Studio project - Composition, Materiality and Design practice
Find portfolio instructions on: [https://www.slu.se/lam-portfolio/](
Information from the course leader
Welcome to the course!
The course team is happy to join you on this journey with focus on Composition, Materiality and Design practice. Let's investigate together!
A preliminary schedule is now available. It will be updated when the course starts. Don't hesitate if you need any urgent clarification.
The course introduction is at Hyllan, 9.00 the 24th of March.
Please note that we invite you to join on a field study to Stockholm. The trip is individually organized and students finance travel and accommodation themselves (close-to-campus individual fieldwork is an option). If you want to get in touch with other students to make early (=hopfully cheaper) bookings together you can gather on Zoom Wednesday March 12th at 14.00. See link in schedule, week 19.
Also note that there are some late evenings during the second week of the course, because of the Light workshops that we have. The sunset will occur just before 8 pm why we have to wait until it becomes dark at roughly 22 pm (twilight zone between app. 8 pm and app. 22 pm).
We will spend some time at Lernacken, why the course offers accommodation at the camping (Sibbarp First Camp) at two occasions (two separate nights) to avoid travel time and expenses.
See you soon, and as mentioned; don't hesitate to get in touch!
Course evaluation
Additional course evaluations for LK0445
Academic year 2024/2025
Studio project - Composition, Materiality and Design practice (LK0445-40135)
2025-03-25 - 2025-06-08
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
LK0445 Studio project - Composition, Materiality and Design practice, 15.0 Credits
Studioprojekt - Komposition, materialitet och gestaltningens praktikSubjects
Landscape ArchitectureEducation cycle
Master’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 15.0 | 0100 |
Advanced study in the main field
Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirementsMaster’s level (A1F)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to 150 credits, of which specific entry requirements: 90 credits in one of the following subjects:• landscape architecture
• architecture
• landscape planning
• built environment
• design
• spatial planning
• geography
• landscape science
• environmental science
• civil engineering.
and an approved portfolio accordning to specific instructions. See link for portfolio instructions under additional information
OR 150 credits from a Landscape Architecture programme at SLU or an Erasmus partner University.
and the equivalent of 15 credits in Landscape Architecture on second cycle level
and
English 6 or equivalent
Objectives
The course aims for the student to gain increased knowledge, skills and ability to independently carry out design projects with an emphasis on composition and materiality.
After completion of the course, the student should be able to:
• prepare design proposals where the expression and interaction of different materials are the main components
• understand the origins and function-related characteristics of different materials and apply this knowledge in compositions and new applications of materials
• evaluate different materials in relation to sustainability and maintenance
• fulfil conceptual ideas in complex situations
• formulate ideas, proposals and reflections, both graphically and verbally.
Content
The course is an indepth study of design skills where composition of different material characteristics such as shape, color, texture, aging and other aspects are the point of departure. The design project contains a high degree of complexity. In laborative and experimental course activities, the frames of reference are expanded.
The emphasis in the course is on shorter and longer exercises, both individual and group, that are presented and critically discussed. Lectures, study trips and picture and literature seminars are important elements in the articulation of knowledge
Teaching formats
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used: lectures, literature seminars (compulsory), reviews (compulsory), field work with compulsory exercises, workshops, independent studio work and independent writing work.
The course focuses on the following generic competencies: creativity, independence, spatial problem solving, experience-based methodology, teamwork, visual competence, analog sketching and presentation techniques, time planning and visual, oral and written communication. In addition, digital competence and information competence are also included.
Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through study visits, gest lectures, case/assignments and projects with invited professionals who are in a role as client.
The course gives 15 skills training credits for students in the Landscape Architecture Programme.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Lecturers will evaluate the quality of compulsory assignments submitted and presented by students, particularly the design assignments. Specifications of compulsory attendance and assignments are given at course start. Students’ knowledge and ability to engage each other in critical and analytical discussions will also be assessed in picture and literature seminars.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Additional information
High attendance during the independent studio work in group is strongly recommended and necessary.Previous studies in material and construction are recommended.
