03 November 2010

Cool class: Restorative and Empowering Gardens

Restorative and Empowering Gardens
LA 11:550:438(sec 1) “Special Problems in Landscape Architecture”
Spring 2011
Professors Seiko Goto and Laura Lawson
Location: TBD
Wednesday and Friday 10:55 – 12:15

Course Description
This course engages students to explore the complex relationships between people and the environment by focusing on two affective responses: restoration and empowerment. Through readings, discussion, lectures, and student work, seminar participants will examine different places that evoke these responses either intentionally or unintentionally. Students will be encouraged to explore new opportunities to enhance this role of nature in urban spaces, as well as challenged to consider other affective responses and/or places such responses would be inhibited.

The course is divided into two sections. The first section will focus on historic and contemporary examples of gardens that are used for restoration of minds and study their cultural and historical backgrounds that determined their design. The second half of the course will focus on landscapes that have played a role in empowering people toward greater self-actualization in themselves, their communities, and society. The two sections will be taught independently.

The class is open to students of all majors.

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