Landscape Architecture Program Welcome to the NDSU Landscape Architecture Program's Web Pages We hope the following information will help you better under the Landscape Architecture Program at NDSU.  Our Program's curriculum is constantly changing to address the important issues to the field of landscape architecture.  One of the best way to learn more about our Program is to visit our campus and meet with one of the Landscape Architecture Program faculty and ours students.  Please call or email us to arrange a discussion and tour - 701-231-8508 or email: dcollito@plains.nodak.edu.  We can also provide a tour of the facilities.  Our facilities will be changing over the next year with the construction of a new addition for our students and the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library. The background on this page is a tree moving machice used by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted to move large trees into their  numerous city parks in the 1870's.  Today, similar machines are used to relocate trees into the designs of landscape architects around the world. (try these links)   GRAND FORKS LEVEE PROJECT Landscape Architecture & Practice Studying at NDSU Admissions/Transfer/Preparation Computer Empowerment Course Offerings Faculty Course Descriptions Program Options Activities Facilities Design Studios Fifth Year Portfolios       Landscape Architecture & Practice Landscape architects provide a wide variety of professional services to individuals, organizations, corporations, or government agencies. Landscape architects are involved in all phases of the development of a site, from the initial discussion of ideas through the construction of the project. Their duties require a variety of skills--site planning and design, site engineering, managerial and supervisory. They work with architects, planners, and engineers involving all aspects of our environment.  Landscape architects design and develop interpretive parks, arboretums, zoos, golf courses, playgrounds, recreation areas, and farmsteads. They also design multi-functional areas for urban renewal projects, college campuses, industrial parks, and new towns. Besides designing sites, landscape architects select building sites, prepare cost data, initiate long-range planning, select utility corridors, and prepare environmental impact statements.  When working on large projects or for large landscape architectural firms, landscape architects often specialize in one phase of the work such as project design or administration contracts. This often requires working with engineers, planners, and architects. Return To Top     Studying Architecture at NDSU The Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture offers a five-year course of study leading to a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. You may elect to receive a pre-professional degree at the end of four years. This degree is useful for those who want to enter graduate programs at other universities. The program is one of approximately fifty professional programs in landscape architecture in the United States and Canada that are accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board.  The first year of study addresses itself to the understanding of the environment and our impact on nature. This is accomplished through lectures, assigned readings, and environment-related projects. At the sophomore level students begin four years of study in landscape architectural design. The design courses involve individual and group projects. Other courses span the remaining four years ranging from the History of Landscape Architecture to Contemporary Issues. It is in the design labs that these courses are applied. Projects in landscape architecture design are often assigned much like a practicing landscape architect would receive them from a client. In the fourth year students become heavily involved with the use of computers in their studies, lectures, and construction courses. Return To Top Admission / Transfer / Preparation Selective Admission Eighteen to twenty landscape architecture majors are accepted into the second year of the curriculum. It is important to apply early and complete all freshman courses in the first year of Landscape Architecture.  Grades also need to be kept at a high level throughout the first year of the curriculum.  Transfer Students  Applying for admission early is necessary so all information is processed before the beginning of each academic year. Applications should include official transcripts from other institutions covering all course work completed prior to enrollment at NDSU. Transfer applicants are required to enter the Landscape Architecture program at the first-year level or second-year level if freshman credits are completed.  High School Preparation  The best courses to study in high school are those which would be recommended for any demanding college program--a positive mixture of courses in life sciences, chemistry, physics, geometry, humanities, and social sciences. Our five-year curriculum has little flexibility in courses required. Courses in mechanical drawing and architectural drawing are not necessary and in fact, may be less useful than general academic subjects and freehand drawing classes. Return To Top Computer Empowerment Program The rapid development of computer and communication technologies has created an urgent need for institutions of higher education to rapidly assimilate these technologies in the production and dissemination of knowledge. Current technology in the fields of computers and communications has made it possible for new paradigms to be adopted in the production and dissemination of knowledge.  The Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture at NDSU, as a part of the process of empowering its students with the latest in computer and communication technologies, is requiring that students being accepted into the architecture and landscape architecture programs purchase a notebook or laptop computer and software that is relevant for architecture and landscape architecture applications.Starting in the Fall Semester of 1996, each 2nd year student is required to purchase a laptop computer. Return To Top

 

