The built environment and its effects on natural systems. Focus is on the design of the built environment as an ongoing activity integrating ecological, social, and cultural values. Topics include land use patterns and policies, development and resource management, community design issues, and strategies for improving environmental integrity and quality of life.
Athena Title
Design and the Environment
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in LAND 1500E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will describe, understand, interpret, and critique the designed/built environment from a variety of cultural, artistic, and scientific perspectives.
Students will understand the impact and role the designed/built environment has upon our knowledge of the human condition.
Students will gain an understanding of the cultural, physical, and aesthetic impacts “man” has had on the natural and built environment.
Students will learn how thoughtful design can mitigate “man’s” impacts at a variety of project scales.
Students will gain an understanding of landscape architectural design thinking and practice.
Topical Outline
Week 1 Course Introduction
Week 2 Human Habitat and Sustainability
Week 3 Climate
Week 4 Water
Week 5 Land
Week 6 Vegetation
Week 7 The Visual Landscape
Week 8 Site Spaces
Week 9 Structures
Week 10 Circulation
Week 11 Landscape Planting
Week 12 Site Planning
Week 13 The Planned Environment and Community Planning (two chapters)
