The four trace concepts – for the development of a modular and process-oriented teaching concept in the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS)* course in Landscape Architecture

Landscape architecture has broken away from its traditional conceptual construct and significance as the design of environments for buildings measured by the garden and is seeking contemporary forms of expression and objectives in the urban environment. To fruitfully address new urban landscapes and spaces undergoing profound change theoretically and in terms of design, new theory and training are required. Since October 2003 the one-year, full-time course Master of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture (MAS LA)* has been implemented as a pedagogical teaching concept.

The modules of the MAS LA are aligned with four methodological phases of the design process («The Four Trace Concepts») and form module clusters which comprise the four different teaching areas design, theory and history, video and media, and city nature. The greater project goal is to investigate the link between design and research and student project work from the first two sets of programme graduates by means of «The Four Trace Concepts», and develop them further. The draft nature of the teaching model (pilot project), in particular the influence of module content on the design process, will be rated in the framework of the Filep project, applied to the revision of the next course rounds and made available as a possible basis for the design of further design-based Master’s degree programmes and to other interested parties.

*Current the title «NDS LA» applies; «MAS LA» will be made official via the resolution of the ETH Zurich Executive Board, August 2004.