Landscape design is a special art and profession. It combines botany and architecture with natural landscape. In modern practice, landscape architecture bridges the gap between urban garden planning and landscape architecture. The discipline studies how to construct and design outdoor spaces that are usable, relaxing, and that inspire creativity and aesthetics. This includes everything from public parks to water features. An architect could specialize in landscape architecture or landscaping design. To do this, you will need to obtain both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Landscape Architecture and a Master of Fine Arts degree.
Landscape architecture is the art of designing outdoor spaces, such as gardens, pools, and spas. The job of the landscape architect is to create a functional and aesthetic design that will be enjoyed by the public or a select clientele. The landscape designer is responsible for the design, but the architect is responsible to implement the vision. To ensure compliance with all code requirements, the landscape architect must coordinate with both the city planning and homeowners departments.
The education level required to become a landscape designer varies according to the degree of emphasis you wish to place on the academic study of landscape design. At the low end of the spectrum are the Associate Degrees in Landscape Architecture. These degrees usually include coursework in plant science, horticultural management, and environmental psychology. They also provide instruction in irrigation systems, soil management and water conservation. The Bachelor of Arts, Landscape Architecture, is at the moderate range. It includes a portfolio of completed work and mandatory internship training. This degree typically requires courses in plant science, design theory and horticultural administration. It also includes instruction in irrigation systems, soil management and building construction techniques like landscaping. After completion of the degree program, the American Society of Landscape Architects awards a Master of Art in Landscape Architecture.
One interesting way to see the education required to become a professional architect is to specialize as a landscape designer. Specializing in this field enables one to focus on the aesthetic aspects of landscaping, while acquiring an array of technical skills that are relevant to designing structures and other works of art. The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Landscape Architecture, particularly a Master of Landscape Architecture, allows students to specialize in landscape architecture. It also offers greater flexibility in education.
As one develops their artistic sensibilities and tastes, it is likely that they will desire to go beyond the boundaries of the Master’s degree into a Landscape Design Degree. At this stage, one focuses more upon the construction of spaces than on designing spaces. Courses could include building and plant processes, water cycles. visual culture, physical culture and site investigation. Sustainability is just one example. The master’s program focuses on building integrated spaces that sustain human life and all other forms. Landscape architecture is now recognized by government agencies, academic and professional associations, and in various forms by the general public. Landscape architecture has many applications and the future looks bright.
Landscape design enthusiasts have access to a wide range of magazines, books, and media. These publications can be found at local colleges and universities or ordered online through various sites. Many of these tools provide a basic overview of landscape architecture. They include pre-prints, projects and data, as well as assignments and pre-prints. They can be useful for teaching the basics, but it is best for those who want to dig deeper to learn about landscape design from professionals.
You can complete a final degree as a landscape architect after graduation or in a similar degree program. This is especially helpful if one has a Master’s Degree in another field such as environmental science. The final degree can be devoted to only the essential elements of landscaping, including site planning, building construction, and design. These degrees will prepare students for entry into the business world once they have a job. This is particularly useful if one plans to relocate. Relocating requires that you take a landscape design course. Some professionals choose to study art school and then do an internship to obtain their Master’s in Landscape Design.
This degree can lead to a variety of career options, including park design, landscape engineering, lighting, and maintenance. Landscape maintenance is the care of existing landscapes. It can include everything from planting trees to mowing lawns. Park designs range from playgrounds to parks, while building and landscape engineering focuses on the construction of urban landscapes. Urban landscaping can be described as the design and construction of parks and plazas in public places around the world.