1. Manchester School of Art
BA (Hons) Landscape Architecture
academic session: 2010‐11 MMU 1/NCF 4 session two
Unit: 14011602 Foundation Two: Garden Anachronisms
Workshop week 24
Materiality, Part 2: Seen and Unseen
Introduction
The purpose of this second workshop on materiality is to explore a number of materials and typologies used
in the articulation of space in more detail. Students will carry out on site investigations and research to
develop an initial understanding of the physical properties of selected materials and typologies, and the
technical challenges to be considered in using these for the design of external space.
Brief
This workshop will take a small public space as a case study and will first involve an analysis of a number of
elements used within this space relating to the structural and technical issues associated with a range of
features, including:
 Concrete retaining walls
 Boundary walls
 Railings
 Seating
The aim is to develop an awareness of the properties of a range of materials and technical challenges
involved in their use in the design of external space. Following a discussion on site of the design choices
and their relative success in the context of this scheme, students will choose one feature or element from
the site to analyse in more detail. This will involve carrying out detailed site measurements, drawings and
photographs on site. Students should then carry out research into the material and the particular typology
(eg. Paving, seating, wall, etc) in order to develop an understanding of structural and technical issues ‐ both
visible and hidden ‐ in their design and construction.
Submission
Two A3 sheets, clearly presented, annotated and labelled. The first sheet should contain a technical
drawing of the chosen element in orthographic projection (plan, section and elevation), drawn to an
appropriate scale, annotated to explain its materials and complemented by photographs. The second sheet
should contain a summary of research into the use of the material (eg. concrete, brick, steel) AND the
typology (eg. railings, walls) in the context of external space. This should cover:
 the properties of the material(s), strengths and weaknesses;
 the range of ways in which these can be used;
 the technical requirements for this typology or element;
 the range of ways in which this typology can be expressed;
 other materials which can be used for this element;
 interesting precedents.
This work is for submission with your final portfolio for the session in May 2011.
Essential Reading
Everett, Alan (Rev Barrett C), Materials, 5th Edition (Mitchell’s Building Series), Longman 1994
Littlewood, Michael, Landscape Detailing, Vol 1‐3, Architectural Press, 1997
McCleod, Virginia, Detail in Contemporary Landscape Architecture, Laurence King, 2008