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Design and the Environment


Course Description

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 1500


Non-Traditional Format

This course will be taught 95% or more online.


Semester Course Offered

Offered every year.


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)
  • Week 14 Urban Design
  • Week 15 The Regional Landscape

Syllabus