Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Instructor Name: Dr. Abdulmueen Bogis
Official Title: American School Fellow in Landscape Architecture
Department: Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design
Office Hours: By appointment
Phone: (217) 819-8702
Email: bogis@ou.edu
Live Session: Monday & Thursday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Course Description
Welcome to the Design Studio! This course offers students the unique opportunity to engage in two distinct design projects aimed at both elevating the quality and expanding the quantity of projects in your portfolio.
Project 1: Transforming the JFK Neighborhood for Environmental Resilience In partnership with NASA's ongoing research initiative in Oklahoma City's JFK neighborhood, our first project focuses on crafting innovative environmental design solutions. Our objective is to address the microclimate challenges faced by this vulnerable community. Through this project, you will actively contribute to a real-world issue, enhancing your portfolio with practical experience.
Project 2: Watershed Management and Flood Prevention in Pawhuska, OK Our second project takes us to Pawhuska, Oklahoma, where we tackle the critical task of developing a comprehensive watershed management plan and design for one of the city's flood-prone neighborhoods. The specific location will be determined in collaboration with Dr. Sarah Little, considering budget constraints.
By participating in these projects, you will gain valuable insights, enrich your portfolio, and strengthen your design skills.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have acquired the following skills and knowledge:
-
Microclimate Proficiency:
- Conduct comprehensive microclimate data collection, utilizing appropriate tools and techniques.
- Analyze gathered data to identify key environmental factors and challenges within a given area.
-
Environmental Design Mastery:
- Formulate innovative environmental design solutions tailored to address specific challenges, emphasizing sustainability and resiliency.
-
Efficiency Assessment:
- Test and simulate the effectiveness of proposed environmental design solutions, using relevant software and modeling techniques.
-
Watershed Management Expertise:
- Delineate watersheds within a designated area, understanding their importance in environmental management.
-
Water Quality Computation:
- Calculate the required water quality and quantity for treatment and surface runoff reduction measures necessary to improve the health and sustainability of the affected waterbodies and ecosystem.
-
Low Impact Development (LID) Prototyping:
- Develop and design prototypes for proposed Low Impact Development (LID) solutions, integrating sustainable practices into environmental design.
By the end of this course, students will have gained a comprehensive understanding of these essential skills, equipping them to tackle complex environmental challenges and contribute to the development of sustainable, resilient communities.
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Grades
Breakdown
The total grade will be split evenly between the two projects assigned as shown in the table below.
The Evaluation Rubric Per Submission!!
In each class, your presentation will be evaluated from 100 points. To achieve a high-quality presentation for your submission (100 points), it is essential to focus on several key elements:
1- Creativity of Diagrams, Design, and Aesthetics (25 points):
Utilize visually appealing graphics, such as 2D and 3D diagrams, renderings, and infographics, to communicate your design concepts effectively. Ensure a consistent and visually pleasing design language throughout the presentation, including color schemes, fonts, and layout.
2- Value of Analysis (25 points):
Clearly articulate the purpose of your analysis. Explain how it informs design decisions, justifies the project location, or narrates an essential neighborhood story. Use data, research findings, and case studies to support your analysis and demonstrate its relevance.
3- Clarity and Readability (20 points):
Keep the presentation concise and focused, avoiding unnecessary information or clutter. Use clear headings and subheadings to structure the content logically. Highlight the project location prominently and include essential elements like a keymap, north arrow, scale, contour intervals, and labels where applicable.
4- Contribution to Overall Work (10 points):
Your individual contribution assessments encourage each team member to take responsibility for their part of the project. Knowing that their efforts will be evaluated can motivate individuals to perform to the best of their abilities. By measuring individual contributions, the team can also identify areas where some members may need additional support or resources. It allows for a more equitable distribution of tasks and responsibilities based on individual strengths and expertise. It ensures that the workload and responsibilities are distributed fairly among team members. This can help prevent "free-riding" or uneven participation, which can be detrimental to the project's success. The individual contribution assessments will recognize and reward your exceptional performance. It allows for acknowledgment of team members who go above and beyond in their contributions to the project.
5- Timeliness (10 points):
Meet all project deadlines and submission timelines to demonstrate commitment and responsibility. Allocate sufficient time for revisions and improvements based on instructor feedback.
