M. S.

RAMAIAH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, BANGALORE

(AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTE, AFFILIATED TO VTU, BELGAUM)

SCHEME OF TEACHING & EXAMINATION M ARCH (LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE)

ACADEMIC YEAR 2013- 2014

Semester I (2013-14 batch)

Code
LA 101
LA 102
LA 103
LA 104
LA 105
LA 106
LA 107

Subject
Landscape Design -I
Landscape Construction Techniques & services -I
Theory of Landscape Design
Elements of Landscape Design
Geology & Geomorphology
Hydrology
Soil science
Total

Credits
8:0:0:1
3:0:1
2:0:0
2:0:0
3:0:0
3:0:0
2:0:0

Total
9
4
2
2
3
3
2
25

Examination
SEE (Viva voce )
SEE
SEE
SEE
SEE
SEE
SEE

9
4
3
3
3
3
25

SEE (Viva voce )

SEE
SEE
SEE
SEE (Viva voce )
SEE

Semester 2 (2013-14 batch)

LA201
LA202
LA203
LA204
LA205
LA206

Landscape Design -II

Landscape Construction Techniques & services -II
Planting Design -I
Landscape Resources &management - I
Seminar
Sustainable landscape
Total

9:0:0
3:0:1
3:0:0
3:0:0
3:0:0
3:0:0

Semester I
LANDSCAPE DESIGN I
Subject Code: LA101
Credits 8:0:0:1
Studio work shall deal with appreciation of basic landscape design issues and elements of site
planning;
Elements of landscape design and landscape treatment in relation to the buildings
Use of plant material for defining and structuring the open spaces
Understanding the aesthetic qualities of the plant material and their associations
Interaction of social and economic forces, historical value
Design problem to include open spaces, space around buildings, courts, etc with landscape
details, scale and proportion, relation with buildings & surroundings with due emphasis on design
process, organization and evaluation of ideas into a physical solution within the scope of landscape
architecture.
* Indicates self study component
REFERENCE BOOKS:
1. The Complete Landscape Design and Gardens of Geoffrey Jellicoe -Michael Spens.
2. The Poetics of Garden - William Turnbull Jr.
3. Designing the New Landscape -Sutherland Lyall.
4. Time Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture
LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES & SERVICES I
Subject Code: LA102
Credits 3:0:1
Design of Landforms - Contours- representation of landforms and landform design, interpretation
of contours, slope analysis, uses and function.
Grading symbols and abbreviations, basic grading exercises, grading and alignment of paths/
roads, angle of repose and retaining walls.
Earth work formation - Earthworks principles of Earthwork, earthwork grading, cut and fill
calculations- borrow pit method, average spot level method, precautions taken in cut and fill
method in relation to soil conditions, amount of precipitation.
Drainage system - Drainage Surface drainage, calculation of surface run-off, design of surface
& storm water drainage, design of streets and gutters, site planning for efficient drainage
Water as a Resource - Use of water in the appropriate context of time, political/religious power,
way of thinking, technical advancements & influences from other regions. Qualities of water scope
types of display, rain water harvesting and irrigation systems.
Water Features - Design of water features such as swimming pools, cascades, fountains etc., and
their functional requirements, considerations for design and detail. Water bodies natural ponds.
Design of irrigation system: Landscape area types, objectives and design, water need and
sources, application methods of installation, control systems, scheduling, and maintenance.
REFERENCE BOOKS:
1. Landscape Construction and Detailing. 1993 blanc, alan
2 An Introduction to Landscape Design and Construction - James Blake.
3 Site Design and Construction Details -Walker Theodere.
4.Rainwater Harvesting G.N Virupaksha
5.Landscape Development Handbook -Dewberry and Davis.

