Courses
Landscape Architecture (LAN ARC)
8141. Design Communications/Introductory Design Studio I (4 s.h.)
This studio course explores the development of graphic techniques and introduces students to the design process commonly used in landscape architecture and horticulture. Students develop a small-scale design project using a variety of graphic skills. Plans, sections, and elevations are drawn, and their functions are understood in design representatIon.
8144. Landscape Design Studio II (4 s.h.)
Prerequisite: LAN ARC 8141.
This course focuses on the development of mixed use and sustainable communities within the natural, social, cultural, and economic context of development or redevelopment. Large-scale land-use and community planning projects in the urban or rural context are investigated. Real world projects range from preparing community-based revitalization plans and designs for inner-city neighborhoods, to the creation of a new town development set in a bucolic landscape. Students learn to develop creative ideas through illustrative techniques. They engage in a complete design process, including analysis, conceptual, and finished design of an outdoor space.
8151. Woodland Design Studio (4 s.h.)
Corequisites: LAN ARC 8351 and LAN ARC 8751.
Students apply the knowledge and methodologies presented in LAN ARC 8751: Northeastern Woodland Ecosystems. Projects, varying in size and location, allow students to synthesize and advance their understanding of the ecosystem. Finished design projects are presented in graphic, written, and verbal forms and may be implemented in the field. Students develop the analytical and technical skills necessary for the inventory, analysis, programming, and design of a woodland landscape. Fieldwork, site inventory and analysis, identification of opportunities and constraints, and program development, as well as hand and computer drawing, are included.
8152. Wetland/Riparian Design Studio (4 s.h.)
Corequisite: LAN ARC 8752.
This studio course complements material introduced in LAN ARC 8752: Wetland Ecology. Students are required to draw on and implement knowledge about wetland ecosystems to develop a site design. Field visits, inventory, analysis, and monitoring are used to gain a thorough knowledge of the site for use as the basis for a design. Identification of opportunities and constraints, program development, and hand and computer drawing are extensively used. Students learn the critical thinking and artistic judgment necessary for developing a design for wetland habitat restoration.
8153. Public Lands Design Studio (4 s.h.)
Corequisite: LAN ARC 8353.
Material presented in LAN ARC 8352: Policies of Public Design Seminar is addressed in this design studio, which focuses on a public project, such as a metropolitan park or regional or state conservation area. Students are required to understand and integrate the diverse values and views held by various stakeholders. In addition to typical design studio components such as site inventory and analysis, projects may require students to interview, confer, and present to public audiences to seek feedback and approval of designs. By the end of the course, students have attended and/or presented at public meetings and have developed a design for the public realm.
8241. Landscape Engineering I (3 s.h.)
The course emphasis is on the basic concepts, ideas, and techniques that deal with the visual, functional, and ecological aspects of grading and landform manipulation. Students learn the technical skills necessary for grading a landscape to ensure proper drainage.
8242. Landscape Engineering II (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: LAN ARC 8241.
This course is an introduction to the principles, processes, and techniques of site engineering for the land forms of landscape architecture. Based on the understanding and appreciation of ecological principles, functional requirements, and aesthetic considerations, students learn elements of design/engineering such as advanced grading, storm water management, and road alignment. Different approaches to grading and water management are studied, and a set of grading plans is developed.
8351. Aesthetics of Ecological Design Seminar (1 s.h.)
Corequisites: LAN ARC 8151 and LAN ARC 8751.
Students learn about the emerging aesthetic associated with ecological design. Form and psychological experience of design are presented through readings and discussion. Students understand the importance of peer-reviewed research as it relates to design and aesthetics.
8353. Policies of Public Design Seminar (1 s.h.)
Corequisite: LAN ARC 8153.
This course explores, through discussions and case studies, designing in the public sector. Students practice skills required for balancing dissimilar groups, value systems, and policies to ensure a successful project.
8496. Landscape Traditions (3 s.h.)
A comprehensive overview of Western civilization’s efforts to create useful, beautiful, and symbolic spaces from ancient times until the modern day is presented. Students learn to critically assess landscapes through written research papers and oral presentations.
8644. Professional Practice (3 s.h.)
Prerequisites: LAN ARC 8141 and LAN ARC 8241.
This course focuses on the study of ethics, current business practices, contract documentation, bids, cost estimates, specifications, and interdisciplinary relationships. It seeks to teach the student how to set priorities, manage people, and execute landscape projects. Students gain an understanding of different professional avenues and opportunities and develop a case study/interview of a firm or public agency.
8751. Northeastern Woodland Ecosystems (3 s.h.)
Corequisites: LAN ARC 8151 and LAN ARC 8351.
The course presents terrestrial forest ecosystems and the biotic and abiotic factors that affect them. Students learn the components of forest ecosystems, including degradation factors and restoration concepts. Field trips allow students to observe and document a local forest ecosystem.
8752. Wetland Ecology (3 s.h.)
Corequisite: LAN ARC 8152.
The course introduces the ecology of traditional wetlands, such as salt marshes and bogs. Students gain an understanding of riparian edges and shorelines and the measures necessary for protecting and/or restoring them. Site visits are required.
8753. Invasive Species Management (3 s.h.)
Students learn to identify and assess eradication strategies for local invasive plant species. Traditional chemical/biological methods and non-traditional methods are discussed. By the end of the semester, students have developed an invasive species management plan for a local site.
8755. Native Plant Communities (3 s.h.)
The course examines native and naturalized tree, shrub, and/or herbaceous plant community structure. Restoration processes are explored relevant to maintaining healthy plant communities. Discussion centers around growth, habit, and on-site propagation during restoration. Students learn to to distinguish between native and non-native plant communities and vital characteristics associated with plant community health.
8789. Landscape Restoration Workshop (3 s.h.)
Students learn principles and practices of ecological restoration through hands-on experience. They visit restored landscapes, conduct field measurements in an old growth forest, and contribute to a restoration project on the Ambler Campus. An overnight camping trip is required. By the end of the course, students understand various technical strategies involved in restoration through drawing and writing their field observations, assessing proper techniques for restoration, and then implementing those techniques on a real site.
8889. Restoration Monitoring Workshop (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: LAN ARC 8753.
This field course introduces methods for monitoring the process of a restoration project and the corrective actions needed to ensure a positive restoration. It includes strategies for pre- and post-installation monitoring. By the end of the semester, students understand issues associated with monitoring and maintaining the health of a restored ecosystem.
9995. Capstone Restoration Design Project (3 s.h.)
Prerequisites: Open only to matriculated students who have completed Geography and Urban Studies 8097 or an equivalent course in research methods, plus all required studio and ecosystem courses for the Master of Landscape Architecture degree.
Students develop an independent restoration design project requiring synthesis of all previous coursework, including methodologies, seminars, ecological knowledge, and design projects. Every project must incorporate research in three ways: (1) accomplishing a literature review; (2) selecting and applying a methodology; and (3) advancing the knowledge base in ecological restoration. Research is used to both guide and test the design project. Students develop a comprehensive report. The capstone project concludes with a verbal and graphic presentation as well as a report summarizing the implications of the design, including strategies for monitoring and adjusting the restoration over time.
Note: Students must obtain the instructor’s approval of a project site and type no later than the first week of the semester, and must select a capstone committee comprised of three full-time instructors, one of which must be a member of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture.
Created 7.27.09