27383 - Green Spaces, Parks And Gardens

Academic Year 2021/2022

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Planning and management of agro-territorial, forest and landscape (cod. 8532)

Learning outcomes

At the end of course, the student will acquire the basic knowledge on methods and phases for working out a project of green landscapes, parks, gardens and thematic green areas, with a specific attention to species selection and plant use. The student will be able to analyse area, user requirements, composition concepts and plant community in accordance with functional, agronomical and sustainable guide-lines. Moreover, he is able to draw up the project tables, the bill of quantities and maintenance cost forecast.

Course contents

1-The project drawing up (20 hours)

- Steps of a green area design process:  landscape analysis and evaluation of the specific area; landscape interpretation and  local restrictions. Characteristic and expectations of users.  Masterplan, definitive project and working plans. Maintenance schedule and economic forecast. 

-Analysis of several design styles and their sustainability in our climatic conditions.

- Technical, agronomical and design analysis of green areas under a limited water availability (xerogardening) or in accordance with  themes, as colour and smell.

- Technical, agronomical and design analysis of green areas, suitable for:

-         environment mitigation and wellbeing in urban areas,

-         reduction of noise,

-         socio-economic and therapeutic activity

-    kindergarten and school garden

-         greening of streets and road infrastructures.

-         greening  of buildings (green walls, living walls, extensive and intensive green roofs)  

- Comparison of the green regulations used in several municipalities.

 

2-The plants (20 hours)

Physiological, agronomical, ornamental characteristics and maintenance requirements of:

- evergreen and deciduous trees,

- evergreen and deciduous ornamental shrubs, - groundcover species.

- herbaceous perennials for sunny and shady places, groundcover species,

- geophytes,

- bedding plants.

- Valuation of plant communities and analysis of use examples.

 

3- Practical activities: seminars, exercises and design laboratory (20 hours):

- seminars with professional landscapers explaining their activity and projects to stimulate discussion with and among the students.

- Guided visits to nursery and interesting green areas.

- Laboratory of design: inspection and examination of project areas, preliminary and executive tables drawn by each student.  CAD knowledge is usefull.

 

Readings/Bibliography

- ppt presentations, used during lectures, supplied by professor at the end of each lecture and available on AMSCampus at the end of all lessons.

Advised bibliography is:

Howcroft H., Majerus M., Garden design: a book of ideas. Ed. Firefly Books Ltd, 2015.

Motloch J.L., Introduction to landscape design. NY Wiley 2001.

Toccolini A.- Piano e progetto di area verde- Maggioli Editore, 2002

 

For the investigation on specific subjects:

Abram P. - Giardini pensili - Sistemi editoriali 2007

Ormsbee Simonds J., Barry W. Starke B.W., Landscape architecture : a manual of environmental planning and design - New York, McGraw Hill, 2006.  

Oudolf P. e Kingsbury N., Landscape in landscape. The Monacell Press, 2010

For plant choice: 

Phillips R., Rix M., Perennials. Pan Books Ltd. London

Phillips R., Rix M., Shrubs. Pan Books Ltd. London

Phillips R., Rix M., Trees. Pan Books Ltd. London

Further bibliography is supplied on request.

Teaching methods

The course includes lessons and activities as seminars with landscapers (6 hours), visits to nursery (6 hours) and to parks and gardens (8 hours). Two editing moments have been planned, before the exam, for the revisions of projects.

Assessment methods

Student has to prepare a complete but synthetic landscaping project, including report, tables and economic forecast.

The learning test consists of a final oral exam based on the evaluation of the student's project and taking  into account his level of knowledge and skills acquired in relation to the course contents (1, 2 and 3 parts) and his ability to elaborate information and solve practical case.

The exam includes the discussion  on the project tables and the enclosed reports.

The project area has to be chosen in accordance with the professor, among the  examined places  during lessons, if possible but not obligatory.

The final examination could be forego by 1-2 editing times, by appointment with professor.

The exam takes about 45 minutes.

 

Teaching tools

Projector and PC for lectures and project tables for seminars. Guided visits to nurseries, parks and gardens.

 

Office hours

See the website of Maria Eva Giorgioni

SDGs

Good health and well-being Sustainable cities Climate Action Life on land

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.