IFLA Europe School Recognition Panel recognised 6 European Landscape Architecture programmes!
One of the main objectives of IFLA Europe Education Committee is to encourage the development of landscape architecture courses across Europe and to monitor and
review their compatibility with the aims of IFLA Europe as well as to promote common IFLA Europe education guidelines to National Associations and European Universities/schools teaching landscape architecture programmes.
The tool to achieve that is IFLA Europe School Recognition Panel, consisting of IFLA Europe Vice President for Education,members of National Associations (teaching landscape architecture programmes) and members of associated institutions, in particular the European Council of Landscape Architecture Schools (ECLAS). Its main objective is to review and award recognition status for higher Landscape Architecture educational programmes on behalf of IFLA Europe.
Why is it important to have programmes recognised by IFLA Europe? Let us remind you of a success story from Iceland in 2020: after 20 years, the “Environmental Planning Course” changed its name into Landscape architecture course”! The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Iceland has confirmed a change in the name of the environmental planning course into Landscape Architecture course!
This happened after our member from Iceland FÍLA, the Association of Icelandic Landscape Architects, encouraged the Agricultural University of Iceland - AUI to change its name upon its request for recognition of the programme by IFLA Europe. “This change will allow us to connect the study even more closely with the profession of Landscape Architects and make it more visible”.
“There is an increased emphasis on connecting people to nature and it is important that sustainability and an ecological approach take precedence.Nature has never been so much in focus and it is important to work for the future. Whether protecting sensitive natural pearls or designing a frame that fits well with the environment, a landscape architect combines knowledge in the fields of natural and environmental sciences as well as knowledge of architecture and design” said on that occasion Kristín Pétursdóttir, Director of Landscape Architecture at the Agricultural University of Iceland.
It is our pleasure to announce that the following Landscape Architecture programmes were recognised by IFLA Europe:
Agricultural University of Athens, Greece - application for the re-recognition of 1 course - the programme Master in Landscape Architecture, 120 ECTS, 2 years.
In the first year of study, students acquire a thorough background in the main aspects (art, design, social, technical, scientific) of Landscape Architecture. Students usually from diverse backgrounds at the end of the first year reach the same level of understanding, skills and knowledge in landscape architecture.
In the first semester the fundamentals of the landscape practice are introduced (landscape theory and history, design, social aspects, planting, ecology, construction, CAD and GIS). The second semester advances further into the landscape practice with advance use of plants, ecology, landscape construction and management, IT skills and representation.
At the end of the first year, students will also have developed a research proposal that will form part of the initial work of their Thesis submitted at the end of the second year. In the second year of study, the courses cover professional subjects (landscape character assessment, environmental impact assessment, bioclimatology, management, restoration, professional practice and legislation). These advanced courses combine research and theoretical questions with the landscape practice. In the third semester particular emphasis is given to the advanced landscape project that includes a series of workshops. At the end of the second year the thesis is concluded.
Throughout the duration of the course studio work is compulsory as well as Τhesis completion. Studio work includes both desk- and field- study. On-site visits and sites
analysis of selected locations for design are undertaken. Furthermore, field trips are made to visit both historic and contemporary landscapes.
The program was recognised for a period September 2021 – September 2026 with recommendations related to Qualified Landscape Architects.
University College Dublin, Ireland – application for the re-recognition of 1 course - Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, 4 years, 240 ECTS.
Students are introduced to a broad general base of subjects related to landscape architecture in the first two stages of the programme. The majority of the academic foundation is delivered by semester five thus permitting students to elect modules in preferred or specialist areas (such as urban design,sustainable development, planning…) in the later stages of the programme.
Throughout the programme studio projects are linked to lecture subjects allowing students to test and further explore theory. In the final stage of the programme students prepare a research paper which they may choose to link to their final design project.
The program was recognised for a period September 2021 – September 2026.
University of Ljubljana, Slovenia - application for the re-recognition of 2 courses:
- B.Sc. in Landscape Architecture, full time 3 years, 180 ECTS
- Master in Landscape Architecture, full time, 2 years, 120 ECTS.
Bachelor in Landscape Architecture
The first cycle study programme is unified in terms of subjects and leads to students acquiring the basic knowledge and skills that a landscape architect needs. The main aim of the programme is to qualify graduates for landscape planning and design, with an emphasis on specific competences. Students should acquire the ability to elaborate planting and landscape schemes and plan construction work, elaborate inventories and estimate costs, skills in computer programming, preparation and maintenance of spatial data, management of administration procedures for less complex spatial interventions and similar. The study programme lasts for three years. After
successful completion of the study requirements (180 credits), students obtain a university academic degree in landscape architecture. Landscape architecture graduates can be employed in project and planning offices, municipal communal services, tree nurseries, and other operational and construction companies.
Master in Landscape Architecture
Students are qualified for the most demanding planning and project work in the landscape sphere, for applied research work in the field of the development and protection of the cultural and natural landscape, for environmental (protection) planning during interventions in space and in protected areas and for project planning of both urban and non-urban landscapes. The obtained knowledge covers a selected environmental content and spatial development planning oriented subjects, in particular tourism and
recreation, the countryside, green systems in the city and outside the city context and protected regions, renovation of historical parks and gardens. A characteristic of planning subjects is dealing with real spatial problems. The work takes place in the field, with the cooperation of commissioning agents and the public. A lot of time is devoted to intensive workshops and seminars, which generally conclude with a public presentation of results (exhibitions, catalogues, brochures).
The programmes were recognised for the period September 2021 – September 2026.
Aalto University, Finland – application for re-recognition of 1 course - Bachelor in Landscape Architecture, 3 years, 180 ECTS
The courses form a multidisciplinary whole that brings together art, design, the natural sciences, technical expertise and historical knowledge in a wholly unique way. The key topics of our courses include various built environments and outdoor spaces, landscape maintenance and conservation, production-oriented landscapes, sustainable land use planning, and digital landscape design. In addition to the mandatory courses included in the major programme, each student will select elective studio courses that are in line with their area of specialisation.
The objective of the first year of the Bachelor’s-level landscape architecture programme is to awaken the student’s interest in the field and encourage them to adopt new
thought and learning patterns. Joint courses with the University’s major programmes in architecture and interior architecture are arranged throughout the year, introducing students to the fundamentals and tools of architecture and design.
The objective of the second year is to provide students with the information and skills that will help them discover their design identity. At this point, the courses of the landscape architecture programme will assume a prominent role. The student will be introduced to e.g. various landscape analysis methods, the role that natural factors play as the foundation to landscape design, and the tasks of landscape architects as the designers of built environments. The third year focuses on design courses, a minor subject of the student’s choosing, and the Bachelor’s thesis. The student develops their role as an expert and their expressive capabilities, and they also assume more responsibility for their learning process. The objective of the final year is to further hone and strengthen each student’s identity as a designer.
The programme is recognised for the period September 2021 – September 2022.
