School of Architecture + Landscape Architecture Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
   

3+ MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Admissions

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.


Summer Yr 1   |   Fall Yr 1   |   Spring Yr 1   |   Summer Yr 2   |   Fall Yr 2   |   Spring Yr 2   |   Fall Yr 3   |   Spring Yr 3

3+ MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Summer Year 1

 Course Subject and Title Hrs
 ADE 510 Foundation Architectural Studio (1st + 2nd five week) 6
 ALA 102 Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Society (1st five-week session) 3
 ALA 236 Computers in LA (1st five-week session) 3
 APH 509 Foundation Seminar, Architecture, and Landscape Architecture
 (2nd five-week session)
3
   

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3+ MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Fall Year 1

 Course Subject and Title Hrs
 LDE 511 Core Architectural Studio I 6
 LPH 310 History of Landscape Architecture 3
 LTC 343/542 Landscape Implementation–Grading 3
 LTC 598 ST: Natural Factors 3
   

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3+ MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Spring Year 1

 

 Course Subject and Title Hrs
 LDE 512 Core Landscape Architecture Studio 6
 LPH 311 Contemporary Landscape Architecture 3
 LTC 344 Landscape Implementation–Construction 3
 LTC 432 GIS 3
   

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3+ MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Fall Year 2

The fall of Year 2 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.

 

 Course Subject and Title Hrs
 LDE 521 Advanced Landscape Architecture Studio 5
 LTC 563 Urban Vegetation and Design 3
 LPH 513 Research in LA Seminar 3
 ATE 598 Sustainability of the Built Environment 3
   

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3+ MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Spring Year 2

The spring of Year 2 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.

 

 Course Subject and Title Hrs

 LDE 522 Advanced Landscape Architecture Studio

5

 LTC 546 LA Alternative Technologies and Materials

3

 LPH 612 LA Research Methods

3

 LTC 598 ST: Urban Ecological Design

3

 

 

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3+ MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Summer Year 3

During the summer between the second and third year, students are encouraged to complete a clinical internship addressing the imperatives of Program, Technology, and Construction, or participate in the International Field Studies program in Landscape Architecture addressing the imperatives of History, Context, and Construction. In either case, students are encouraged to broaden their understanding of the profession

Expected outcomes: An awareness and understanding of the discipline of landscape architecture and professional practice.

 

 Course Subject and Title Hrs
 LRP 584 Critical Internship 3
   

 

 

3+ MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Fall Year 3

The fall of Year 3 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

 LPH 613 LA Seminar

3

L/APH 515 Current Issues and Topics

3

 Professional Elective

3
   

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3+ MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Spring Year 3

The spring of Year 3 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 transdisciplinary 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
 LAD 645 Professional Practice 3
 LTC 598 ST: Urban Landscape Water Systems + Management 3
 Graduate Elective 3
   

 

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