Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architects plan, design, manage, and nurture built and natural environments. With their unique skill set, landscape architects work to improve human and environmental health in all communities. Virginia Tech’s accredited Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree combines design and design-thinking, creative invention and problem-solving, natural and human sciences, and community collaboration.
Landscape Architecture Program faculty guide students as they develop their skills and knowledge, and explore their place as designers and planners of the built environment. As students develop as independent thinkers, they develop and expand greater understandings of the complex interrelationships between people and the physical environment. They explore more sustainable and resilient futures through planning, designing, and managing landscapes that integrate natural processes, public and individual needs, and societal vision. Students often engage with communities across the region to address real issues on real sites.
During the first year, landscape architecture students enroll in design studios and take foundational courses in natural systems, landscape thinking, and representation. The interdisciplinary studio addresses two and three dimensional design, form making, and design thinking. The spring studio adds place-making and landscape. Students study foundaitonal elemens of design theories and practices that explore design prcesses and discvoery through experimentation as they develop critical design-thinking, aesthetic, judgement and means of self-evaluation. The studios integrate craft, art, and technology in design exercises and projects exploring space, place, and landscape.
The second and third year students continue to use discovery-based learning and the pursuit of individual excellence to provide a srong professional education necessary for entry into an increasingly dynamic and expanding profession. Ecological and environmental systems, and socio-cultural concepts are introduced to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the natural and human systems fundamental to the practice of landscape architecture. These are applied in studio projects and landscape technology courses using real sites and addressing real world issues. Studio projects often work with Virginia communities to help envision improved landscapes and places that meet community needs.
The summer between the third and fourth year, students undertake a design research-focused study while paricipating in an interdisciplinary education abroad program. Direct experience and study of the design, culture, and 'sense of place' of other places increases knowledge of design traditions, contemporary practices, and enriches one's sense of self. Students are also encouraged to purse professional internships or employment. These individual pursuits prepare students to enter and then advance the profession by building upon contemporary practices while addressing challenges in the built environment.
The BLA curriculum culminates in the research-based, self-directed senior project informed by reflective design practices. Students completing the BLA program are expected to develop and demonstrate their ability to enter practice guided by well-founded intellectual and ethical positions. Students' individual projects incorporate multiple dimensions of problem-solving, and demonstrate professional expectations and capabilities in project design-detailing and communication.