Fall Semester				Spring Semester
First Year	Courses	Cr				Cr
LA 171	Environmental Design I (A)	3		LA 172	Environmental Design II (A)	3
ENGL 110	Freshman English (C)	3		LA 132	Introduction to Landscape Arch.	2
ANT 111	Introduction to Anthropology (B/D)			ENGL 111	Freshmen English (C)	3
MATH 124/146*	Math Requirement (R)	3		SPCM 110	Fund. of Public Speaking (C)	3
ART 161	Drawing I (AF)	3		C.S. 147	Micro Packages(S)	3
University 199	Univeristy  Academic Success	1			Welness (W)	2
	TOTAL	16			TOTAL	16
Second Year
LA 271	Landscape Architecture I			LA 272	Landscape Architecture II	4
LA 231	Landscape Architecture Graphics			CE 113	Surveying	2
LA 331	Introduction to Planting Design			ARS 225	Nat. Resources & Agroeco (S/G)	3
GEO 120/121	Physical Geology (S)  NOTE: a lab must be taken in Geology or Biology	3/1		PSY110 or SOC 112	Intro to Psychology (B) or Into to Sociology (B)	3
BIO 150	General Biology				Computer Elective	3
	TOTAL	15/16			TOTAL	15
Third Year
LA 371	Landscape Architecture III	4		LA 372	Landscape Architecture IV	4
LA 341	Site Development & Detailing I	3		LA 322	History of Land. Arch. (A)	4
ARCH 321	History of Architecture I (A)	3		LA 342	Site Development & Detailing II	3
ENG 320	Practical Writing (C)	3		LA 344	Site Development & Detailing Lab	2
HORT 355	Woody Landscape Plants	3			Electives/Option Area	4
	TOTAL	16			TOTAL	17
Fourth Year
LA 471	Adv. Landscape Architecture I			LA 472	Adv. Landscape Architecture II
LA 441	Site Development & Detailing III			LA 498	Contemporary Issues
LA 531	Adv. Planting Design (Ecology)				Electives
	Electives/Option Area				Option Area
	TOTAL	16			TOTAL	17
Fifth Year
LA 571	Adv. Landscape Architecture III	6		LA 572	Adv. Landscape Architecture IV	8
LA 590	Professional Seminar	2		LA 552	Landscape Planning/Theory	2
LA 561	Landscape Arch. Programming	2		LA 590	Professional Seminar	2
ARCH 582	Professional Practice	2			Electives/Option Area	4
	Electives/Option Area	4
	TOTAL	16			TOTAL	16
	Total minimum credit hours required for a Bachelor of Landscape  Architecture degree - 160

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PROGRAM FACULTY: Dennis Colliton, ASLA, Program Director Associate Profesor 701-231-8508 email: dcollito@plains.nodak.edu Tim Kennedy Assistant Professor 701-231-7317 email: tkennedy@badlands.nodak.edu Alison Krohn, ASLA Assistant Professor 701-231-8509 email:Alison_Krohn@ndsu.nodak.edu Joshua Walter, ASLA, Assistant Professor 701-231-8121  email: jowalter@plains.nodak.edu Return To Top COURSE DESCRIPTIONS & LINKS: 132 Introduction to Landscape Architecture 2 Credits A lab surveying the profession of landscape architecture through a range of graphic problem-solving techniques as a means of critical investigation of the landscape. 171 Environmental Design I - 3 Credits [Use current description for Architecture 171. Co-listed courses] 172 Environmental Design II - 3 Credits [Use current description for Architecture 172. Co-listed courses] 231 Landscape Architecture Graphics 1 - Credit An applied introduction to the range of communication techniques a landscape architect may be required to employ with an emphasis on graphic, written and verbal communication. Coreq. LA 271. 271 Landscape Architecture I - 4 Credits Studio course involving an introduction to universal design issues and basic landscape architectural design exercises dealing with site inventory and analysis, site programming, concept formation, concept development and presentation. Prereq. Major in LA Program and completion of LA 152. Coreq. LA 231 272 Landscape Architecture II - 4 Credits Studio course focusing on design options within the profession, site planning issues, planting design, communication, and design development. Prereq. Major in LA Program and LA 271. 322 History of Landscape Architecture 4 - Credits A global overview of the landscape developments from prehistoric civilizations through Twentieth-Century using styles and trends. An emphasis on design applications and problem solving is expanded throughout the semester. 331 Introduction to Planting Design 2/3 - Credits The lecture provides an understanding of plant habitats and those principles relating to design involving plant materials at varies design scales. A two credit lecture open to all majors and a three credit lecture and lab offered to majors and minors in Landscape Architecture. 341 Site Development and Detailing I - 3 Credits Introduction to site design issues with an emphasis on ecologically sound solutions including the beginning investigations into the site grading and drainage process. Prereq. LA majors LA 271 standing-ARCH majors AR 272 completion. 342 Site Development and Detailing II - 3 Credits Fundamental consideration, in lecture format, of site engineering issues and processes and landscape construction issues and processes. Emphasis includes site grading & drainage, construction systems/processes, and materials and assembly. Third year standing is advised for all non-majors. 344 Site Development and Detailing Lab - 2 Credits Applied practical exercises with a strong focus on grading and drainage and materials and assembly. Preparation of construction drawings and practical engagement of materials and processes. Coreq. LA 342. 371 Landscape Architecture III 4 - Credits Studio course involving visual problem solving and large-scale site planning issues. Emphasis on comprehensive analysis and application of design skills. Prereq. LA 272 and 1st & 2nd year requirements. 372 Landscape Architecture IV - 4 Credits Studio course providing focused design instruction in environmental-oriented housing issues. An emphasis involves construction development and detailing techniques Prereq. LA 371. 441 Site Development & Detailing III - 3 Credits An exploration into the use of computers and computer aided design as a part of the landscape architecture construction documentation process. This seminar/lab must be taken in conjunction with LA 471 in the Fall Semester. Prereq. LA 372. 471 Advanced Landscape Architecture I - 6 Credits Studio course involving regional systems inventory, visual survey, analysis techniques and methodologies for design problem solving through graphic, computer, and modeling development. Prereq. LA Majors only and LA 372 472 Advanced Landscape Architecture II - 6 Credits Studio course studying natural resource and land reclamation management techniques as part of contemporary design in landscape architecture. An emphasis on design research and investigation. Prereq. LA Majors only and LA 471. 496 Tale of Two City Design: Paris and London - 3 Credits Foreign study fieldtrip/seminar focusing the history, theories, and practices in landscape architecture, architecture, and open space planning.  A discusion in the design of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes.  The course is based on a London and Paris fieldtrip to study landscape planning and design of the regions.  Optional course available in the Summer of 1998 and 2000. 498 Contemporary Issues in Land. Architecture - 2 Credits Seminar involving analysis of the historic and contemporary issues of landscape architecture which impact the profession today. Prereq. 4th year standing in program or instructor permission - space available. 531 Advanced Land. Architecture Planting Design - 4 Credits Lecture and laboratory study of natural systems/ecology as related to landscape management, restoration/re-creation and contemporary planting/planning strategies. Offered in alternate years Fall of 1997 & 1999 552 Advanced Landscape Planning - 2 Credits Seminar/fieldtrip addressing the theories and practices facing the landscape architects and planners in the design of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes. This seminar is based on a field trip to an urban area to study the landscape planning and design of the region. 4th year standing or instructors approval. 561 Landscape Architectural Programming - 2 Credits Seminar devoted to the consideration and development of research methodology, design criteria and formal determinants as related to the completion of a  program as a design directive for the capstone 5th year design project. Coreq. LA 571.  571 Advanced Landscape Architecture III - 6 Credits A studio course involving environmental systems development and implementation. An emphasis on landscape architecture design development through graphic, computer, and modeling techniques. Prereq. LA Major and LA 472; Coreq. LA 561 572 Design Thesis - 8 Credits Capstone opportunity as a culmination of five years of design education. Student generated design topic is fully developed and realized from master planning through design development/detailing and documentation. Prereq. LA 561 and LA 571. 590 Professional Seminar I, II - 2 Credits Seminar involving readings and research related to historic and current issues in the profession of landscape architecture. Prereq. 5th year standing in program or instructors approval.

