Courses and Schedule

TM570

Environmental Systems I: HVAC

Designed as a follow-up course to Energy and Air Quality Principles, this course covers environmental systems fundamentals, HVAC system types, ventilation requirements, demand-controlled and energy recovery ventilation, underfloor-air systems, air distribution, fuel choices, understanding energy efficiency, zero-energy... More

LAC106

Landscape Institute Design Studio I

This studio explores the process of designing a landscape from the initial inspiration to the finished design. The class begins by abstracting design principles from art. Using landforms as the primary form and space generator, we will explore themes of movement, passage, repose, and threshold. Students are asked to reduce... More

LAC109

Landscape Institute Design Studio IV

This year long studio is the culmination of the design sequence for the Landscape Design Certificate. Design IV is a design and professional practice alternative to Independent Projects. Design IV will focus on a design project, probably for a local non-profit. In conjunction with design, the studio will include... More

LAC108

Landscape Institute Design Studio III

This studio applies landscape design theory and methods to the New England landscape. Projects have been selected to expose students to the diversity of landscape types and the unique design challenges New England presents. Each project involves many aspects of professional practice, including research, analysis,... More

LAC107

Landscape Institute Design Studio II: Methods - Designing Landscape Systems

This studio continues to build on basic design principles including graphic expression, spatial definition, proportion and scale. The focus will be on spatial and environmental systems. Students hone their conceptual thinking and learn to successfully incorporate the dynamics of the site including: soils, topography,... More

LAC301

Landscape Institute Independent Project Studio

The Independent Project studio provides an intensive, twice-monthly, two-semester curriculum in which students who have completed the Independent Project Preparation Workshop continue to explore and develop their design thesis in a rigorous and supportive setting. In the Fall Semester, students focus on the first stages of... More

HT039

Research & Resources in Landscape Studies

Whether you are writing a serious research paper on a historic theme, investigating background on a property to be conserved, or trying to find correct plants for a garden restoration, you need good information. Much time and anxiety can be saved by knowing not only where to look but also how to structure your search.... More

HT050

History of Landscape Design:Renaissance to 1900

This course is a comprehensive survey of the development of landscape architecture from the Renaissance to 1990. The principal theme is the integral relationship between architecture and landscape design. Students examine the work of major designers including André Le Nôtre, Capability Brown, Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., and... More

HT001

Contemporary Landscape as Art:Earth, Wind, Stone

Modern site-specific installations and landscape art are a rich resource for the contemporary designer, highlighting environmental and social issues. This seminar explores the evolution of the modern landscape from the mid-20th century to the contemporary scene. Students will analyze the materials, function and execution... More

HT043

Historic Landscape Preservation Theory

This course tracks the development of landscape preservation from its roots in nineteenth-century theories of monument preservation to the most recent ideas about heritage and landscape. Topics include the restoration of Le Nôtre gardens by the Duchênes, the estate preservation work of the National Trust of Great Britain,... More

HT021

Plants in Preservation Practice

Plants pose a significant challenge in the growing concern for preserving historic landscapes. Plants are the most visible feature of the landscape and the most vulnerable. They are subject to damage, loss, and changes in horticultural fashion. Not all of these changes can be stopped or reversed, even by the most... More

AS011

Planting Design Composition

Learn now to select, find, group and space plants as part of the garden design process. Students will look at creating structure in the garden using woody plants, infilling with bi-annuals and perennials and adding seasonal color with bulbs, annuals and tender perennials. The main emphasis will be on using plants to shape... More

AS027

Site Inventory for Sustainable Landscaping

This course introduces students to the skills they will need to rough-map the existing landscape, beginning with plant identification — native, invasive and cultivated — and progressing to potential habitat indicators. Students will explore site hydrology and nutrient flows, and understand selected soil parameters, and the... More

TM045

Landscape Institute: Site Engineering I

Site engineering is an art and a science, both functional and aesthetic. This course introduces students to theprinciples and fundamental concepts of landform design and site grading. Students will learn to manipulate contours and direct water flow, as it is applied to landform design and supporting the proposed project... More

TM021

Landscape Institute: Construction Materials & Methods

Design intention is expressed by the selection of materials and construction details, and the methods by which they are applied. This studio will survey construction materials, standard details, and design considerations for building on the land. The first half of the course will focus on engineering concerns and aspects... More

VS011

Introduction to Landscape Institute Drafting & Graphics

Designed for students with little or no experience in drafting, this online course focuses on the fundamentals of landscape design drawing necessary to communicate design ideas with confidence. Drafting techniques to improve line quality, lettering, rendering, drawn annotations, and organization of information will be... More

VS026

Drawing the Garden Landscape

This module gives students an opportunity to gain confidence and experience in their drawing skills. Classes focus on methods for using pencil, pen and ink, colored pencil, and watercolor pencil. Particular attention will be paid to techniques for drawing individual plant specimens, group assemblages, plants in a landscape... More

SEM050

Landscape Institute Workshop:SketchUp Workshop for Landscape Designers

This class introduces students to digital representation and quick concept production in digital 3D using the program Google SketchUp. SketchUp is a free and easy-to-learn program that enables designers to quickly model designs for both study and final presentations. The class will provide an introduction to the... More

TM022

Residential Design, Communication & Management

For the experienced student or beginning design professional, this class offers an apprentice-style experience in designing a residential site for an actual client. The focus will be less on design itself than on the client/designer relationship and project management. We will discuss techniques for producing persuasive... More

