Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning
Landscape architects combine critical design thinking, planning and design, and knowledge of physical and social sciences, to engage situations of landscape involving health, safety, and wellbeing
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is a STEM-designated degree and fully accredited program that prepares graduate students for the rigors of professional practice, research, leadership, and community engagement. Students combine critical design thinking with creativity, and passion to address diverse landscape architecture and environmental planning projects.
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Congrats to our 2023 graduates! It has it been a pleasure to have you in our program, and we look forward to seeing all the wonderful things you do! #ncstatedesign
And just like that, the 2022-2023 school year is complete.
The LAEP Awards Ceremony was a fantastic way to wrap up the semester. Students and faculty, thank you for your hard work and time that has been dedicated to this program!
Thank you to Chris and Greg Hilt for a fun NCSU WxLA Garden Party in their beautiful garden! So much great design here #wxla #ncstatecollegeofdesign
The time has come! Tonight is our LAST lecture of the semester!
Billy Fleming, the Wilks Family Director at @mchargcenter will be discussing how designers can play a role in climate justice and environmental challenges.
Join us at 6pm on Zoom or in person at Burns Auditorium.
Go to design.ncsu.edu/news/lectures for more information!
Join us for lunch tomorrow at Noon with Billy Fleming, from Ian. L McHarg Center!
This will be a fantastic opportunity to get to know Billy and his experiences in the profession as well as ask any questions you may have!
Lunch will be provided so be sure to RSVP through the Google Calendar event.
Last Wednesday, our department was represented at the 16th Annual Graduate Student Research Symposium by Marybeth Campeau, Nick Musarra, and Brian Vaughn.
Congratulations to Marybeth who won first place in the Design Category for her project โDredge Ecologies: Climate-Adaptive Strategies for a Changing Island in a Changing Climateโ.
Students and mentors, thank you for your time and hard work!
What a wonderful day to review the LAR 502 Inventory + Analysis work for the UNC Institute for Marine Sciences campus. #ncstatedesign
Join us TONIGHT at 6pm in Burns Auditorium for a fantastic lecture from Ernie Wong with site design group!
He will be talking about the social responsibilities of Landscape Architecture. Donโt miss it!
Join us TOMORROW at 6pm in Burns Auditorium for a great lecture by Brad Howe from @scape_studio
The lecture โAdapting to Changeโ will talk about integrating natural cycles and systems into urban landscapes and environments!
To register for the zoom lecture go to:
design.ncsu.edu/news/lectures
Join us TONIGHT for our last lecture of this semester. We will hear about some of the amazing student ASLA award winning projects!!
The lecture starts at 6pm in Burns Auditorium - Donโt miss it!
#ncstatedesign #aslastudentawards #landscapearchitecture
What a great night to kick off the 2022-23 Mentor Program! Thanks to all our spectacular professionals mentors and to @standard_beerfood for being our amazing host for the evening!
#landscapearchitecture #ncstatedesign #mentoring
The Construction Materials and Methods had a beautiful morning at the @ncartmuseum park exploring materials, stormwater devices, and bridge construction!
#landscapearchitecture #ncstatedesign
Our mission is to teach, learn, research, and apply state-of-the-art practices that create innovative and resilient landscapes focused on human and ecosystem health, safety, well-being, social equity, and quality of life.
We prepare the next generation of landscape architects to engage challenges and opportunities focused on:
- Landscape dynamics and resilient design;
- Community planning and design;
- Design for children and families;
- Research and evidence-based design strategies;
- Emerging digital design tools for representation, simulation, and evaluation.
Graduate Landscape Architecture
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is a STEM-designated degree and LAAB accredited program that prepares graduate students for the rigors of professional practice, research, leadership, and community engagement. Our students, faculty, and local design community seek to understand the impact of human actions on the land and to respond with community-based design strategies. We are dedicated to teaching, researching, and practicing design processes that acknowledge the interdependence of built landscapes and ecological, social, and economic systems.
The department offers three main academic curriculum tracks:
- First Professional Masters of Landscape Architecture (Track III)
- First Professional Masters of Landscape Architecture, Advanced Standing (Track II)
- Post-Professional Degree (Track I)
The first half of the academic program prepares students for the current practice and discipline of landscape architecture. It equips them with the core knowledge base, tools, processes, and skills in design, site works, history and theory, planning, research and the culture of professional practice.
