This module introduces landscape architecture as a professional practice, coordinated by MLA staff and the MSA’s professional skills team. The curriculum aims to encompass the breadth of the discipline and invites contributions from industry professionals and specialists to share their expertise. Sessions include presentations, debates, workshops, site visits, and practice visits, all designed to familiarise students with key concepts of professional practice. These concepts will serve as the foundation for their preparation for chartership in the early years of their career.
In addition to providing insights into professional methods and practices, the curriculum fosters critical discussions on contemporary practice and the future of the profession. It engages with themes such as inclusive design, digital futures, landscape planning and regulations, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This year, the Tatton Park Charitable Trust served as the project client for a playground design within the world-renowned Tatton Park heritage landscape. Students formed proto-practices and developed schemes through RIBA work stages 0-2, from strategic definition to concept design. As they reflected on their proto-practice experiences and outputs, guest lectures, areas of practice, and their own competencies, students created professional development plans to support their transition into practice.
With special thanks to John Twigg and Carole Hyde, who acted as Tatton Park’s representatives and project clients, offering students the invaluable opportunity to present and pitch their designs as if bidding for a real project.
Note: This module is taught during an intensive period in early summer. The brief and work displayed are from the 2023-24 academic year.
