LA-LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE -- 2001-03 Catalog
Landscape Architecture Department

LA 109  Visual Literacy and Design Communication in Landscape Architecture (4)

A special course recommended for students transferring from the community colleges. The basics of visual literacy and design communication in landscape architecture. Topics also include plans, sections, oblique drawings and perspective views. 4 laboratories.

LA 110  Graphic Communication for Landscape Architects (3)

Communication through descriptive drawing and professional plan graphics, including theories of perspective. 3 laboratories.

LA 111  Three Dimensional Graphics for Landscape Architects (4)

Elements of three dimensional perception/visualization with emphasis on freehand and mechanical perspective drawing methods. Methods will also include presentation and rendering techniques. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 110 or consent of instructor.

LA 114  Landscape Analysis and Planning (4)

Research and analysis techniques of primary natural components of a landscape. Contour maps, aerial photographs, soil reports, climate and hydrologic studies, vegetation surveys, visual and sensory assessments, program analysis, suitability/sensitivity analyses, and ethics. Mapping, case study reviews, individual and team field studies, research and project analysis and land use planning. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 4 laboratories. Concurrent: SS 121.

LA 150  Graphics Fundamentals (6)

Elements of three dimensional perception/visualization with emphasis on freehand and mechanical perspective drawing methods. Exploration of two and three dimensional graphic techniques including presentation and rendering methods. 6 activities. Prerequisite: Transfer student status or consent of instructor.

LA 151  Design Fundamentals (7)

Exploration of design and planning projects on different scales and in different environmental settings including site, neighborhood, community, city, region. Introduction to principles of environmental design including basic elements and composition. Contextual understanding of landscape architecture and other environmental design disciplines; relationships of natural and cultural elements in the environment and the landscape architect's role in environmental design. Basic principles of design, composition, design process and the creation of spatial settings for human use. 7 activities. Prerequisite: Transfer student status or consent of instructor.

LA 201  Survey of Landscape Architecture (2)

Survey of the profession of landscape architecture from small space design to regional planning. Relationships between landscape architecture and society and professionals in related fields. 2 lectures.

LA 213  Site and Terrain Analysis (4)

Introduction to various inventory and analysis methodologies, case study reviews, mapping and overlay techniques, environmental ethics and an overall understanding of the function and structure of the natural landscape. Visual assessment, synthesis techniques and relating mapped analytical data with design program analysis for use in site planning. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Enrollment limited to CRP and LA majors.

LA 221  Native Plants for Landscape Architects (3)
(Also listed as BOT 221)

Introduction to the horticultural characteristics and landscape design potential of California native plants. Includes experiences in field identification, basic planting design, installation and maintenance techniques. Required field trips. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 114 or BOT 121 or consent of instructor.

LA 231  Landscape Architecture Construction (3)

Introduction and application of formulas, principles, and criteria for grading and drainage. Horizontal and vertical road alignment. Cut and fill calculations. Runoff calculations. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 3 laboratories. Concurrent: LA 252. Prerequisite: LA 114, BRAE 237, MATH 118/119.

LA 240  Additional Landscape Architecture Laboratory (1–3)

Total credit limited to 6 units, with a maximum of 3 units per quarter. 1–3 laboratories.

LA 251  Fundamentals of Design and Planning in Landscape Architecture (4)

Introduction to the principles of environmental design including basic design elements and composition. Exploration of landscape architectural design and planning projects in various scaled environmental settings including site, neighborhood, urban, regional. Contextual understanding of the relationships of natural and cultural elements in the environment and the landscape architect's role in environmental design. Basic principles of design, composition, design process and the creation of spatial settings for human use. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 110, LA 111, LA 114, or consent of instructor.

LA 252  Fundamentals of Site Planning and Design (4)

Elements of environmental and visual perception including three dimensional site planning and design principles. Spatial design and sequencing of spaces with concern for human behavior and social implications. Behavioral, environmental and natural site factors for program, concept, and design development. Plant characteristics, forms, and ecological conditions as related to landscape architectural design. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 251.

LA 253  Applied Design and Planning Fundamentals (5)

Focus on the application of basic design fundamentals to the design of different environments. Included will be development of the skills necessary for solving of grading and drainage problems related to landform manipulation. 5 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 252.

LA 300  Internship (3) (CR/NC)

Involvement in a work setting related to landscape architecture. Thirty hours work experience per unit of credit. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Third year standing in Landscape Architecture.

LA 310  Introduction to Computing in Landscape Architecture (2)

Introduction to computer software and hardware which is important to landscape architecture. Current issues and applications which can be used in the profession. Laboratory utilizes self-paced learning modules. Miscel-laneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Computer literacy elective or consent of instructor.

