0 or 3 credits
Fall 2025 Laboratory Preparation Laboratory Upper Division
Study of plants and their integration with other site features (e.g., water, landform) to increase sustainability. Plants will not only be studied for their aesthetic and spatial uses in the landscape, but also their ecological functions and temporal dynamics. The relationship of plants to site planning, ecosystems, and human use will be explored. Various scales, sustainable practices, and landscape performance will be considered. Class trip may be required. Students will pay individual lodging or meal expenses when necessary.
Learning Outcomes1Be familiar with and able to use design principles and elements in the development of planting designs and understand the implications of plants as living things.
2Understand the relationship of planting design, ecological functions, social factors, and sustainability.
3Have a clear understanding of the concept and measurement methods of landscape performance.
4Set smart and measurable sustainable goals and be able to select suitable plant material and create effective compositions appropriate for a variety of site conditions.
5Know how to observe plants from multiple perspectives (plant needs & site/environmental conditions; human spatial needs; aesthetic responses; ecological implications) and be able to integrate these perspectives into functional designs.
Prerequisites
made by Purdue students.