Design Theory Seminar

Catalog description

Inquiry-based reading and discussion of design theory literature relevant to the focus and content of LARCH 312. LARCH 322 Design Theory Seminar (1) LARCH 322 is the companion seminar to the design studio LARCH 312. The seminar is a small group setting where directed readings, independent research and reflection are employed to explore the context of contemporary design.Topics in LARCH 322 reflect the projects being explored in the companion studio. During the third year, theory references build upon the seond-year experiences and expand to broader regional investigations. The spring semester (LARCH 312 and 322 ) covers site design issues within a regional context. In the seminar, students gain an understanding of communities and the complex of values that shape them, including the interrelationships of natural, cultural and economic factors on the future development of communities. Habitat management, watershed management, real-estate values, zoning and planning ordinances, individual and community rights are topics of discussions in this seminar.Students develop awareness that even small, individual site design requires an understanding of larger environmental and cultural contexts, and that success in planning at that large scale depends on implementation of wise planning at the site scale. Readings and discussion are supplemented by research and report writing that address contemporary debates on policy and planning. LARCH 322 also provides a setting for joining ideas presented in the context of both small-scale and large-scale design to engender in students a comprehensive view of the world of landscape design as an integrated whole where concepts developed at small scale become the framework and guiding principles for larger scale, vice versa.Course Objectives: - To explore students' values as they shape the designed landscape. - To expose students to important debates on the future shape of the inhabited landscape. - To continue to develop the ability to engage in public debate of these issues. - To continue to build skills in speaking and writing persuasively.