Studies & Degrees in Urban Landscape

Choose where you would like to study Urban Landscape:

Landscape Architecture is concerned with the way urban space is designed, organized, and used in cities and towns. Urban and Landscape designers work towards the planning and utilization of residential, business, industrial, and recreational areas, ensuring a pleasant and enjoyable environment for all residents. Urban Landscape architects and designers have a direct influence on how public space is utilized. For example, the decision of where to build a green park can make a significant difference in a cosmopolitan city, consisting mainly of concrete, metal and glass buildings.

Another interesting area that urban landscape design and architecture covers is the inclusion of historic landmarks or buildings into the modern structure of cities. It is the responsibility of the Landscape designer to naturally blend modern style with historic culture, giving the city a well-rounded look, providing for both children (i.e. playgrounds) and elderly and disabled people.

Finally, urban landscape is also heavily involved into finding the right balance between residential and business areas, depending on the city or town and the major occupations its citizens are involved in.

Personal Qualities

Highly responsible, organized people are suited for such a profession. Having in mind that this job may influence the well-being of large groups of people, urban design architects need to possess exceptional analytical, problem-solving and communication skills. Further qualities include:

• Planning and time-management
• Design talent
• Creativity and artistic flair
• Take on the initiative
• Able to work both independently and as a part of a team

Study Options

To be involved in Urban Landscape, you need to have an undergraduate degree at the very least. With the many responsibilities involved, combined with the complicated nature of the job, it is quite likely that you would also need to gain some form of license after completing your education. Furthermore, Landscape Architecture is a chartered profession, which suggests that you will need at least a first degree and then continue studying while you work, so that you can become a chartered landscape architect.

The degree of Landscape Architecture is not one of the very widely-spread ones, and is usually available in the Faculty of Architecture. Other similar courses are often available, which include project management, design concepts, and specialized design software. Not to forget that in order to improve your employability upon graduation, you should seek a well-recognized institution in this particular field.

Career Options

Most graduates in this area of expertise start their careers in landscape architecture firms, building their way up in the hierarchy. A good range of jobs are available within established firms, but urban architecture specialists can also work for government agencies, where they review submissions for planning permissions, overview the designs of an area to ensure overall cohesion, or evaluate the environmental impact of certain designs.

For more experienced landscape architects, there is the option to become course instructors or professors in landscape architecture schools. They also write articles and books on these topics, the prerequisites for which are sound education and experience.

Finally, professional consulting is also very popular landscape architect job within the specialists who have been practicing for at least ten years, and have built a good image as professionals. They analyze design proposals provided by others, liaise with owners, and participate in the decision-making process.