Creative Terrain

About

The Landscape Architecture Short Course: ‘Creative Terrain’ provides an introduction to the practice of Landscape Architecture, and our commitment to an agenda of climate-focused landscape design. Through a design and production led approach, the course aims to address sustainability and deal with real-world challenges, such as biodiversity loss, climate change and ecological crisis. 

Guided by a bespoke brief titled ‘Creative Terrain’, students will collaborate over an intensive 5-day period to develop a large-scale collaborative landscape model, based within the richly layered terrains of the Lee Valley. Studio-based learning will be complimented by on-site visits and mapping studies, using creative methods to trace the layers of history and development across these sites and speculate on what potential forms its future may hold. 

The course will act as a gateway into the Landscape Architecture MLA/ MA programme at The Bartlett, providing key insight into our curriculum and approach. Led by design studio tutors currently teaching on the Landscape Architecture MLA/MA course, learning will take place within the programme’s new building in Wicklow Street, in central London. Utilising our state-of-the-art workshops and facilities, students will receive a unique insight into the practice of landscape design at The Bartlett with guidance and inspiration from teaching staff who are experts in their respective fields, to support each student in their design aspirations. Teaching will be focused on a design and site-led research approach. This will be conducted through site visits, workshops, tutorials, and presentations to showcase how different methods of design and analysis can be combined to reframe the way we understand landscape. 

The course will also introduce a series of design skills, including on-site analysis, surveying, scale drawing, 3d modelling, digital design, portfolio and presentation skills. These will be integrated within the design teaching to support the evolution of the collaborative project and allow students to sample and experiment with multiple methods of design investigation. 

Key Information

Who should apply?    

This course has been specifically designed for students who are thinking about studying Landscape Architecture and are looking for an introduction to this topic within The Bartlett. We encourage applications from students or professionals from all backgrounds, including those who have previously studied architecture or are interested in learning about the practice of landscape architecture.  

Through the creation of a landscape proposition both individually and in small groups, we aim to promote landscape design as a fundamentally collaborative practice, introducing students to the complexity of elements and layers that affect our urban and natural landscapes. 

Please note that due to the intermediate nature of this course, we can only accept participants aged 18 years old or over at the start of the course. Participants travelling from abroad should check if they need to apply for a visa and are responsible for securing any visas that may be required.  

Please note that the fee and registration onto this course does not include accommodation. All participants must arrange their own accommodation. As participants of this course are over 18 years of age, you have the option to book UCL Summer Residencies which offers Central London Accommodation for the general public. 

How will I be taught?  

Students from different backgrounds will be encouraged to explore their creativity through the creation of design projects at different scales. Through these, students will learn valuable communication, model-making, design and portfolio techniques, introducing the practice of landscape architecture and the skills required in the study of this discipline. 

The course is led by design studio tutors currently teaching on the MLA/MA Landscape Architecture programme who will offer their unique expertise and professional insight to support each student and their individual needs.  

Teaching will be focused around a design and production lead approach. Through design tutorials, skills workshops and group presentations, the course will introduce students to different methods of landscape design and how these can be used to create compelling concepts and propositions. This Landscape Architecture Short Course will be based in the programme’s brand-new facility at Wicklow Street, making full use of the studio spaces, workshop, resources and facilities. Model-making materials and equipment will be provided as part of this course. 

In addition to the studio-based teaching, students will also have the opportunity to visit a professional Landscape Architecture practice, art and design exhibitions and specific sites of interest in London as part of the course. On-site studies and research are a valuable design tool, and these methods will reinforce the studio learning undertaken on the course. 

What will I gain?  

A Certificate of Participation will be awarded upon completion of the course. Students will also be guided in how to document and format the design work produced throughout the course into a portfolio or research proposal. A short pamphlet will also be produced on completion of the course, documenting the research and creative outputs achieved throughout the week. The course will also provide participants with an overview of the MLA/MA Landscape applications process and the route to Landscape Institute (LI) professional accreditation and chartership. 

How to apply?

To apply, please provide the following information via our online form: 

• Expression of interest outlining your current skills and experience, and why you would like to take part in this course 
• 1-3 key images of any previous design or creative work you have undertaken, or a link to a website or online portfolio. 

Once your application has been reviewed and if it is accepted, you will be provided with a link to make the payment and secure your place on this course. Please note that places are limited, so early application is advised. Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis. 

We will be offering a number of full scholarships for this short course, to applicants who meet the selection criteria. Please find this information in the online application form.