This academic year, the Chair for Green Technologies in Landscape Architecture presents “Green Technologies I – Foundations,” a combined lecture and seminar course that provides both a theoretical and practical introduction to greening techniques and the role of trees in urban environments. The course examines how living plants—fundamental elements of green technology—shape architectural and urban design. The lecture covers topics such as building greening, blue-green infrastructure, and vegetation technology, with special emphasis on trees. Although tree research is extensive, this course aims to familiarise students with the stages of a tree’s life, its challenges in urban settings, and the dynamic interplay between time and growth, contrasting widely accepted knowledge with the latest research findings. Through lectures, students gain a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex interactions among vegetation, soil, underground spaces, water, built structures, and time. 

Building on the lecture series, the seminar component concentrates on case studies within Munich, investigating how greening techniques are applied in diverse urban contexts. Particular attention is given to the interaction between plant growth processes and subsurface dynamics. Students gain deeper insights into designing with living materials by evaluating factors such as rooting space, plant species, and temporal aspects. Mapping, drawing methods, as well as analytical modelling are integral to this investigative process. Students also learn to analyse projects independently and develop innovative green technology concepts. This lecture forms the basis and prerequisite for participation in the seminar of the same name.

The foundational knowledge acquired in “Green Technologies I – Foundations” paves the way for “Green Technologies II – Living Architecture,” which delves into the advanced methodologies of Baubotanik and will be offered in the winter semester 2025/2026. Students should note that “Green Technologies I – Foundations” goes as “Green Technologies I – Living Architecture” on TUMonline.

*You have to register for both the lecture and seminar!*

Teaching Team:

Prof. Ferdinand Ludwig 

Lumi Kirk, M.A.

Language:

English

Contact: 

ferdinand.ludwig(at)tum.de

Location:

Lecture: Room 2350, Munich, Main Campus

Seminar: Zoom / in Studios

Tutoring:

Wednesdays, 9:45 – 13:00

*Course announcement with the handout of 1^st exercise: 

Wednesday, 23.04.25, 15:00, on Zoom and in Freising, room E42, and by email for those who cannot attend. We will email those signed up for the course shortly before the course announcement.

Modules:

Green Technologies

LV-Nr.: 0000000734 (Lecture)

Lecture 3 ECTS / 2 SWS

LV-Nr.: 0000000958 (Seminar)

Seminar 3 ECTS / 2 SWS

MA Landscape Architecture
MA Architecture
BA Landscape Architecture (5 ECTS)

Registration for lecture on TUMonline

Registration for seminar on TUMonline