followed, oscillating between designing and analyzing, and between large and small scales. Developing an attitude, crystallizing the specific themes, and choosing the appropriate design tools are as much a part of the work process as designing the transformation processes.

Content

PROTOTYPICAL CASE STUDIES ON THE CLIMATE ADAPTATION OF THE SWISS LANDSCAPE Based on specific issues such as landslide risks or planned tunnel projects, new innovative ways of dealing with natural events and infrastructure projects are designed - always in search of multi-layered added value for people, flora and fauna. Parallel to the landscape design, the students get to know landscape architecture as one of the instruments with which today's questions can be answered. Because these increasingly demand different answers - systemic thinking, designing processes, accepting change and a differentiated landscape vocabulary are prerequisites for this.

Resources