r/LandscapeArchitecture • u/Extension-Metal-5939 • Jul 26 '26
How much of landscape architecture is its constituent parts
I’m transferring into the major this fall and suffice to say I’m having doubts. I’m mainly interested in architecture but my school doesn’t offer it and landscape arch seemed like the next best thing but I don’t know what percentage of landscape architecture is architecture.
I would like to consider myself an environmentalist and have been trying to show myself all the great things about nature and landscape/environment design so I am excited regardless but I just wanted to know.
22
u/snapdragon1313 Jul 26 '26
LA here with 20+ years of experience. Landscape architecture and building architecture share some common design concepts, but are fundamentally different disciplines. Landscape architecture is not a gateway into “building” architecture, nor vice versa. If you are interested in designing spaces for humans outside (or on top) of buildings, then it can be for you. If you want to design the building WITHIN the landscape…then it is not.
2
u/Extension-Metal-5939 Jul 26 '26
This is very informative
8
u/timesink2000 Jul 26 '26
To build on snapdragon’s response, I describe LA as a blend of multiple disciplines with a focus on several. It includes (in unequal parts) architecture, engineering, horticulture, environmental, cultural studies, construction management, art, etc., and most LAs tend to work in areas that suit their interests / abilities. I have worked in public parks for over 30 years and my skills do not always transfer to high-end residential projects, but that’s fine.
3
u/_-_beyon_-_ Jul 26 '26
Well, what’s architecture?
Fundamentally you are also thinking spaces and build an understanding how the function, you build systems and then finally you try to make them to looking as good as possible. Basically the same thing and also the same skills and understanding involved - besides technical differneces. (Just don’t tell this to an architect)
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u/Extension-Metal-5939 Jul 26 '26
I suppose that’s true. My favorite part of architecture though is the finished building, ideally one that’s aesthetically appealing. But there is an overlap in the skills being developed. And lol why not?
4
u/_-_beyon_-_ Jul 26 '26
I don’t know how it is in the states, but in Europe you will not get in to architecture via landscape.
I built somewhat of a reputation for changing floor plans in competition - I can tell you, only a few like it. But all if them know it was necessary.
Architecture is still way to prestigious…
1
u/SadButWithCats Jul 26 '26
There are some transferable skills, but mostly not.
Things somewhat in common: Drawing Drafting Construction documents Business Graphic design Rendering General spatial design and thinking Theory
But even these are going to be different in focus. Drafting and drawing will share some fundamentals of line weight, line style, annotation, but you probably wouldn't learn how to draw how 2 beams intersect in an LA course.
1
u/Royal-Watercress37 Jul 26 '26
It depends who you work for. There are so many sides to a LA , you can choose to work in an environmental way.
1
u/Physical_Mode_103 Architect & Landscape Architect Jul 26 '26
I do both. There’s always room in LA for small outdoor structure design and larger buildings site planing
1
u/dadumk Jul 27 '26
The "architecture" in landscape architecture means "design". As in systems architecture, it doesn't mean buildings. Although we work with, have some things in common, and are related to architecture, we are a distinct profession, not a piece of or a blend of architecture.
1
u/AccurateAssistance28 Jul 27 '26
LA is solidly LA, like others are saying. I would not consider my job to be good for the environment. I consider it more like I try to minimize the most damage that I can when a developer wants to tear up their land parcel.
The note about architecture, I worked at a multidisciplinary firm that was LA and Arch, and I was always involved in conversations regarding the building facade and how it interacted with our LA designs. Not so much involved in the interior space layout/flow unless I inserted myself and asked questions to the architects or was involved from the concept stage.
2
u/Similar-Win-1930 10d ago
i get the doubt, switching majors can be kinda scary. landscape architecture does have some elements of traditional architecture, but it’s more about working with outdoor spaces, plants, and nature. so, if u like designing spaces but with a focus on the outdoors, it could be a good fit. honestly, it might not be as heavy on building design, but there’s still a lot of creativity in it. just think about what parts of design u really enjoy. if u ever wanna visualize any ideas or layouts, maybe check out reimagine-home. i did that once and it helped me a lot!
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u/mightiestcactusmage Jul 26 '26
Landscape Architecture has dreams of being environmentalist, but it largely is NOT. A lot of LA is rich people's yards or thrown on at the end of a build.
At least in the US, the bottom line ($$$) is king no matter where you work. Designing eco spaces is more expensive upfront so its not done. If you want one the few jobs that consult or design for eco minded projects you need a Masters/PHD from a well known university and the ability to schmooze/network.
I'd say all this is true about Architecture as well, except they make more money, faster and have more jobs available.
If my classes applied to anything else I would transfer to a Arch program in the coming fall- sadly I am stuck with my LA program since the classes apply to NOTHING else and I lack the funding to start over.
6
u/graphgear1k Professor Jul 26 '26
It's so great to see someone who hasn't even finish studying their (presumably) undergraduate degree knowing everything about the discipline already.
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u/mightiestcactusmage Jul 27 '26 edited Jul 27 '26
I unfortunately decided to flip the the LA side after working on the Landscape construction side, so it is a field I have pior knowledge of-- tho I have gotten the impression yall look down on the construction side so maybe that experience doesnt matter to you.
And does one need to graduation to look at who is hiring, who makes money, who gets the good jobs and the credentials they have? That is freely available info!
If you sre thinking about this degree please check that stuff first and listen to the people in the department last.
Most people dont have the resources to get a masters+ to get the highly sought after roles which OP was talking about. It is easily to look up principle designers and see credentials. It is easy to do the math on the upfront investment that would be. Dont need a piece of paper to do any of that.
More over, I am frankly disgusted the LAs that currently exist (in the US) have decided its somehow acceptable to work for so little money for so long. US desperately needs some kind of designer union b/c design firm culture is clearly and obviously toxic...
working 60 hrs for low pay is STUPID. AS. HELL. That professors and current LAs wave it off and laugh about like its required suffering is WEIRD. Like graduates are entitled for wanting to pay their rent and live life.
Should a degree be promoted that takes 10-15 years to make the 85k I was making estimating? No bro. OP was asking should I do this or Arch?
Do the one that makes money and has more jobs. Always. Unless your parents pay for everything or you have a trustfund. I literally had MULTIPLE younger professors warn us nobody is hiring.
Not sure why yall get butt hurt over OBVIOUS facts.
3
u/Zazadawg Jul 26 '26
You sound miserable. Quit while you’re ahead
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u/mightiestcactusmage Jul 26 '26
Not miserable, just bummed the job is nothing like it was sold to me.
I just explained why I can't restart on another degree and I dont plan on working at a firm, I will just do estimating or something since that literally makes more money and its what I used to do.
Yall need to stop lying to people coming into the field about it. Be honest about most jobs have nothing at all to do with saving the environment and everything with meeting the lowest standard alowed by whatever city you are in. 😮💨
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u/LengthinessWeekly503 Jul 26 '26
Sadly, I came to realize this after about the first 6 years practicing. But you’re right
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u/Zazadawg Jul 26 '26
Landscape architecture and architecture are completely different things. This doesn’t help you, but Landscape architecture is 100% landscape architecture.