10 Great Places to Study Landscape Architecture in Asia

By Land8: Landscape Architects Network on February 26, 2015 No Comments / 13957 views

After covering United States and Europe, we look at 10 Great Places to Study Landscape architecture in Asia. In Indonesia, “pekarangan,” also known as home gardeners, are instrumental in developing and maintaining public open space. Just as in many other Asian countries, the reason there are grand gardens, palaces, plazas, and public parks is because of these dedicated home gardeners who have a connection to the land and a strong understanding of their climate, culture, and city. Throughout Asia, there are many universities that offer landscape architecture undergraduate and graduate degrees. All of them provide students with an opportunity to study local landscape history and culture. This list of 10 great places to study landscape architecture in Asia is comprised of universities that stand out due to program content, geographical region, international study opportunities, or other unique facets.

Study Landscape Architecture in Asia

(Click the name of any of the top 10, to go directly to their website) 1. Beijing Forestry University (China) Beijing Forestry University is a top institution specializing in forestry and environmental ecology in China. There are various university research centers, as well as student exchange programs available for those interested in expanding their studies and increasing their travel opportunities. Additional blog and news articles about the School of Landscape Architecture highlight how professors and students are active citizens in their town, city, and neighborhood by engaging in various volunteer and extra-curricular activities outside of the university. WATCH: Presentation of Mahasarakham University and 8th QS WorldClass 2015

2. Bogor Agricultural University (Indonesia) Located in Indonesia, Bogor Agricultural University offers a wide range of major classes, including site mapping and landscape managements. The focus at this university is on science and technology to support landscape architecture and on global responsible and sustainable development. The university offers various supporting classes, such as colloquium and seminar opportunities, to create a more holistic and collaborative learning environment. 3. Mahasarakham University (Thailand) This Thai public university with two campuses offers a variety of settings in the city and subdistricts to study urban design and landscape architecture. The degree program for landscape architecture is five years, culminating in a thesis and seminar in landscape architecture. Courses evaluate topics such as environmental management, housing, and real estate development, and park and recreation planning. WATCH: Picture overview of Beijing Forestry University

4. National University of Singapore (Singapore) This university is the oldest higher education institute in Singapore and has the largest student body and curriculum options. There is a two-year master’s of landscape architecture offered in the Department of Architecture in the School of Design and Environments. The unique element of this master’s program is that it focuses on the design of “urban and mega-urban elements of landscape architecture.” With opportunities to study and visit other countries and cities within Asia, the school focuses on educating designers who can solve problems in high-density population areas. If you’re looking for a school that addresses landscape design in rural or suburban areas, this is not the school for you. WATCH: NUS Campus Video

5. Seoul National University (South Korea) Within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is the Department of Landscape Architecture and Rural Systems Engineering. The Program in Landscape Architecture focuses on the exterior environments of urban and rural areas. One topic that was highlighted on the Seoul National University website was the training students gain in converting industrial lands to a multipurpose space for public use due to Korea’s limited natural resources. Specific research areas, including but not limited to historic preservation, environmental aesthetics, landscape history, and Geographic Information Services (G.I.S.), outline the program topics of study. WATCH: Seoul National University (SNU) Promotional Video

6. Tokyo University of Agriculture (Japan) According to the website of the Tokyo University of Agriculture, the Department of Landscape Architecture Services offers undergraduate studies in landscape architecture covering a wide range of studies. The school divides the curriculum into various laboratories that are similar to a studio course. Each laboratory has a set group of faculty instructors and topics to cover. Areas of study throughout the undergraduate degree program include gardening, rooftop gardening, urban re-vegetation methods, park design, planting of urban green space, landscape planning, nature conservation, and restoration of national parks. WATCH: Welcome to Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

7. Tunghai University ( Taiwan) I found the Department of Landscape Architecture page to be easy to navigate and complete with up-to-date information compared to some of the other Asian landscape architecture department pages I browsed through. This department in Taiwan was established in the early 1980s as a part of the College of Agriculture. The department focuses on training students to become landscape architecture professionals who are planners and designers, as well as resource and environmental conversationalists. I found the curriculum — including drawing, ecology, structures, and studios — to be quite similar to American universities. Additionally, there is a required internship credit as a part of the major requirements. Related Articles:

WATCH: 東海大學影音專區 Tunghai University ,Taiwan (not in English, but impressive visuals)

8. University of Hong Kong (China) At the University of Hong Kong, the Division of Landscape Architecture emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the degree program as well as ample study abroad opportunities. The program includes project-based and experiential learning. Since 1993, there is a four-year degree and a two-year postgraduate degree available. WATCH: Welcome to HKU (English)

9. University of Moratuwa (Sri Lanka) The University of Moratuwa is the most sought after technological university in Sri Lanka. While the landscape architecture program is young, it is a four-year program covering topics such as design communication, engineering, and plant science. The school is accredited, so graduates with experience are eligible to apply for membership in the Sri Lanka Institute of Landscape Architects (SLILA), which is also a part of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFL). WATCH: Possibly the most bizarre video you will ever see, coming out of a University (Viewed over 76,00 times)

10. Universiti Teknokolgi Malaysia (Maaysia) UTM is the oldest public engineering and technological university in Malaysia. The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree at UTM focuses on sensitive design. There are classes unique to the location of the university, including courses about local Malaysian dynamics, Islamic and Asian civilization, and tropical plants and studies. The undergraduate program culminates with a final comprehensive project. WATCH: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) – Corporate Video

Study Landscape Architecture in Asia

Remember to do your research and talk to as many experienced and knowledgeable students, faculty members, and advisers as possible when making the decision to study abroad. For some, study abroad programs suffice as an opportunity to immerse oneself in a new culture and understand design from a new perspective. But for others, completing an undergraduate or graduate degree in landscape architecture in Asia offers opportunities to learn a new language, travel, and pursue future career goals and dreams. There are many strong programs in various countries throughout Asia. The key, as always, is to find the program that suits you best. Recommended Reading: