LA-LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE – 2005-07 Catalog
Landscape Architecture Department

LA 101  Introduction to Landscape Architecture (4)

Introduction to the profession of landscape architecture and orientation to the department curriculum and learning processes. 3 lectures, 1 recitation.

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. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Concurrent: SS 121.

LA 130  Landscape Interpretation (4)

Introduction to the relationships between culture and art, architecture and the natural environment through the description and exploration of significant landscapes and related societies and cultures. 4 lectures.

LA 170  Principles of Design Communication (4)

Overview of design communications for landscape architects incorporating the principles, techniques, skills and tools used in design generation, exploration, review and implementation. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 101; concurrent: LA 202.

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 202  Design Fundamentals I (4)

Introduction to the principles, methods and elements of two- and three-dimensional design in order to communicate intended concepts and meanings. Exploration of the basic design elements including composition, design process and the creation of spatial settings. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 101, LA 130; concurrent: LA 170.

LA 203  Design Fundamentals II (4)

Continuation of ideas introduced in LA 202 with the introduction of environmental and visual perception, including three-dimensional site design and landscape architectural design principles. Spatial design and sequencing of space with concern for human behavioral, environmental and natural site factors and generation of program, concept and design development. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 202, LA 170; concurrent: LA 220.

LA 204  Design Fundamentals III (4)

Continuation of ideas introduced in LA 202 and LA 203 with the introduction of the principles of design theory, landscape ecology and technical applications. Problems of increasing complexity incorporate critical and creative problem solving, the relationship of aesthetics, response to human needs and design for sustainable environments. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 203, LA 220; concurrent: LA 241.

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 220  Landscape Ecology: Concepts, Issues and
Interrelationships (4)

Concepts, theories and techniques related to landscape analysis, ecology, planning and design with an emphasis on landscape assessment, sustainability, land health, environmental protection and restoration, and natural resource management. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: LA 101, LA 202, LA 170, BOT 121; concurrent: LA 203.

LA 221  California Plants and Plant Communities (4)
(Also listed as BOT 221)

Introduction to the horticultural characteristics and landscape design potential of California native plants, California plant communities and associated vernacular plants. Includes experiences in field identification, basic planting design, installation techniques and maintenance requirements. Required field trips. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: 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. 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 241  Site Engineering Techniques and Applications (4)

Introduction and application of the techniques, methods, principles and criteria for site engineering and landform design. Includes an introduction to soil science, survey methods, and experiences in the principles, procedures and application of site grading and drainage for landscape architecture. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 220, MATH 118/119; concurrent: LA 204.

LA 242  Implementation Strategies (4)

Introduction and application of the methods, principles and criteria for landscape implementation. Encompasses fundamental design and technical decisions common to landscape architectural design and construction projects including the development of concept, design development and working drawings, and construction management process. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: LA 204, LA 241; concurrent: LA 243.

LA 243  Materials and Techniques of Landscape Construction (4)

Introduction to the properties, uses and inherent qualities of the fundamental materials of landscape architectural concerns and associated construction techniques and processes. Materials and techniques explored as a source of design ideas, form and expression in landscape architecture. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: LA 204, LA 241; concurrent: LA 242.

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. 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. 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 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. Miscellaneous course fee required–see Class Schedule. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Prerequisite: Computer literacy elective or consent of instructor.

LA 317  The World of Spatial Data and Geographic Information Technology (4)        GE Area F
(Also listed as BIO/FNR/GEOG 317)

Basic foundation for understanding the world through geographic information and the tools available to utilize spatial data. Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies, including their scientific basis of operation. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: A course in computer science, completion of Area B, and junior standing.

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

ARC/INFO and ArcView Geographic Information System (GIS) computer software to explore environmental, natural resource, social and economic issues using spatial data. Develop and apply data base and software management competencies. 1 lecture, 2 laboratories. Prerequisite: Junior standing, computer literacy or consent of instructor.

LA 320  Design Theory for Landscape Architects (4)

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. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: LA 341, LA 342, 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 330  Cultural Landscapes: People, Places and Ethical
Decisions (4)

Investigation of the complexities and interrelatedness of culture, environment and ethical decisions. Interpretation of personal and cultural values and ethics in terms of decisions made and behaviors and actions expressed in the built landscape. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Prerequisite: LA 341, LA 342; concurrent: LA 320.

LA 341  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 342  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 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 I, II (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. 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. 6 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 352.

LA 363  Recreation and Open Space Planning and Design (3)  (4)

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, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Must have completed minimum of one 200-level course in planning, design or recreation and third-year standing or consent of instructor. Change effective Spring 2007.

LA 370  Professional Practice (4)

Issues related to the practice of landscape architecture incorporating processes, procedures and outcomes of professional practice. Topics include professional ethics, business and legal aspects of the profession, relationships to the client and society, personal goal setting, resume and portfolio preparation. 4 lectures. Prerequisite: LA 204.

