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LARC40680

Academic Year 2026/2027

Research-By-Design Studio A (LARC40680)

Subject:
Landscape Architecture
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Architecture, Plan & Env Pol
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
15
Module Coordinator:
Dr Joerg Rekittke
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
Module Type:
Studio Module
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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 4A (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.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to demonstrate (i) ability to develop and critique projects in an individual and group setting (ii) ability to analyse and represent site context (iii) 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 (iv) understanding of the influence of site constraints on design development (v) ability to make and represent appropriate detailed design interventions in a given context (vi) understanding of issues concerning appropriate choice and use of materials (vii) ability to research appropriate subject matter independently and to use such material in support of design (viii) make appropriate and well-considered design interventions that respond to specific localised conditions (ix) ability to establish connections between the studio project and the knowledge and skills gained in modules.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


 

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. Studio and reviews 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 Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Individual Project: Continuous Assessment: Broken down according to 2 stages. Stage 02 is the Final Review (70% of Final Grade), with a submission of drawings, models, and supporting text. Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
70
 No
Individual Project: Continuous Assessment: Broken down according to 2 stages. Stage 01 is the Midterm Review (30% of Final Grade), with a submission of drawings, models, and supporting text. Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring 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 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.

Name Role
Dr Joseph Claghorn Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Philip Doran Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Italo Sousa de Sena Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 14:00 - 17:50
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 14:00 - 17:50
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 09:00 - 09:50
Autumn Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 14:00 - 17:50
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