Landscape Architecture

Dean R. Bork, Head

Professors: B.C. Johnson: P.A. Miller

Associate Professors: D.R. Bork; T.L. Clements; W. Jacobson; R. Kagawa

Assistant Professors: M. Bryant; B. Katen

Adjunct Professors: G. Buhyoff; A. Buikema; D. Hill; B. Hull

By definition, landscape architecture is a multi-faceted field and today's landscape architects address a variety of environmental issues, ranging from the design of gardens and parks to regional scale management of our natural resources.In achieving a harmonious relationship between human needs and the physical environment, the landscape architect must be knowledgeable in the areas of ecology and human behavior. In addition, he or she must be knowledgeable in the engineering and technical aspects of land development, and be able to demonstrate this knowledge in designing creative and exciting environments for people.

At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, faculty members believe that design or the act of giving form to the physical environment through deliberate action, is what provides the philosophical foundation for the program.It is essential that landscape architectural design have a strong theoretical and philosophical foundation if landscape architecture is to maintain and enhance its position in dealing with societal problems.

Therefore, the program has at its core an intellectually rigorous set of design studios that allow the students to explore a broad range of landscape architectural design issues. These studios are accompanied by a series of lecture, discussion, and reading courses that provide a systematic and comprehensive coverage of the traditional technical information related to landscape architectural design, as well as the emerging body of theoretical knowledge related to design theory, landscape ecology, and human/environment interaction.

The program in landscape architecture (B.L.A.) is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Satisfactory Progress

All students must achieve a minimum 2.00 GPA by the end of the semester in which the 50th credit hour has been attempted. All students must achieve a C- or higher grade in all required landscape architecture design labs and technology courses.

Graduation Requirements

Upon successful completion of program requirements and with completion of 157 credit hours of study, a bachelor of landscape architecture degree is awarded.

Undergraduate Courses (LAR)

1004: NATURAL & HUMAN SYSTEMS IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE I

An introduction to natural and human structures, patterns and systems in landscapes with emphasis on their relationship to planning and design. (3H,3C). II.

1144: INTRODUCTION TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Overview of the profession of landscape architecture. Emphasis on the relation of people to the natural and built environment with particular attention to scale, forms, and space. (1H,1C) I,II.

2004: HISTORY & THEORY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE I

A critical examination of the history and theory relevant to landscape architectural design and built form. Historical precedent with respect to concepts of "form-generation" will be stressed. The course includes an overview of the relationships of landscape architectural history, and design theories and philosophies. (3H,3C). I.

2015-2016: BASIC LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Basic theory, principles, and methods of landscape design and site planning. 2015: Design theory involving two and three dimensional compositions. Mass/space relationships, principles of spatial design and techniques used to create landscape space. 2016: Design theory relating to landscape design and site planning. Design of small scale spaces in which the analysis of site, context and the requirements of human use are brought together in a creative synthesis. (1H,11L,6C) 2015: I; 2016: II.

2035-2036: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY I: GRADING & MATERIALS

2035: Provides an introduction to landscape construction processes, focusing on principles and techniques of landform manipulation for design and drainage purposes. Enrollment limited to Landscape Architecture majors. 2036: Develops concepts, methods and techniques for understanding construction materials and assembly techniques related to Landscape Architecture construction. Methods, concepts, and principles for documenting detailed construction information are also covered, including conventional and digital communication technologies. (3H, 3L,4C) 2035: (2H,4L,4C) 2036: (3H,3L,4C).

2554 (FOR 2554): NATURE & AMERICAN VALUES

Introduces students to the evolving relationship between nature and American society; emphasizing the ethics and values which underlie forest, park, and wildlife management. Students are introduced to contemporary land use issues and learn to articulate, defend, and critique the ethical positions surrounding these issues (i.e., wilderness, sustainability, biodiversity, hunting, old growth, suburban sprawl, environmental activism. (3H,3C) I,II.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY

Variable credit course.

3004: NATURAL & HUMAN SYSTEMS IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE II

An advanced course examining structures, patterns and systems in landscapes with emphasis on their relationship to landscape architecture planning and design. Application of theories and methods related to human, social, geophysical and biological systems in planning and design. (3H,3C).

3015-3016: INTERMEDIATE LANDSCAPE DESIGN

This course deals with the development of site planning and design skills. 3015 focuses on understanding the influence of natural and cultural factors in design, site analysis, design programming, concept development and design development with particular attention given to developing a "sense of place." 3016 deals with the influence of contextual issues, such as land use, infrastructure, and the vernacular landscape, in site planning and community design. Pre: 2016. (1H,11L,6C) 3015: I; 3016: II.

