L ARCH 353: Modern History of Landscape Architecture
MWF 1130–1250 | Maria Taylor
5 credits, VLPA/I&S, Optional Writing (SLN 16157)
Honors section (contact Nick Dreher, ndreher@uw.edu for add code)
The words “emergence” and “emergency” stem from the same root, as do ecology and economy. In this time of intersecting climate, social and economic crises, this course will explore the modern history of gardens, designed landscapes, and other forms of intentional interventions in human and material relations with land and place. In covering the period from the late 18th century to the present, we will look critically at the historical development of landscape architecture as a profession and its entanglements with industrialization, urbanization, colonialism and social inequality.
History in this framing is more than the study of precedents; it is the study of causes, contexts, and alternatives. What will emerge from this present moment depends on what we choose to celebrate, critique or continue from the past.. Topics covered will include historical landscapes of industrial and food production, political power and resistance, domesticity and domination, community and conflict, art and infrastructure. Class time will be split between brief lecture, small group activities, and student discussion. Taught synchronously with some flexibility.
L ARCH 498: Climate Changed Urban Agriculture
TTh 1.00–2.20 | Julie Johnson
3 credits (SLN 16159)
With mounting evidence of accelerated climate change and increases in greenhouse gas emissions, concerns for food security gain greater attention. Patterns of drought, extreme heat and flood events impact regions across the globe and portend challenges for Puget Sound. While regenerative agricultural practices and other emerging approaches hold promise for large scale farming, local urban agriculture merits creative visioning to not only supply food, but improve local climates and foster community resilience.
This synchronous 3-credit (C/NC) seminar explores current and emerging paradigms for growing food in cities, and how these contexts may contribute to a more resilient future. Specifically, we will investigate urban agriculture models and practices, and explore how these can adapt to anticipated climate extremes in the Pacific Northwest. A framework for resilience includes consideration of: food security, food sovereignty, environmental justice, community networks, personal well-being, biodiversity, carbon capture, and integrated civic systems.
We will collectively prioritize research themes on the first day of seminar. You will choose and co-lead a session you are most interested in delving into. We will engage with readings, guest speakers, and virtual site visits. In-class discussions and exercises, reflection assignments, and a visioning project will be undertaken across the quarter.