Program Overview

Introduction to Botanica Applicata al Paesaggio

The course provides an introduction to botanical sciences and plant ecology applied to the management, planning, and design of sustainable and resilient landscapes.

Objectives and Contents

Formative Objectives

By the end of the course, students will:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of plants as a living element in design
• Be able to evaluate aspects related to the key role of plants in landscape planning and design, with particular reference to resilience against climate change and environmental sustainability
• Have basic knowledge to assess which plants to use in landscape interventions, considering ecological characteristics and species distribution in different terrestrial environments

Detailed Formative Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The course provides tools to understand the main characteristics and functional aspects (including performance) of the plant component, particularly in Nature-based Solutions (green and blue infrastructures) and related ecosystem services and disservices provided by green areas at an urban scale (mitigation of atmospheric pollution, risks of using allergenic plants, etc.). These foundations allow understanding and evaluating the key role of plants in landscape planning and design, with particular reference to resilience against climate change and environmental sustainability.

Didactic Methods

The course includes frontal lessons for 3 CFU. Lessons are conducted with the aid of PowerPoint presentations illustrating concepts and contents expressed orally by the teacher. These materials are made available on Aulaweb.

• In-class activities and field trips (visits to parks and gardens, botanical garden, relevant Nature-based Solutions) are planned.
• In-class activities cover theoretical and practical aspects related to the knowledge of morphology, anatomy, and physiology of plants and the recognition of main species, in relation to their use for design purposes.
• Field activities complement in-class activities with direct observation of species.

Program/Content

• Ecological characteristics and distribution of species in different terrestrial environments
• Main species characteristic of Italian landscape phytocenoses
• Characteristics and performance of the plant component in Nature-based Solutions (green and blue infrastructures)
• Type of nursery material to be used in projects, performances, quality
• Ecosystem services and disservices provided by green areas (mitigation of atmospheric pollution, risks of using allergenic plants, etc.)
• Role of plants in landscape planning and design with particular reference to resilience against climate change and environmental sustainability
• Elaboration and design of a sustainable landscape, from the garden to the macro scale

Texts/Bibliography

• Reference text: DUFFY TURNER K. Botany for Designers: A Practical Guide for Landscape Architects and Other Professionals, W. W. Norton & Company
• General Botany text: VENTURELLI F., VIRLI L., 1995 Invito alla Botanica, Zanichelli, Bologna

Teachers and Commissions

• ENRICA ROCCOTIELLO
• Commission: ENRICA ROCCOTIELLO (President), MIRCA ZOTTI, MAURO MARIOTTI (Supplement President)

Lessons

• Start of lessons: Second semester. Consult detailed schedule at the following link
• Lesson schedule: Available on the university website

Exams

• Exam method: Acquisition of notions and ability to expose them correctly is evaluated through an oral exam that includes several questions spanning the entire program and exercise activities.
• Assessment method: In addition to the oral test, based on which the exam grade is expressed, a group exercise will be carried out during the year to evaluate learning and systematization of fundamental knowledge for the use of the plant component in a sustainable green project.

Calendar of Appeals

• Date | Time | Place | Type | Notes
  • 23/01/2026 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Oral |
  • 06/02/2026 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Oral |
  • 20/02/2026 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Oral |
  • 19/06/2026 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Oral |
  • 17/07/2026 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Oral |
  • 09/09/2026 | 09:00 | GENOVA | Oral |

Other Information

• Regular attendance, although not mandatory, is recommended.
• The course contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
  • Good Health and Well-being
  • Clean Water and Sanitation
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Climate Action
  • Life on Land