Landscape Architecture (LARC)
An introduction to the physical design professions that emphasize design awareness, the design process, creativity and communication skills.
This course is an exploration of the historical roots of landscape design with an emphasis on the influence of past works on the present practice of landscape architecture.
The focus of this course is on the theory, process and vocabulary of spatial design. Students will explore the anthropometric, social, psychological, aesthetic and behavioural forces to which a designer must respond. The course also provides an introduction to design development and digital visual communication skills.
This course is an introduction to biophysical factors and their influence on design. Site assessment methods and data presentation techniques will be outlined. Students will learn to formulate and conduct site assessments that include resource inventories and the analysis for land use suitability.
This course introduces the visual, physical, and cultural characteristics of plants and their use. Students will apply design theory at a site specific scale using plants for a wide range of applications.
This course explores the identification and cultural requirements of native and introduced plants in cultivated and naturalized landscapes from a design perspective.
This course introduces earthwork, circulation, drainage and sub-grade utility networks and their connection to design through site grading. Field surveying, technical drawing, cut and fill calculations and quantity take-offs are introduced and applied.
This course is an introduction to the materials and techniques commonly used for landscape construction. Students will learn to prepare technical construction drawings and will develop a basic understanding of landscape architectural construction specifications and contracts.
This course provides an introduction to the evolution and history of planning in Canada. It strikes a balance between theoretical foundations of planning and practical application of planning policies within the Ontario context.
This course focuses on applying elements of the site planning process, including programming, site inventory and analysis, conceptual design, functional analysis and diagramming in design. The role of theory in site design is also emphasized as a primary element within this course.
This course provides lectures and projects that emphasize the integration of design theory, skills and knowledge using site scale and urban design projects as examples
This course introduces students to regional and intermediate scale projects emphasizing conservation, development and rehabilitation of landscapes. Projects will focus on biophysical, cultural and visual resources as primary design determinants.
This course provides exercises in urban design and master planning to provide an understanding of the integrative design process that considers ecological, technological, socio-economic, human and aesthetic factors in the land development process. Projects focus on land planning, community design, urban design, and public engagement.
This course offers an integrated approach to understanding the functioning of landscapes. The emerging theories, concepts and methodologies of landscape science and their application to landscape and environmental management will be discussed.
This course provides lectures and studio exercises that integrate construction documentation with site design. The technical procedures needed to direct design implementation including layout, grading, utility design and plan preparation related to site preparation are also examined as part of the course content.
This course covers the production of construction drawings, specifications, tenders, contract documents and cost estimates. There is an emphasis on digital tools and techniques in communicating construction documentation.
In this course each student establishes, in consultation with the faculty member chosen, the content of special study within the area of expertise of that instructor.
This course provides an integrated overview of professional issues involving practice, ethics, environmental concerns, government policy, research needs and professional responsibilities to society. Emphasis is placed on writing and oral presentations.
In this course, students will identify and select significant problems related to landscape architecture, and explore the scholarship related to problem identification and resolution. Students will use the knowledge and skills acquired in preceding courses to create an undergraduate thesis that emphasizes oral and written communication.
This course includes lectures and assignments dealing with professional ethics, organizations, contract law and procedures, relationships with clients, contractors and professional practitioners, office procedure and professional promotion practices and trends in landscape architecture.
Students will engage in a paid experiential learning opportunity working in a professional office. Students are mentored in aspects of landscape architecture practice by a registered Landscape Architect and the program coordinator. Students are required to submit weekly reports and two reflective work experience papers.
Students are required to submit a project work plan, prepare professional quality design and presentation drawings, and make formal presentations. Students are encouraged to select problems that require an interdisciplinary approach that integrate skills and knowledge obtained in previous courses to produce a comprehensive final design project.
This course is a faculty supervised independent study involving design competitions or other special projects and can be taught in either an individual or a group format.
Students participate in a case study supervised by a faculty member. Travel and field studies may be involved and may entail additional costs. Students are required to submit a major paper or project.