The second half of the academic program propels students into the profession and discipline of the future that they will help evolve and lead. It positions students to pursue substantive inquiry into their own, those of the faculty, and those of the larger extended community. Students master bodies of knowledge, pursue evidence-based research, and hone verbal, written, and graphic communication skills.
Throughout their program of study, students combine critical design thinking talents with their intelligence, creativity, and passions to frame, engage and challenge the questions, problems, and situations of landscape that involve health, safety, wellbeing, and quality of life.
The department also offers the following certificates and programs:
- Graduate Minors and Certificate Programs
Graduate minors are available to all students and consist of nine credit hours of courses, in another graduate degree granting discipline, listed as 400-level or above. A member of that degreeโs faculty may serve as a third member of the studentโs final project committee. Certificates offered in GIS, Public Policy and Horticultural Science may be of particular interest. Please visit the Graduate Minors and Certificate Page for more information.
Graduate Certificate in City Design
The Graduate Certificate in City Design focuses on design at the scale of the city, and within neighborhoods and urban districts. Studios and seminars focus on the challenges, and opportunities facing communities and cities in the 21st century, with a particular emphasis upon principles of sustainability and urban ecology.
Learn more
Disaster Resilient Policy, Engineering and Design Certificate
The imperative motivating the Graduate Certificate in Disaster Resilient Policy, Engineering and Design is to educate the next generation of practitioners and scholars to apply knowledge gained in the classroom and in the field to reduce the rise in disaster losses and assist communities to adapt to a changing climate.
Learn more
- Inter-Institutional Study
Students at NC State University may also register for courses at local universities (UNCโChapel Hill, UNC-Greensboro, and Duke University) paying NC State University credit fees. Our students have an exceptional range of courses and programs open to them through these inter-institutional study opportunities. Students may also take courses at the other Raleigh colleges that are members of the Cooperating Raleigh Colleges organization. Please visit the Inter-Institutional Study Page for more information.
Undergraduate Minor in Landscape Architecture
While we no longer offer a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, it is possible for NC State University undergraduate students to take certain landscape architecture courses as electives. Please visit the Undergraduate Minor in Landscape Architecture Page for more information.
See Student Work
See more examples of student work here: Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Student Work
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The Brian Shawcroft Prize is awarded every year to a student from the School of Architecture for demonstrating excellence in drawing by hand.
Now in its 29th year, the competition traditionally showcases student submissions in the Brooks Hall Gallery as a running exhibition for students and visitors alike. Stay tuned to see who the 2023 winners will be!
๐ฃ Upcoming Exhibition: "Rooted - Cultural Centricity in Brand Making"
๐ Friday, September 29
โฐ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
๐ Witherspoon Student Center, Art Gallery, Second Floor | 2810 Cates Ave., Raleigh, NC 27606
Britt Davis, a 2009 College of Design alum and co-founder of LCKR ROOM, will exhibit her work for the NC State African American Cultural Center. Join us for a sneaker ball-themed opening night. Davis` art and artist talk will inspire ways to create from your life experiences and the stories you carry with you.
Born and raised in the artsy city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Brittany โBrittโ Davis has always been drawn to the arts. From building intricate LEGO sets to drawing sneakers from Eastbay magazine, her childhood was full of creativity and design. Today, Brittโs designs are fueled by creative innovation and driven by the opportunity to use design as a platform to inspire others.
After attending NC Stateโs Summer Design Camp on campus, Britt decided to pursue a degree in Industrial Design. She earned her Bachelorโs degree, along with the Deanโs Award, Ebony Harlem Design and Nash Winstead Academic Achievement Awards, in 2009, along with a minor in Graphic Design.
While a student at NC State, she participated in the peer mentor program, student ambassador, Design Camp TA, and board member on the Union Activities Board (Marketing Chair), African America Design Student Association (VP), Helping Youth Prepare to Excel (Treasurer), and the Heritage Society. She remains active with the Black Alumni Society, having designed the Homecoming shirts for several years.
She went on to earn her Master of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design. Her education has brought many professional experiences, including designing for ESPN, Viacom, SB Nation, NASCAR, multiple universities and professional sports teams, athletes and a variety of brands.
Five days until the best season. ๐บ๐
Where`s your favorite Fall COD study spot?
๐๏ธ๐บ In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we want you to meet Danny Garrett - a former Marine and Master of Advanced Architectural Studies (MAAS) student, on a mission to make a difference.