LA 371  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 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 402  Design Theory and Exploration Focus Studio (4)

Exploration and application of design theory, exploratory design process and form exploration to design and planning projects. Emphasis on incorporation of inquiry techniques based on the synthesis of interdisciplinary frameworks of art and design theory with historical and cultural issues. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 204, LA 341, LA 342; prerequisite or concurrent: LA 320; concurrent: Integrated Learning Course (ILC) of student’s option.

LA 403  Natural Environments Design Focus Studio (4)

Assessment, exploration and integration of landscape ecology, sustainability and environmental planning to design and planning projects. Emphasis on interpretation and application of environmental and ecological issues at a range of design scales. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 204, LA 220, LA 341, LA 342; concurrent: Integrated Learning Course (ILC) of student’s option.

LA 404  Cultural Environments Design Focus Studio (4)

Assessment, exploration and interpretation of cultural values, issues and landscapes to design and planning projects. Emphasis on observation and inquiry of diverse cultural settings, differences in cultural values and personal ethics in the design process. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 204, LA 341, LA 342; concurrent: Integrated Learning Course (ILC) of student’s option.

LA 405  Project Design and Implementation Focus Studio (4)

Development, exploration and integration of project design and implementation strategies to design and planning projects. Emphasis on creative and exploratory problem solving, spatial design, project resolution, and graphic communication. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 204, LA 243, LA 242, LA 241; concurrent: Integrated Learning Course (ILC) of student’s option.

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. 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 431  CAD and Digital Media Communications (ILC) (4)

Integrated Learning Course (ILC) to assist integration and application of computer-aided drafting (CAD) skills in coursework, project planning and design studio courses. Focus on CAD skills and integration of digital media. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 activities. Prerequisite: LA 170, LA 204; concurrent: Design Focus Studio of student’s option.

LA 432  Landscape Ecology Applications (ILC) (4)

Integrated Learning Course (ILC) to assist integration and application of landscape ecology principles in project planning and design studio courses. Focus on understanding and developing a framework for ecological planning and design to anticipate consequences of planning and design decisions. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 activities. Prerequisite: LA 220, LA 221; concurrent: Design Focus Studio of student’s option.

LA 433  Cultural Environments (ILC) (4)

Integrated Learning Course (ILC) to assist integration and application of culture, environment and personal ethics in coursework, project planning and design studio courses. Focus on skills, distinctions and integration of analyzing the cultural landscape, understanding diverse cultural values and assessing personal ethics. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 activities. Prerequisite: LA 341, LA 320, LA 330; concurrent: Design Focus Studio of student’s option.

LA 434  Project Design and Implementation (ILC) (4)

Integrated Learning Course (ILC) to assist integration and application of project design principles and implementation strategies in project planning and design studio courses. Focus on skills, techniques and decisions of the design, documentation and construction processes. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 activities. Prerequisite: LA 241, LA 242, LA 243; concurrent: Design Focus Studio of student’s option.

LA 435  Professional Practice (ILC) (4)

Integrated Learning Course (ILC) to assist integration and application of professional practice principles and techniques in planning and design studio and internship courses. Focus on achieving a high level of professional quality, ethical concern, and legal responsibility in project work. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 activities. Prerequisite: LA 370; concurrent: Design Focus Studio of student’s option.

LA 436  Traditional and Digital Media Communications (ILC) (4)

Integrated Learning Course (ILC) to assist integration and application of graphic communication and presentation skills in coursework, project planning and design studio courses. Focus on skills, distinctions and integration of traditional and digital media explorations. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 activities. Prerequisite: LA 170, LA 202, LA 203, LA 204; concurrent: Design Focus Studio of student’s option.

LA 437  3D Digital Design Communications (ILC) (4)

Integrated Learning Course (ILC) to assist integration and application of 3D digital graphic communication and presentation skills in coursework, project planning and design studio courses. Focus on skills and integration of three-dimensional digital media explorations. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 activities. Prerequisite: LA 170, LA 204; concurrent: Design Focus Studio of student’s option.

LA 438  GIS Application to Design Projects (ILC) (4)

Integrated Learning Course (ILC) to assist integration and application of geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial information into focus design studio courses. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 activities. Prerequisite: LA 220; concurrent: Design Focus Studio of student’s option.

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. 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. 5 laboratories. Prerequisite: LA 353.

LA 454, LA 455, LA 456  Design for Landscape Architects I, II, III
(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 Focus Studio (4)

Comprehensive landscape architectural design and research project showing professional level competency in the integration of design theory, landscape architectural principles and project resolution. Emphasis on creative resolutions, organization and communication skills and technical abilities in program generation, design process, design and research. Total credit limited to 8 units. 4 laboratories. Prerequisite: Completion of Design Focus Sequence (20 units from LA 402-LA 405).

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 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. 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.

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.