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Jason:

Wow ! I just read the review of that book from the link you provided. Seems like an incredible bargain for what it appears to contain. Thank you very much for that recommendation. Since this is about books, I can tell  you about my experience with landscape architecture and urban planning books in China. The books, typically cover a rea…[Read more]

I can understand how you must feel. I remember being frustrated with my MLA programme at times because I felt they were not providing enough instruction on graphics and technical software. What they did do and what I’ve come to greatly appreciate now in my professional career is that they taught me a different way of thinking. Design cannot be t…[Read more]

Just got this one during my last trip up to from favorite bookshop, but you can order online from them. It nice and concise, as well as really cheap.  …[Read more]

I still reread parts of the textbook I had to get for my landscape history class. It’s called Design on the Land by Norman Newton. It starts with ancient Egypt and goes all the way up to modern landscape architecture.
The only other history-type landscape architecturish books I have read are about the history and form of cities: The City…[Read more]

Oh.  I was expecting something else.

Hmm. I think I could do a better job teaching that stuff if they are as you described.  However, it seems like a lot of design programs are like that.  You go in expecting to be told what to do and then you’re just told to go do it, then bring it in for critique.  That can be rather nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not used to criticism.  I k…[Read more]

Andrew,
Actually, a three year grad program is shorter than most BLA programs, isn’t it? I spent four years at University of Wisconsin for my bachelors. The masters program at U of Idaho typically takes three or four semesters, but you still need to get a BLA first. I think U of I still gives you the option of getting just a 4 year BLA, so there’s…[Read more]

My BSLA program also went from the ethereal to the downright tedious.  You may get a clearer picture by looking at/talking with the folks who are in the years ahead of you. 
Your entry reminded me of the feelings I had pretty much all the way through school!  With hindsight, I realize that I didn’t know enough then to know what I needed to know…[Read more]

Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your input.  THis school does not offer a BLA, and the process thus far has been costly (as was expected) and has transplanted me far from home.  Investigating the BLA elsewhere is not a bad idea.
Cheers.

Thanks Craig.  Would be great to learn the basics…form, scale, rhythm before having to produce detailed sketches of the landscape, that use these design principles.(Latest assignment: choose 2 works from 2 of the great masters and reproduce in exact detail in 18×24) Perhaps a BSLA is a better way for me to go. Thanks Again.

I wonder if a BLA would not be better both to give you the foundation to learn on and I’m not so sure that it won’t better prepare you to do wht you want to do. The words “Master’s Degree” seem to be a major sales ploy in universities these days. Some are phasing out having undergrad LA degrees accredited in order to keep students in school longer…[Read more]

It sounds like too much fun!! I wanna go back to school, the world of fantasy. Enjoy it. 3 years will be over before you know it. 

…and Italian landscapers….

By all means….I LOVE TREES !!!!!!!

Hello Leslie B:

First up, I would defer to Jason R  and Roland G.. as your counselors in this matter. I am not volunteering them  here. But, both do  have real world and recent  experience in the graduate school experience and have posted well-writtten and expressed pieces about what each went through. Your currrent experience and theirs might…[Read more]

Hi Alan,
I’m a registered landscape architect in Pittsburgh, PA and owner of a landscape architectural design-build firm. It sounds like you did everything you should have and performed in a completely professional manner. As difficult as these situations can be, try not to engage this person in any further discussion or debate. It sounds like th…[Read more]

Thanks Roland. Time permitting, the graphics courses sound like a good idea.

It does sound like you’re not getting a good introduction. I remember doing a lot of the same things you describe, but we got some introduction to drafting, etc. I’d say stay for the rest of the summer, then, if you aren’t getting what you want out of the program, switch to another school. If you do stay, but want a better introduction, try taking…[Read more]

Hi Jason,  thanks for your insightful response.  I don’t think I have an aversion to the fundamentals of the LA profession, its more along the lines that I don’t have any experience re a design foundation and thought the program would introduce these fundamental design principles.  I enjoy expressing my ideas visually (through photography and w…[Read more]

Did you look into the program with concerns to ecological restoration curriculum before you started? Most LA schools will not give you a good specialized education in that, and it seems like you have an aversion to the real fundamentals of the profession. If you think it is bad now, just wait until you get into a studio. LA is mostly about d…[Read more]