Energy-efficient building is gaining in popularity in which both traditional architects and landscape architects get to work together. Their focus is on maximizing natural resources such as sunlight and wind to decrease energy use in the building. Landscape architects are also turning their attention towards urban renewal projects. A great example of this is the High Line in New York City. It's 1.45 mile long elevated urban park which turned an abandoned elevated freight rail line into a urban park three stories above ground.
With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), state and local governments have begun receiving funds for economic stimulus projects. A lot of these projects are related to infrastructure upgrades and development. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) estimates that landscape architects are going to be needed in considerable numbers for these projects.
Another emerging area for landscape architects is redesigning transportation systems in urban areas. Communities now need multi-purpose transportation corridors that can be used by motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, including people with disabilities. Creating livable communities is another area where landscape architects are working on improving access to recreational facilities, bicycle paths and walking trails.
Landscape architects today can choose to specialize in any one of the several areas mentioned above. Around 20 percent of them are self-employed. The average salary for landscape architects is $71,000. There are 68 colleges throughout the country were there are accredited undergraduate programs available in landscape architecture. There are two types of undergraduate degrees in this field - Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) and a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA).
These degrees require 4 to 5 years of coursework. Those who do not have a BLA or BSLA can enroll in the masters program called Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA). This program takes around 3 years to complete. Students in any of the programs have to complete lots of projects and hands on training. They are also required to become proficient in computer-aided design, model building, and GIS. Other subjects include plant and soil science and geology.
