Course Syllabus

Dep. Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning

Ecological Factors in Urban Landscape Design (LA201)

Fall 2017

Monday & Wednesday 2-6pm

INTRODUCTION

Through lectures, studio problems, research projects, and discussion, this course will explore the challenge and potential incorporating ecological factors in urban contexts. The course focuses on the interaction of landscape science (hydrology, geology, etc.) with the necessities and mechanisms of the human environment (urban design, transportation, economics, etc.). Lectures and research projects will particularly emphasize innovative and forward thinking solutions to the ecological problems of the human environment. Throughout the semester, reading and discussion sessions will highlight the connections between the broader concerns of the global ecological crisis and landscape design and planning.

INSTRUCTORS

• Iryna Dronova, Ph.D

Office: 304 Wurster Hall   Phone: (510) 642-2930

Email: idronova@berkeley.edu 

Office hours: Tuesday 2-4pm (please make advanced appointments on a signup sheet posted on the office door)

• Amir Gohar, PhD

E-mail:  amir.gohar@berkeley.edu  Office hours Wednesday 12:30-1:30 (or by appointment) 

• Erik Jensen

E-mail:  erik@azimuthlandcraft.com  Office hours by appointment

• Janet Torres, Doctoral Candidate / GSI

E-mail: jtorres2@berkeley.edu Office hours by appointment

DETAILED OUTLINE

W/23/Aug Introduction to Class, Key terminology

M/28/Aug Introduction to Urban Heat Islands: Concepts, problems, data and methods of analysis.  

W/30/Aug Macro Scale Design Considerations

M/4/Sep No Class - Labor Day

W/6/Sep Field Trip-1 reflections

M/11/Sep Measuring & Modeling Thermal Environment & Cooling (ENVI-Met)

W/13/Sep Design for heat mitigation

M/18/Sep Vegetation & Water in Urban Cooling

W/20/Sep Soil in Urban Cooling & Project 1 prep

M/25/Sep Project 1 Prep.

W/27/Sep People Shaping the Built Environment

M/2/Oct People's Engagement in Public Space Design

W/4/Oct Project 1 Reviews

M/9/Oct Social Research in Public Space

W/11/Oct Field Trip-2: Site visit to refine the findings,

M/16/Oct Perception of Urban Green Space

W/18/Oct Begin Design Phase | Integrating Social FIndings with ENVI-Met Suggestive Design

M/23/Oct Design Development

W/25/Oct Addressing Regulations & Policy Issues

M/30/Oct Maintenance & Role of Institutions (City, NGOs,...etc)

W/1/Nov Management of Public Space

M/6/Nov Field Trip-3

W8/Nov Mid Review

M/13/Nov Detailed Design (a)

W/15/Nov Detailed Design (b)

M/20/Nov Detailed Design (c)

W/22/Nov Non-instructional day Thanksgiving week

W29/Nov Integration

4/Dec No Class (RRR Week)

6/Dec Final Review - All Day in Wurster Gallery

 

GRADING POLICY

Class Participation & Attendance                20%

Homeworks                                                   30%

Midterm Project                                          15%

Final Project                                                 35%