College: Graduate Studies Program Institute

This interdisciplinary major combines urban design and landscape architecture to create sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces and urban environments. Students explore urban planning, landscape design, environmental sustainability, and community development. The program focuses on creative problem-solving and technical skills to enhance urban and natural environments. Graduates are prepared for careers in urban planning firms, landscape architecture practices, government agencies, and environmental consulting firms.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of urban design and landscape architecture.
• Develop skills in urban planning, landscape design, and environmental analysis.
• Learn techniques for creating sustainable and resilient urban environments.
• Explore the role of urban design and landscape architecture in community development and environmental preservation.
• Understand regulatory standards and ethical considerations in urban design and landscape architecture.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in urban and environmental design.
• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills for urban and landscape design projects.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Urban Design and Landscape Architecture
   • Overview of the field, history, and applications in urban planning and environmental conservation.
   • Basics of design principles and theories.
2. Urban Planning and Design
   • Study of urban planning principles, including zoning, land use, and transportation planning.
   • Techniques for designing urban spaces such as parks, squares, and street landscapes.
3. Landscape Design
   • Basics of landscape design, including site analysis, plant selection, and hardscape elements.
   • Techniques for creating functional and aesthetic outdoor spaces.
4. Environmental Sustainability
   • Principles of environmental sustainability in urban and landscape design.
   • Techniques for integrating sustainable practices like green infrastructure and renewable energy.
5. Community Development
   • Methods of engaging communities in the design process and promoting social equity.
   • Techniques for creating inclusive and accessible urban spaces.
6. Geographic Information Systems and Mapping
   • Principles of GIS and its applications in urban and landscape design.
   • Techniques for using GIS software to analyze spatial data and inform design decisions.
7. Regulatory Standards and Ethical Considerations
   • Understanding urban planning regulations, environmental laws, and ethical considerations in design.
   • Techniques for ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and promoting ethical practices.
8. Emerging Technologies
   • Analysis of innovations like smart cities, green roofs, and vertical gardens.
   • Techniques for adapting to new technologies and industry trends.
9. Capstone Project
   • A real-world project to apply skills acquired in urban planning, landscape design, or environmental conservation.
   • Techniques for delivering a comprehensive urban or landscape design solution.

Evaluation Methods:

Design projects, simulations, written assignments, group projects, and internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Urban Design" by Alex Krieger and William S. Saunders.
• "Landscape Architecture: An Introduction to Thinking Critically and Designing" by Robert Holden and Jamie Liversidge.
• "Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design with Nature" by Douglas Farr.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of design principles, environmental science, and social science. Suitable for students in urban planning, landscape architecture, environmental studies, and related fields.

Program Duration:

Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, design projects, and internships.

Certification:

Graduates can earn a degree in urban design and landscape architecture and pursue certifications such as Licensed Landscape Architect (LLA) or American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Target Audience:

Aspiring urban planners, landscape architects, and environmental designers seeking to specialize in creating sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing urban and natural environments. This major equips students with the skills needed to excel in urban design and landscape architecture, supporting advancement in urban planning, environmental sustainability, and community development.