Students admitted to Landscape Architecture – Master´s Progamme 2011-2019 are eligible for the course.
Students admitted to Landscape Architecture – Master´s Programme (LAM) 2020 and following years are eligible for the course if a portfolio is approved.
Find portfolio instructions on: [https://www.slu.se/lam-portfolio/](
Responsible department
Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management
Further information
Litterature list
COURSE LITERATURE** **
Studio project – Composition, materiality and design practice
LK0445, 15 ECTS, 2025, course period 4
**Mandatory readings: **
Reading for literature seminar:
Dee, Catherine (2012).* To Design Landscape. Art, Nature & Utility. London and New York, Routledge. *
We will explore different perspectives of the concept of *quality* in relation to the course subjects, why students will search for literature related to *quality*. If you want to prepare this, find an own article (or book) that you find intriguing.
An example could be:
Basalla, G. (1975). Man and Machine: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance . An Inquiry into Values. Robert M. Pirsig. Morrow, New York, 1974. 412 pp. $7.95. Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science), 187 (4173), 248–250. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.187.4173.248
Literature below will be available at Canvas
For light workshop:
Fontenell, C V (2008). The importance of lighting
to the experience of architecture - the lighting approach in architectural competitions. KTH.
Moyer, J L (2013). The landscape lighting book. 2. ed. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley
Luminous Composition, 19-32, Public Spaces 205-209, Plant Materials 221-228.
Matusiak, B., Fridell Anter, K., Arnkil, H., Klarén, U. (2011). PERCIFAL – Perceptual spatial analysis of color and light. Background and study guidelines SYN-TES Report 2E, Publisher: The Perception Studio/ Konstfack - Univ. College of Arts, Crafts and Design
For sound workshop:
Brown, A. L., Muhar, A. (2007). *An approach to the acoustic design of outdoor space. *Journal of Environmental Planning and Management. Volume 47 (6), 827-842.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0964056042000284857.
Cerwén, G. (2020) Listening to Japanese gardens II: expanding the soundscape action design tool. Journal of Urban Design Volume 25 (5), 607-628.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13574809.2020.1782183
Hosanna research project, (2013) *Novel solutions for quieter and greener cities. *Summary broschure, The project was funded from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013) under grant agreement n° 234306, collaborative project HOSANNA. [Unpublished material]
Rasmussen, S. E. (1964). Experiencing architecture. 1. ppk ed. Cambridge, Mass.: M.I.T. 224-237.
Schafer, R. M. (1994[1977]). The soundscape: our sonic environment and the tuning of the world. Rochester, Vt.: Destiny Books. 3-12, 205-213
For fieldwork Stockholm:
Treib, M. (ed), Andersson, T. (1993). *Erik Glemme and the Stockholm park system. *Modern Landscape architecture: A critical review
Andersson, T. (2012). *Landscapes of resistance. *Paisea Landscape Architecture Magazine. (8), 4-11.
Isling, B. (2005). *A typology for the parks of Stockholm. *Garden History 32(2):248
DOI: 10.2307/4150384
Sundström, E. (2004). *The Restoration of Norr Mälarstrand: A linear park of the Stockholm School. *Garden History Vol. 32(2), 272-278.
*Skogskyrkogården. *World heritage list, no 558 Information course compendium.
Compendium:
Bergsjö, A. (2017). *Materials in the outdoor environment and sustainability *(bilingual Swedish/English), Department of Landscape architecture, Planning and Managment
SLU Alnarp [Unpublished manuscript]
For case study:
Francis, M. (2001). A Case Study Method For Landscape Architecture.
Landscape Journal.Vol. 20 (1), 15-29.
doi: 10.3368/lj.20.1.15
Szanto, C (2016). The polysensory dynamics of ambiance. Exemple of a
Japanese garden (Murin-an).
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01414165
A list for further optional reading will be published on Canvas.