LA 311  History of Landscape Architecture (4)

Historical investigation of human activity and how it shaped environments. Consequences are examined for entire continents or as isolated statements in individual gardens. The metaphor of “garden” provides understanding for agrarian regions, urban spaces, and vernacular landscapes of the world. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

LA 313  Architectural Design for Landscape Architects (3)

Exposure to architectural design concepts and theories with attention given to historical and contemporary case studies. Discussions and field trips emphasize architectural implications of materials and methods of construction. 2 seminars, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Third-year standing.

LA 314  Site Planning (3)

Identifies the elements of a site and influences methods and examples of site planning for environmental design projects. Emphasis on interdisciplinary nature of site planning. Regulatory and technical requirements. Creation and evaluation of prototypical site planning projects. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Upper division standing in ARCH, LA, CRP or related discipline.

LA 318  Applications in GIS (3) (Also listed as FNR/GEOG 318)

ARC/INFO and ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS) computer software to explore natural resources, social and business issues, using spatial data. Develop data base, use software and apply with relevant natural systems. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: Junior standing, computer literacy or consent of instructor.

LA 320  Design Theory for Landscape Architects (3)

Complements the material and knowledge presented in the history of landscape architecture, architecture and art courses. Design theory and associated concepts as they are related to landscape architecture. Literature research and analysis of completed design projects. The artists/designers, materials and overall expressions of work are related to the social and economic issues of the time as well as their associations with the other arts and sciences. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: LA 311, LA 323, or consent of instructor.

LA 321  Concepts in Environmental Decision Making (3)

Investigation of theoretical and attitudinal bases of environmentally concerned disciplines. Ecology, perception, behavior and design studies as organizational principles and theories in developing understanding of interface between built and natural environments. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

LA 323  History of Twentieth Century Landscape Architecture (4)

Philosophies and ethics of important personalities in the environmental design disciplines of the twentieth century. Design theories supporting these individuals’ projects and the nature of their practice, combined with the great influential events in industry, the arts and sciences, politics, and society of this century. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: At least one course in either architecture, landscape architecture or planning history.

LA 344  Form and Materials (4)

Introduction to wide range of materials attendant to landscape architectural concerns and their use in contemporary professional practice. Issues attendant to the properties of diverse materials and their inherent qualities. Utilization of numerous tools and working process in the exploration of form generation. 2 lectures, 2 activities. Prerequisite: Third-year standing in Landscape Architecture.

LA 349  Advanced Planting Design (3)

Advanced examination of the theories and applied principles of planting design. Emphasis on connections between art and science in the design of parks, gardens and other landscapes. Case studies and field trips. 2 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: EHS 231, EHS 232 and EHS 381 or LA 221.

LA 351, 352  Design for Landscape Architects (5) (5)

Process oriented site design with emphasis on identification of problems and opportunities, creative problem solving, spatial design site analysis, landform, plantform, builtform, circulation, detail design and graphic communication. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 5 laboratories. Prerequisite for LA 351: LA 114, LA 253. For LA 352: LA 351.

LA 353  Design for Landscape Architects (6)

Completion of a comprehensive design project with sufficient complexity to encompass many fundamental design and technical decisions common to landscape architectural design and construction projects. Concept, design development, and working drawings will be prepared as a complete set. An emphasis on planting design, installation and irrigation as related to design and composition. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 6 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 352.

LA 363  Recreation and Open Space Planning and Design (3)

Planning and design methods for meeting leisure requirements. Issues of recreation and society. Relationship of recreation and open spaces, assessment of needs and supply of resources. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: Must have completed minimum of one 200-level course in planning, design or recreation and third-year standing or consent of instructor.

LA 400  Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1–3)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 6 units, with a maximum of 3 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

LA 401  Research Project (1) (CR/NC)

Research methods in landscape architecture and proposal writing techniques. Students prepare proposal and strategy for fifth year study in area of concentration. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 seminar. Prerequisite: LA 451 and LA 452.

LA 410  Information Systems in Landscape Architecture (2)

GIS applications using current software on advanced work stations. Basic GIS concepts including topological data structures, relational database concepts, data input techniques and issues and spatial analysis techniques. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: LA 451, LA/FNR 318 or consent of instructor.

LA 411  Regional Landscape History (3)

Developmental history of the landscape in the western region with specific focus on the Basin and Range region and California. One or more field trips required. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: Fourth year standing or consent of instructor.

LA 441  Professional Practice I (2)

Theoretical and practical aspects of professional practice. Addressing professional, human, and business skills. Practice diversity and inter-professional relationships. Professionalism and ethics. Licensure, communication skills, office management and marketing. Construction documentation. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: LA 351.