3044: LAND ANALYSIS & SITE PLANNING

Introduction to the concepts and methods of ecological resource survey and analysis at regional and site scales. Approaches to environmental problem solving with an emphasis on data collection, evaluation, and synthesis using applicable technologies such as geographic information systems. Interpretation of landscape resource data for the purpose of physical planning and design. Pre: 1004. (2H,2L,3C) I.

3524 (HORT 3524): HISTORY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

A study of the design-form and structure of landscape architectural works from the Bronze Age to the present, including the influence of physical, climatological, and social context, and of the individual designers. Junior standing required. (3H,3C) I.

3954: STUDY ABROAD

Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

3984: SPECIAL STUDY

Variable credit course.

4004: HIST & THEORY LA II

This course studies theoretical and practical developments in landscape architecture and related arts through investigation and analysis of design theory and philosophy, and built form. Pre: 2004 or permission of instructor. (3H,3C) I.

4034: EVOLUTION OF THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE

An examination of physical change in the rural and urban landscape of America as reflected by changes in needs during the country's history. Some of the factors influencing the character, form, and use of American space that will be studied are economic growth, changing philosophies on conservation and exploitation of natural resources and the resulting legislation, technological advancement, and social reform. (3H,3C) II.

4084: LANDSCAPE DESIGN & PLANNING STUDIO

This course is an advanced studio that enables students to address landscape architectural design and planning issues in various contexts and at a range of scales. Pre: 3016 or permission of instructor. Landscape Architecture majors must take minimum of 6 credits. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Pre: 3016. (1H,11L,6C) I,II.

4094: SENIOR PROJECT

A capstone of the five-year design studio sequence, the senior project is a comprehensive landscape architecture design project selected and completed by the student under the direction of a faculty advisor. Senior projects are reviewed and evaluated by the program faculty. Repeatable with a maximum of 12 credits. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed. I,II.

4124 (ARCH 4044): PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Introduction to scope and diversity of the building enterprise, addressing private and public macro-economic, industrial, technical, professional, and regulatory institutions. Analysis of historic evaluation of professional roles and practices; emergence of new modes of practice, including innovative facilities procurement methods. (3H,3C).

4144: LANDSCAPE PERCEPTION & ASSESSMENT

An introduction to the concepts and theories related to perception of the landscape. An historical overview of the development of visual resource management and landscape assessment. A comprehensive coverage of visual resource management theories and techniques. A survey of the visual impacts and visual management practices related to different land uses and different types of natural resource management. (2H,2L,3C) II.

4234: THEORY & PRACTICE OF URBAN DESIGN

This course examines historic and contemporary trends in urban design theory and practice; methods of analyzing urban form; social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of urban design. (3H,3C) II.

4244: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY II: HYDROLOGY

Landscape architecture hydrology examines water resource issues as they relate to landscape planning, site planning and site design. Key topics include estimation of stormwater runoff, stormwater management, watershed planning/flood routing and impact mitigation, design of open channel conveyances, and erosion and sedimentation control. Pre: LAR 2035 and 2036 or consent of instructor. Pre: 2035, 2036. (2H,4L,4C) I.

4304: TOPICS IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Topics in landscape architecture history, theory and design methods is an advanced course focusing upon issues facing the professional practice of landscape architecture today. Special emphasis on methods of analysis and interpretation including application of creative techniques, analogous thinking, computer-aided procedures and information handling in landscape architecture design and practice. Pre: 3015 and 3016 or permission of instructor. (3H,3C).

4324: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY III-CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

This course provides the link between landscape architectural design and construction documentation. Landscape technology covered in preceding technology courses is combined with information on construction principles and practices in the preparation of landscape architectural construction drawings and technical specifications. Pre: 4244. (2H,4L,4C) II.

4444: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

An examination of the issues, policies and methods related to environmental impact assessment (EIA) as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. Topics studied include NEPA requirements, historic evolution of legislation and regulations, and methods used to assess ecological, visual, social, and economic impacts. (3H,3C).

4705-4706: LANDSCAPE DESIGN & PLANNING

Theories, methods, techniques, and tools relating to the planning and design of sites, communities, and regional landscapes. 4705: Emphasis on the development of design ability through the study of: two- and three-dimensional design, principles and elements of spatial composition, and theories and techniques for planning and design of small sites. 4706: Emphasis on the evaluation of land resources and the allocation of land uses within large complex sites and regional landscapes. Theories and techniques of site planning and community design are explored. 4705: (1H,8L,5C) 4706: (1H,8L,56C) 4705: I; 4706: II.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY

Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY

Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Variable credit course.

Please see the Graduate Catalog for graduate course listings.

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Virginia Tech -- Undergraduate Catalog, 2002-2004
Last update: August 2002

URL: http://www.vt.edu/academics/ugcat/ucdLAr.html