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Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:31
Abstract
RETHINKING LANDSCAPE STRUCTURESThe semester explores new ways of dealing with infrastructure projects and explores 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 fluctuation 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. The previously acquired knowledge of these topics within the foundation studio I builds a basis for the development of the semester project and is continuously deepened throughout the semester. 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. TRANSDISCIPLINARY EXCHANGE Working on the landscape scale requires the reading of existing structures and elements, translating them and tracing them. Learning from the various aspects of landscapes through the incorporation of the core courses fosters a thorough understanding of the site, while working with Digital Design Methods enables a precise analysis and projecting in larger scales.
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 humans, 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.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| exercise |
Foundation Studio II
No class on17.3/18.3.2025 (Seminar week).
|
|
16 h weekly |
Offered In
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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.)
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Foundation Studio I and II (- Fundamental Studio I: basic knowledge - Fundamental Studio II: Design tasks in the context of the contemporary landscape)
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