Att gestalta utan plats : en redogörelse för en teambaserad gestaltningsprocess

Abstract: The Landscape Architecture Program at SLU, Ultuna provide several design courses. Within these courses, students are mainly introduced to one type of design process, a process based on the specific site and its conditions, known as Genius Loci. This report presents a course and a design methodology from Cornell University which aims to provide students with tools for a more conceptual way of thinking about design and architecture. The design method is presented in two stages. First an introduction to the course description and objectives. Second, a presentation of the exercises that the course consisted of. The exercises are illustrated with a case study of a student project. The purpose of this paper is to present the course approach and to highlight the question of concept implementation within the Landscape Architecture Program at SLU, Ultuna. The design process begins with a theme, Feeding the planet - energy for life. The student’s ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative information are explored through architectural experimentation. The result, an exhibition pavilion for the World Expo in Milan in 2015, lacks a foothold in the actual location, providing the conditions for a placeless design thinking. This report will show that there are more ways of relating to the design process then taught by the Landscape Archichtecture Program at SLU, Ultuna and hopefully inspire the readers to seek new and alternative sources of inspiration.