6- Response to Instructor Comments (10 points):
Carefully review and address any feedback or comments provided by the instructor on previous presentations. Show a willingness to adapt and improve based on constructive criticism.
Remember that a successful presentation not only conveys your design ideas but also tells a compelling story about your project. Use visuals and narratives to engage your audience and make a persuasive case for your urban design proposal. Regularly check and revise your presentation to ensure it aligns with the criteria you've outlined, creating a polished and effective final product. For example, Urban Design Lab is a good example of high-quality, creative, clear, and valuable diagrams and landscape or urban designs (https://www.instagram.com/urbandesign.lab/?hl=en)
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1- JFK Neighborhood, OK |
This project carries significant weight, constituting 50% of your total grade. To demonstrate your proficiency in environmental design, you will engage in several key assignments throughout the course. These assignments include: 1- Microclimate Data Collection and Analysis (Group Work): Collaboratively collect and analyze microclimate data for the designated study area(s). This foundational step will provide essential insights into the local environmental conditions. 2- Site Analysis (Group Work): Conduct a comprehensive site analysis for the neighborhood, taking into account various factors, such as opportunities and constraints that influence design decisions. This will help shape your design approach. 3- Conceptual Master Plans (Group Work): Develop two conceptual master plans as part of two separate groups. Each group will propose a unique vision for addressing environmental challenges. 4- Integrated Master Plan (Group Work): Combine the best environmental solutions from the two conceptual master plans into a single integrated master plan. This step aims to synthesize the most effective strategies for the project. 5- Efficiency Testing and Simulation (Group Work): Collaborate to test and simulate the efficiency of the chosen environmental solutions in mitigating the microclimate issues. This phase will validate the feasibility and impact of your design choices. 6- Site Design Implementation (Individual Work): Individually design a specific area from the integrated master plan, applying the chosen environmental solutions. This personalization allows you to explore and demonstrate your design skills in detail. |
45% |
| 2- Pawhuska, OK |
This project encompasses a wide range of skills and knowledge related to watershed management and Low Impact Development (LID) design. The assignments include: 1- Watershed Delineation (Group Work): Collaboratively delineate the watershed of the study area. This foundational step is essential for understanding the geographical boundaries and hydrological dynamics of the region. In two separate groups, define and locate all possible sources of water pollution, including "Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS)" and "Point Source" pollution. This task involves a thorough assessment of potential pollution contributors within the study area. Work as a team to calculate the required water quality treatment measures. This involves precise calculations related to pervious and impervious surfaces, treatment volume, and runoff reduction, all aimed at improving water quality. Develop two comprehensive watershed management plans as part of two separate groups. These plans should include recommended Low Impact Development (LID) solutions to address water quality and environmental challenges. Combine the best environmental solutions from the two watershed management plans into a single integrated master plan. This step aims to synthesize the most effective strategies for achieving sustainable watershed management. Individually design a prototype for the proposed Low Impact Development (LID) solution. Your design should include specifying the plant species to be used and providing construction details for the designed LID practice. This assignment allows you to demonstrate your creative and technical skills. These assignments collectively provide a comprehensive learning experience, equipping you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective watershed management and sustainable environmental design. Your engagement and proficiency in these tasks will significantly contribute to your overall success in the course |
45% |
| Attendance & Participation |
In this studio, student attendance and participation play a crucial role in creating a real-life working environment. To ensure a productive and engaging learning experience, please adhere to the following guidelines: 1. Punctuality and Attendance: Arrive in class before the instructor. Engage actively during studio hours. Recognize that the studio simulates a professional working environment. Participate in class activities, which may include training for necessary applications, reflection on learning objectives, reading assigned materials, and contributing to design processes. Take notes of comments and feedback provided by the instructor to enhance your understanding and progress. |
10% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Policies
Communication
I will respond to the emails within 24 hours during the week. If I did not respond please resend a follow-up email by the weekend and I will try to respond by Monday.
Feedback
Students are expected to work in the studio during class time to be able to get feedback on their work. Project crits occur weekly in class.
Late Policy
All submissions must be delivered on time and all stated requirements must be met.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|