Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• Solve common design problems by developing form and spatial compositions for design projects.
• Use an understanding of the history of landscape design and landscape designers in order to create functional and aesthetic design.
• Apply a working knowledge of nurseries and plant selection in developing plant lists.
• Present design concepts in sketch, drafted landscape drawing, and picture collage formats.
• Orally discuss the concepts used in design projects.
• Demonstrate the ability to work as an individual and as part of a group.

The Instructor prepares hands-on labs before class (e.g. resource and modify landscape design projects). During the lab period, the Instructor guides students through presentation and peer evaluation of previous week's landscape design projects. With remaining lab time, students start the following week's lab work with the Instructor's guidance and receive verbal feedback as they work. Students draft and complete landscape designs outside of classtime. Drafted projects are submitted and draft the project (written and with photographs). Students draft maps on the projects detailing site specifications and limitations and offer analysis of the site with respect to the project design program. Plans and associated analysis are submitted and the Instructor evaluates the work outside of class time - providing a score and feedback on technical accuracy, completeness and professionalism.

Evaluation will be based on the following:

• Term notebook of compiled plant lists
• Midterm paper and in-class presentation
• Weekly composition projects
• Final design project
• Class participation in peer review and discussions

1. Develop plant lists for use in landscape design projects
2. Apply an understanding of form and spatial composition to create functional landscape designs
3. Generate master landscape and planting plans 
4. Understand the history of landscape design and prominent landscape designers
5. Solve common design problems and challenges through critical thinking
6. Communicate the rationale for design decisions through both oral and graphical presentations