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Landscape Design 3: Advanced Site Design

landscape-design-3-advanced-site-design-arch-x-4712
ARCH X 471.2

An introduction to the design process utilizing mid- to large- scale public projects with an emphasis on computer-aided (3D) visualization.

Typically Available
Spring
Summer
Duration
As few as 11 weeks
Units
5.0
Current Formats
Hybrid
Cost
Starting at $1,269.00

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What you can learn.

Apply formal organizational techniques covered in Design 1 and 2
Develop design processes using diagrams through drawings, photographs, and models
Review and critique of existing conditions leading to site specific responses
Develop an understanding of how program statements can build in complexity
Using context analysis, program analysis, and each individual's intuition, show how the development of a basic idea, organizing principals and diagrams guides your project
Explore the vertical dimension by encouraging designing in section and using three dimensional drawings

About This Course

This course introduces the landscape architecture design process, focusing on site analysis, programming and concept generation. It utilizes mid- to large-scale public projects. The course includes an in-person visit to a real, award-winning landscape architecture project that incorporates features similar to the class project requirements. Students develop proficiency in both traditional and digital presentation methods. 
Assignments integrate digitally drawn hand graphics and computer-aided three-dimensional (3D) visualization, along with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) assistance. 
Digital tools covered include:
Morpholio Trace (iPad only, highly recommended)
Google Gemini (required)
Sketchup and Layout (required)
Twin Motion (recommended)
InDesign (required if Layout is not used) 
Alternative programs like AutoCAD and Photoshop are acceptable, but a 3D modeling program is highly encouraged in the workflow. Final portfolios must showcase sophisticated, professional-quality presentations of plans and spatial renderings using an entirely digital workflow.
Prerequisites
ARCH X 471.1A Landscape Design 1: Site Design Basics; ARCH X 471.1B Landscape Design 2: Site Design; ARCH X 472.4F Design Graphics 3: Digital Rendering and Presentation Drawings. Working knowledge of a 3-D modeling or design software program.  Certificate student in the Landscape Architecture certificate program.

Spring 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Sunday, Monday, Saturday
Instructor:
REG#
407307
Fee:
$1,269.00
Hybridformat icon
Remote Classroom
Field Trip
Updating...
Notes

Required in-person site visits on Saturday, May 3 (Thousand Oaks, CA); Sunday, May 4 (Newport Beach, CA) & April 7 
This hybrid section is made up of Live Online and In-person instruction
No class meeting on May 26, June 2
Optional class meeting on April 5, May 26
Internet access required.

Deadline
Refunds only available from February 02, 2026 to April 12, 2026
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Lecture
Mon Mar 30, 2026
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Apr 6, 2026
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Off-Site
Sat Apr 11, 2026
9:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
Field Trip
Off-Site
Sun Apr 12, 2026
9:00AM PT - 1:00PM PT
Field Trip
Lecture
Mon Apr 13, 2026
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Apr 20, 2026
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Apr 27, 2026
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon May 4, 2026
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon May 11, 2026
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon May 18, 2026
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Jun 1, 2026
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Mon Jun 8, 2026
6:00PM PT - 10:00PM PT
Remote Classroom

This course applies toward the following programs

certificate Whether you want to design a national park, or a modest, water-efficient backyard, landscape architecture can give you the skills and abilities to change the places you live, work, and play for the better. The profession of landscape architecture is a multidisciplinary field that weaves together design, environmental systems, sustainability, construction knowledge—as well as land and water conservation—to influence place making, and to create designed outdoor living spaces.

Whether you want to design a national park, or a modest, water-efficient backyard, landscape architecture can give you the skills and abilities to change the places you live, work, and play for the better. The profession of landscape architecture is a multidisciplinary field that weaves together design, environmental systems, sustainability, construction knowledge—as well as land and water conservation—to influence place making, and to create designed outdoor living spaces.