SEM003

Landscape Institute: Independent Project Workshop II

Course Description TBD More

TM047

Landscape Institute: Professional Practice

This course is open to advanced Landscape Institute students and to practitioners who wish to reexamine their professional direction. It teaches the skills required to start and manage a practice in landscape design history or landscape design/build/maintenance. Students will learn how to find the most promising... More

SEM007

Design&Digital Media

The course introduces basic tools for manipulating digital images for a variety of purposes such as client meetings, websites and general design workflow. The class will cover basic image processing, integrating images for perspectives, using images for projected presentations or lectures, print publications and... More

HT087

Italian Gardens:Concepts, Elements & Design

This overview of the long and fascinating history of Italian gardens aims to elucidate concepts and functional and artistic elements that are vital to today's designers. Roman, Renaissance and Contemporary landscapes will be studied examining the interrelationship of the natural, agricultural, and manmade garden. The... More

HT100

History of Boston Parks

This field course examines the development of Boston parks from Colonial times to the present. Beginning with the Boston Common and moving on to Olmsted parks, neighborhood and metropolitan parks, and present-day public spaces, the course will provide an overview of the parks themselves via walking tours and weekly reading... More

HT7100

History of Boston Parks

The history of public parks in Boston reflects the growth and change in the city and its residents. This field course examines the development of Boston parks from Colonial commons to present-day public spaces. Students will study the parks themselves; five classes will be field lectures. In addition, the class will visit... More

HT085

Survey of European Gardens & Urban Design

HISTORY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: A SURVEY OF EUOPEAN GARDEN AND URBAN DESIGN This course is a comprehensive survey of the development of landscape architecture from ancient civilizations to the twentieth century in Europe. Emphasis is on Italian, Spanish, French and English gardens, parks, and urban spaces. The... More

AS023

Field Identification:Uses of Evergreens

Students in this course will focus on evergreen trees and select shrubs that coat the winter landscape in green. Evergreens lend stability and weight to created and natural environments. This course is held at the Arnold Arboretum so students may take advantage of the wonderful conifer and broadleaf collections that are... More

SEM002

Landscape Institute: Independent Project Workshop - Preparation

Course Description TBD More

LA103

Landscape Architecture Design Studio B-1

This studio provides exposure to basic skills and scale of landscape architectural design as an iterative practice utilizing a variety of sites and graphic methods. Students will explore site analysis and conceptual design ideas through mapping, diagramming and sketch problems, and with an output that explores various... More

LA7103

Landscape Architecture Design Studio L-1 Analysis: Introduction to LA Segment I

This studio provides exposure to basic skills and scale of landscape architectural design as an iterative practice utilizing a variety of sites and graphic methods. Students will explore site analysis and conceptual design ideas through mapping, diagramming and sketch problems, and with an output that explores various... More

LA7203

Landscape Architecture Design Studio L-2: Concept & Synthesis Segment I

One of the most important aspects of Landscape Architecture is observation. Learning to consciously see the physical world with all of its overlapping natural and manmade systems is paramount to developing effective design solutions. This studio will challenge the student’s ability to understand his/her environment as a... More

TM7215

Landscape Materials & Methods

This course investigates the various hardscape materials used in building landscapes. It contributes to students’ abilities to support design and detailed drawings for landscape architectural projects, both in practice and in studio. The course will cover the terminology of landscape materials, how materials are specified,... More

HT070

Modern Landscape Design in New England

This history course surveys the development of landscape design from 1920 to the present. Students examine the work of major designers who have influenced the theoretical development for landscape architecture, including Dan Kiley, Lawrence Halprin, Peter Walker, and Luis Barragan, Field trips and film presentations are... More

HT092

History Design in Landscape Architecture - Islamic,Chinese & Japanese Gardens

This online course will explore historical elements in the design of Islamic, Chinese and Japanese gardens. Ingenious applications of water, symbolic use of plant material and a plethora of ornamentation engage our attention and invite a closer look. Illustrated lectures will highlight concepts, materials, and functions to... More

TM7360

Sustainable Planting Design & Practices

Program Intent: The BAC offers this course as the professional/technical drawing design placement aspect and specification standards of plant materials, their rational (according to growth characteristics) and artistic treatment, planting niche and usage. It functions as the professional extension of the Horticultural... More

AS013

Professional Planting Design

This course will address the distinctive requirements of planting plans for gardens and parks. Students will study design principles and artistic qualities for combining plants and creating a palette of trees, shrubs and perennials that responds to underlying ecological implications and reflects sustainable practices. ... More

AS014

Field Identification: Shrubs & Vines

This course serves as an introduction to the most commonly planted shrubs and vines in New England, focusing on their distinguishing characteristics and horticultural requirements, and providing suggestions for landscape applications. Species to be studied include old favorites and newly introduced varieties. Students... More

AS7407

Topics In Social Structures: Urban Villages & Neighborhoods

The Urban Villages and Neighborhood Planning course this semester will focus on food as a theme, particularly how food is a strategy for developing vital, sustainable and healthy neighborhoods. This course provides an overview of urban villages and neighborhood planning concentrating on food systems. During the course of... More

LAC010

Landscape Institute: Perennial Garden Design

This course is explores principles of the historically important perennial garden styles and their current applications. These include cottage gardens and perennial borders, rock and alpine gardens, water gardens, meadows, woodland gardens, parterres, herb gardens, and gardens in the style frequently referred to as “new... More

TM7405

MLA:Landscape Architecture Construction III - Details & Structures

This course covers the technical design and detailing of advanced site structures, including landscape wall types, footings, drainage structures, vaults and other below grade structures and their selection for various uses. Design, detailing, and preferred aspects of specifications will be addressed. It will also touch on... More

Certificates

The Landscape Institute Tuition Schedule

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