Landscape Architecture

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Overview

Landscape Architecture encompasses the design, analysis, planning, management, and stewardship of sustainable environments. Landscape architects design across a wide spectrum of projects: parks and gardens, community design, urban design and planning, green infrastructure, and regional planning, as well as at the scale of watersheds and natural systems. The work of the profession is grounded in the natural and social sciences, draws inspiration from nature and the arts, and is implemented through innovative design, site engineering, construction, land management, and environmental technologies. The Landscape Architecture Program guides students as they address some of the most important challenges of our time: climate change; healthy living and empathetic design; urbanization; just and livable cities; re-imagining water, food, energy and transportation systems; green infrastructure; remediation of spoiled and disturbed sites; and preservation and conservation of critical natural and cultural resources. We believe the work of landscape architecture is at the critical intersection of natural and cultural systems, and that the profession is the most consequential of the design arts in the 21st century.

The core of the academic program is a rigorous sequence of design studios that allows students to explore a broad range of landscape architectural issues, contexts, and project types. Studios are accompanied by discussion, lecture, and laboratory courses that provide systematic and comprehensive coverage of the emerging body of knowledge related to technology, design theory, landscape ecology, and human/environment interaction. Off-campus options include a summer travel studio, a semester study at other academic institutions, as well as an independent studies and professional internships.

The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.) is a five-year first-professional degree program fully accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board. Graduates have a wide range of employment and professional opportunities including work in private practice, multidisciplinary firms, public agencies and municipalities, non-governmental organizations and non-profits.

Degree Requirements

The graduation requirements in effect during the academic year of admission to Virginia Tech apply. When choosing the degree requirements information, always choose the year you started at Virginia Tech. Requirements for graduation are referred to via university publications as "Checksheets." The number of credit hours required for degree completion varies among curricula. Students must satisfactorily complete all requirements and university obligations for degree completion. The university reserves the right to modify requirements in a degree program.

Please visit the University Registrar's website at https://www.registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/checksheets.html for degree requirements.

Satisfactory Progress

University policy requires that students who are making satisfactory progress toward a degree meet minimum criteria toward the General Education (Curriculum for Liberal Education) (see "Academics") and toward the degree in Landscape Architecture. Landscape Architecture majors must attain a C- or better in their studio and technology courses to advance to the next courses in these sequences.

Satisfactory progress requirements toward the degree can be found on the major checksheet by visiting the University Registrar website at http://registrar.vt.edu/graduation-multi-brief/index1.html.

Undergraduate Course Descriptions (LAR)

1014: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION DESIGN LABORATORY Immersive, interactive learning environment, design concept and process development, self and peer assessment. Design studies in two and three dimensions across multiple scales, landscape systems, foundational design theories, principles of spatial design and techniques used to create landscape spaces, systematical exploration and communication of ideas through visual, physical, and oral communications. Pre: ARCH 1015. (1H,11L,6C)

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)

1254: ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL SYSTEMS Introduction to the environment, natural systems with emphasis on their relationship to urban sustainability and resilience: natural elements, structures, patterns, natural systems, ecology, and landscape ecology. Impact of human actions and decisions on the environment and natural systems from global to local scale. Application of relevant theories and methods related to the environment and natural systems in planning and design. (3H,3C)

1264: SEEING, UNDERSTANDING & REPRESENTING LANDSCAPE AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Exploration of the natural and built environment through observation, interpretation and graphic representation of the landscape. Development of a range of graphic strategies and techniques with an emphasis on design thinking, iteration, and ethical issues expressed in the natural and built environment. (3H,3C)

2015-2016: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO: PLACE AND PROCESS 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)

2025-2026: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO PLACE, PROCESS AND PEOPLE Landscape design and site planning including design processes, design communication, community-based design, case study methods, landscape performance. 2025: planning, programming and design of places, analysis of site, context and design for human use, and natural systems in creative design syntheses. 2026: master plan and site-scale planning and design incorporating multiple program elements with emphasis on social, cultural and natural systems infrastructure of neighborhoods and communities. Course Contact to Credit Hour Structure: Lecture (1H,1C), Lab (6L, 2C) Design Lab/Studio (5L, 3C). (1H, 11L, 6C) Pre: 1014 for 2025; 2025 for 2026. Co: 2164 for 2025; 3154 for 2026. (1H,11L,6C)

