Landscape Architect / Technologist
Landscape architects or technologists design outdoor spaces to make them functional and attractive. These spaces may range in size from small privately owned gardens to city squares and parks. Landscape architects are artists whose living canvas is the environment.
Landscape architects study the geography of the project site, examining the slope of the land, the trees present and the distribution of shade and sun. Preliminary plans and budgets are then drawn up after consultation with engineers, project architects, horticulturists and municipal officials.
After plans have been approved, final drawings are prepared showing both the existing and proposed features. Lists are drawn up of all the materials needed. Finally, contractors are invited to submit tenders for carrying out the work, should the landscape architect and his team not do this themselves.
Landscape architects may specialise in certain types of projects such as parks and playgrounds, or in services such as regional planning or site construction.
Landscape architects need to know about the soil, weather and climatic conditions and be able to choose vegetation, which, if not endemic to a specific area, is able to flourish there.
Landscape architects often start their careers as junior draughtsmen doing routine tasks. After 2 to 3 years' experience they are usually able to carry a design through all the stages of development. Highly qualified landscape architects may become associates in private firms, while some may start their own offices.
Landscape architects are employed in jobs varying from private practice to top level administrative positions with government, semi-government, provincial and municipal agencies. Their work ranges from simple design projects to complete environmental projects.
Today sustainable gardens are popular and landscapers make use of water-wise indigenous plants, for example, rather than thirsty exotics.
They work indoors, in their own offices, as well as outdoors, on project sites.
Satisfying Aspects
- working both indoors and outdoors
- working with nature
- some travelling
- working on a variety of projects
- good employment opportunities and possibility of own business
Demanding aspects
- working in adverse weather conditions;
- working for difficult or over-demanding clients.
Requirements
A landscape architect / technologist should:
- be creative, artistic and aesthetically sensitive;
- have a technical and scientific aptitude;
- have a love of nature and interest in natural sciences;
- have ability to visualize and plan accurately;
- good verbal and graphic communication skills;
- get along well with others.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences, Agricultural Science, Engineering and Graphic Design
Training
Architecture – UP, is a 3 year full-time degree and subjects become more specialised as students progress to their final year of study. The course includes a theoretical component that focuses on ecological aspects, and also the development of technical abilities, communication skills and a professional approach. Candidates wishing to become professional landscape architects must hereafter apply to register for the BLHons degree (one year full-time), and thereafter the ML(Prof) degree (one year full-time).
UCT offers a BAS (Bachelor in Architectural Studies), a 3 year programme which leads to registration as a Landscape Architect Technologist and this may also be followed by a 2 year MLA to register as a professional Land Architect.
Diploma: Architectural Technology is offered at CPUT, TUT
The profession is regulated by the Landscape Architect Act (Act 45 of 2000)
Employer
- architectural, landscape architectural and engineering firms
- Departments of Water Affairs & Forestry, Public Works and Regional & Land Affairs
- Eskom
- urban planning firms
- landscape contractors
- municipalities
- provincial administrations
- self-employment, with enough experience, initiative and capital, can start own business
Contact
Botanical Society of South Africa
Private Bag X 10
Claremont, 7735
Tel: (021) 797-2090 Fax: (021) 797-2376
www.botanicalsociety.org.za
www.botanicalsociety.org.za
Agricultural Research Council
P O Box 8783
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 427-9700 Fax: (012) 342-3948
www.arc.agric.za
The Institute for Landscape Architecture in South Africa
P O Box 868
Ferndale, 2160
Tel: (011) 789-1384 Fax: 086 680 7449
South African Landscaping Institute (SALI)
P O Box 472
Modderfontein, 1645
Tel: (011) 606-3156 Fax: (011) 606-2895
www.sali.co.za
Eskom
P O Box 1091
Johannesburg,
2001 Megawatt Park
Maxwell Drive
Sunninghill
Sandton
Tel: (011) 800-8111 Fax: (011) 507-5756
www.eskom.co.za
www.ilasa.co.za