Garden concepts

Throughout human history, the garden not only served practical purposes such as food production, but was also a model for an ideal living space – a microcosm. In this respect, it was and still is both a critique of existing reality and a blueprint for a better world. It reflects political conditions and social structures, scientific knowledge and religious ideas. It is closely interwoven with the arts of the time, especially with architecture, whose principles are also used for the design of (green) outdoor spaces. 
Examples from selected epochs and regions are presented and analysed in the context of the respective natural and cultural conditions.
The winter semester is dedicated to historical gardens, the summer semester to contemporary concepts.

The topic of the winter semester was a cultural history of garden art up to the 19th century. In the summer semester we deal with more recent developments (since modernism) and current positions.  The course consists of lectures, student presentations, guest lectures and short excursions.

Analysis and presentation of an agreed topic in class including delivery of a short written summary of this presentation. Active participation in the course. Exam interview in the form of a group discussion at the end of the semester.

The course is held in English.
Attending both courses – History and Theory of Landscapes I in the winter semester and History and Theory of Landscapes II in the summer semester – is recommended, as there are cross-connections in terms of content.