Course Description
Advanced Design Inquiry Studio guides students in developing an advanced, independent design project through evidence-based inquiry, precedent and case study analysis, theoretical frameworks, site investigation, and iterative design. Students establish and test project direction through research, representation, critique, and refinement, culminating in a formal review of project development.
Athena Title
Adv Design Inquiry Studio I
Non-Traditional Format
Faculty-guided studio format combining independent design inquiry with regular desk critiques, pinups, reviews, and project development.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- Course Objectives or Expected Student Learning Outcomes include proficiency in:
1. Relevant theory of the discipline of landscape architecture;
2. Design processes and procedural theory;
3. Design thinking skills;
4. Communication skills, including digital and/or analogue techniques.
Topical Outline
- As the first semester of the year-long Advanced Design Inquiry Studio in the M.L.A. program, the fall course provides a structured, faculty-guided setting for students to advance an independent design project through creative inquiry. The course emphasizes process, analysis, exploration, testing, critique, and refinement, integrating written and graphic forms of inquiry throughout project development.
Key areas of inquiry and development include:
1. Definition and refinement of the project focus, objectives, and inquiry framework;
2. Investigation of relevant theoretical frameworks, literature, precedents, and case studies that establish the intellectual and disciplinary grounding of the project;
3. Site, system, or contextual inquiry addressing relevant ecological, cultural, spatial, historical, and experiential conditions;
4. Iterative design inquiry through analysis, synthesis, representation, development of alternatives, testing, critique, and refinement;
5. Evaluation and reflection on the emerging design direction, culminating in a formal review of project direction and development.