THEORY OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Subject Code: LA103
Credits 2:0:0
Chronology of development and evolution of landscape from the earliest period to the present day.
Early traditions and beliefs about landscape and environment in the eastern and western world.
Development of landscape gardening and landscape design till the early 19th century.
Detailed study of selected examples from eastern and western traditions.
Ancient civilizations Introduction to Gardens of Egypt, Greek, Roman, Babylon
Formal gardens - Influences, Elements, Principles of garden design in Persian Gardens and
Gardens of Spain, Italy, France
Informal gardens - Influences, Elements, Principles of garden design in Chinese and Japanese
Landscape.
Formal and Informal Landscape design in England
Colonial landscape development in India.
Design philosophy and concepts of Landscape works of Humphrey Repton, Lancelot Brown,
William Kent, Thomas Church, F. L. Olmstead
REFERENCE BOOKS:
1.Derek Culfford, the History of Gardening Design, Faber & Faber Ltd.,1962
2.Geffrey & Susan Jellicose, The Landscape of Man, Thames & Hudson Ltd., London 1975.
3.G.A Jellicose, Studies in Landscape Design Vol: 1,2& 3, London oxford University 1970
ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Subject Code: LA104
Credits 2:0:0
Introduction to Landscape design, definitions, Landscape design elements, Manmade and natural
landscape,Urban and rural landscape, site planning principles
Botany - Introduction to the plant kingdom. Classification of Plant Kingdom, Basic plant structure,
General study of plant morphology and anatomy to Understand plant functions, Basic plant
functions, growth & development, physiology; Principles of Taxonomy Classification, nomenclature
and identification and naming, Familiarity with local flora; Phytogeographical regions of India.
Plant processes, plant- water- soil relationship, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, and respiration.
Stem, root & leaf relationship, growth & flowering, growth regulators. Plant multiplication &
adaptations. Economic values of plant kingdom.
Plant Ecology - Principles of plant climax, succession, serial stages of succession, relationship of
plant communities & plant storeys.
Critical survey of Vegetation types of India. Phytogeographical Regions of India, Distribution of
plant communities and plant associations in India and its regional distribution.
Ecological and Botanical considerations in landscape design
Application of plant physiography to sustainable landscape design such as use of CAM
(Crassulacean acid metabolism) plants in Green roofs etc.
REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Botany -W.A. Jenson
2. Environment of Plant Ecology - Etherington, John R.
3. Botany - Ashok kumar
4. The study of plant communities -Oosting
5. The science of Biology -Paul B. Weisz

GEOLOGY & GEOMORPHOLOGY

Subject Code: LA105
Credits 3:0:0
The Earth composition, structure distribution of land and sea. Outer zones of earth. Major
geological cycles- external and internal processes, changes and effects such as earthquakes,
volcanoes, floods, faults etc.,
Rocks- formation, classification, physical and chemical properties. Mass wasting and erosion.
Evolution of landscapes - Basics concept of geomorphology/ Geological factors in developments of
landscapes. Based on geological resources and mans interventions their impact on environment
and landscape design. Economic impact of geological formations.
Earth in space; origin and interior of the earth.
Early history of the Earth. The origin of life and meaning of fossils as keys to the past.
Earthquakes: causes and effects, seismic microzonation, seismic zones of India.
Minerals and Metals.Rocks: Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic.
Isostasy, plate tectonics, crustal deformation and mountain building.
Structural geology: dip, strike, folds, faults, joints, unconformities. Stratigraphy: principles,
stratigraphy and geology of India.
Application of geological information in the interpretation of landscapes on maps and in the field.
The relationships between geology, soils and vegetation: Practical examples.
REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Introduction to the Geology of India -Krishnan M.S
2. Elements of Geology- Zumberge, James H.
3. Environmental Geology- K.S. Vadiya
HYDROLOGY
Subject Code: LA106
Credits 3:0:0
Hydrological systems - Hydrological cycle and sources of surface water, Rainfall regime with
specific reference to Indian region. Characteristics and management of drainage basins:
introduction to watersheds. Types of flow channel and over land Occurrence and movement of
ground water, Water bearing properties of geological formations, infiltration characteristics.
Development of karst topography, salt water intrusions, Aquifer recharge area, infiltration
characteristics & Management of surface water.
Water Management - Ground water management, sources of ground water pollution and its
control, use of saline brackish water for development.Basic impact of hydrology on environment
and landscape development,rainwater harvesting methods,water treatment techniques, sewage
water treatment and reuse in landscape,waste water and sewage water disposal methods on
different types of soil, septic pit and soak pit designs, artificial recharge
rainwater harvesting, artificial recharge, Ground water management, sources of ground water
pollution and its control.
REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Ground Water Hydrology -Todd, David Keith
2. Hydrology Wisler - Chester O
3. Applied Hydrology - Chow,Ven Te & others

