Building Culture Basics

44B0614

Bachelor

German

5.0

only winter term

1 semester

English language materials (texts, movies) are also used.

This module presents the essence of open space planning as a formative expression of landscape architecture in the context of building culture and cultural history. An essential aspect is also the intrinsic behavior of humans in space and the understanding of the human will to shape the environment creatively.

The relationship between man and open space, garden and landscape culture in its historical development, the relationship to architecture and urban planning, the introduction to design and the basics of spatial design as well as current issues in landscape architecture are comprehensively presented and discussed in this introduction.

To this end, it is necessary to explain the main features and breaks in garden history, in landscape aesthetics, and in the programmatic change of open space in relation to social changes, using examples. The professional practice of landscape architecture in the field of object planning and the elements of design are discussed and applied in design exercises. This will give students a first overview of the fascinating fields of work and changing design trends in landscape architecture from the dawn of man to the present day. Current developments such as the challenges of climate change, the importance of public space in the context of the pandemic, the challenges of urban planning in metropolitan areas and the resulting demands on public space are presented in this overview. 

Sketching skills and spatial perception will be trained in exercises to lay the foundation for the creative expression of the planning discipline.

The complexity of landscape architecture will be presented.

Topics of the lecture include

1. the history of landscape architecture and examples of current open space planning 
2. introduction to design 
3. perception of space 
4. social and functional aspects of open space planning 
5. design elements of open space planning 
6. planning processes according to the HOAI service phases 
7. project examples 
8. design exercises in individual work 
9. plan graphics (meaning and techniques)

Exercises include
1. sketching as a basic form of expression in planning communication 
2. working with the sketchbook 
3. techniques of plan graphics (sketch, plan, section) 
4. experimental exercises 
5. development of sketch-like representations in the context of perception exercises
6. inventory and first planning tasks in open space

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• oral exam and Homework / Assignment

Two graded components: Oral exam on lecture content 75% + evaluation of sketchbook and exercise results (25%)

Basics of drawing and sketching

Students who successfully complete this module will have a broad knowledge of the major historical and contemporary professional trends in landscape architecture. They will acquire sketching skills and a basic understanding of creative planning processes.

Students will also become familiar with the language of landscape architecture and gain an initial overview of historical and contemporary reference projects in landscape architecture. 

They practice common professional skills, abilities, and techniques, and use relevant materials and methods in a professional manner.

You will be able to decipher the major design concepts in landscape architecture. They are familiar with the history of landscape architecture and its current fields of activity. They will have knowledge of important landscape architectural projects and be able to present them in a differentiated manner and in relation to their specific characteristics. 

Students who have successfully completed this module will be familiar with the basic interrelationships of landscape architectural design and will be able to apply this knowledge in the other modules.

In addition, they will have acquired a basic knowledge of the presentation and working methods of the planning discipline and will have put these into practice through initial exercises based on sketches. 

• Landscape Engineering B.Eng. (01.09.2025)

• Landscape Engineering Dual B.Eng. (01.09.2025)

• Open Space Planning B.Eng. (01.09.2025)

• Landscape Development B. Eng. (01.09.2025)

• Junker, Dirk

• Junker, Dirk

Thierer, Klaus