Landscape Architecture

The study of landscape architecture was founded based on the spatial and social needs in the Republic of Croatia. The time we live in is marked by the rising human needs for space, which influence the changes and the loss of value of landscapes. In order to solve many spatial problems and express our care for the environment, it is necessary to have a broad education in the area of social sciences and processes that influence the changes in landscapes. Therefore, this study is interdisciplinary, especially in the sense of organizing the lectures. The knowledge on which the activities in landscape architecture are based have been taken from many areas such as: natural, ecological; socio-economic; technical, and planning disciplines. This is why professors from other Faculties from the University of Zagreb and the Biotechnical faculty from the University of Ljubljana participate in this program.

Bachelors of landscape architecture are adequately trained in disciplines that provide important knowledge for spatial planning, natural and cultural heritage protection, and environmental protection. In the area of landscape formation, important knowledge includes the formation of new landscape structures and the restoration of damaged and polluted landscapes. Professional goals of the study are to develop cognitive and artistic abilities in the areas of landscape formation and landscape planning. Landscape formation represents the spatial distribution of landscape elements, and their physical determination in order to achieve functional, ecologically balanced and esthetical structural units. Landscape planning includes the knowledge of natural values and determination of the measures for their protection.

In the educational sense, the goals of the study are: to gain knowledge of how to identify and recognize the needs of people in the open space; to master the artistic skills needed to visualize the objects of landscape architecture; to master the process of forming different typologies of landscape structures, such as house gardens, children playgrounds, parks and residential environments, public institution environments, public squares, recreational and sports areas, graveyards and motorways, etc.; to gain insight in the methodology of urban and landscape planning through practical application; to develop the awareness of environmental protection, and the protection of natural and cultural heritage; to acquire practical and theoretical knowledge about the protection and the restoration of historical objects.

During the first year of their studies, students gain basic knowledge in the area of botany, mathematics and informatics. During their second and third year, students acquire specific knowledge and skills in the area of landscape formation and landscape planning. In addition to theoretical concepts that are covered during these lectures, the focus of the study is on seminars and individual projects, which encourage the development of design skills. In the fifth semester, they work in project teams consisting of five students, thus developing the ability of team work and project management. There is also a compulsory practical work lasting for 2 months and field lectures, whose goal is to familiarize with natural characteristics, open-space sketching and gather knowledge on landscapes and cultural heritage. In their sixth semester, students write their final thesis. Public defence is a pre-condition for the completion of this study.

Bearers of this qualification are authorized to use the legally protected university degree of Bachelor (baccalaureus) in Engineering of Landscape architecture and perform professional tasks in the area of qualification.  Bachelors acquire knowledge and skills for solving tasks of medium complexity in the area of landscape formation. The focus is on perfecting the skills of drawing and computer skills, composing the technical base (structure of landscape), determining natural and cultural characteristics of landscapes and the knowledge of administrative and legal procedures; designing simple objects for landscape decoration; making plans of planting and site plans of landscape construction works; composing lists of works and bills of materials and costs. Employment is not necessarily limited to the area of landscape architecture.

After completing this undergraduate study program, students gain the right to enrol into any of the thirteen graduate programs at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, under the conditions valid for each study program. Students also gain the right to enrol into any other University in Croatia and abroad under the conditions set by the relevant institutions.