GENERAL INTRODUCTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND PEDAGOGY 

In 2016, the Department of Landscape Architecture at PVPCOA was initiated by eminent Landscape Architect Prof. Mohammad Shaheer who envisioned the course as a  balance between  ecology, engineering, art and culture. Further under the guidance of landscape architect and academician Prof. Suneet Mohindru the course has evolved as a multidisciplinary platform that builds a connection between the fields of humanities, social science, natural science, technology, creative arts and the  spectrum of the discipline of landscape architecture that includes landscape design, landscape conservation and planning, landscape management and landscape research. 

Rapidly changing environmental, social and cultural conditions around the world require that future professionals are able to respond with new concepts, forms and methods of design, and the endeavor of the department of Landscape Architecture is to equip the students with the necessary knowledge and tools to deal with these changes.

Today, The academic discourse in the department of Landscape Architecture is planned in a manner to develop critical thinking abilities in students & expose them to various situations, where the students  collectively as well as individually work towards recognizing this complex nature of the discipline.

Sem I – UNDERPINNINGS 

Through Subjects like Geology & Soils, Geomorphology & Hydrology and plant Systematics the students are made to recognize various processes and systems operational in Nature. Emphasis is on understanding the very core of “why we see what we see”. 

Technical Subject like Landscape Engineering enables to bridge the gap between an idea and its conversion into a design expression by equipping students with the skill sets to organize the Land, water and Vegetation in a sensitive and sensible manner. 

The primary objective of the Design studios is to develop an understanding of what constitutes the landscape, appreciation of landscape space & initiate an inquiry into the process of landscape design.

Sem II – THE WIDE ANGLE

 The  Second semester attempts to bring insights that encompass various aspects of existence of life on earth & understanding different attitudes towards the environment, through theoretical subjects. at the same time it also provides an opportunity to engage with urban or rural environments through Landscape design interventions 

Subjects such as Theory of landscape builds a remarkable ability to ascribe reasons & values to our actions.

The subject of Ecology enables in building an understanding of fundamentals of ecology, various ecological processes, ecosystems & their physical characteristics so as to analyze the environment in a comprehensive manner.

The Design studio exercise in second semester is an opportunity to understand site context and to resolve complex landscape issues in urban and rural fabric 

Sem III – NETWORKS & INTERCONNECTIONS.

Third semester focuses on building the  ability to comprehend complex networks that exist within a region, pertaining to the natural environment, cultural significance or human imprints, cultural practices & socio economic set up.

Subjects in this semester aim at developing a deeper understanding of conservation & planning theories, management techniques & frameworks and environmental legislations. These insights equip students with the skill sets, analytical ability, technical knowhow to explore Studio exercises that are typically set in the context of Nature & City or Nature in the city. By & large the projects are set in the backdrop of growing environmental concerns, pressure on natural resources, shifting fringe lines & changing/ altering landscapes by urban developments. 

Sem IV – NARRATIVES 

The Culmination of the two years of landscape education, is looked at as an opportunity to identify one’s own inclination towards certain aspects & scales of work that one can explore. Such an opportunity provides the student to hone one’s ability to integrate & apply the theoretical knowledge & research and demonstrate it through an individual design  project .