Landscape architects or technologists design outdoor spaces to make them functional and attractive. These spaces may range in size from small privately owned gardens to city squares and parks. Landscape architects are artists whose living canvas is the environment.
Landscape architects survey the site, studying the geography of the project site, examining the slope of the land, the trees present and the distribution of shade and sun. The requirements are discussed with the clients. Preliminary plans and budgets are then drawn up after consultation with engineers, project architects, horticulturists and municipal officials.
After plans have been approved, final drawings are prepared showing both the existing and proposed features. Lists are drawn up of all the materials needed. Finally, contractors are invited to submit tenders for carrying out the work. Depending on the scale of the project, earth-moving equipment may be used for the landscaping. Some typical tasks include writing reports, using computer-aided design, producing contracts and estimated costs, presenting proposals to clients, overseeing projects as they progress and liaising with other professionals such as civil engineers.
Landscape architects may specialise in certain types of projects such as parks and playgrounds, or in services such as regional planning or site construction.
Landscape contractors normally undertake actual construction work, with landscape architects or landscape designers retaining responsibility for overseeing building work and monitoring progress. Landscape architects normally work in an office and travel to sites as needed. They may also work on projects overseas.
Landscape architects need to know about the soil, weather and climatic conditions and be able to choose vegetation, which, if not endemic to a specific area, is able to flourish there.
Today sustainable gardens are popular and landscapers make use of water-wise indigenous plants, for example, rather than thirsty exotics.
They work indoors, in their own offices, as well as outdoors, on project sites.
Key skills are good verbal and written communication and negotiation, excellent technical skills, drawing and IT skills, including the ability to use computer-aided design, creativity and imagination.
Schooling & School Subjects
Compulsory Subjects: No compulsory subjects although art is highly recommended as an art portfolio will be required for entry into an art school or college.
Recommended subjects: Art, Engineering Design (EGD) or Design
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Higher Education
Degree and Postgraduate: BSc(LArch) Landscape Architecture – UP, is a 3 year full-time degree and subjects become more specialised as students progress to their final year of study. The course includes a theoretical component that focuses on ecological aspects, and also the development of technical abilities, communication skills and a professional approach. Candidates wishing to become professional landscape architects must hereafter apply to register for the BLHons degree (one year full-time), and thereafter the ML(Prof) degree (one year full-time).
UCT offers a BAS (Bachelor in Architectural Studies), a 3 year programme which leads to registration as a Landscape Architect Technologist and this may also be followed by a 2 year MLA to register as a professional Land Architect.
Diploma: Architectural Technology is offered at CPUT, TUT
The profession is regulated by the Landscape Architect Act (Act 45 of 2000)
Possible Career Paths
Landscape architects often start their careers as junior draughtsmen doing routine tasks. After 2 to 3 years’ experience they are usually able to carry a design through all the stages of development. Highly qualified landscape architects may become associates in private firms, while some may start their own offices.
• architectural, landscape architectural and engineering firms
• Departments of Water Affairs & Forestry, Public Works and Regional & Land Affairs
• Eskom
• urban planning firms
• landscape contractors
• municipalities and provincial administrations
• self-employment, in private practice, with enough experience, initiative and capital, can start their own business
Botanical Society of South Africa
Private Bag X 10
Claremont, 7735
Tel: (021) 797-2090
www.botanicalsociety.org.za
Agricultural Research Council
1134 Park Street, Hatfield
Pretoria
Tel: (012) 427-9700
www.arc.agric.za
The Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa
P O Box 868
Ferndale, 2160
Tel: (011) 061-5000
www.ilasa.co.za
South African Landscaping Institute (SALI)
P.O. Box 472
Modderfontein, 1645
Tel: 082 892 8470
www.sali.co.za
Eskom
P O Box 1091
Megawatt Park
Maxwell Drive
Sunninghill, Sandton
Tel: (011) 800-8111
www.eskom.co.za
Information sponsored by GreenMatter
www.greenmatter.co.za
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