MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE (MLA)

The Master of Landscape Architecture at Arizona State University prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of landscape architecture and research in various aspects of the field including: geology and hydrology; project and site planning; landscape design, history, and theory; environmental design; application law and regulations; and professional responsibilities and standards. The program leverages the arid urban context and rapidly urbanizing landscape of the Phoenix metropolitan region. In response to the global depletion of natural resources, global warming, and other population-impacted ecological conditions the curriculum is focused on issues of sustainable landscape urbanism. Students are encouraged to pursue a joint degree with the School's Master of Science in Building Design, and/or the Master of Urban Design degree program. Applicants who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field should apply to the 3+ MLA degree program.

MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Fall Year 1

The Fall of Year 1 brings together graduates from SALA’s undergraduate BSLA program, 3+ SALA students, and students from other undergraduate landscape architecture national and international programs. The focus of this semester is to introduce the program’s mission, understand the unique urban and ecological conditions of the region, and confer the skills needed to successfully complete the degree program. The studio focus is on local conditions and ecological design principles at a site design scale. A seminar in current landscape architectural research and a course in urban planting design provide a foundation from which to examine landscape architecture projects.

Expected Outcomes: An awareness and understanding of local environmental and urban conditions. An ability in site analysis, vegetation, diagramming, and design. An introduction to current research.

Infolios

MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Spring Year 1

The Spring of Year 1 focuses on the technical and material aspects of place making within the framework of landscape architecture. The studio problem is coordinated with courses on alternative technologies and materials and methods of landscape architectural research to help provide students with technical and critical tools for developing a comprehensive landscape architectural project.

Expected Outcomes: An awareness and understanding of ecological and urban conditions and an ability to critically synthesize complex programs and urban site conditions toward the development of innovative spatial, structural, and ecological systems. Construction documents and detailing are expected.

Infolios

MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Fall Year 2

The Fall of Year 2 focuses on topical issues related to landscape architecture outside of the United States. Advanced investigations of ecological factors, including urban water systems, provides a critical framework for studio investigations. Students are encouraged to position their work relative to the larger discipline of landscape architecture. Two international studio options are offered: a semester long study abroad program, currently in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and ten-day traveling studios with their home base in Arizona.

Expected Outcomes: An awareness and understanding of a broader international approach to cultural, ecological, and urban conditions. An ability to analyze these conditions outside the United States and develop a rigorous formal and theoretical design response in preparation for the thesis studio in the spring.

Course Subject and Title	Hrs
LDE 621 Advanced Landscape Architecture Studio	5
APH 515 Current Issues and Topics	3
LPH 613 Landscape Architecture Seminar	3
Professional Elective	3

Infolios

MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Spring Year 2

The Spring of Year 2 offers multiple experiences for developing a landscape architectural thesis. Each studio experience is designed to leverage the offerings of the College and the University. Emphasis is on trans-disciplinary projects, methods, and resources for developing innovative design solutions for contemporary landscape architectural and urban conditions.

Expected Outcomes: An ability to critically analyze and develop expertise in subject matter specific to landscape architecture. An ability to synthesize culture, ecology, technology, and design in a final project that demonstrates both mastery of skills and the project’s significance relative to the larger context of landscape architecture.

Course Subject and Title	Hrs
LDE 622 Advanced Landscape Architecture Studio	5
L/AAD 652 Professional Practice	3
LTC 598 ST: Urban Landscape Water Systems & Management	3
Graduate Elective	3

Infolios