This unit introduces landscape architecture as a professional practice. It is co-ordinated by MLA staff and MSA’s professional studies team, who have developed a curriculum that represents the breadth of the discipline of landscape architecture by inviting contributions from professionals and specialists in the field. Sessions involve presentations, debates, workshops, site and practice visits, all aimed at familiarising students with key concepts of professional practice, which will later form a foundation for their preparations for chartership during the early years of their career. In addition to providing an insight into professional methods and practices, the curriculum aims to generate a critical discussion about contemporary practice and the future of the profession engaging with themes such as inclusive design practices, digital futures, landscape planning and regulations, interdisciplinary practice. This year the unit is undergoing a transition to address the Landscape Institute’s new competency framework and embed reflective practice as central to professional practice and will begin with students engaging in the ‘Woman and Landscape Architecture Roundtable’ event. Building on previous years, students will form a proto practice, simulating work in a landscape architecture practice through engaging with a live client brief. As students reflect on their proto-practice experience and outputs, guest lectures and areas of practice, and their own skills and knowledge, they will develop a professional development plan to support their transition to professional practice.
Note: The unit is taught in an intensive period during the early summer and work displayed is from 2021-22.
