Bachelor [Landscape Architecture] From Academy of Art University

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

DESIGN SOLUTIONS

• Design beautiful and functional outdoor environments of all scales that respond to specific user/client needs and programmatic requirements.
• Produce defensible design solutions that reflect knowledge of the cultural, historical, ecological and climatic factors of a given site.

RESEARCH AND DESIGN PROCESS

• Conduct a thorough observation and analysis and/or a post-occupancy evaluation of a site in order to determine how people use space.
• Work effectively with the natural forms, processes and elements of an indigenous landscape during the entire design process.
• Apply the basic principles and elements of design to landscape architecture design solutions.
• Explore sufficient concepts and alternative solutions as part of the design process.

NATURAL SYSTEMS

• Identify the indigenous components and processes found on any site (soil types, individual plant species, plant communities, wildlife, climatic conditions, and hydrology) and determine the resultant design opportunities and constraints.
• Effectively use trees, shrubs, grasses, annuals, perennials and bulbs in their planting designs in order to provide year-round seasonal beauty and function.

TECHNICAL SYSTEMS AND MATERIALS

• Design technically accurate and ecologically sensitive grading and drainage plans and irrigation systems.
• Select materials that will enhance the aesthetic and ecological qualities of a given site as well as provide for the programmatic requirements of the client and/or user group.
• Estimate cost of materials and installation.
• Develop innovative construction details that solve complex structural, functional, aesthetic/environmental issues.

HISTORICAL PRECEDENT

• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of historical precedents, including cultural and geographic forces that have shaped major historical gardens, public parks and urban open spaces in their design projects.

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION CODES

• Recognize the design opportunities and limitations of building and construction codes.

GRAPHIC/VISUAL COMMUNICATION

• Visually communicate their ideas and solutions (perspectives, axonometrics, plans sections and elevations).
• Successfully use a range of visual media to communicate their ideas and solutions (freehand and computer drawing, drafting, three dimensional models, rendered presentation illustratives).

VERBAL PRESENTATION SKILLS

• Successfully communicate design proposals and key objectives of their projects.
• Articulate rationale for design decisions throughout the design process.

PROFESSIONAL READINESS

• Produce a professional portfolio demonstrating their skills and design process.
• Collaborate effectively with other members of a project team.