Danny`s story is one of determination and compassion. After his service, he embarked on a journey in @ncstate_architecture`s MAAS program, focusing on researching the factors that contribute to veteran homelessness and suicide.
By combining research methodologies with architectural design, Danny`s vision aims to create a lasting impact by designing a sustainable, community-based housing typology tailored to the specific needs of veterans. ๐กโค๏ธ
To learn more about how @ncstate is participating in Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and to register for related events and trainings, visit the link in our bio.
There is always hope. If you are thinking about suicide, you deserve immediate help. To speak with a crisis counselor, call 919.515.2423 or the National Suicide Hotline by dialing 988.
We`re making the extraordinary happen across the landscape. ๐บ๐
Congratulations to @NCStateLAEP + @ncstate_architecture students and faculty for a total of ๐ฅseven๐ฅ awards and recognitions during the @nationalasla Awards.
Pictured, in order:
๐ "Dynamic Roots" by Dillon Patel, Student ASLA; Joseph Lamonica, Student ASLA; Stephany Luna-Rivas, Student ASLA
About: Dynamic Roots reimagines Wilmingtonโs Battleship Park, merging innovative design, collaborative work, and a deep reverence for the siteโs historical and ecological context.
๐ "Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve Conservation & Management Plan" by the Coastal Dynamics Design Lab (@ncsucoastaldynamics)
About: The Coastal Dynamics Design Lab (CDDL) received an honor award in the analysis and planning category from ASLA for 2023. Their project, Nicks Creek Longleaf Reserve Conservation & Management Plan, analyzed and created a conservation master plan for the restoration, adaptive management, and use of a 1600-acre patch of Longleaf Pine forest in the Sandhills ecoregion.
๐ "On the Edge: A Climate Adaptive Park for the Battleship NC Memorial" by Marguerite Kroening, Student ASLA; Stella Wang, Student ASLA
About: On the Edge proposes a redesign for the parklands surrounding the Battleship North Carolina. The reimagined site celebrates a challenging narrative of place that reveal and highlight multifaceted histories while embracing infiltrating water.
๐ "Advancing Trauma-Informed Landscape Architecture" by Lauren Joca, Associate ASLA.
About: Communities are challenged with climate change, habitat loss, and social conflicts resulting in trauma experienced by individuals and held in the land. Traumatizing land use causes physical, ecological, or contextual damage to landscapes.
๐ "Design Tactics for Climate-Based Migration in Biodiversity Corridors" by Marybeth Campeau, Associate ASLA
About: This project addresses biodiversity conservation through corridor design, exploring how the strategic application of design tactics at multiple sites and scales can facilitate climate-related movement as species track their ecological niche.
Be sure to check out all of the projects and awards in our bio. ๐
๐ผ๐
Architecture alumnus and current doctoral student Raja Manikam Bandari (@raja_manikam_brv) recently won an honorable mention in @ncstate`s Envisioning Research Contest for his graphic titled "The Spread of Cotton and Slavery."
โฌ๏ธ About the piece:
"The Huge Hurricane in the middle is disguised by two graphs. These graphs show the spectacular growth of cotton as a commercially significant crop in the United States.
The timeline increases from bottom to top. The left graph charts the total amount of cotton produced annually in the United States (in ten-year intervals), amounts that exceeded 2 billion pounds per year by the 1850s.
The right graph charts the increasing monetary value of U.S. cotton exports and notes the percentage of all U.S. exports accounted for in each year by cotton alone.
Thus, to take the single year 1830 as an example, the left graph shows you that the United States produced about 1.5 billion pounds of cotton that year, while the right-hand side graph shows you that the sale of cotton abroad in 1830 brought about $75 million into the U.S. economy, and it notes that the $75 million generated that year by cotton exports represented 49% of all of the money brought into the U.S. economy that year by export sales of all sorts, agricultural and industrial.
Never before or since has a single commodity so dominated the American economy, and the vast majority of that commodity was being produced with slave labor. Interestingly, along with the hurricane, in the backdrop, there are the Historic Hurricane tracks of the United States between the years 1842-2020.
These hurricane tracks represent the cruelty faced by the slaves. The picture insert depicts an enslaved man named Peter, who was treated very badly during the cotton plantation era. Peter had been through hell. The scars on his back can be compared to the hurricane patterns of the United States (many lines across the image).
The small water droplet at the bottom grows into a huge hurricane. This symbolically represents the slavery and cotton plantations that grew throughout the US like a hurricane."