University of Southern California School of Architecture
GRADUATE STUDIES IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Statement of Central Purpose:
Reweaving, Remodeling, Transforming the Urban Landscape

USC offers an international laboratory for the study of place, in an extra-ordinary natural landscape, at the center of an unparalleled multi-cultural region, within the context of a great urban university. Los Angeles opens the extremes and the in-betweens of urban conditions and of landscape architecture possibilities. Thus, the study of landscape architecture at USC has a particular focus on urban place making in relation to three principles:

        First, our programs are especially intended for students who already have earned a first degree or the equivalent in landscape architecture or architecture, as well as students entering design studies after obtaining a degree in another field.  Our emphasis is on truly advanced study based on the knowledge and skills to engage complex issues and to undertake ambitious explorations. Graduates are prepared for leadership opportunities in professional practice as well as in higher education.

        Second, our emphasis is on urban landscapes, and on the responsibility of design professions to create the qualities and meanings of our urban futures. Landscape planning and design must attend to places and projects at every scale from the garden to the region. Critical contributions must be made to the reclamation of degraded natural systems and places and significant progress must be made towards assuring a next generation of design professionals who know how to design projects that are themselves evocative, and that repair and enhance their contexts.... nothing less than this will address the opportunities and challenges of our cities.       

        Third, we believe that place making is fundamentally a collaborative responsibility that requires leadership from professionals across the entire domain of planning and design. Thus we have created seamless relationships between programs, students, and faculty engaged in architecture, landscape architecture, preservation, building science and planning studies. In this regard, we emphasize intense, highly identifiable core studies in related disciplines whose boundaries are permeable and overlapping.

Thesis or Directed Design Research Option

The thesis is the opportunity for each student to demonstrate proficiency in the field of landscape architecture as well as to explore new issues and ideas. It is the principal activity of the final two semesters of each curriculum. Students select thesis advisors and work with faculty, local landscape architects and other distinguished professionals.

The thesis study is a means for exploring issues and developing theory. Students are encouraged to draw upon their previous experience as well as their anticipated career directions in developing study topics.

In addition to the opportunity to initiate a thesis, students may elect a directed design research study related to important urban projects. Whichever option is taken, students are supported in their work by a three member faculty advisory team including a principal critic.


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