Although there is certainly
overlap, these are distinctly different levels and kinds of professionals. We
will consider them in the order listed. First we will give a general description,
list the strengths and weaknesses, then a comparative analysis will follow.
Finally, we will examine how to evaluate any given individual within each of
the professions.
Landscape Architect:
A landscape architect has a
minimum of a four year Bachelor's degree and may have six or more years of
higher education. To be thoroughly certified she must also have three years of
internship in a landscape architectural office. The following paragraph is
taken from the United States Department of Labor.
"Persons planning a
career in landscape architecture should appreciate nature, enjoy working with
their hands, and possess strong analytical skills. Creative vision and artistic
talent also are desirable qualities. Good oral communication skills are essential;
landscape architects must be able to convey their ideas to other professionals
and clients and to make presentations before large groups. Strong writing
skills also are valuable, as is knowledge of computer applications of all
kinds, including word processing, desktop publishing, and spreadsheets.
Landscape architects use these tools to develop presentations, proposals,
reports, and land impact studies for clients, colleagues, and superiors. The
ability to draft and design using CAD software is essential. Many employers
recommend that prospective landscape architects complete at least one summer
internship with a landscape architecture firm in order to gain an understanding
of the day-to-day operations of a small business, including how to win clients,
generate fees, and work within a budget."
Strengths:
Landscape Architecture is a thorough and serious discipline aimed at providing aesthetically satisfying solutions in the creation of spaces inhabited, visited or seen by humans. The study involves design theory, engineering, planning, aesthetics, history and the sciences. The scope of the education is both broad and deep and consequently the scale of the projects a landscape architect can undertake is essentially unlimited.
Landscape Architecture is a thorough and serious discipline aimed at providing aesthetically satisfying solutions in the creation of spaces inhabited, visited or seen by humans. The study involves design theory, engineering, planning, aesthetics, history and the sciences. The scope of the education is both broad and deep and consequently the scale of the projects a landscape architect can undertake is essentially unlimited.
The landscape architect has
a sound education in all practical considerations - proper building codes and
techniques, legalities and so on. He can provide a detailed plan with material
specifications, quantities, sizes and so on, from which contractors can give
accurate bids. Because of their degree they are qualified to apply for a
broader range of projects, for example government projects, which are not open
to non-licensed designers.
Weaknesses:
The term landscape architecture was first used By Frederick Law Olmstead in the late 1800's. At that time there was no specific academic discipline for it so it began to be taught and studied under the roofs of the architectural schools and has been stamped with that mind-set. - That is to say, with many notable exceptions, landscape architecture, by the views of this author, is characterized by a quality of architectural rigidity and over- reliance on structure. As mentioned, there have been notable exceptions. Tommy Church and Russell Page, to name two, and there are many exceptions practicing today.
The term landscape architecture was first used By Frederick Law Olmstead in the late 1800's. At that time there was no specific academic discipline for it so it began to be taught and studied under the roofs of the architectural schools and has been stamped with that mind-set. - That is to say, with many notable exceptions, landscape architecture, by the views of this author, is characterized by a quality of architectural rigidity and over- reliance on structure. As mentioned, there have been notable exceptions. Tommy Church and Russell Page, to name two, and there are many exceptions practicing today.
Author: Keith Davitt
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