LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Program Options & Information
Landscape Architecture program ( printer-friendly PDF )
The Landscape Architecture Program at West Valley College is primarily a blend of art and science. Landscape Architecture focuses on natural systems and cultural processes in the planning, design, and management of sustainable landscapes for this and future generations. Students of Landscape Architecture are capable of solving complex environmental problems and are able to communicate effective solutions.
The Program in Landscape Architecture at West Valley College emphasizes a process-oriented approach to problem solving while encouraging sensitivity toward community values and ecological principles. Students will develop creative ability and technical skills through a range of exercises and projects relating to recreation and open space planning, plant selection, park design, landscape reclamation and preservation, resource management, and urban planning and design, as well as learning applications for residential, commercial, and institutional landscape environments.
The program is recognized by the California State Board of Landscape Architects. Students are prepared for rewarding professional careers or transfers to advanced university programs. Graduates are employed in a wide range of important environmental and design-related roles.
Career Paths
- Landscape Architects
- Draftspersons
- Landscape Industry Representatives
- Planners
- Designers
- Contractors
- Resource Managers
Associate of Science in Landscape Architecture
Learning Outcomes
- Communicate effectively and professionally in the landscape architectural environment through proper use of verbal, written and graphic techniques.
- Apply mathematical skills to solve technical problems associated with landscape architectural drawings.
- Develop landscape architectural drawings including construction drawings, and presentation drawings.
- Use computer graphics applications associated with landscape architectural projects.
- Select landscape construction materials based upon their properties and methods of installation.
- Apply building codes, zoning codes, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
- Demonstrate creativity and problem-solving abilities in landscape design for residential, commercial, and public sites.
- Use standard dimensions for space planning and human occupancy using Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards.
- Identify different types of landscape plants during the four seasons.
- Demonstrate creative abilities in landscape plant composition.
- Identify professional, ethical and societal responsibilities including respect for diversity.
| Associate of Science in Landscape | ||
| Major Requirements (45 Units) | ||
| Course Number | Title | Units |
| Arch 050 | Construction Materials & Methods | 3 |
| Arch 051 | Architectural Graphics: Drawing & Sketching | 3 |
| Arch 053 | Introduction to Architectural & Environmental Design | 2 |
| Arch 054 | Introduction to Architectural Desktop | 3 |
| Arch 056 | Basic Architectural Design | 3 |
| Arch 057 | Architectural Model Making | 1 |
| Arch 072 | History of Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| Arch 073 | Introduction to Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| Arch 074 | Landscape Design I | 3 |
| Arch 075 | Landscape Design II | 3 |
| Arch 076 | Landscape Construction Technology | 3 |
| Arch 077 | GIS Applications to Architecture & Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| Arch 081 | Landscape Plants: Summer & Autumn | 3 |
| Arch 082 | Landscape Plants: Winter & Spring | 3 |
| Arch 083 | Plant Composition | 2 |
| Arch 084 | Sustainability in Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| Required Electives (5 Units): Select from below | ||
| Course Number | Title | Units |
| Arch 052 | Architectural Graphics: Advanced Rendering | 3 |
| Arch 055 | Architectural Building Codes | 5 |
| Arch 061 | Architectural Design I | 3 |
| Arch 062 | Architectural Design II | 3 |
| Arch 065 | Advanced Architectural Desktop & 3D Rendering | 3 |
| Total Number of Units | 50 | |
Certificate in Landscape Architecture
Learning Outcomes
- Communicate effectively and professionally in the landscape architectural environment through proper use of verbal, written and graphic techniques.
- Apply mathematical skills to solve technical problems associated with landscape architectural drawings.
- Develop landscape architectural drawings and presentation drawings.
- Use computer graphics applications associated with landscape architectural projects.
- Select landscape construction materials based upon their properties and methods of installation.
- Demonstrate creativity and problem-solving abilities in landscape design for residential, commercial, and public sites.
- Use standard dimensions for space planning and human occupancy using Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards.
- Identify professional, ethical and societal responsibilities including respect for diversity.
| Certificate in Landscape Architecture | ||
| Major Requirements (28 Units) | ||
| Course Number | Title | Units |
| Arch 050 | Construction Materials & Methods | 3 |
| Arch 051 | Architectural Graphics: Drawing & Sketching | 3 |
| Arch 054 | Introduction to Architectural Desktop | 3 |
| Arch 057 | Architectural Model Making | 1 |
| Arch 065 | Advanced Architectural Desktop & 3D Rendering | 3 |
| Arch 072 | History of Landscape Architecture | 3 | Arch 073 | Introduction to Landscape Architecture | 3 |
| Arch 074 | Landscape Design I | 3 |
| Arch 075 | Landscape Design II | 3 |
| Arch 076 | Landscape Construction Technology | 3 |
| Total Number of Units | 28 | |
Last updated June 2009