Master of Landscape Architecture Program
The program in landscape architecture is designed to significantly augment the professional capabilities of students who already possess a first degree in landscape architecture and students with a first professional degree in architecture, or a related field. The typical length of the program is two years. An accelerated program is available that requires only three semesters of study.
The region and the city provide a natural laboratory for open space use. Urban development in the region increasingly includes not only design and construction on previously unbuilt sites but also redevelopment of already highly urbanized areas.
Such an urban orientation requires education in all the basic subjects inherent to the field of landscape architecture: microclimate in medium to high density environments; plant materials suitable to urban conditions; urban utility and transportation systems in relation to natural drainage and pathways; social and community organization, wildlife and plant communities, as well as inquiries about policy, design and the development process.
Qualified students with a first degree in landscape architecture may be admitted to a dual degree program in landscape architecture and planning which will normally require additional time.
Special Emphasis and Research
Research is centered in three essential areas:
- urban ecosystems: attention to the interaction of natural and built elements in the design of urban settings;
- public use and behavior in urban open space and the implications for open space design; and
- urban development processes and their implications for open space design.
Professor Achva Stein is Director of the program. She has taught and practiced landscape architecture in the United States and in Israel, with professional experience in regional planning, urban design and individual project scales.
The Master of Landscape Architecture Thesis or Directed Design Research Option
The thesis is the opportunity for each student to demonstrate proficiency in the field of landscape architecture as well as to explore new issues and ideas. It is the principal activity of the second year of the program. Students select thesis advisors and work with faculty, local architects and other distinguished professionals.
The thesis typically utilizes an urban project as a means for exploring issues and developing theory. Students are encouraged to draw upon their previous experience as well as their anticipated career directions in developing thesis programs and in selecting sites.
In addition to the opportunity to initiate an independent thesis, students may undertake independent design research related to important urban projects.
Directed design research projects have been undertaken in the context of downtown Los Angeles, although studies at other sites are also encouraged.
Whichever option is taken, students are supported in their work by a three member faculty advisory team including a principal critic.
Master of Landscape Architecture Degree Requirements
Admission to the Master of Landscape Architecture program requires a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree, Bachelor of Architecture or a first professional degree in a related field. Applicants are also expected to have completed six units in the history of landscape architecture and six units of materials and methods for landscape architecture (ARCH 535ab or equivalent), either prior to beginning graduate study or concurrently.
Completion of the degree program requires 48 units, including 14 units of specified courses, 22 units of electives and 12 units of thesis Option I or II.
The specified courses are: ARCH 532ab Elements of the Urban Landscape; ARCH 533ab Urban Landscape Case Studies; ARCH 542aL Landscape Architecture Design; and ARCH 597abL/598abL Landscape Architecture Thesis, Option I/Landscape Archi-
tecture Directed Design Research; and at least two electives from the following: ARCH 418 Designing with Natural Forces; ARCH 407 Computer Pro-gramming in Architecture; ARCH 507 Theories of Computer Technology; and ARCH 599 Special Topics.
48-Unit Two Year Curriculum Requirements
Year One/Fall
Units
Total
Elements of the Urban Landscape
2
Elements of the Urban Landscape
2
Landscape Architecture Design II
6
Electives
(as specified by the director)
6
16
Year One/Spring
Units
Total
Urban Landscape Case Studies
2
Urban Landscape Case Studies
2
Landscape Arch. Thesis, Option I or
Landscape Arch. Design Directed Research
4
Electives
(as specified by the director)
8
16
Year Two/Fall
Units
Total
Landscape Arch. Thesis, Option I or
Landscape Arch. Design Directed Research
8
Electives
(as specified by the director)
8
16
Master of Landscape Architecture/ Master of Planning Dual Degree Program
Qualified students who are admitted to the graduate program in both the School of Architecture and the School of Policy, Planning & Development may complete both degrees in a highly integrated five- to six-semester program. Graduates of this dual degree program are especially qualified for careers in major design firms, in urban development companies, in planning and design agencies, and in research and teaching.
Completion of the dual degrees requires 66 units, including 14 units of specified architecture courses, 12 units of thesis option I or II, 26 units of specified policy, planning and development courses, and 14 units of open electives.
Landscape Architecture Course Units
Required Landscape Architecture Courses Units
Units
Elements of the Urban Landscape
2-2
Urban Landscape Case Studies
2-2
Landscape Architecture Thesis Option I, or
Landscape Architecture Design Directed Research
4-8-0
Electives
(as specified by the director)
14
Studios
Units
Landscape Architecture Design
6
Required Landscape Architecture Courses Units
Units
Elements of the Urban Landscape
2-2
Urban Landscape Case Studies
2-2
Landscape Architecture Thesis Option I, or
Landscape Architecture Design Directed Research
4-8-0
Electives
(as specified by the director)
14
Urban Planning & Development
Courses
Units
PLUS 501
Planning Theory, Process, and Implementation
2
PLUS 502
Statistics and Data Management
4
PLUS 505
Comparative International Development
2
PLUS 506
The Social Context of Planning
2
PLUS 507
Planning Analysis and Evaluation
2
PLUS 509
Legal Environment of Planning
2
PLUS 510
Historical Analysis of Urban Form and Planning Practice
2
RED 673
Design History and Criticism
2
Urban Planning Lab
8
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