Ecologies, Techniques, Technologies II

In the first 3-week segment of the course, Peter Del Tredici will cover the characteristics and modification of soils in natural as well as built environments, with as much emphasis on the biological properties of soil as its chemical and physical properties. Topics to be covered include the formation, structure and development of soils, plant nutrition, nutrient cycling, and soil biology. Practical issues relating to soil testing, root growth, tree-planting techniques and turf management will also be covered. The final 3 weeks of the course, also taught by PDT, will focus specifically on the remediation of compaction and contamination issues in urban soils as well as drainage and erosion problems in urban watersheds. The lectures will also examine the latest design applications and technical specifications for manufactured landscape soils in a variety of contemporary design situations, including rooftops, roofdecks and capped landfills.
Laura Solano will teach the middle 6 weeks of the course and introduce the concepts of grading and technological considerations for working with topography. The core mission of this class is to teach students to use topography to support poetic aspects of design while building confidence in prosaic but essential technical skills. Grading design will be taught through the lenses of history, art and landscape design with an emphasis on 20th and 21st century work. Technological topics will include drainage patterns, slope stability, the mechanics of earthwork construction, accessibility issues and sustainable practices. The class will be taught through lectures, field trips and assignments.
Course Schedule:

The course will meet from 3-5 PM on Tues/Thurs when Peter Del Tredici teaches, and 3-6PM on Tues/Thurs when Laura Solano teaches.

Week 1 Jan 24 & 26: PDT: 3-5
Week 2 Jan 31 & Feb 2: PDT: 3-5
Week 3 Feb 7 & 9: PDT: 3-5
Week 4 Feb 14 & 16: LS: 3-6
Week 5 Feb 21 & 23: LS: 3-6
Week 6 Feb 28 & Mar 1: LS: 3-6
Week 7 Mar 6 & 8: LS: 3-6
Week 8 Mar 20 & 22: LS: 3-6
Week 9, Mar 27 & 29: LS: 3-6
Week 10 Apr 3: LS: 3-6; Apr 5: PDT: 3-5
Week 11 Apr 10 & 12: PDT: 3-5
Week 12 Apr 17 & 19: PDT: 3-5
Week 13 Apr 24: PDT field trip 3-6 
Basis of Grades:
The grades for Del Tredici’s portion of the course will be based on four (4) short written assignments due during the course of the term (60%); one (1) long written assignment due at the end of the term (30%); and on class attendance and participation (10%). For Solano’s coursework, the grade will be determined by assignments (60%), a final assignment (30%) and class attendance and participation (10%). Students must pass both portions of the class to receive a passing grade for the entire course. The final 6142 course grade will be determined by students’ aggregate scores for performance in both portions of the class.