LA 442  Professional Practice II (2)

Practical aspects of professional practice. Addressing methods of contracting professional services. Project management procedures, office practice and conditions. Goal setting, resume and portfolio preparation. Job procurement and licensure requirements. 2 lectures. Prerequisite: Fourth year standing, LA 441.

LA 451  Regional Landscape Assessment (6)

Emphasis on regional landscape assessment and design techniques utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) techniques. Land planning and design issues in regional scale environments. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 6 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 353 or consent of instructor.

LA 452  Urban Design Collaborative for Landscape Architects (5)

Emphasis in urban and community design issues related to landscape architecture; scales of investigation and application; community involvement techniques. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 5 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 353.

LA 454, LA 455, LA 456  Design for Landscape Architects
(4) (4) (4)

Advanced design studio. Emphasis is on complex design problems and special environmental situations or interdisciplinary work and involvement in current design issues. At least one course in the series must be self-directed. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: Completion of fourth-year design sequence (LA 451, LA 452, LA 461).

LA 461  Senior Design Project (5)

Student selection and completion of approved design or research project sufficient in scale and complexity to encompass issues common to landscape architecture. Time management, documentation, and communication skills emphasized. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 5 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 442, LA 451, LA 452.

LA 464  Senior Seminar (1) (CR/NC)

Identification and exploration of problems and opportunities in the environmental design field. Intensive thinking, research and discussion of issues relating to local, regional or global significance. To be taken each quarter during fifth year. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 seminar. Prerequisite: Fifth-year standing in Landscape Architecture.

LA 470  Selected Advanced Topics (1–4)

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1–4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

LA 471  Selected Advanced Laboratory (1–4)

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1–4 laboratories. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

LA 474  Collaborative Studio:  Rendering, Animation and Modeling (4) (Also listed as ARCH 474/ART 474)

A collaborative visualization and design studio focusing on rendering, animation and modeling. Modeling and animation software for design conceptualization and expression. Collaboration in teams with students from the College of Architecture and Environmental Design and the Art and Design Department. Total credit limited to 8 units. 2 lectures, 2 activities. Prerequisite: ART 335 or ARCH 350 or LA 310, ARCH 460 or consent of instructor.

LA 481  Visual Resource Management Methods (3)

Investigation and application of the major visual resource management methods relevant to landscape architecture. Theoretical basis for visual resource assessment, the different assessment techniques, and the process of translating assessment results into visual resource management techniques. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Fourth-year standing or graduate standing, or consent of instructor.

LA 482  Evaluating Social and Behavioral Factors for Open Space Design (3)

User oriented approach to open space design. Interview and survey techniques, behavioral trace mapping and systematic observation, post occupancy evaluation and similar methods are used to generate user input and feedback in the design process. Understanding the behavioral implications of designed environments. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Fourth-year or graduate standing or consent of instructor.

LA 483  Special Studies in Landscape Architecture (1–12)

Special issues and problems through research, field trips, seminars and other forms of investigation and involvement. Course requirements are determined prior to each individual project through a contractual agreement between students and department. Departmental Off Campus Study Program guidelines apply. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. Total credit limited to 36 units. 1–12 activities. Prerequisite: Fourth or fifth year standing, or consent of instructor.

LA 485  Cooperative Education Experience (6) (CR/NC)

Part-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Total credit limited to 16 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

LA 495  Cooperative Education Experience (12) (CR/NC)

Full-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid and usually require relocation and registration in course for two consecutive quarters. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Total credit limited to 16 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Junior standing and consent of instructor.

LA 551  Regional Landscape Assessment I (4)

Definition, research and filing of data covering the biological, cultural and physical resources of a specific region. Concepts of regionalism, land planning, reclamation and preservation are integral to the course. Utilization of mainframe and microcomputer facilities and software. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

LA 552  Regional Landscape Assessment II (4)

Application of data manipulation techniques in order to model both impacts on natural systems and land development potentials. Use of planning strategies to predict outcomes resulting from the land use decision process. Utilization of mainframe and microcomputer facilities and software. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 551 and graduate standing.

LA 585  Cooperative Education Experience (6) (CR/NC)

Advanced study analysis and part-time work experience in student's career field; current innovations, practices, and problems in administration, supervision, and organization of business, industry, and government. Must have demonstrated ability to do independent work and research in career field. Total credit limited to 9 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.

LA 595  Cooperative Education Experience (12) (CR/NC)

Advanced study analysis and full-time work experience in student's career field; current innovations, practices, and problems in administration, supervision, and organization of business, industry, and government. Must have demonstrated ability to do independent work and research in career field. Total credit limited to 9 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of instructor.