Program Overview

Degree Requirements

Course Descriptions

Admissions

Handbook (.pdf)

Design Studio Sequence (12 courses)

LandArchndArch 297A Studio I: Introduction to Design

Basic introduction to two and three dimensional concepts of design. Line, form, contrast, repetition, symmetry, texture, scale, and other design elements are viewed relative to both their pLandArchn view representation and spatial implications when translated into model form.

LandArch 297B Studio II: Models in Context

Introduction to three dimensional design thinking by creating spaces through land form, vegetation, and structure. The models are designed with a specific context in mind using an ordering principal.

LandArch 297C Studio III: Spaces/ PLandArchces in Context

Introduction to design processes. Looks at the relationship of site context factors and design program to the formation of landscape spaces. A series of small problems will be given such as: courtyard, plaza, small park, ceremonial space, each with a well defined program. Site visits and analysis, diagramming relationships between various activities, and developing an understanding of design processes are emphasized

This studio engages an actual site to understand the basic components of site analysis, assessment, and program development. In this studio students are taught the basic concepts of land form, slope, and grading.

Introduction to translating client needs into a program of activities and reinforce the idea of spatial form through the construction of models.

A systematic view of open space networks. Students will deal with concepts of public, semi-public, and private spaces. Methods of site analysis and programming activities will be emphasized.

Issues of design for commercial and industrial uses. This may cover the spectrum from a site plan for an office complex to a marina. The intent is to understand issues of cost, client needs, program, and politics.

Introduction to concepts of site planning for housing developments. Students will perform a detailed site assessment using methods learned in natural factors and previous studio on an appropriate site and apply them to the development of a master plan and more detailed designs of housing clusters.

Issues of design in an urban situation with a focus on areas of public use. Integrated into this studio would be topics on historic preservation.

Issues of urban design at a detailed level. Integrate information from construction, plant materials, pLandArchnting design, and other studios to develop a complete package of construction drawings.

Introduction to inventory and assessment models and techniques for policy planning, regional scale design proposals, and site selection for particular development types.

This studio will be run by guest professionals or core faculty. The idea is to work on real world problems which help to synthesize the information garnered during the previous four years. Recently, the studio focused on campus planning with two faculty working on the University's Master Plan, and also on historic preservation.

Natural and Cultural Factors Sequence (7 courses)

EnvirDes 205 Dynamics of Human Habitation

Examines the complex interactions between humans and their physical environment. It engages concepts from anthropology, psychology, ecology, ethology, art, architecture, and planning to locate and demonstrate fundamental organizing principles in the human perception and use of space, and its effect on interpersonal relations.

Introduces landscape architecture by looking at the range of environmental design professions. Looks at contemporary designers and highlights their major contributions.

Introduction to 200 basic ornamental plants used in landscape architectural, site planning, naturalistic, highway and other design uses; their identification, features, uses, values, care, propagation, maintenance, and limitations.

Continuing study of ornamental plants; ecological, functional and esthetic characteristics and uses. Prerequisites: EnvirDes 335.

Attitudes toward and approaches to understanding land; use of natural factors such as land form, soils, vegetation, climate and hydrology in LandArchnd planning, design, and management; advanced professional land planning techniques, and current environmental issues.

Brief history of land and resource use, development of communities and urbanization. Introduction to problems of cities and metropolitan areas including population, land use, economic base, housing, transportation, municipal government, decentralization control, and capital budgets. City and regional planning and growth control.

Professional Skills Sequence (7 courses)

LandArch 191 Graphics I

Introduction to architectural drafting, freehand drawing, orthographic projection, shades and shadows, rendering techniques, and perspective.

Introduction to materials used in landscape construction, their design potential and limitations. Design details and construction methods are discussed.

Site engineering problems related to general design including: construction processes, road alignment geometry, grading, drainage systems, earthwork, and detailing. Emphasis on construction document preparation.

Deals with advanced construction problems and structural calculations: retaining walls, decks, and small structures.

Looks at models of professional office structure: management, organizational behavior, and economics. Guest professionals will give their insights of the profession and how an office should be managed. topics include: ethics, contracts, compensation, specifications, contract management, marketing, budgets, and cost analysis. Personal career planning is also introduced.

Satisfies the junior year writing requirement for Environmental Design and Landscape Architecture majors.

Introduction to applications of computers in environmental design. Computer hardware, peripherals, and programming Languages are reviewed. Focus on site analysis techniques, computer aided design, and site engineering applications.

History Sequence (2 courses)

EnvirDes 543 History I

Introduction to the historic forces that have shaped the man-made environment from ancient civilizations to mlaieval world.

Continuation of EnvirDes 543 from the Renaissance to modern time.