Program Overview

Landscape, Ecology and Urban Environments (BARC0111)

Key Information

The module is part of the UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, specifically the Bartlett School of Architecture. It has a credit value of 30 and is restricted to students on the MA/MLA Landscape Architecture programme.

Description

This module explores the role of landscape architecture in synthesizing urban environments, focusing on the urban metabolism. It covers broader national and international ecological and resource systems, environmental assessment, and inhabitation scenarios. The module is delivered in two stages:

• Site analysis and evaluation of landscapes over time
• Landscape strategies, phasing, and future proposals

Historical and current case studies are investigated to reveal key aspects of urban landscape context, design strategies, and implementation. Students undertake critical reflection and make propositions in this field, augmenting the work in the Advanced Landscape Design studio-based module.

The module runs concurrently with Advanced Landscape Design 1 and 2 design projects and includes an extensive lecture series, seminars, site visits, and cross-studio critiques.

Module Delivery

In Term 1, students attend a lecture series with seminars and site visits. Practical work is organized with the Module Coordinator for active participation and to develop strategies for Submission A: the Subject Report.

In Term 2, the Module Coordinator delivers tutorials, seminars, and one-to-one tutorials. Students utilize knowledge from the first term to work independently on Submission B: the Design Project Report, covering main topic areas and choosing a topic of interest related to their design project.

Aims

The aims of the module are to:

• Provide a conceptual framework and grounding in the understanding of ecological processes
• Develop and critique the function and performance of landscape interventions
• Analyze the application of ecological concepts in the design and management of urban landscapes
• Gain knowledge of construction methods in contemporary landscape architecture, their management, and maintenance

Teaching and Assessment

The mode of study is in-person, with 100% coursework (2 assessments) using a numeric mark scheme.

Other Information

The module leader is Ms. Christina Leigh Geros. The number of students on the module in the previous year was 43.

Intended Teaching Term

The intended teaching term is Terms 1 and 2, postgraduate (FHEQ Level 7).

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

The module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.