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Research methodology in landscape architecture

Course developers

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to create a theoretical knowledge base on landscape architecture research directions, methodology and methods. Within the study course, the doctoral student acquires skills to select the most appropriate methods for the implementation of their research, as well as competencies to work with various sources of information.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge of the structure of scientific work, research topics in the field of landscape architecture and evaluation of their topicality. Evaluation of the acquired knowledge - 1st practical work. Research topic and its topicality.
Skills to select existing and develop new methods for the implementation of research in the field of landscape architecture in accordance with the specifics of the research. Assessment of acquired skills - 3. practical work. Theoretical substantiation of scientific work; 4. practical work. Methods in the development of scientific work.
Competences to work with different sources of information for the implementation of the research.
Assessment of acquired competencies - 2nd practical work. Sources of scientific literature.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Lecture. Basic principles and structure of scientific work in the field of landscape architecture (1h).
2. Lecture. Interdisciplinary research. Scientific thinking and artistic creation. Creativity in science. Traditions (2h).
3. Lecture. Justification, topicality and innovation of the research topic choice (1h). 1. practical work. Research topic and its topicality (4h).
4. Lecture. Sources of scientific information and criteria for assessing their objectivity (1h). 2. practical work. Sources of scientific literature (4h).
5. Lecture. Methods of scientific cognition. Quantitative and qualitative data sources, acquisition methods and processing (2h).
6. 3. practical work. Theoretical substantiation of scientific work (4h).
7. Lecture. Research and methods of cultural-historical aspects and landscape transformation (1h)
8. Lecture. Studies and methods of landscape visual spatial qualities (1h).
9. Lecture. Research and methods of interaction of ecological, economic and social aspects of landscape (1h).
10. Lecture. Studies and methods of landscape identity and place belonging (1h).
11. Lecture. Urban and rural landscape research and methods (1h).
12. Lecture. Scientific problems of landscape management (1h).
13. Lecture. Data systematization, interpretive approaches and practical application (1h).
14. 4. practical work. Methods in the development of scientific work (4h).

15. Presentation and defense of practical works (2h).

Requirements for awarding credit points

Successfully defended oral exam.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Work on the development, design of practical works, preparation for the presentation and defense of practical works. Preparing for the exam.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The task of the examination consists of previously issued examination questions related to the topics included in the course, emphasizing the framework of the doctoral student's research work. Prior to the exam, all practical work must be developed and passed.

Compulsory reading

1. Cazeaux C.. Art, Research, Philosophy [tiešsaiste]. London and New York: Routledge, 2017. 192 p. Skatīts 04.06.2021.
Pieejams: https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/40146/?sequence=1
2. Bowring J. Landscape Architecture Criticism. London and New York: Routledge, 2020. 278 p.
3. Research in Landscape Architecture. Methods and methodology A. van den Brink, D. Bruns, H. Tobi, S. Bell (eds.). London and New York: Routledge, 2017. 316 p.
4. Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. 3rd edition. Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment. London and New York: Routledge, 2013. 169 p.
5. Exploring the Boundaries of Landscape Architecture S. Bell, I. Sarlöv Herlin, R. Stiles (eds.). London and New York: Routledge, 2012. 330 p.

6. Innovative Approaches to Researching Landscape and Health. Open Space: People Space 2. C. W. Thompson, P. Aspinall, S. Bell (eds.). London and New York: Routledge, 2010. 287 p.

Further reading

1. Bell S. Landscape Pattern, Perception and Process. Second Edition. London and New York: Routledge, 2012. 350 p.

2. Herrington S. Landscape Theory in Design. London and New York: Routledge, 2017. 330 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Garten und Landschaft (Germany). ISSN 0016-4720 (Print)
2. Journal of Architecture and Urbanism. Vilnius Technical University. ISSN: 2029-7955 (print), 2029-7947 (online)
3. Landscape Architecture and Art. ISSN (printed) ISSN 2255-8640

4. Latvijas Zinātņu Akadēmijas Vēstis. ISSN: 1407-0081

Notes

Compulsory course in doctoral study program Landscape Architecture.