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Material Studies of Outdoor Spaces

Course developer

Course abstract

The study course deals with the classification and application of different building materials in open spaces. The properties of various single materials are acquired during theoretical studies and laboratory works. Students learn about building structures used in outdoor spaces: retention walls, slope, embankment reinforcement, stairs, ramps, geotextile; wood and glass constructions, pillars, walls, floors; types and applications of connection nodes in small architectural forms according to the materials used and characteristics of elements for the intended use and intensity; characteristics.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

• Knowledge: on various types of building materials and building structures used in outdoor spaces. Student’s knowledge is tested in 1 test and based on materials, and gained knowledge about materials is tested in practical work number 1. • Skills: students are able to identify the most suitable material for respective small architectural forms, coatings. Skills about material matching and possibilities of use are gained in practical work number 2. • Competence: the selection of building materials for landscape projects and their matching, during the inspection of outdoor material factories. Practical work number 3.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. The main properties of materials used outdoors, types, their potential for use outdoors. Classification of building materials and history of development (6 h lectures).
2. Test 1 (6 h laboratory works).
3. Natural stone materials and products, their potential for outdoor use (4 h lectures).
4. Concrete, their products, elements, parts. Basic principles of mortar use (4 h lectures).
5. Timber and its products, elements, parts. Tree species used outdoors (4 h lectures).
6. Metal elements and their products, elements, parts (4 h lectures).
7. Composite materials, their use outdoors. Geosynthetic materials and their products for outdoor use (4 h lectures).
8. Glass, its products and types of outdoor use (4 h lectures).
9. Loose coverings, hard coverings, their types, specifics of use and design (4 h lectures).
10. Dyes, their types and possibilities of outdoor use. Plastic materials for outdoor use. Element fastenings, foundations, waterproofing, durability and safety (4 h lectures).
11. Practical work no. 1 - research and analysis of outdoor materials (2 h practical works).
12. Practical work no. 2 - material connection nodes, their detail and constructive solutions (2 h practical works).
13. Excursion to outdoor material factories (6 h laboratory works).
14. Potential of using natural materials in landscape architecture (2 h lectures).
15. Practical work no. 3 - development of environmental object installation from natural materials (4 h practical work).
16. Presentation and defense of practical works (4 h practical works).

Requirements for awarding credit points

Class attendance not less than 75%. The developed practical work was submitted on time. For works submitted after the specified time (if there is no justifiable reason), the mark is reduced by 1 point. Positively evaluated practical work. An accumulative test is also possible, the fulfillment criteria of which are determined by the head of the study course.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Practical work number 1 – individual research and analyse of materials usable in outdoor. Preparation of presentation in PowerPoint program.
Practical work number 2 – junctions of materials connections, specification and constructive solutions. Practical work has to be presets on A3 form sheets.
Practical work number 3 – nature material collection, environmental object installation sketches and appropriate specification development.
Test number 1. - Building material groups and development history.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Study course evaluation depends from course practical works accumulative evaluation and student’s activity in study process as well as in monitoring of material factories. Practical works are evaluated according to defined work requirements.

Compulsory reading

1. Noviks J. Būvdarbi I. 3. izdevums, pārstrādāts un papildināts. Rīga: ISAVE, 2008. 302 lpp. ISBN 9984-9545-1-X
2. Noviks J. Būvdarbi II. 3. izdevums, pārstrādāts un papildināts. Rīga: ISAVE, 2008. 214 lpp. ISBN 9984-9545-4-4
3. Noviks J. Būvdarbi VII. Rīga: SIA "Tehniskā grāmata", 2010. 237 lpp. ISBN 9984-49-082-3

Further reading

1. Strungs, O. Būvmateriālu mācība, 2013. https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxvamFyczQwfGd4OjU5NGMzNTEwMDFjNzg5N2Q Tiešsaiste. Skatīts 14.03.2017. Pieejams http://www.lvt.lv/metod_materiali/buvmaterialu_maciba.pdf
2. Popovs L. Būvmateriāli un būvizstrādājumi. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1990. 251lpp.
3. Bērziņš E. Būvdarbu tehnoloģija un organizēšana. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1993. 445 lpp.

Notes

Compulsory course in full-time studies of VBF study program "Landscape Architecture and Planning" (Bachelor). The study course is also taught in English.