2154: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE HISTORY Historical development of designed landscapes and landscape architecture with emphasis on western and select non-western cultures. Thematic focus on design theories, the social constructions of nature and relationships with land, ideology of landscape, experience of landscape by different social groups and cultures, landscape ethics, and parallels between site and urban design. (3H,3C)

2164: LANDFORM FUNCTION AND AESTHETICS Design principles and technology related to the creation of landforms for functional, aesthetic, and environmental purposes. Landform grading techniques for integrating soils, water, vegetation, transportation systems, and structures through the design and construction processes. Evaluating landform performance for landscape resilience. Design Lab/Studio. Pre: 1264. (1H,5L,4C)

2254: SOCIAL AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPES Introduction to experiential and cultural content of designed landscapes. Physiological, functional, and psychological factors that affect experience of the landscape. Study of cultural values, attitudes, and philosophies that have shaped historic and contemporary landscapes. (3H,3C)

2554 (FREC 2554) (NR 2554): LEADERSHIP FOR GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY Leadership principles and humanities perspectives that help examine and engage global sustainable development challenges such as climate change, food-water-energy nexus, rising middle class, circular economy, and environmental justice. Topics include collaboration, stories, conflict resolution, self-awareness, bias, equity, religion, hubris, globalism, and moral naturalism. Examine trade-offs among economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainable development. Integration and application of disciplinary topics including ethics, ecology, evolution, anthropology, economics, religion, aesthetics, and risk management. (3H,3C)

2984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

3015-3016: INTERMEDIATE LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS Development of intermediate site planning and design knowledge skills. 3015 focuses on site/project scale planning and design with emphasis on greenfield development sites and models of conversation oriented design/development. Pre: 2016 for 3015; 3015 for 3016. (1H,11L,6C)

3044: LAND ANALYSIS AND SITE PLANNING Concepts, principles, and processes of land analysis and evaluation for physical planning and design. Approaches to spatial problem solving with an emphasis on data collection, evaluation, and synthesis using applicable technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Analysis and synthesis of natural and socio-cultural systems at varying scales in the site planning and design process using Geodesign method. (3H,3C)

3154: WATERSHED SENSITIVE SITE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Examines soil and water resource issues related to landscape architectural site planning and design. Key topics include watershed sensitive site design, estimation and management of storm water runoff, rainwater conservation, design of open channel conveyances for site planning applications, and erosion and sedimentation control. Prerequisite: LAR 2164 or consent of instructor Pre: 2164. (2H,4L,4C)

3164: DESIGN IN DETAIL: MATERIALS, METHODS & ASSEMBLY Landscape construction knowledge and practices integrating concepts of design detailing with material selection, sustainable construction methods, and environmental performance. Concepts of landscape performance in material use and human interaction, effects on the built environment, and technical documentation. Pre: 2164. (2H,3L,4C)

3264: PEOPLE COMMUNITY AND PLACE Advanced course focusing on landscape/behavior interactions and implications for the design of outdoor environments at site and community scales for sustainable communities. Systems approach to engage various community design program elements, including social, land use, physical infrastructure, public space, movement, energy, and natural systems, in place-making strategies for diverse populations. Methods of community participation and engagement used in community-based design practices. Pre: Junior standing. (3H,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

3984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

4004: HISTORY AND THEORY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 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. Pre: 2004. (3H,3C)

4014: DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION Landscape architectural project-based design and construction documentation. Site design integrating experiential learning, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, construction cost estimation, and technical specifications. Construction principles and practices in preparation of site design and set of construction documents. Community-based principles and practices for site design development. Lecture (1H,1C), Lab (6L, 2C) Design Lab/Studio (5L, 3C) (1H, 11L, 6C). Pre: 2164, 3154, 3164. (1H,11L,6C)

4034: EVOLUTION OF THE AMERICAN LANDSCAPE Examine and interpret physical changes in the rural and urban landscapes of the United States as they reflect cultural values; technologic innovations; immigration patterns; the roles of diverse professions over time; changing views of use, conversation and preservation of national resources; and expectations for places of live, work and play using an iterative writing process and reflective course discussions. (3H,3C)

