Landscape Design-2025/2026
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| WRIT-1036 | Reason & Writing 1-Art & Design | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| DESG-1065 | Landscape Design Studio 1 | 4 | ||
| This studio-based course is an introduction to the landscape design process. Lectures, studio exercises, group and individual projects are used to demonstrate, explore and practice the techniques, approaches and compositional principles of design. Assignments focus on the application of a design process for problem-solving as it relates to the design of small residential and commercial sites. Students will acquire and practice landscape design techniques. | ||||
| LAND-1002 | Site Inventory & Evaluation | 1.5 | ||
| This course introduces the student to the process of assessing a site to determine the various elements that will impact on the development of an effective landscape solution. Classes will include practical field experience and small group exercises. Various survey and measurement tools will be used to accurately inventory existing site conditions and record this information. The impact of this data on the design, construction and maintenance of a garden will be discussed. | ||||
| DESG-1075 | Presentation & Illustration 1 | 2 | ||
| This course introduces students to the basic drafting, sketching and illustration skills required to develop and present landscape design ideas. Classes will explore various line-drawing and colour rendering techniques used to develop and present design ideas to clients. Both free-hand and manual drawings techniques will be used to show plan elements, elevation/sections, axonometric and 1-point perspective drawings. | ||||
| COOP-1020 | Co-operative Education Employment Prep | 1 | ||
| This workshop will provide an overview of the Co-operative Education consultants and students' roles and responsibilities as well as the Co-operative Education Policy. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to co-operative education work assignments and will prepare students for their work term. | ||||
| DESG-1066 | Landscape Materials | 2 | ||
| This course introduces the student to the materials they will encounter when constructing and designing landscape projects. Landscape Materials explores the qualities and applications of aggregates, wood, concrete, masonry, natural stone, and geo-textiles. The learner will be able to identify, describe, and understand how each material could be used in various landscape projects, its durability and subsequent maintenance. The student will be able to perform quantity take off calculations for various landscape materials. | ||||
| CADD-1010 | Computer Drafting for Design 1 | 3 | ||
| An introductory computer drafting software course introduces students to the fundamentals of DynaScape & AutoCAD as used in Landscape Design. Students will demonstrate their ability to prepare two-dimensional scaled plan drawings complete with standard file management, drawing setup layers, line types, dimension styles, text, titlebocks and plotting. This course is a pre-requisite for CADD 3026. | ||||
| HORT-1082 | Plant Studies 1 | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to woody plant naming systems and basic plant anatomy physiology & growth. Through woody plant walks, both native and cultured plants will be introduced and studied on site. How and where these plants can be used in plantings will be discussed. At the conclusion of the course the learner will be able to identify and give basic cultural information on over 150 hardy deciduous trees, shrubs and vines within Ontario hardiness Zones 2-6 suitable for use in the landscape. | ||||
| Level 2 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course. | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| COMM-3074 | Communications for Design | 3 | ||
| This course, designed for students who plan to work in the field of art and design, focuses on professional written and verbal communication skills. Students learn to prepare a variety of work-related documents. In addition, students learn about research methods and documentation formats. The principles of effective writing - organization, grammar, style, clarity, and tone - are reinforced throughout the course. The goal of the course is to prepare students for the communication tasks and considerations they will encounter in the workplace in order to meet the needs of employers and/or the communities they will serve. | ||||
| DESG-1008 | Landscape Design Studio 2 | 3.5 | ||
| This studio course builds on the skills learned in Landscape Design Studio I. Projects introduce students to site planning requirements and design strategies for residential and public space design projects. Emphasis will be placed on design approach, composition and presentation. Students will investigate & integrate by-law and municipal standards into their design process and solutions. Students will be introduced to model building. | ||||
| LAND-3010 | Field Construction- Wood | 2.5 | ||
| Through a series of lectures and practical labs students will be exposed to landscape features constructed with wood. The students will be introduced to wood working equipment in a shop environment yet the primary focus will be on the use of portable wood working tools. Strict workplace safety procedures will be followed. | ||||
| HORT-3041 | Plant Studies 2 | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to conifers and broad-leaf evergreens and their role in the landscape. Through woody plant walks, both native and cultured plants will be introduced and studied on site. The nature and role of healthy soil to nutrient & water retention and the growth of plantings will be investigated. At the conclusion of the course the learner will be able to identify, give basic cultural information and preferred soils for more than 50 hardy evergreen trees, shrubs and groundcovers within Ontario hardiness Zones 2-6 suitable for use in the landscape. | ||||
