The Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture at Temple University is committed to excellence in ecologically based education.
Our goal is to train leaders in the art and science of horticulture and landscape architecture.
Our programs provide students with a knowledge and an understanding of the environment so that they can improve the quality of our urban, suburban and rural communities.
Mission Overview
Landscape architecture and horticulture are disciplines grounded in understanding the scientific and social aspects of environment and applying that understanding in creative design and research. Our educational mission acknowledges the "consilience" of art and science.
Our purpose is to educate future leaders in the field of ecologically responsive design. Ecological knowledge is woven into our undergraduate curriculum and is a foundation of our Master of Landscape Architecture program. Students go beyond acquisition of technical skills to gain critical insights related to design and the environment. They engage in "real" projects and are mentored in research as part of the learning process.
Upper level horticulture students actively engage in scientific research, such as, experiments in seed germination of wetland plants; measurement of heat temperatures in urban soils and are currently assisting with the development of a digitized map of all existing arboretum plants.
To advance the Temple University College of Liberal Arts' mission for excellence, the Landscape Architecture and Horticulture department offers many opportunities for students to deepen their theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students engage in plant science research, or public service design studios led by professional landscape architects to effect environmental improvement.
Examples include:
Seed germination treatments for native plants (in an effort to make native species more commercially viable).
Assessment of physical properties and plant growth in green roof substrates compost as a substitute for peat moss (a non renewable resource) in potting mixes.
Storm water mitigation strategies for a suburban office park with severe flooding problems.
Design and construction of a green roof replica to educate the public on green roof plants and substrates.
Master plan of Pleasant Hill Park, Philadelphia.
Design of parks and nature preserve for Cape May, NJ.
Design of school play yard, Norristown, PA.
Design and construction of the Ambler campus Stormwater Wetland Garden and the Healing Garden.
(Consilience is a term (and book title) used by biologist E.O. Wilson to describe the unity of art and science.)
To advance the Temple University College of Liberal Arts' mission for excellence, the Landscape Architecture and Horticulture department offers many opportunities for students to deepen their theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students engage in plant science research, or public service design studios led by professional landscape architects to effect environmental improvement.