Landscape Architecture is the art and science of designing and conserving land and water for human use and enjoyment. As a profession, Landscape Architecture is concerned with two scales of planning and design.

The first scale is with the development of specific sites for residential, recreational, institutional, commercial and industrial projects. The second scale pertains to the regional landscape where the issues include management plans for forest, park and recreation areas, agricultural lands protection, gravel pit mining and restoration, hazard land studies, and visual resource analysis.

Objectives of the Program

In education and practice landscape architecture involves both planning and design. Its unique responsibility is to integrate societal needs with the natural environment in a manner which is non-polluting and results in minimal alteration to natural ecosystems. Frequently the landscape architect must work closely with architects, urban planners and engineers, and where the conservation and creation of natural settings is concerned they must work with scientists in this field. The challenge confronting the professional landscape architect is significant and promises to become even greater in the future.

Persons interested in pursuing a career in Landscape Architecture should possess several basic qualities. It is essential that the prospective student have a keen interest in art and design which may be cultivated to professional competence. They should have a strong interest in nature, a love of plants and a desire to arrange landscapes into beautiful and functional forms. Lastly, they should possess a strong interest in people as the art of landscape architecture is directed toward creating landscapes which fulfill people's requirements for use and enjoyment.

The program in Landscape Architecture prepares the prospective graduate for a wide variety of career opportunities in private practice or in public agencies at the municipal, provincial and national levels. The undergraduate training is a sound basis for graduate study in landscape architecture, urban and regional planning and resource development.

Accreditation

The baccalaureate degree program in Landscape Architecture is recognized by the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects. The program is fully accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (L.A.A.B.): Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (C.S.L.A.A.C.) and American Society of Landscape Architects (A.S.L.A.). Graduates are entitled to apply for registration as a Landscape Architect within the Province of Ontario after completing 3 years of acceptable experience as a Landscape Architectural intern member of the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects and successful completion of an examination in professional practice and ethics.

Admission to the Landscape Architecture Program

Students wishing to enter the program of study leading to the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree should consult Section IV--Admission Information.

Degree

The degree granted for the successful completion of the program is the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (B.L.A.).

Selection of Electives

All electives may be chosen independently although counselling with the departmental advisor is highly, recommended. In selecting electives two approaches may be followed: 1) electives may be chosen from a variety of disciplines to achieve breadth of knowledge or, 2) all or most electives may be chosen in a subject area in order to pursue a particular field of interest in depth. Some of these fields might include agricultural and biological sciences, environmental studies, studio arts, geography, philosophy or sociology.

Students wishing to elect a permissible substitute shall do so in consultation with their departmental advisor. A substitute course will normally be in the same academic area as that listed in the Landscape Architecture Program.

The following elective courses in Landscape Architecture are available. Refer to course descriptions for scheduling information.

LARC*3500 [0.50] Independent Study

LARC*4520 [0.50] Park and Recreation Administration

LARC*4730 [0.50] Special Study in Landscape Architecture

LARC*4740 [0.50] Case Studies

Academic Advising

Students are assigned a departmental advisor and supplied with a copy of the Landscape Architecture Student Handbook. Students are encouraged to consult both for guidance and the selection of electives.

Computers

Expertise in many aspects of computer application is now a fundamental skill for the profession. Recognizing this, the school provides computer facilities in the building. If it is feasible we recommend that students acquire their own computer within the first two years of the program.

Field Trips

Participation in organized visits to site study areas and project sites is obligatory for all students taking certain courses in landscape architecture. To the extent that it is possible, students will be informed of the dates, destinations and cost of field trips prior to registration. Students who have reason to seek exemption from the requirement may apply to the director prior to registration for permission to substitute papers on appropriate topics.

Pre-Professional Experience

It is considered highly advisable that the prospective graduate prepare for later professional practice through summer employment in the landscape industry. Two summers spent in landscape related work followed by 1 summer in a professional office is considered to be a desirable sequence of employment.

Continuation of Study

Students are advised to consult the regulations for continuation of study within the program which are outlined in detail in Section VIII--Undergraduate Degree Regulations & Procedures.

Conditions for Graduation

In order to qualify for graduation from the 8 semester Honours B.L.A. program, the student must successfully complete all of the courses approved for the program (20.00 credits).