72732 - Synthesis Laboratory 1

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course unit the student has acquired knowledge and skills in the fields of analysis and design of green areas and landscape through an interdisciplinary approach. In particular the student is able to apply integrated analytical/design skills to real cases, and to set up, carry out and monitor an interdisciplinary project, with professional approach and tools, with particular reference to the following phases of the design process: analysis of the landscape systems of the study area, interpretation of the needs of potential users, specific disciplinary analyses, formulation of the project proposal, identification of implementation technologies.

Course contents

The course unit consists of theoretical lessons and laboratory activities related to the various disciplines, with particular reference to a case study which represents the subject of analysis and in-depth study.

 

1) THEORETICAL CONTENTS RELATED TO THE LABORATORY CASE STUDY [12 hours]

a) presentation of the laboratory activities: structure of the interdisciplinary laboratory, materials and methods of management of the interdisciplinary laboratory

b) Theoretical aspects related to the various disciplines, with specific reference to the case study

 

 

2) CONTENTS OF THE LABORATORY TEACHING UNIT [38 hours]

The laboratory teaching unit consists in the development of activities which focus on the analysis and design of green areas, carried out in a group or individually, according to the following workplan:

 

a) analysis of the landscape systems of the study area

 

b) analysis of the vocations of the study area and interpretation of the needs of potential users

i) urban planning analysis

ii) analysis of the land ownership

iii) analysis of real and hypothetical users

v) environmental psychology (application of perceptual psychology to the design of green areas, usability and relationships with clients,  visual and perceptual characteristics of plants, perception of colour, emotional effects in the design of green areas).

 

c) analysis of the conditions of places

i) land survey

ii) vegetation survey

iii) study of the plants' health conditions aimed to identify any critical issue for planting new vegetation in safe plant health conditions, and for the total or partial maintenance of the existing vegetation

iv) architecture (spatial and functional analysis)

v) identification of non landscape-related constraints

 

d) formulation of the project proposal

i) spatial / architectural composition (figure-ground ratio, horizontal / vertical plane, inside/outside relationships, design of the edges, functional organization and geometry of spaces).

ii) preliminary design of the vegetation

iii) preliminary identification of implementation technologies

Readings/Bibliography

Garibaldi A., Gullino M.L., Lisa V. (2000). Malattie delle piante ornamentali. Il sole 24 ore Edagricole, 574 pp.

Marsigli, F.  (a cura di) 2012. Spazi verdi Giardini Terrazze. Progetti e realizzazioni in Italia, UTET, Milano.

Marsigli, F.  (a cura di)  2012. Spazi verdi Giardini Terrazze. Manuale per Progettare in Italia, UTET, Milano.

McLeod, V. 2008. Detail in Contemporary Landscape Architecture. Laurence King Publishing, London.

Oudolf. P., Kingsbury, N. 1999. Designing with plants. Timber Press, London.

Toccolini, A., Fumagalli, N. (2009). Progettare luoghi piacevoli. Maggioli Editore

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

* Other books will be provided by the teachers during the course unit, for the in-depth study of specific topics and for a theoretical support to the practical activities.

Teaching methods

The course unit is based on a case study, which represents an occasion for both theoretical class lessons and laboratory work. This latter consists in carrying out practical team or individual work, both in classroom and on the field, guided by the teachers.

Assessment methods

The course unit consists of modules related to various disciplines, and is taught by various teachers: therefore, the final assessment is carried out jointly by all the professors responsible of the teaching modules. The final assessment takes place only through a final oral exam, which assesses the level of knowledge and skills acquired by the student, who is asked to present the laboratory activities developed: suitable criteria allow to assess both the specific disciplinary skills and the ability to integrate and synthesize them.

Teaching tools

Overhead projector, PC and projector.

Office hours

See the website of Daniele Torreggiani

See the website of Enrica Dall'Ara

See the website of Marco Costa

See the website of Gloria Innocenti