In design studios function and aesthetics of a project are carefully studied, along with the social and environmental conditions that limit the design solution. Project sites are inventoried, analyzed, and summarized to develop schematic layouts and preliminary sketches. Models, diagrams, and perspectives are used to investigate aspects of the design and to test the integration of all systems that are part of it--such as movement of people, building access and service points, site lighting, and climatic impact. At the same time, and with equal emphasis, students study the economic, social and psychological impact of their design proposals

 The following graphics are under constructions and will be modified as new student work is submitted to the website!

First Year Activities	LA 132:  Introduction to Landscape Architecture LA 171/172: Environmental Design I&II	The process of helping  students learn how to look at and know what they  are looking at is the first year landscape architecture educational  focus
Second Year Activities	LA 271/272: Design Studios   LA 331: Introduction to Planting Design   LA 341: Site Development & Detailing I	Analyzing small and  large sites is a major curriculum issue in second year of the Landscape Architecture Program.  Students explore explode many graphic and computer issues in the first year of design  studios.
Third Year Activites	LA 321: History of Landscape Architecture     LA 342: Site Development & Detailing II     LA 344: Construction Lab     LA 371/372: Design Studios	Students in the third year of the curriculum begin to expand into larger scale projects focusing on visual, planning, and design development projects. City of Grand Forks Flood Plain Reuse
Fourth Year Activities	LA 441: Construction Detailing           LA 471/472: Design Studios         LA 552: Landscape Planning	In the fourth year students broaden their knowing and understanding of the the field of landscape architecture through larger-scale projects and technical  refinements
Fifth Year Activities	LA 531: Advanced Planting Design     LA 571: Colliton's Design Studio LA 571: Walter's Studio Group     LA 572: Design Thesis	Link to Fall 1998 Sites The fifth year requires  studentsto become very independent in the their design and design development  decisions. In the 5th year a design thesis is  required.

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Fifth Year Portfolio/Student Web Pages Under re-construction Return To Top     Prospective students may schedule a visit by calling 1-800-488-NDSU.

Arch/LArch Webmaster Published by the Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Last Updated:6/16/00