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Prepare for landscape architecture?
I want to be a landscape architect. I am currently doing my GE's at a Community college. I will transfer to Cal Poly Slo. What should I do to better prepare myself? I heard it is helpful to learn photoshop and auto-cad. Can you suggest some books i can start reading or things i should do to make my time at cal poly a little easier?
Public Comments
- HORTICULTURE BOOKS! Get to know the types of plants/trees that are native to your area and how they thrive with various light and moisture levels. The "design" and "architecture" part is easy to learn. Yes, AutoCad and Photoshop are essential to learn, too, since presentations is a big part of it. I'm an Interior Designer by degree and we worked a lot with the Structure Architecture and Landscape Architecture students and while we all can design pretty landscapes, it's the thorough knowledge about the species of vegetation that will be best in the spot that makes a great Landscape Architect. I wish I had the opportunity to take more horticulture classes in college. Keep in mind though that many people these days are looking for more exotic landscapes, so knowing about some of the more modern plant ideas will help too. If there's a book you can find about drainage paths and xeroscapes, pick it up. Learn to understand the arc and path of the sun throughout the day and the seasons. These will likely be taught to you when you transfer, but it can't hurt you to know about some of them before then.
