Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture Summer Field Studio (Oyster River)

Objectives:
To develop skills at reading the landscape in the field. In particular to advance our understanding of the processes and systems that shape sites and influence the siting and design of land use facilities in high energy environments such as seashores, stream valleys, and mountain slopes.

Learning Outcomes:
We are concerned that students:
First, develop a strong need-to-know attitude about the systems and processes that shape edge environments and should be central to design there;
Second, develop the basic knowledge and skills to read dynamic landscapes and formulate defensible rationale for design decisions in these places;
Third, are able to formulate a site-adaptive approach to an elementary design problem for four field sites;
Fourth, develop a basic appreciation for the virtues of interdisciplinary team efforts in site planning and design; and
Fifth, cultivate a passion for the land and celebrate the design experience.

Products:
The course calls for two products: (1) a completed workbook or notebook that includes lecture notes, field notes and sketches, and a set of drawings illustrating proposed solutions to the four field problems; (2) participation in a small-group field problem that includes site analysis and planning, site design, preparation of drawings, and a final presentation.

Evaluation:
Evaluation is a two-step process. The first step is an individual evaluation midway through the course based on the lectures, fieldwork, and design work pertaining to the four field problems. The second is a final evaluation of all work (individual plus group) at the end of the course. Three main criteria are used in evaluation: (1) quality of individual work; (2) level and effectiveness of participation in group work; (3) academic and professional development during course.

Study Sites:
Mountain systems: Paradise Meadows, Mt. Washington
Hillslope systems: Foothills, Beaufort Range
Fluvial systems: Dove Creek-Tsolum River Confluence
Coastal systems: Oyster River Delta

Selected References:
Dramstad, W., et al. 1996. Landscape Ecology Principles in Landscape Architecture and Land-Use Planning. Island Press.
Marsh, W. 2005. Landscape Planning: Environmental Applications. Wiley.
Polar, J., and MacKinnon, A. 1994. Plants of Coastal British Columbia. Lone Pine.

Instructor: Will Marsh