Landscape architecture researches, sketches and shapes the landscape in which we live. In this field, you will work with the natural and the human-made, the tangible and the imaginary, the practical and the poetic on a daily basis. We work on different scale levels, from garden to region, and always take the influence of time into account. As a landscape architect, you have practical knowledge of soil, water, trees and plants, among other things. You understand how people and nature are intertwined and how to shape this relationship.
What you learn
In the Landscape Architecture programme at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture, we explore alternative relationships between people and nature. We look beyond the current anthropocentric approach, in which everything is at the service of humans, and seek a more ecocentric attitude. In doing so, we design conditions that benefit all forms of life, human and non-human. This way of working is in line with the Academy’s Climate Curriculum, in which we strive for nature-positive, regenerative and equitable design in all our education and research. As part of the Amsterdam University of the Arts, we at the Academy of Architecture are in a good position to connect the practical and the poetic in our design and research studios, together with our students, and thus arrive at meaningful designs that contribute to improving the living conditions for all forms of life.
About the curriculum
All three study programmes have the same structure. In the six teaching semesters prior to graduation, six forms of education are offered parallel to each other: projects, research, form studies, lectures, electives and reflection. These forms of education are not only devoted to the development of knowledge and skills with these educational components, but students also actively work on their own portfolio. During your studies, you will spend half your time studying and the other half in the professional field. This educational model — the concurrent model — gives you the opportunity to build a peer network and gain experience in professional practice during your studies.
EMiLA: European Master in Landscape Architecture
EMiLA offers landscape architecture students the opportunity to learn about the profession in the European context and to gain teaching experience abroad. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the major European themes for landscape architecture and learn about the different approaches to the subject. Students learn how political differences within Europe affect the landscape and gain insight into cross-border landscape cooperation. If you choose the EMiLAprogramme as a Landscape Architecture student, you will not attend classes at the Academy of Architecture in your second year of study, but two semesters at two out out of four partner schools of your choice instead. In addition to the programme at these participating institutes, you will follow a Summer School programme and an e-learning programme.
Interdisciplinary and international
Architecture, urban design and landscape architecture are independent disciplines, but are inextricably linked with each other at the same time. The Amsterdam Academy of Architecture is the only Dutch design study programme that offers these three spatial disciplines in combination. By focusing on the essence and skills of your profession and, at the same time, partly working in interdisciplinary groups, you will be prepared for an integrated professional practice in the current field of work, where there is an increasing demand for your specific design skills within blurring boundaries. Working within an international context is also becoming increasingly important. The Academy also maintains an active network of foreign study programmes, through which students and lecturers are exchanged on a small scale, and is a member of the European Association of Architectural Education (EAAE).
After graduation
After the Master’s programme in Landscape Architecture, you will have access to a broad and well-grounded range of design and research tools and you will be able to operate as a landscape architect both nationally and internationally. Moreover, you will be able to effectively collaborate with other disciplines in the design, planning and implementation process as an independent designer within a bureau, or you can begin your own bureau. After successfully completing your programme, you will have direct access to the Dutch Architects’ Registration Board.
