LARC40670 Research-By-Design Studio B

Academic Year 2024/2025

This Research-by-Design Studio focuses on large-size and large-scale structures, infrastructures, systems and networks in the landscape. The current topic of each semester relates to the essential problem of climate change adaptation, but also to the demands of a modern and affluent society. The studio runs parallel to Studio 4B (graduating class, BLA program), with possible overlaps and synergies. The current theme (studio work) spans the entire year and connects the Spring Studio with the Fall Studio (Research-By-Design Studios A + B). The goal of these linked studios is to produce an in-depth design work based on the research activity of each individual student (group work is encouraged).

The module requires independent thinking, self-directed learning and demonstration of critical spatial design skills. Students take individual approaches but are collectively embedded in the current overall theme of the studio, with support from academic and professional staff.

Design themes and sites are linked to Research-by-Design Studio A taught in the previous semester. The student's design approach and an understanding of the characteristics of the selected site are developed in depth over the course of the semester and presented by the student at regular intervals. Students are expected to have project planning and time management skills. Students are also expected to clearly articulate their research question or design approach (topic) at all stages and demonstrate how, as a landscape architect, they will approach the question or topic in an innovative, ambitious and intellectually challenging way.

The deliverables and oral presentations of this final studio in the master's degree also form the student's master's thesis. Studio and thesis are fully integrated and represent a demanding and comprehensive final achievement. The requirements are specified in a current studio brief.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

— Develop and critique projects in an individual and group setting.
— Analyse and represent site context.
— Develop a self-defined work method and time management programme for the thesis.
— Develop further the basic mapping skills learned in the earlier stages of their education and apply them in new ways to capture transient and subtle characteristics of the study area.
— Understand the influence of site constraints on design development.
— Understand issues concerning appropriate choice and use of materials.
— Ability to research an appropriate subject independently and to use such material in support of design.
— Make appropriate and well-considered design interventions that respond to specific localized conditions.
— Work with established research methods in gathering, analysing and evaluating various forms of landscape related data.
— Consult with relevant experts.
— Make and represent appropriate detailed design interventions in a given context.
— Develop design proposals in depth at various scales.
— Communicate the findings of the design process in word and graphic form to a critical audience.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

135
Seminar (or Webinar)

10
Studio

230
Total

375
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This is a design studio, where students carry out active task-based learning. It is supported by occasional lectures by staff and invited experts. The deliverables and oral presentations of this final studio in the master's degree also form the student's master's thesis. Studio and thesis are fully integrated and represent a demanding and comprehensive final achievement. The requirements are specified in a current studio brief.

Students are required to develop their design work iteratively, and present and discuss it regularly. Reviews are attended by staff, students and invited critics. Each work stage builds on the findings of the previous work stage so that an in-depth, comprehensive understanding of the research question or design theme is achieved. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Individual Project: Continuous Assessment: Broken down according to 2 stages (midterm and final review) with a submission at each stage of drawings, models, and supporting texts. Week 14 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

100

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Each submission (Midterm Review, Final Review) will be made by the student to staff and students taking part in the module as part of studio-based 'crits', reviews. The assessment in reviews is a form of immediate oral feedback. Reviews are scheduled for each submission stage. Staff will assess and grade the work at the review and give grades to the student afterwards on an individual basis. Feedback will be in studio or online. Grades are assigned on the day of the presentation. The final presentation typically takes the form of an exhibition. A hard copy bound document (portfolio) and digital copy are required to be handed in prior to the External Examiner's visit.