Landscape Architecture
![Two students holding landscape model.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_10_4_250x100/public/2022-12/2019_05_22LandArchJBS_049%20copy-3.jpg?h=f9b6bae9&itok=1fNgMtLG)
Landscape Architecture straddles the interface between the cultural and natural worlds, addressing design issues inherent in a range of typologies and scales, from specific sites to global systems. RISD’s program prepares you to thoughtfully examine and develop innovative design solutions for the complex issues associated with these environments.
Degree programs
![Mapping models scale.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_16_9_349x196/public/2021-02/mapping_models_scale.jpg?h=ea819b77&itok=Dq2Z5C6N)
Offering a two- and three-year degree option, the Master of Landscape Architecture provides a rich context for you to learn the discipline alongside a community engaged in a diverse range of creative and critical practices.
![Students constructing concrete polygons and submerging them into a river.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_16_9_349x196/public/2021-02/riverside_polygon_concrete_submerged.jpg?h=a6f82ae8&itok=hJZksk7u)
In addressing urgent issues around coastal sustainability, this joint RISD/University of Rhode Island degree program enhances your design education with studies in coastal and marine social science, economics, policy, planning and law.
Sustainability Design Lab
![a cliff face of red, brown and gray rock running along a sandy beach, with slightly cloudy blue sky in the background](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_16_9_349x196/public/2023-04/sustainability-design-lab-hero.jpg?h=08b866d1&itok=Z-fCvmeg)
Operating at the intersection of interior and landscape architecture, this space fosters understanding of how low-impact design strategies can shape the future of the built environment and practices that can create more inclusive material cultures. In investigating some of the most urgent issues of our time, students working here continually question and revise their own design decisions.
In the studio
Whether working in the field, the CAD Lab, the Model Shop or on their own laptops, you will be challenged to think critically and develop self-reliant design processes. Studio work is complemented by the study of drawing, history, theory, ecology, cultural geography, plants and technology.
![Students examining stones outside.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/original_max_width_250/public/2021-02/examining_stones.jpg?itok=7mtqOXZF)
![Students discussing an area plan.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/original_max_width_250/public/2021-02/students_discussing_area_plan.jpg?itok=ghWXzCTF)
![A wooden tent frame.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/original_max_width_250/public/2021-02/wood_tent_frame.jpg?itok=rUvnoHEj)
Student work
![Art piece by Qi An, MLA 2017. A construction paper model.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/original_max_width_250/public/2021-02/student_work_Qi_An_MLA_2017.jpg?itok=m6vamUiz)
Qi An MLA 2017
![Art piece by Qinhe Qian, MLA 2017. Drawings of landscape designs.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/original_max_width_250/public/2021-02/student_work_Qinhe_Qian_MLA_2017.jpg?itok=F_xOGYVW)
Qinhe Qian MLA 2017
![Art piece by Jil Sanchez, MLA 2017. Black and white print.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/original_max_width_250/public/2021-02/student_work_Jil_Sanchez_MLA_2017.png?itok=d_h2gZbj)
Jil Sanchez MLA 2017
![Art piece by Chenglin Zhu, MLA 2017. Painting on canvas.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/original_max_width_250/public/2021-02/student_work_Chenglin_Zhu_MLA_2017.jpg?itok=8OON6YTN)
Chenglin Zhu MLA 2017
![Art piece by Ratchu Surajaras, MLA 2019. Black and white sketch of a landscape design.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/original_max_width_250/public/2021-02/student_work_Ratchu_Surajaras_MLA_2019.jpg?itok=wJKf2QVz)
Ratchu Surajaras MLA 2019
![Art piece by Patricia Noto, MLA 2018. A construction paper model of a landscape.](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/original_max_width_250/public/2021-02/student_work_Patricia_Noto_MLA_2018.jpg?itok=qIfEMDeH)
Patricia Noto MLA 2018
Alumni
Landscape Architecture students graduate with the versatility and self-confidence to work in a wide range of land- and systems-based design fields, pursuing the same interests they explore here. Collaborative in spirit, open-minded and innovative in their approaches to problem solving, alumni self-identify as creators of contemporary culture.
![phoebe lickwar landscape architecture mla 06](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_16_9_349x196/public/2021-03/phoebe_lickwar_landscape_architecture_mla_06.jpg?h=b67478d5&itok=gDxhA6US)
Phoebe Lickwar is the founder of FORGE, a Fayetteville, AR-based landscape architecture firm that cultivates community through landscape design. Throughout her career she has collaborated on several prominent memorials and cultural centers and in 2018 her installation Into the Woods! won the International Garden Competition at Chaumont-sur-Loire in France. An educator in the field, Lickwar also frequently shows fine art photography in juried exhibitions throughout the US.
![Ian Quate Landscape Architecture MLA 2011](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_16_9_349x196/public/2021-03/ian_quate_landscape_architecture_mla_2011.jpg?h=a4462c1c&itok=7iEQAvOD)
"Science is my muse for design," says Ian Quate, a landscape architect committed to scientifically-informed, green design. Quate frequently engages in interdisciplinary ventures like the BK BioReactor, an alternative cleanup proposal for Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal that won first prize in the 2015 Gowanus by Design competition. He is the founder of landscape design firm Fruit Studio.
Featured stories
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