The MLA2 has undertaken a series of pedagogic developments aimed at promoting multiple critical approaches to practice, a wide range of analytical approaches, and interdisciplinary working. All of the above mean that our graduate pool has a broad range of experience, and networks from across the Manchester School of Architecture.

We retain separate teaching elements such as project briefs which ensure that landscape architectural learning outcomes and focus are central. The MLA2 cohort are taught by landscape architects with contributions from architect colleagues.

Shared timetables across units allow co-teaching with architecture cohorts when desired. Common deadlines also allow for the co-ordination of our exhibitions and more interaction across the school. Combined lectures enable access to wide range of ideas from a large pool of experts.

Our studio units have for the first time aligned with the MSA atelier system. This research-led teaching means our students can forge their own path through their studies, with diverse atelier themes encouraging distinct methods and emphasis.

MLA2 Ateliers

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Urban Spatial Experimentation

Dissertation and Exhibition

Dissertation and Exhibition introduces students to the diverse realm of landscape architectural research. The unit is structured into two distinct elements: the Research Methods workshop and the individual Dissertation.

This year’s Research Methods workshop was part of the AHRC funded research project, ‘Landscapes of Post-War Infrastructure’. Landscape and architecture students worked together to understand the interconnected landscapes of extraction, power production and environmental amelioration through the case studies of infrastructural sites within the Yorkshire coal field.

Through the individual Dissertation students develop and define their own research question, methodology and analysis of their chosen area of interest. The projects are supported by a series of methodological lectures and a series of landscape focussed research lectures delivered by invited guests.

Landscape Profession and Practice

This unit provides an introduction to landscape architecture as a profession. Though coordinated by MLA staff, content is delivered mainly by a wide range of guests from the profession and related areas of practice. Sessions involve presentations, debates and workshops aimed at familiarising students with a number of key ideas and concepts which will later form a foundation for their preparations for chartership during the early years of their career. In addition to providing an insight into professional methods and practices, they aim to generate discussion and critique around a range of questions relating to the legal, commercial and cultural practice of landscape as a discipline. Assessed work typically involves the preparation in groups of simulated professional reports, such as: Design and Access Statements; Landscape Character Assessments; Bid documents; etc. Students also submit an individual report, reflecting on their personal experiences of work in the profession, analysing and contextualising this in the light of understanding gained from taught seminars and workshops.

Note: The unit is taught in an intensive period during the early summer of MLA2 and work displayed is from 2019-20.