SOIL SCIENCE
Subject Code: LA107
Credits 2:0:0
Classification of soils, Soil modification, Soil survey and Field mapping of soils, Land capability
classification, Soil capability study. Degraded and problem soils, Classification of Indian soil types,
Agro climatic zones of India, Physical, Chemical, Biological and Mineralogical properties of Soil.
Soil Characteristics - Soil forming process: weathering, soil profile, effects of climate, vegetation,
erosion and deposition, lack of drainage, properties of soil : physical, chemical and biological
properties, practical of this study, Recommendations for development activities on different types
of soil.
Soil analysis: Soil survey and field mapping, land capability classification, soil capability study, soil
erosion: factors, conservation principles, methods of prevention, control and reclamation.
Soil Modifications - Problem soils :- ( Acid, alkali and saline soils) their causes and remedies.
Ideal pH for some plants. Mineral nutrition and efficiency symptoms, manures and fertilizers
including composting soil conditioning, soil mixtures alternative to soil. Vermiculture, soil
classification for India, Agro climate zones of India.
Genesis, morphology and classification of soils.
Soil use and Management:
(a) Soil evaluation and land-use planning.
(b) Soil and water conservation.
(c) Soil fertility and plant nutrition.
(d) Soil degradation control, remedial actions and reclamation techniques.
Managing difficult soils.
REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Nature & Properties of Soil -Brady Nylec
2. Handbook of Agriculture -CSIR Publication
3. Soil Management for Conservation & Production - R.L.Cook

Semester II
LANDSCAPE DESIGN II
Subject Code: LA201
Credits 9:0:0
The studio exercises dealing with environment of urban life and its understanding through social,
physical and biological processes. Studio work is geared more towards analysis of the problem,
evaluation and design methodology for developing the design concept.
The project may involve urban context, historical landscape, specialized landscape situations,
industrial landscapes, recreational landscapes, ecology and the city. Understanding of ecologically
sustainable development would be the underlying theme.
Exercises related to the application of ecological principles in a range of situations and directed
towards understanding and proposing design possibilities in: Urban Open space systems, Rural
landscape, Heritage and cultural landscapes, Campus landscape
REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Great City Parks -Alan Tate.
2. The New Tech Garden -Paul Cooper.
3. Handbook of Urban Landscape -Cliff Tandy.
4. Radical Landscapes Reinventing Outdoor Spaces -Jane Amidon.
5. Time Saver Standards for Landscape Architecture
LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES & SERVICES II
Subject Code: LA202
Credits 3:0:1
Hard landscape - Design and detail of hard landscape: Introduction to hard landscape design,
Design and detail of hard landscape: Roads, paving, barriers, edge conditions Function of hard
landscape design, types of hard landscape material, fixing details, criteria for selection, design
aspect etc.,
Street furniture - Introduction, criteria for the selection of material and specifications for the street
furniture in various climatic conditions. Design of signages and simple outdoor structures like
pavilions, gazebos etc.,
Outdoor lighting - Principles of design for outdoor illumination, definition of technical terms, types
of fixtures, design and type of effects with electrical fitting, safety precaution and drawbacks of
electrical lighting, electrical accessories and their installation. working drawing for outdoor lighting.
Waste material recycling - Use of waste materials in Landscape, recycling and reuse of materials
and their impact on Landscape design.
Plumbing & irrigation system - Plumbing & irrigation system: types of irrigation system, drip
system, sprinkler system. irrigation layout for landscape design working drawing for irrigation
systems.
REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Dietrich,Kerrs, Landscape construction,1994
2. Lennox Moyer, Landscape lighting Book
3. Walker, site Details

