“Landscape and the Natural Environment in Architecture” is a lecture-based module which aims to introduce the student to interdisciplinary approaches and methods for the assessment and evaluation of the landscape in the context of national and international landscape policies and legislative frameworks. It addresses the legislation, policies and directives in relation to ecology, habitat management and water management from a local, national and international perspective. It also aims to provide students with an understanding of processes and methods to improve biodiversity and combat climate change in the built environment through landscape and nature-based solutions.

Topics discussed in this module include:

  • EU habitats and Birds Directive (protected species), EU Habitat Restoration, legislation, Irish statutory bodies and their roles, national designations, ecology and the planning process.
  • Measures to improve biodiversity in the built environment (green roofs, green walls, and planting etc.), nature and landscape-based solutions to combat the urban heat island effect, sustainable drainage systems.
  • Ecological surveying and assessment using GIS databases and site survey to include: ecology, topography, geology, hydrology, flood risk.
  • European Landscape Convention, National Landscape Strategy (Ireland), International landscape policies and strategies.
  • Introduction to Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), Historic Landscape Character Assessment (HLCA) Guidelines (Ireland) and International landscape characterisation and assessment methods.
  • Landscape components: their form, function and evolution.

On successful completion of this module, a student will be able to:

  • Interpret the landscape and habitat legislation in relation to the built environment.
  • Characterise the biodiversity and the physical characteristics of a landscape.
  • Create and apply nature-based solutions to the built environment. • Summarise the principles and legislative frameworks of landscape policy.
  • Critically evaluate different methodologies for landscape character assessment.
  • Differentiate the different landscape components and spatial typologies in the rural landscape.

The module will be delivered by Dr. Jane Russell-O’Connor. Jane has a PhD from the University of Wolverhampton, UK in Evaluating Landscapes from Multidisciplinary Ecological and Historical perspectives. Her most recent research project is ‘Why people are drawn to different landscapes? Which examined why people are attracted to different landscapes, their dialogue with the landscape and the activities they undertake. Jane is currently a lecturer (part-time) in the Department of Architecture at South East Technological University and has supervised PhD and Masters by Research students as well as securing a number of grants for research. Jane has 30 years’ teaching experience including course development, managing and teaching at Masters level. Jane currently runs a successful Environmental Consultancy where she acts as a practicing ecologist advising architects, planners, developers and engineers. In addition, she has worked in nature conservation, managing nature reserves and country parks in the UK.