AR3902 Landscape and Ecology Syllabus:

AR3902 Landscape and Ecology Syllabus – Anna University Regulation 2021

OBJECTIVES

 To introduce the different ways in which humans have shaped and designed landscapes across history and region in terms of need, culture and experience.
 To give an overview of ecological balance and impacts of human activities today and stress on the role and scope of landscape design in sustainability and environmental conservation.
 To provide familiarity with the various elements and principles of landscape design and its contribution to human built environment.
 To introduce analytical, artistic and technical aspects involved in site planning, open space and outdoor design.

UNIT I LANDSCAPES IN HISTORY

Human civilisations and attitude to nature and landscapes across history and cultures. Outline of Japanese, Italian Renaissance and English gardens. Outline of landscape and garden design in Indian history. Gardens depicted in Sanskrit literature, Nandavanams and residential gardens of South India. Moghul gardens. Public parks and residential gardens of the colonial period. Contemporary public landscape projects. Study of notable examples. Spatial development in landscape design.

UNIT II BASICS OF ECOLOGY

Introduction to landscape architecture as a discipline and field. Basic concepts of ecology and the impact of human activities on them. Bio, Geo, chemical cycles including water cycle, carrying capacity of an ecosystem. Environmental impact assessment. Reclamation and restoration of derelict lands.

UNIT III ELEMENTS IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Introduction to hard and soft landscape elements. Different types of hard landscape elements. Plant materials, water and landform – classification, characteristics, use and application in landscape design.

UNIT IV SITE PLANNING

Organisation of spaces in the outdoor environment. Role of circulation and built form in shaping the environment. Role of landscape design in design of neighbourhood parks, children’s play area and campus development.

UNIT V LANDSCAPING OF FUNCTIONAL AREAS

Urban open spaces and principle of urban landscape. Street landscaping, landscape design for waterfront areas and functional areas in urban centres. Green infrastructure including green roofs and walls.

OUTCOME

 An understanding of reasons for evolution of landscapes across time and context.
 Ability to discern the role of natural and human actions with respect to macro scale of sustainability and ecology as well as in the micro scale of shaping of outdoor environments.
 Knowledge about the elements of landscape design and their scope.
 An understanding of landscape design with respect to site planning and different functional typologies of spaces.

TEXTBOOKS

1. Motloch, J.L., ‘An Introduction to Landscape Design’, John Wiley and Sons,2001.
2. Michael Laurie, ‘Introduction to Landscape Architecture’, Elsevier, 1986.
3. Sauter D; ‘Landscape Construction’, Cengage Learning, Third edition, 2010.
4. Geoffrey And Susan Jellico, ‘The Landscape of Man’, Thames And Hudson, 1985.

REFERENCES

1. ‘Time Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture’, McGraw Hill, Inc, 1997.
2. Grant W Reid, ‘From Concept to Form in Landscape Design’, Wiley, 2007.
3. Albert J. Rutledge, ‘Anatomy of a Park’, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1971.
4. Richard P. Dober, ‘Campus Landscape’, John Wiley and Sons; 2000.
5. Strom Steven, ‘Site Engineering for Landscape Architects’, John Wiley and Sons, 2013.
6. Brian Hacket, ‘Planting Design’, Mc Graw Hill Inc, 1976.
7. T.K. Bose and Chowdhury, ‘Tropical Garden Plants in Colour’, NayaUdyog, 2011.
8. Rahoul B Singh, ‘Gardens of Delight- Indian Gardens through the Ages’, Lustre Press, Roli Books, 2008.