Management of Green Areas, Parks and Gardens

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide the biological and technical knowledge required to manage the design, installation, and maintenance of green spaces in the Mediterranean environment, with a focus on identifying sustainable solutions from an environmental perspective.

Knowledge and understanding

The student will gain the essential knowledge to identify the most appropriate biological materials and cultivation techniques for creating sustainable green spaces that provide ecosystem services.

Applying knowledge and understanding

By the end of the course, the student will be able to identify the most suitable type of plant, owing to an understanding of the characteristics of different plant groups and the planting techniques that enhance the sustainability of green infrastructure in a Mediterranean environment.

Making judgements

The student will be able to independently make the most appropriate biological and technical decisions for the creation of sustainable green spaces. This skill is developed both during lessons and practical exercises, as well as through the preparation of a PowerPoint presentation on a topic selected by the student.

Communication skills

The student will enhance their technical vocabulary related to the cultivation and use of ornamental plants, as well as the techniques for planting and maintaining green infrastructure. The creation and presentation of the final project using PowerPoint will further develop their technical language and communication skills.

Learning skills

The student will be able to independently expand their knowledge of green space management by further exploring the reference texts and ideas presented during the seminar activities organised as part of the course.

The course comprises a total of 63 hours: 21 hours of lectures and 42 hours of other activities. Lectures will be conducted in the classroom using a video projector. The other activities include case study analyses and technical visits to green spaces and local nurseries. 

Should the course be delivered in a hybrid or remote format, necessary adjustments to the above arrangements will be made to ensure that the planned curriculum outlined in this syllabus is fully covered.

Attendance at lessons is not compulsory but is highly recommended, as it enables students to gain a better understanding of the topics covered.

1. Definitions and scope of the course.

2. Types of green spaces: a historical overview; classification criteria; technical and functional profiles of the most representative types.

3. Functions of vegetation: aesthetic and landscape-related; recreational; therapeutic; and bio-mitigation. Ecosystem services.

4. Park and garden design: preliminary studies (site identification; analysis of landscape, climate, geo-pedological environment, and flora); species selection; biology and morpho-functional characteristics of potential plant species (annual and perennial herbaceous plants—foliage and flowering; bulbous, tuberous, and rhizomatous plants; succulents; aquatic plants; shrubs and trees—foliage and flowering; climbers and trailing plants—foliage and flowering; palms and palm-like plants; trees—foliage, flowering, and fruit-bearing); garden-specific characteristics; design techniques and solutions for the Mediterranean environment; sustainable solutions for green space layout; xeriscaping; selection and arrangement of plant components. Project documentation: graphic plans, explanatory report, cost analysis, bills of quantities, general and special specifications, regulatory constraints, and opportunities.

5. Establishing green spaces: site preparation and layout (agronomic aspects); planting vegetation (criteria and techniques); and execution of structural and ancillary works.

6. Management, care, and maintenance of parks and gardens: criteria and regulations for public use and vegetation protection; vegetation inventory. Care and maintenance include post-planting agronomic practices and plant interventions.

Note and schemes of the lessons provided by the teacher

Dover, J.W., 2015. Green infrastructure: incorporating plants and enhancing biodiversity in buildings and urban environments. Routledge Studies in Urban Ecology. Taylor & Francis Ltd

The exam consists of two multiple choice tests (which can take place during the course, recommended choice, or at the end of the course) to evaluate the degree of knowledge of the program carried out during the lessons and in an oral test (subject to passing the tests), which consists in the presentation of a PowerPoint lasting about 10 minutes on a topic chosen by the candidate relating to the course program. This will allow to evaluate the candidate's autonomy, the ability to synthesize, analyse and organize information. To ensure equal opportunities and comply with current legislation, interested students may request a personal interview to arrange any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’Integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Votes will be allocated according to the following scheme:

Unsuitable

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: the student demonstrates considerable deficiencies and inaccuracies.

Ability to analyse and synthesise: lacks relevance, frequently makes generalisations, and is unable to synthesise effectively.

Use of references:  entirely inappropriate.

18–20

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: are very limited, with evident shortcomings.

Ability to analyse and synthesise: satisfactory.

Use of references: appropriate.

21–23

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: are slightly above the minimum acceptable level.

Ability to analyse and synthesise: a strong ability to analyse and synthesise information, presenting arguments logically and coherently.

Use of references: employ standard referencing styles.

24–26

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: the student demonstrates good knowledge and understanding of the topic

Ability to analyse and synthesise: strong analytical and synthetic skills; arguments are presented coherently.

Use of references: the utilisation of standard references

27–29

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: the student demonstrates a profound and comprehensive grasp of the subject, extending beyond simple familiarity.

Ability to analyse and synthesise: Demonstrates considerable skill in both analysing and synthesising.

Use of references: The inclusion of references demonstrates that the topic has been thoroughly researched.

30–30 L

Knowledge and understanding of the topic: The student demonstrates excellent knowledge and understanding of the topic.

Ability to analyse and synthesise: Excellent analytical and synthetic skills.

Use of references: a thorough and detailed analysis was conducted.

1) What are the main characteristics of a particular type of green space?

2) What is the relationship between a species' biological characteristics and its potential uses in green spaces?

3) What sustainable strategies can be employed in the design and management of green spaces?