Landscape Architecture -General Information

Introduction

Landscape architecture is a profession that uses artistic and scientific principles for research, planning, design and management of both natural and built environments. Members of this profession apply creative and technical skills as well as scientific, cultural and political knowledge in the planned arrangement of natural and constructed elements on the land with a concern for the conservation of natural, constructed and human resources. The resulting environments are expected to be useful, aesthetic, safe and enjoyable. In facing the growing urgency of environmental issues confronting human societies, landscape architects are also expected to deal with the issues such as healing, enhancing and managing the life-sustaining processes of the earth and ensure the integrity and strength of the global landscape which connects them.Types of projects include: Residential parks and recreation areas; monuments; urban design; streetscapes and public spaces; transportation corridors and facilities; thematic gardens and arboreta; hospitality and resorts; institutional requirements; academic campuses; therapeutic gardens; historic preservation and restoration; reclamation; conservation; rehabilitation; corporate and commercial projects.

Department of Landscape Architecture, one of the three Departments of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies of European University of Lefke was established in 2007.

Mission of Landscape Architecture Department
Northern part of Cyprus Island which is within the semi-arid region of the Mediterranean Climate Zone exhibits unique features as well as limitations due to its environmental conditions. Therefore, the Department carries additional responsibilities towards fragile and sensitive ecosystems of the Island and tries to reflect this attitude in its research activities and curricula. Landscape architecture may, for the purposes of landscape preservation, development and enhancement include: Investigation, selection, and allocation of land and water resources for appropriate use; feasibility studies; formulation of graphic and written expressions to conduct the planning and design of land construction programs; preparation, review, and analysis of master plans for land use and development; production of overall site plans, landscape grading and landscape drainage plans, irrigation plans, planting plans, and construction details; specifications; cost estimates and reports for land development; collaboration in the design of roads, bridges, and structures with respect to the functional and aesthetic requirements of the areas on which they are to be placed; negotiations and arrangements for execution area projects; field observation and inspection of construction areas, restoration, maintenance etc. 

Aim of Education
The aim of Landscape Architecture Department is to conduct education and research activities in various areas of the profession: Combining ecological awareness and expertise with planning and design competence and creativity to build functional and aesthetically pleasing green and open spaces; to draw up plans for the care and development of natural areas and landscapes; to assess prevention and mitigation measures to limit any possible environmental impacts; rural landscape planning; rehabilitating and healing damaged landscapes; consulting for the private companies,  government agencies and  local authorities

Education and research subjects of the Department include:
-         Landscape tasks in urban land use planning process:
-         Public and private parks and green spaces
-         Squares, plazas and public places
-         Pedestrian areas and promenades
-         Outdoor sport complexes
-         Playgrounds for children
-         Spa parks
-         Horticultural/garden exhibitions and outdoor fairs
-        Botanical gardens and arboreta
-       Graveyards and memorials
-       Plant material
-       Planting design
-       Private gardens and courtyards
-      Roof gardens

Historical and archeological sites
-Sustainable design
-Green-open spaces and systems planning
-Recreational planning
-Historic perspective of Landscape Art
-Environmental aspects of physical planning
-Legal and administrative aspects of environmental conservation -Landscape ecology Landscape architects co-operate with architects, town planners, civil engineers, biologists, geologists, and professionals of social sciences.  

Employment Opportunities
Landscape architects can work in Governmental associations: Ministries of Environment and Forestry, Tourism, Culture, Rural Affairs; Municipalities; State Highways Department; private sectors operating in the field of landscape planning, design, construction and contraction; ornamental plant propagation are among main employment opportunities. Universities attract graduates who are interested in academic life. There are also vast self employment opportunities.