| CADD-3026 | Computer Drafting for Design 2 | 1.5 | ||
| An intermediate AutoCAD course builds technical skills for Studio DESG-3007 Landscape Design Working Drawing projects. Students will be introduced to aspects of creating a proper detailed Documentation Package. A focus on line-weight and annotative objects will apply to projects. This course is a pre-requisite for CADD 3027. | ||||
| Level 3 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| DESG-3007 | Landscape Design Studio 3 | 3.5 | ||
| This is an intermediate level landscape design course with emphasis on mid-sized residential, recreational, and commercial projects. Design projects focus on single and multi-unit housing, open space planning and preliminary environmental site planning issues. The student must prepare individual presentations of design concepts and advocate for his/her recommendations on projects. | ||||
| SURV-3013 | Surveying & Site Services | 2 | ||
| This course provides an introduction to surveying as a key part of site grading and drainage. Hands-on experience with surveying equipment and various techniques used to document distance and elevation measurements will be used. Techniques of topographical surveying, note taking, slope calculations and contour interpolation calculations are covered. Project surveys and CAD base plans will be used for studio course projects. | ||||
| ECOL-1001 | Ecology | 3 | ||
| An introductory ecology course with specific emphasis on the relationship between the natural environment and the built landscape. Students will gain a more complete understanding of ecological principles through a series of field exercises. | ||||
| ARTS-3049 | Digital Illustration 1 | 3 | ||
| This intermediate continues the development of illustration skills. Design presentation techniques covered include 2 point and aerial perspectives and a detailed exploration of design elements. Students expand their illustration repertoire through research and experimentation with new techniques. The use of cameras and technology as part of page layout and detail design as part of the project presentation is encouraged. | ||||
| HORT-3042 | Plant Studies 3 | 3 | ||
| This intermediate course introduces through lecture & plant walks herbaceous plants such as perennials, annuals and weeds and their association with the woody species in the landscape. The development of complex plantings requires a solid knowledge of plant identification, culture and their long-term maintenance. Students will be introduced to complex planting designs projects utilizing design principals of garden structure, colour, naturalization, seasonal interest and layering including all plants learned from previous two Plant Studies courses. Classes will often occur off campus. | ||||
| LAND-3011 | Field Construction- Concrete | 3 | ||
| Through a series of lectures and practical labs the student will be introduced to concrete precast materials. Small projects using concrete paving stone and retaining walls using guidelines set by ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute) will be followed. Strict workplace safety procedures will be enforced, safety equipment required. | ||||
| Level 4 | ||||
| Gen Ed - Take a 3 credit General Education elective course. | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| DESG-3042 | Landforms | 2.5 | ||
| This course builds on the understanding of grading and drainage from SURV-3013. It allows the student to further develop an understanding of the interpretation, manipulation and illustration of landforms. Topics to be covered include grading, cut and fill, contours, aerial interpretation, environmental, design and aesthetic principles of land manipulation and drainage. | ||||
| DESG-3015 | Landscape Design Studio 4 | 3.5 | ||
| This studio-based course focuses on landscape design proposals for large-scale housing, mixed-use, commercial and/or institutional developments resulting from site analysis, design development and contract document preparation. The goal is for students to produce project deliverables that demonstrate their landscape design knowledge and skills, their understanding of design documentation and communication, and related to that, their employability. | ||||
| METH-3031 | Working Documents | 3.5 | ||
| This course permits the student to explore the nature of working documents through lecture and studio experiences. Lectures will focus on the material required to prepare each component in a set of working documents, and then supervised studio time will allow for this information to be practiced. | ||||
| COMP-3113 | Digital Illustration 2 | 3 | ||
| This intermediate /advanced level course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to gain experience in the various software and technology based communication tools available in the industry. This course will assist the student to integrate these computer based skills with the illustrative communication skills learned in previous classes to clearly and professionally communicate design ideas. Students will be encouraged to investigate and experiment with new and different tools and media. | ||||
| BUSI-3045 | Business Studies 1-Business & Costing | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to the foundational aspects of business including human resources, financing, and costing as practical business concerns. An understanding of business costs, how these costs inform strategic business decisions, impact cost recovery and determine the profitability of operations will be investigated. Practical projects will explore how various costing decisions determine how landscape projects are priced. | ||||
| Level 5 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| DESG-5024 | Landscapes Structures 1 | 4 | ||