PLANTING DESIGN I
Subject Code: LA203
Credits 3:0:0
Planting Design is to be studied in relation to the requirements of plant materials in terms of soil,
water quality and quantity, Planting design and ecology
Role of plant materials in Landscape Design - Introduction to plant materials, Classification of
plant material for various uses in landscape design, Study on form, shape, colour, texture,
hierarchy and their growth, characteristics and suitability to different environments.
Physical attributes of plant materials, Criteria for selection of plant material for specific design
applications. Regional geography and climate factors affecting plant selection.
Factors influencing choice of plant material for specific design applications.
Basic principles of planting design. Visual, aesthetic and functional values of plants in design.
Seasonal effect of plant materials and their impact on landscape design. The process of design
with plants.
Planting plans - Introduction to soft landscape working drawings, planting plans, specifications
and estimations
Design exercises oriented towards the use of plant material in specific situation such as
courtyards, small open spaces.
Plants for urban and rural roads, parks, open spaces, residential areas etc.,
REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Landscape design with plants - Clouston, Brian
2. Planting design - Hackett, Brian
3.Tropical garden plants in colour: a guide to tropical ornamental plants - Bose & Chowdhary
4. Some beautiful Indian Climbers & Shrubs -Bor & Raizada
5. Residential Landscaping 1: planning, design, construction - Walker, Theodore D.
6. Home Gardening - Pratibha Trivedi
7. Planting the Landscape -Nancy A. Leszczynski
8. The Planting Design Handbook -Nick Robinson
LANDSCAPE RESOURCES & MANAGEMENT I
Subject Code: LA204
Credits 3:0:0
Settlement and Landscape: Siting and evolution of cities in relation to regional landscape
resources. The role of landform, water systems, climate and vegetation. Illustrative studies of cities
in India and elsewhere, forest,wetlands.
Landscape heritage: open space systems, cultural and sacred landscapes, their typology and
role in the development of cities. Landscape resources specific to distinctive city types.
The urban forest : Introduction to ecological, social and environmental dimensions, ways of
studying urban vegetation, its role in the urban landscapes.
Threats to urban landscape resources: urban environmental issues, conservation of water
resources and vegetation cover.
REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Project Management for the Design Professional - Burstein
2. Environmental Management T.V Ramchandra
3. Landscape Ecology & Resource Management - John A. Bissonette, Ilse Storch

SEMINAR
Subject Code:LA205
Credits 3:0:0
Aim of this seminar course is to broaden the knowledge of the student so as to enable the student
to deal more effectively with various aspects of landscape architecture. Topics pertaining to
environmental, ecological or other important issues in the field of landscape architecture.
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE
Subject Code: LA206
Credits 3:0:0
Definition of Sustainable landscape, Values in different types of landscape, concept of landscape
application of sustainable landscape in the context of urban & regional landscape.
Relationship of biological knowledge to human affairs, Environmental impact of mans activities on
the earth. A historical perspective: Agriculture, Forestry, Industry and urbanization.
Ecology of deserts, wetlands and other specialized habitats.
REFERENCE BOOKS
1. Strategies for Sustainable Rural Development Singh Surat
2. Sustainable Design: Towards New Ethic in Architecture and Town Planning Contal, MarieHelene
3. Green Architecture: Guide to Sustainable Design -- Crosbie, Michael J