The course follows a sequence of themes that creates the framework based on tree areas of research: 

1- Nature based solutions and design. From the Islamic tradition to contemporary city and garden design;

2- Expressions of Islamic gardens around the world; 

3- Traces of Islamic arts and technics in Portuguese gardens, cities and landscapes.

The course model is based on weekly classes at ISA. Its content will be informed by the experience of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture with regard to the creation and preservation of parks and gardens.  It offers lecture classes (in-person and on-line) presented by specialists in the 3 areas of the framework, five field trips, and an intensive 2 days’ workshop to develop a group project on a garden or landscape interpretation and restoration. 

The aim is to approach Islamic culture as a body of knowledge in the matter of construction forms and volumes, materials and decorative elements, as well as the use of plants and knowledge of hydraulics in gardens of Islamic/Portuguese origin. Students can acquire technical knowledge in the areas of landscape interpretation, conservation, restoration, history of garden art, hydraulics, and botany to enrich their careers in design, education or research. 

Research centers in the areas of Applied Ecology, History and History of Sciences will form the basis for the development of areas of research towards Nature Based Solutions. 

This may contribute to the aggregation of sectorial areas into a common objective: how traditional Islamic design, its use of water and plants, pavements and decoration spurs community and urban rejuvenation and creates sustainable outdoor spaces. 

Islamic art and culture have had a significant influence on Portugal's history and culture. During the Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal included, from the 8th to the 12th century, Islamic art flourished, leaving behind numerous ways of its influence mostly in toponymic, hydraulics, horticulture, nutrition, decoration and architecture. 

Islamic art and architecture, including the influence of Mughal architecture from India, have contributed to the construction of some of Portugal's most iconic buildings and gardens such as Quinta da Bacalhoa and Quinta das Torres. The Mughal architectural style, which emerged in the 16th century, was introduced to the Portuguese in their commercial coastal cities in India, such as Goa, Bassein, and Diu, which were established in the early 1500s. This influence can be seen in the intricate details and ornamentation of the Manueline style in Portugal, which evolved from a fusion of Islamic and Gothic architectural traditions.

Moreover, the Islamic influence on Portuguese gardens has also been noteworthy. The Islamic Garden tradition, with its focus on geometry, water, and plant symbolism, can be seen in historic gardens in Portugal. The use minas, the equivalent of qanat - subterranean water channels, pools, and fountains to store water and assure irrigation during the hot months also relates to the Islamic heritage of Portugal, creates a sense of tranquility and harmony and is a characteristic of both Islamic and Portuguese gardens.