11565 Thesis Research

Description

This subject introduces students to design research and design research methods in landscape architecture. The subject locates design research as essential to the discipline of landscape architecture with the progression of ideas and innovation, and the establishment of a familiarity with research processes and practices as a foundation for advancing into an individual honours thesis project in the second semester.

Students learn research methods and processes required to develop their own research agenda in a scholarly academic context and through specific research case studies and design research exercises in an area of interest, providing a collection of approaches to investigate individual, self-determined research projects. The area of interest for the explorations may be within landscape and design, theory, urbanism, planning, infrastructure, sustainability, or field study and may respond to special conditions within the community, profession or faculty.

Content is introduced through: in-class lectures; tutorials in which key literary and case studies are discussed and critiqued; and via a series of set assignments requiring direct application of design research methods to existing or created work. This structure allows students to understand and develop their research skills while also establishing their own research agenda and direction of their honours project.

At the conclusion of this subject students are able to demonstrate that they have a viable project and study plan, and are adequately prepared for progression to the second semester.

Typical availability

Autumn session, City campus