4084: LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND PLANNING STUDIO Advanced design studio addresses current land design and planning issues including global climate change across contexts and spatial scales using complex problem-solving methods of a geodesign framework. Domestic and international precedents, theories, guidelines, and regulations. Development and communication of consensus-based comprehensive plans and designs that address sustainability and resilience issues caused by climate change and others. Use of collaborative community-based design practices. Non-Majors - Lecture (1H, 1C), Lab (6L, 2C). Majors Course Contact to Credit Hour Structure: Lecture (1H, 1C) Lab (6L, 2C) Design Lab/Studio (5L, 3C). Variable credit course. (1H, 6-11L, 3-6C) Variable credit course. Pre: 4014.

4094: SENIOR PROJECT Advanced landscape architectural design capstone course using applied research requiring development of a landscape architecture project selected and completed by the student under the direction of a faculty advisor. Landscape architecture theories and issues; design principles and processes, technological tools and communication strategies to develop and implement a comprehensive design study or independent design project in the context of specific concerns of the built environment. Repeatable for a maximum of 9 credit hours. 3 credit hour course - Lecture (1H, 1C), Lab (6L, 2C). 6 credit hour course - Course Contact to Credit Hour Structure: Lecture (1H, 1C), Lab (6L, 2C), Design Lab/Studio (5L, 3C). Variable credit course. (1H, 6-11L, 3-6C) Variable credit course. X-grade allowed. Pre: 4014, 4084.

4124 (ARCH 4044): PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE Introduction to scope and diversity of the building enterprise, addressing private and public macroeconomic, 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)

4134: LANDSCAPE REPRESENTATION 2D and 3D hand and digital drawing modes and representational techniques used in landscape design explorations and visual presentations. Study and application of landscape representations. Visual communication of landscapes, landscape change, hydrologic patterns, ecologic processes, and human systems related to design, planning and management of the built environment across geographic and site scales. (1H,3L,3C)

4154: DESIGN STUDIES OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Design study of built environment using comparative case studies of relationships between society and culture and the physical and built environments, as seen across scales. Design and use analysis and documentation of elements of the physical environment; exploration of interface between building, people, and landscape systems. Independent case study research project includes on-site field investigations, design research and final documentation of findings. Pre: Junior standing. 3 credit hour course - Design Lab (5L, 3C). 6 credit hour course - Design Lab (9L, 6C) Variable credit. Design Lab/Studio. (5-9L, 3-6C) Variable credit course.

4254: THEORIES OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Critical examination of theories relevant to landscape architectural design and the inter-relationship between theory and practice. Evolution of theory with respect to built works. Overview of concurrent design theories and philosophies in the related arts. Pre-requisite: Senior standing or instructors permission. (3H,3C)

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. May be repeated with different content for a maximum of 12 credits. Pre: (3015, 3016). (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)

4554 (BSE 4554) (FREC 4554) (HORT 4554) (SPIA 4554): CREATING THE ECOLOGICAL CITY Multidisciplinary, team oriented, problem-solving approaches to creating cities that foster healthy interconnections between human and ecological systems. Analysis of problems from practical and ethical perspectives in the context of the diverse knowledge bases and values of decision-makers. Formation and utilization of integrated design teams to solve complex urban design and planning problems at a variety of scales. Senior standing. Pre: HORT 2134 or FREC 2134. (3H,3C)

4705-4706: LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND PLANNING Theories, methods, techniques, and tools relating to the planning and design of sites, communities, and regional landscapes. 4705: Development of design ability through the study of: two- and three-dimensional design, principles and elements of spatial composition, theories and techniques for planning and design of sites, and design communication techniques. Investigation of natural and man-made physical factors and cultural factors, and human needs. Creative design synthesis. 4706: 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. Research of natural, cultural and physical conditions. Application of geographic information systems. Assessment of community development and land planning concepts. Proposing land-use and management strategies at community and regional landscape scales. Identification and application of community-based design practices. Pre: 4705 for 4706. Course Contact to Credit Hour Structure: Lecture (1H,1C), Lab (6L, 2C) Design Lab/Studio (5L, 3C). (1H, 11L, 6C) (1H,11L,6C)

4964: FIELD WORK Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Variable credit course.