VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

061-0112-00L 2 Credits MSC D-ARCH

Law as a Design Factor

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Oliver Streiff Gnöpff, Patrick Bonzanigo
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:31

Abstract

State structure, legal system and negotiation processes related hereto shape the dynamics in the production of space and the image of landscapes, infrastructures and settlements. Spatially relevant legal provisions can provide impulses as design factors when planning spaces and territories at different scales and with different degrees of urbanization.

Objective

Students understand key principles and spatially relevant aspects of the legal system and gain insight into formal and informal planning and participation processes. They are able to situate public and private law regulations at different planning scales and to consider them from a multiscale perspective as limitations and possible guidelines for landscape design.

Content

After introducing law as a system and the structure of the multilevel state, the most important classifications and the central principles of law are introduced. In further steps, knowledge on different levels of planning from supra-local to local to object-related scales (structure plans, land use plans, urban development and building regulations) is imparted. The focus here is on design-relevant and spatially effective content (areas, lines, volumes and density specifications). Further focal points are the cultural heritage and the temporal transformation (sites, inventories and objects of protection) as well as environmental law, financial and operational aspects, in particular formal and informal planning and participation processes. The contents and the resulting interpretations and design perspectives are deepened and critically reflected in the context of a field trip. In the graded semester performance spatially relevant aspects on a specific project site are analyzed and used to develop a landscape project.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

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

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Law as a Design Factor
No class on 20.03.2026 (seminar week). 11.04.2026 field trip 9.00-17.00 (details on moodle) The lecture will take place on Fridays 13.45-15.30 (design room)
  • Fri 13:45-15:30 (HIL G 64)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Landscape Architecture Master
    • 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.)