University of Technology Sydney

11564 Master of Landscape Architecture Thesis Project

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: Architecture
Credit points: 12 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

This is a studio-based independent research by design project. With the approval of academic staff, and under supervision, students undertake a major research-based design investigation that contributes to theories and/or practices of landscape architecture. The research portfolio demonstrates mastery of design thinking, resolution, development, and expression.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Conduct innovative and comprehensive design research
2. Critically reflect on the design through a discipline-knowledge-based evaluation of the outcome and the process which produced it.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

  • Innovate using emergent forms of landscape architectural practice, methods and technologies. (I.1)
  • Develop advanced knowledge and skills through self-directed reflective practice. (P.1)
  • Critically position work within an extended disciplinary context. (R.1)
  • Challenge design conventions through scholarly research and investigative practice. (R.3)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

Students will work under the guidance of at least one supervisor from the landscape programme at UTS. The supervisor will act as primary supervisor for the duration of enrolment in the subject. Supervision is likely to occur in twice weekly one-to-one or small group meetings. Students and supervisor(s) will define a suitable timetable that satisfies all parties. Times and venues for these meetings will be arranged by individual supervisors with records of these meetings kept by students.

Content (topics)

Students will undertake design research on a site that addresses some of the important discourses in landscape architecture.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Preliminary Design Research

Intent:

Students should demonstrate a clear understanding of their research question and the way in which their design research responds.

(A separate brief will be issued for this Assessment Task)

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1 and 2

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

I.1, P.1 and R.1

Type: Presentation
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 35%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Depth of analysis and conceptual and methodological thinking 30 1 P.1
Ability to execute accurate and communicative physical models that engage with experimentation of materials, model making techniques and the exploration of the studied communication techniques. 30 1 I.1
Demontration of self guided well positioned research project 40 2 R.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Final Design Research

Intent:

Students will complete a synthesis of themes pertinent to Landscape discourse, in a well-developed design. Using a visually compelling presentation, students will provide a critical reflection to their audience.

(A separate brief will be issued for this Assessment Task).

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1 and 2

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

P.1, R.1 and R.3

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 65%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Synthesis of work and the development of methods in a well developed design 40 1 P.1
Demonstration of a self guided and well position thesis project 30 2 R.1
Ability to execute accurate and communicative drawings that engage with experimentation of drawing techniques and the exploration of the studied communication techniques. 30 1 R.3
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

The DAB attendance policy requires students to attend no less than 80% of formal teaching sessions (at supervisory meetings) for each class they are enrolled in to remain eligible for assessment.