| Students in this course will be instructed on how materials are combined to construct stone structures and water features. Emphasis will be placed in statics/mechanics, aesthetics, durability functionality and construction methodologies. Exercises will also explore the costs associated with installation. | ||||
| METH-5023 | Special Project/Research & Development | 2 | ||
| This course is designed to provide experience in academic research and the written communication tools that are standard in the landscape industry. The students will research a variety of topics and will present their research results in written reports as well as formal and informal presentations to the class. Students will be challenged to find suitable research sources and presenting the results clearly to their peers. Some research topics tie to the studio project. | ||||
| ARTS-5032 | Advanced Digital Iillustration | 3 | ||
| This advanced course allows students to expand the skills developed in previous courses through continued exploration and integration of graphic software and technology to their design work. The main goal of this course is to assist students in designing, compiling and communicating their skills developed throughout this program into a professional portfolio suitable to obtain a position as a landscape industry professional. | ||||
| DESG-5025 | Landscape Studio 5 | 4 | ||
| Landscape Studio 5 provides the student with the opportunity to complete a complex landscape design project that reinforces the application of the design process and principles following an extended work term. Digital and non-digital drawing and presentation techniques will be used to investigate and propose solutions to a specific design problem in consideration of existing planning legislation. Emphasis is on working drawing production using digital means for project deliverables. | ||||
| ECOL-5000 | Ecology 2 | 3 | ||
| Building on the knowledge gained from the Introduction to Ecology course, students will further develop their understanding of key ecological concepts and the special nature of urban ecology and its relevance to the work of landscape designers. Emphasis is placed on the creative application of these to deliver ecosystem services and biodiversity. | ||||
| METH-1043 | Geographical Information Systems 1 | 2 | ||
| This introductory GIS course will cover basic GIS theory & concepts in the lecture portion and provide an introduction to ArcGIS software in the lab portion. A series of lab assignments will cover data views, tables, and layout views, layers, labeling and legends using the ArcGIS software. In the lecture portion the structure of ArcGIS, data acquisition, processing, storage, display and analysis, and The application of GIS to Urban and Rural planning will be covered. | ||||
| Level 6 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
Group 1 | ||||
| DESG-5009 | Landscape Studio 6 | 3.5 | ||
| This course is the culmination of the students' studio-based design education. Term projects require the application of the full range of landscape design skills acquired through the program. Emphasis is given to a project related to the student's research interests explored in the final term. | ||||
| METH-5021 | Professional Practice | 3 | ||
| Professional practice as a foundational aspect of business deals with both the professional and ethical issues inherent in business as an individual, as part of a professional organization and as a manager of a professional landscape business. Lectures and research will deal with human resources, fiscal aspects, business practices, ethical issues and an introduction to legal and fiscal topics. Marketing at an individual and business level will be discussed. | ||||
| DESG-5026 | Landscape Structures 2 | 4 | ||
| This course continues the work completed in Landscape Structures I with a focus on topics which include natural stone, wood decks, fencing, roofed structures, water, irrigation, steps/ramps, lighting and furniture. Practical assignments will include detail drawings, construction methods and cost estimating. | ||||
| DESG-5027 | Special Project/Research & Dev 2 | 3 | ||
| This research course is designed to expand student understanding of how people experience landscape spaces and why. Topics are tied to a variety landscape and psychology theories and presented to the class. The research, reports and presentations are to be of professional standard. Each student will pursue a series of topics individually. The student's final report will tie this research to the studio project noting their use of these theories and their research into their design thinking and final design solution. | ||||
Group 2 | ||||
| Take ECOL-5001, ARTS-5033 or METH-5024 | ||||
| ECOL-5001 | Ecology 3 | 3 | ||
| This course aims to apply the principles of ecolog | ||||
| ARTS-5033 | Advanced Digital Illustration 2 | 3 | ||
| This advanced course allows students to expand and enhance the skills developed in previous courses through continued exploration and integration of graphic software and technology into their design work. An emphasis in this course is to assist students in improving their design illustration skills by examining exemplar illustrations from the profession and integrating these ideas and techniques into both studio work and their portfolios. | ||||
| METH-5024 | Geographical Information Systems 2 | 3 | ||
| This computer lab course will build on prerequisite Landscape Design GIS courses. The major functions of GIS in Landscape Design will be studied including data preparation, data transformation, data management, data display and spatial analysis and automation with a GIS. The use of GIS concepts, theories and practical examples will illustrate the significance GIS has in the field of Landscape Design. | ||||
| Gen Ed - Electives | ||||
| Take 6 General Education Credits - Normally taken in Levels 2 and 4 | ||||
| Program Residency | ||||
| Students Must Complete a Minimum of 27 credits in this program at Fanshawe College to meet the Program Residency requirement and graduate from this program | ||||