Landscape Architecture
Dr, Lee Yoke Lai
Director of Landscape Architecture,
Faculty of Built Environment & Surveying,
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia,
UTM Skudai, 81310 Johor, Malaysia.
Landscape architecture encompasses the art, planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land and the design of human-made constructs, that is, the stewardship of the natural and built environments. A variety of often interwoven specializations exist within the discipline, including the following: Landscape Design, the historical core of the discipline, is concerned with detailed outdoor space design for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and public spaces.
It involves the treatment of a site as art, the balance of hard and soft surfaces in outdoor and indoor spaces, the selection of construction and plant materials, infrastructure such as irrigation, and the preparation of detailed construction plans and documents. The site planning and design of projects can involve designing the land specifically in terms of the orderly, efficient, aesthetic and ecologically sensitive integration of man-made objects with a site’s natural features including topography, vegetation, drainage, water, wildlife and climate. Sensitive design produces development that minimizes both environmental impacts and project costs, and adds value to a site.
Vision:
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To produce landscape architects who are capable of designing the built environment of neighborhoods, towns and cities while also protecting and managing the natural environment, from its forests and fields to rivers and coasts. Members of the profession have a special commitment to improving the quality of life through the best design of places for people and other living things.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
The programme was designed and implemented since 1993 which was inspired on the core understanding of Man as the steward of the Earth and based on the design and built philosophy. It aims to produce professionals who are competent and technically knowledgeable as well as being critical and creative in problem solving on issues pertaining to aspects of heritage, tropical, urban and natural resources.
Landscape architecture combines both art and science. It is a profession that involves the design, planning and management or exterior spaces through the use of land and water elements in creating outdoor spaces which are practical and aesthetically pleasant. The works of a landscape architect does not only add value but also provide comfortable outdoor environment in residential areas, work and playing spaces. Landscape architecture is a discipline that covers a diverse scope ranging from the design of exterior landscapes within urban, rural, communal, ecological and regional areas. Landscape architects serve not only as designers but help to create landscape that responds to human habitation in diverse cultural and ecological contexts.
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The undergraduate programme in Bachelor of Landscape Architecture is designed to produce graduates who will be:
- Qualify and competent in solving design and project related problems, logically, creatively and analytically based on sound facts and ideas
- Capable to demonstrate mastery in communication skills and other relevant soft skills
- Substantially analysing and integrating natural systems with social and communal needs
- Capable of meeting the challenges of the landscape architectural environment with professional integrity and pursue life-long learning; and proficient in entrepreneurship skills.