Conway School of Landscape Design-Link to home map of Conway, MA Graduate Program in Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design

Courses are fully integrated

The Conway masters degree is multidisciplinary. Courses are not separate offerings that can be selected independently; rather the program is fully integrated throughout the year through instruction by core faculty, as well as through guest instructors and a wide variety of field trips.

The progression of subjects addressed during the year is shaped by the design and planning projects that are a major component of each term. Class assignments— graphic, technical and written—are dovetailed with project requirements. Classes—including field trips and guest speakers—are customarily held three days a week, with two days reserved for studio time and individual project work. Faculty are available during studio days for individual and team consultation.

Sustainable Landscape Design Theory

Throughout the year, seminars and discussions raise and explore fundamental questions, such as: What is the nature of ecologically based landscape design? Why is it practiced? How does one successfully integrate both natural and human systems? What are examples of designs that are sustainable? Is sustainability even achievable? What is the relationship of humans and nature? What are the patterns of successful design?

Natural Systems

Understanding the land—the natural history and ecological processes that constitute a site and its context—is fundamental to the practice of landscape design. Students spend many hours outdoors so they may better read the land and recognize possibilities for use by people as well as the desirability for protection or restricted use. Natural systems topics include landforms, soil characteristics, plant associations, ecological theories, the effect of climate and microclimate, wetland function, forest ecology, wildlife habitat and corridors. The emphasis is on patterns and interactions of phenomena as they inform design.

Humanities

Through readings and discussions, students refl ect on the practice of landscape design and engage in exercises to improve oral and written expression. Readings are drawn from diverse disciplines, including geography, cultural studies, history, literature, psychology, philosophy, aesthetics, and economics. Oral presentation skills are addressed through technical exercises (in voice, posture, control of breath) and in lessons on organization (openings, conclusions, transitions, and narrative techniques). Writing skills are honed through exercises in style, drafting, and revision; through practice in different forms of creative non-fiction and professional writing (proposals, resumes, reports); and through reviews of grammar, punctuation, and relevant design vocabulary.

Design Communication Graphics

Graphic skills are developed to enhance students’ design thinking, to communicate information accurately, and to express ideas effectively. A balance of hand-drawing (perspectives, sections, plan view) and digital techniques (basic photo manipulation, PowerPoint, CAD, geographic information systems, 3-D modeling, desktop publishing) is presented.

Technical Design Issues

The techniques and principles for modifying land and implementing designs are introduced during term projects and through separate exercises. Students learn the basics of topographic surveying, data plotting and interpolating, and producing maps. They also learn how to analyze site features and how to solve site engineering problems, such as drainage and grading. They study municipal planning and zoning, standards for parking lots, retaining walls, structures, road alignment, and planting plans. Construction documents and details, including the physical characteristics of materials and cost estimating, are also presented in the design curriculum.

Professional Development and Practice

What are the ethical issues in design practice? What kinds of design offices and practices exist? Through visits to professional offices, as well as through guest speakers at the school, students meet with design, conservation, and planning practitioners and learn about forms of practice.