Landscape Design

Introduces evergreen and deciduous trees commonly found and used in the Northeast. Emphasis will be on identification, cultural requirements, and design applications in the landscape. Students will become proficient in identifying trees by recognizing distinctive features such as height, form, twig and bud characteristics, leaf shape, color, and flowers.

Introduces evergreen and deciduous shrubs, vines, and groundcovers commonly found and used in the Northeast. Emphasis will be on identification, cultural requirements, and design applications in the landscape. Students will become proficient in identifying plants by recognizing distinctive features such as height, form, twig and bud characteristics, leaf shape, color, and flowers.

Familiarizes students with surveying techniques and grading principles that are integral to interpreting topographical information and understanding natural and man-made features that influence grade changes in the landscape. Emphasis will be on practical and basic applications of survey equipment, note-keeping, plotting, and other measuring techniques that are useful to landscape contractors and designers. Practical exercises include incorporating designed features such as stairs, retaining walls, ramps, walkways, swales, etc., into the landscape. High school-level Algebra I and Algebra II, with grades of C or higher, are recommended.

Focuses on learning the fundamentals of landscape design drawing necessary to graphically communicate design ideas. Students will learn techniques to improve line quality, lettering, sketching, rendering, and drawing layout. Black and white and color media will be used. These drawing and rendering techniques will be used to create presentation quality site plans, elevations, and perspectives. The use of computers as a means in creating presentation drawings will be introduced.

Introduces the student to the field of landscaping design. Lectures, reading, and problem-solving exercises provide a basic overview of historical, philosophical, and technical aspects of landscape design and the profession of landscaping architecture. The course will also explore how design, site environment, and legislation affect the design process.

Welcomes students of all levels of interest in outdoor careers, regional natural history, natural resources, and the relationship between thriving ecosystems and healthy communities. The course is held outdoors on 700 acres of historic woodlands, farm fields, orchards, gardens, and ponds at the landmark Canterbury Shaker Village Museum (15 minutes north of Concord). Students engage with field specialists while experiencing the science behind topics that include tree and plant identification, ecological landscaping, local wildlife and their habitats, urban and rural forestry practices, water quality, invasive species, climate change, and permaculture. Skill is achieved through experiential learning and supported by rich online resources and assignments that focus on the ecosystems surrounding our homes and communities. In a real-world, service-learning opportunity, students apply scientific and horticultural skills to a project of their own interest; experience is gained in public outreach, local government access, and natural resource stewardship from awareness to activism. Visit nhstewards.org to learn more about this course in partnership with UNH Extension and other N.H. natural resource partners and organizations.

Teaches students the basic functions and uses of computer-aided design (CAD) software in landscape architecture, design, and construction. This course will focus on 2-D applications of CAD software to create presentation and construction documents. Students will learn how to import hand-drawn concepts, survey plans, create planting plans, construction drawings, and details. Some 3-D applications will be demonstrated at the end of the semester. On completion students should be able to prepare basic 2-D landscape and planting plans.

Focuses on understanding and analyzing the requirements of the program and the site to develop designs that respond both to client needs and environmental context through lectures, site visits, and design projects. Moving through projects that range in size, scale, and complexity, this course examines different issues in context, program, and client requirements. Students will learn to inventory and record existing site conditions. Emphasis in this design studio will be on preparing landscape plans, sections, planting plans, specifications, and details.

Includes the combination of landscape elements when used with architectural, aesthetic, engineering, and climate control uses of plants. Students work in graphics skills and develop the ability to produce professional quality plans.

A survey of the materials used in landscape constructions, the methods used in assembling the materials into the landscape, and the forces acting on the structures. Included are the characteristics and properties of each of the landscape materials and the relative costs of the materials, including installation. Landscape materials and methods to be studied include site work, various paving materials, various structural materials, and site drainage materials. The student will learn how to read and prepare plans showing construction details including walls, walkways, wooden structures, and water features.

Introduces and examines the principles and practices required to create a sustainable environment. Issues facing communities locally and globally will be examined and discussed. Emphasis will be placed on methods used to create landscapes that improve the environment by conserving resources and reducing chemical application. Students will learn how site design, plant selection, and pest and water management practices influence the sustainability of the designed landscape.

As the capstone course of the Landscape and Environmental Design curriculum, this course will require the student to demonstrate integration and application of the knowledge and skills from all courses in the program. This may be achieved either through a comprehensive senior design project developed by the student under the guidance of a faculty member or through participation in a field internship with an approved industry partner. Students will be required to provide regular and ongoing documentation of the learning experience to ensure that all course and program goals are met.