Architectural Landscape Design Project: Third Year Studio
Duration: One Month
Group Size: 4 to 5 Students
Submission: Full Set of Landscape Design Drawings and Report
Project Overview
This project is an opportunity for students to apply their architectural design
knowledge to the principles of landscape architecture. Working in groups,
you will select one of the three provided options and develop a
comprehensive and detailed landscape design solution. The project
emphasizes functional planning, aesthetic design, material selection,
sustainable practices, and the integration of softscape (plants) and
hardscape (built elements).
Project Options (Select One)
Option 1: Urban Condominium Playing Ground
Site Location: Selected Open Area within a Hawassa Condominium
Site (The group must select and clearly define a specific open space
remaining between existing condominium blocks).
Design Brief: Design a vibrant, safe, and engaging multi-age playing
ground and communal open space for the residents of the
condominium complex. The design must consider:
o Different age groups (toddler, children, teens, and potentially
adults).
o Integration of natural elements and sustainable drainage
solutions.
o Safety standards (surfacing, equipment spacing).
o Seating, shading, and lighting design.
o Accessibility for all users.
Key Consideration: The design must respond to the dense urban
context and serve as a social hub for the community.
Option 2: Residential Garden Design
Site Area: A standard meter plot.
Design Brief: Design a functional and aesthetically pleasing
landscape for a single-family residential plot. The group should first
imagine and position a simple house on the plot, utilizing up to
of the area for the building footprint
(minimum of the plot must be dedicated to
landscape design). The design must include:
o A clear entrance/access sequence.
o Defined functional zones (e.g., private relaxation, utility/service,
small kitchen garden, entertaining/patio space).
o Privacy screening from neighbors.
o Plant selection appropriate for the local climate
(Hawassa/Ethiopia).
o Water management and irrigation strategy.
Key Consideration: The landscape should enhance the quality of life
for the residents, providing both beauty and utility while demonstrating
efficient use of a limited space.
Option 3: Wendo Genet Hot Spring Natural Medicine Park (Reward
Option)
Site Location: Existing Wendo Genet Hot Spring Area.
Design Brief: Develop a new, therapeutic, and ecologically sensitive
landscape design that enhances the site's existing reputation as a
natural medicine and healing location. This is a conceptual project to
create a "Health Center Park" or "Therapeutic Garden" around the hot
springs. The design must focus on:
o Creating a tranquil and meditative atmosphere.
o Integration of local medicinal and aromatic plants (research
required).
o Designated areas for relaxation, hydrotherapy access (if
appropriate and safe), and quiet contemplation.
o Visitor experience pathways, seating, and interpretive signage.
o Sustainable and regenerative design principles to protect the
natural hot spring environment.
Key Consideration: This option requires extensive conceptual
thinking and research into therapeutic landscape design and local
ethnobotany. Successful completion of this challenging option
will be highly rewarded.
Deliverables
All groups must submit the following as part of their final project within the
one-month deadline:
1. Site Analysis & Concept Development Report:
o Clearly defined project option and specific site choice (if
applicable).
o Detailed Site Analysis (climate, topography, existing conditions,
user profile, etc.).
o Design Concept Statement (250-500 words) explaining the
vision, theme, and underlying principles.
o Precedent Study (3 relevant projects/case studies).
2. Drawing Set (Scale and format to be determined by the studio
instructor, typically A1 or A2):
o Existing Site Plan (showing context and surrounding
elements).
o Functional Zone Plan (bubble diagram, clearly labeling all
areas).
o Final Master Plan (fully dimensioned and annotated, showing
all hardscape and softscape elements).
o Planting Plan (with a detailed plant schedule including
scientific/local names, quantity, and specific requirements).
o Materials Plan (specifying paving, surfacing, walls, and
furniture).
o Key Detail Drawings (e.g., seating design, paving pattern, wall
section, specific water feature, or a playground element).
o Minimum One Section and One Elevation/Perspective
View (to illustrate the 3D quality and atmosphere).
3. Final Presentation: A formal presentation of the project to a jury.
Assessment Criteria
Projects will be assessed based on:
1. Clarity and Strength of Concept (30%)
2. Functionality and Practicality of the Design (30%)
3. Aesthetic Quality and Detailing (20%)
4. Climatic and Environmental Responsiveness/Sustainability
(10%)
5. Quality of Presentation and Drawing Standards (10%)
