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Landscape transformation processes

Course developers

Prior knowledge

CitiD016, Scientific research methodology

ArhiD018, Research methodology

Course abstract

The course program consists of five blocks in connection with the urban and rural landscape: genesis processes and anthropogenic load; administrative-territorial reform and landscape space; large industrial agro-load; the interaction between suburban building territories and rural territories; social and economic preconditions for a balanced structural transformation of settlements. As a result of the course, doctoral students develop skills of evaluation and information synthesis in various fields of landscape management, protection and planning, as well as a base of specialized theoretical knowledge for the development of high-quality research work.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge - the highest level of knowledge about the historical economic and political development of urban development and rural areas, as well as current processes and a deep understanding of the regularities of landscape management, protection and planning.
Knowledge is assessed by the following methods: problem-case study, group discussion, exam, situation analysis, problem solving, group work.
Skills - is able to evaluate and forecast the perspective development of the urban landscape space within the framework of connection of a certain infrastructure from the ecological and economic point of view.
Skills are assessed by the following method: exam.
Competences - is able to independently assess the complex nature and regularities of various landscape transformation processes, which create a specialized theoretical basis for further research; is able to define and provide innovative and original solutions to problems that form the basis for the development of new ideas in research.
Competences are assessed by the following methods: situation analysis, discussion, exam, group work.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Development of landscape planning (World, Europe, Latvia). Lecture 2h
2. Development of landscape protection (World, Europe, Latvia). Lecture 2h
3. Development of landscape management (World, Europe, Latvia). Political framework for landscape planning, protection, development processes. Lecture 2h
4. Genesis processes in connection with anthropogenic load. Data analysis defining anthropogenic load changes. Lecture 2h
5. Linking administrative-territorial reforms and landscape space. Lecture 2h.
6. Large industrial agro-load. Landscape changes in the context of bioeconomic trends. Lecture 2h.
7. Interaction of suburban building territories and rural territories. Lecture 2h
8. Social and economic preconditions for a balanced structural transformation of settlements. Lecture 2h
9. Urban space and rural landscape space interaction and genesis processes. Lecture 4h

10. Application of different methods and technologies in defining and depicting transformation processes. Lecture 4h

Requirements for awarding credit points

Successfully passed the exam.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

The doctoral student independently prepares for the exam by conducting in-depth research on the exam issues both in the theoretical (including the latest research, theories) aspect and the assessment of the situation in Latvia, the EU and, if necessary, also in the world.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The evaluation of the study course consists of an examination mark. To pass the exam, the doctoral student conducts in-depth research on ten questions - two from each course block. In the exam, the doctoral student demonstrates not only theoretical skills, but also the ability to collect, summarize, analyze and systematize information about the questions asked. The exam is evaluated on a 10-point scale, if the evaluation is less than 4 points, then the exam is not passed.

Compulsory reading

1. Bokalders V., Bloka M. Ekoloģiskās būvniecības rokasgrāmata. Rīga: Domas spēks. 2013. 690 lpp.
2. Is landscape...?: Essays on the identity of landscape. G. Doherty, C. Waldheim (Eds.). Routledge, 2015.
3. Heritage protection for the future. Rīga: NKMP, 2018.
4. Cimermanis, S. Tautas celtniecība Latvijas ainavā. Rīga: Zinātne. 2020. 687 lpp.
5. Strautmanis I. Arhitekts starp pagātni un nākotni. Rīga: RTU, 2016. 322. lpp.
6. Strautmanis I. Latviskā telpa. Rīga: RTU Izdevniecība, 2011. 157. lpp.

7. Research in Landscape Architecture. Methods and Methodology. Edited By A. van den Brink, D. Bruns, H. Tobi, S. Bell. New York: Routledge, 2016.

Further reading

1. Bell, S., Elements of Visual Design in the Landscape, 2 nd edition. London: Spoon Press, 2004. 196 p.
2. Bell, S., Herlin, I. S., Stile, R. Exploring the Boundaries of Landscape Architecture. London: Routledge, 2011. 344 p.

3. Thompson, I. H. Ecology, Community and Delight: Sources of values in landscape architecture. Taylor & Francis, 2000.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Latvijas Architektūra ISSN 1407-4923;
2. Garten und Landschaft (Germany). ISSN 0016-4720 (Print)
3. Latvijas Zinātņu akadēmijas Vēstis. ISSN: 1407-0081;

4. Landscape Architecture and Art. ISSN 2255-8640

Notes

Compulsory course in doctoral study program Landscape Architecture.