Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

DESIGN PROPOSALS

• Design beautiful and functional outdoor environments of all scales that respond to specific user/client needs and programmatic requirements
• Produce defensible planning and design solutions that reflect knowledge of the cultural, historical, ecological and climatic factors of a given site

RESEARCH AND DESIGN PROCESS

• Conduct a thorough observation and analysis and/or a post-occupancy evaluation of a site in order to determine how people use space
• Work effectively with the natural forms, processes and elements of an indigenous landscape during the entire planning and design process
• Apply the basic principles and elements of design to landscape architecture planning and design proposals
• Explore sufficient concepts and alternative proposals as part of the planning and design process

NATURAL SYSTEMS

• Identify the indigenous components and processes found on any site (soil types, individual plant species, plant communities, wildlife, climatic conditions, and hydrology) and determine the resultant planning and design opportunities and constraints
• Effectively use trees, shrubs, grasses, annuals, perennials and bulbs in their planting designs in order to provide year-round seasonal beauty and function

TECHNICAL SYSTEMS AND MATERIALS

• Design technically accurate and ecologically sensitive grading and drainage plans
• Select materials that will enhance the aesthetic and ecological qualities of a given site as well as provide for the programmatic requirements of the client and/or user group
• Develop construction details that solve structural, functional, aesthetic/environmental issues
• Recognize the design opportunities and limitations of building and construction codes

HISTORICAL PRECEDENT

• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of historical precedents, including cultural and geographic forces that have shaped major historical gardens, public parks and urban open spaces in their design projects

GRAPHIC/VISUAL COMMUNICATION

• Visually communicate their ideas and proposals (perspectives, axonometrics, plans sections and elevations)
• Successfully use a range of visual media to communicate their ideas and proposals (freehand and computer drawing, drafting, three dimensional models, rendered presentation illustratives)

VERBAL PRESENTATION SKILLS

• Successfully communicate design proposals and key objectives of their projects
• Articulate rationale for design decisions throughout the design process

PROFESSIONAL READINESS

• Produce a professional portfolio demonstrating their skills and design process
• Collaborate effectively with other members of a project team

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
8. Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs as well as collaborative, civic and pro bono projects.