In the first part of the MLA, a range of students, from very varied backgrounds, work together to develop the foundational skills and knowledge for the discipline of landscape architecture. They bring valuable expertise and perspectives from their diverse countries and cultures, as well as previous qualifications and experiences. The course challenges them to develop these and apply them to the multi-faceted subject of landscape, and the diverse elements and systems of which it is comprised. Students are encouraged to develop critical and individual approaches, through a pedagogy based on dialogue, experimentation and collaborative learning. The development of design and communication skills in Landscape Ateliers is underpinned by the acquisition of historical, theoretical and technical knowledge in Landscape Studies, but all elements of the course are interconnected and complementary. The involvement of multiple guest tutors, from landscape practice and related areas, ensures that the course remains grounded and externally facing, while continually challenging students to become creative, independent and critical thinkers.

MLA Part 1

Landscape Studio

In Studio 1A students accumulate a range of skills and knowledge, which enable an understanding of and participation in the process of landscape design. These include: research methodologies, idea making and testing, design development and representation. The framework for the outputs of this process are defined by the function and scale of different landscape topologies, represented through Garden, Park and Landscape.

In Studio 1B students are asked to “act as a Landscape Architect but take on the role of an urban designer”. Utilising the methodology of a “Townscape Appraisal” they first focus on identifying the complex relationships between space, function, built form and environment at the human scale, which characterise an historic but semi-derelict urban infrastructure, adjacent to Lancaster city centre. They then use this as a foundation to develop design proposals for the role of communal and public space in the development of a resilient, sustainable and liveable urban quarter.

Landscape Studies

Landscape Studies consists of two interconnected strands. Landscape Studies 1 aims to situate the subject within its historical and theoretical context, exploring themes and ideas in the complex and evolving relationship between human culture and its environment, as manifested in the landscape. Landscape Studies 2 introduces students to a range of fundamental processes and systems which are generators of landscape, and goes on to explore the materials of landscape, both living and inert, and their application in design. Knowledge is acquired through talks and presentations, collective and individual research, as well as dialogue and discussion. Most importantly, however, information and ideas are explored through project work, based on case studies and site investigations, helping to ground theoretical understanding in concrete landscapes.

Students

Abdullah Alamoudi, Michael Bacon, Amos Booth, Manika Bhalotiya, Evelyn Boyce, Sam Ji Haw Chi, Laura Iddon, Nikita Nangia, Eddie Pugh, Gayathri Ravichandran, Anjana Suresh, Clare Eaden, Daniel Morgan, Jessica Peach.