LARC30140 Site Specific Design 2

Academic Year 2023/2024

This level 3 module offers the project based exploration of spatial and artistic design methods ideally in mulitdisciplinary teams.
Site specificity will be explored through research, precedent studies, consultation of stakeholders and conceptual design.
Students are asked to develop innovative and inexpensive solutions for open spaces in the urban context of Dublin City. Site and location vary over the years depending on cooperation partners e.g. NCAD, local communities, DCC. Students are generally encouraged to propose topics, sites and/or projects.
The module is open to 3rd and 4th year students of Landscape Architecture and related disciplines e.g. Architecture, Planning, Art, Horticulture, Engineering.
Students will investigate how spaces can be activated through low cost, economically sustainable usages. They will explore how artistic approaches can transform spaces by adding a new layer of meaning and identity.
The module contents include:
Research to related topics and precedents;
A series of practical experiments conducted in open (public) spaces, developing and testing innovative and instant locally based improvements;
Exploring, analysing and researching the space/spaces in the respective area;
Investigating and executing consultation processes;
Developing a programme / concept leading into a spatial design/intervention;
Setting up an exhibition of the work produced in a public venue.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
identify innovative ways of developing (public) space;
differenciate between bottom-up as opposed to top- down design processes;
analyse and research the users/local communities’ needs, developing appropriate solutions
explore opportunities of creating economically sustainable open spaces;
prepare meetings with stakeholders;
get familiar with bureaucratic processes and restraints such as Health & Safety and liability issues;
work in (interdisciplinary) teams;
appreciate the differences and interrelationships between specific work methods of artistic and design-based disciplines;
explore the transformative effects of artistic work on space;
explain the importance of the sense of place / genius loci in spatial design;
understand the importance of programming a space;
explore ways of modifying the users'/communities’ perception of their neighbourhood and initiating spatial appropriation.

Indicative Module Content:

Key topics addressed in this module are:
genius loci / site specificity;
working in and with the community;
bottom-up design;
the role of landscape architecture in design teams;
transformative effects of artistic work on space;
space programming;
economically sustainable open spaces;
legal background in community based planning and design;
(interdisciplinary) team work.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

6

Seminar (or Webinar)

12

Studio

60

Field Trip/External Visits

20

Autonomous Student Learning

20

Total

118

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The key teaching and learning approaches used in this module are:
a combination of studio work and field work;
active/task-based learning;
individual and group work;
research - precedent studies;
artistic expression;
student presentations - graphical, model based, verbal;
work in and with a local community. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

- Familiarity with subject specific design methods
- Interest in transdisciplinary team work
- Advanced skills in graphic communication


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Active participation, interim reviews of project development Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

Portfolio: Documentation of project work for end-of-term exhibition Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

20

Seminar: Introductory seminar Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

20

Fieldwork: 1:1 spatial intervention Unspecified n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% Yes

50


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on all components, research/precedent studies, concept, implementation will be discussed after the presentation to the class and the communities involved. Results of the assessment both from tutors and peers will be released within 3 weeks after the presentations. Feed back on individual performance will be given on request after the release of the final grades

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
     
Studio Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 11:00 - 13:50