U.S. Department of Homeland Security designates landscape architecture a STEM degree program
With great excitement we share the fantastic news, that in the United States, Landscape Architecture has been designated as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering , Mathematics) discipline by the Department of Homeland Security. IFLA Americas Region recognises the labor of our member ASLA for advocating for this designation and gives our congratulations for this accomplishment. It is a great momentum for the profession that gives more strength to it and that will open more possibilities to students of landscape architecture and to graduates. With this designation it is recognized the rigor of the profession and its wide scope of work.
- Monica Pallares | President IFLA Americas Region
Read more about the designation via our member ASLA
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated landscape architecture a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) degree program. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) advocated for the designation.
“Landscape architecture applies science, technology, cutting edge research, and engineering principles, to design healthy communities, active transportation projects, campuses and parks. We help communities adapt to climate driven extreme weather and support biodiversity,” said Torey Carter-Conneen, CEO of ASLA. “The infrastructure challenges in municipalities across the country are enormous —landscape architects bring transformative solutions. Today’s decision will advance landscape architecture education and practice, and that is great for America and the global community.”
Landscape architecture programs are pioneering some of the most innovative research and developing new technologies - from using artificial intelligence for urban agriculture, to urban planning for autonomous vehicles; to hydraulic modeling, robotic fabrication, and augmented reality for water bodies, and more.
"The STEM designation finally reflects the reality of the discipline of landscape architecture. Our work is fully dependent on science and technology, from understanding soils at the level of microbial interactions and nutrient exchanges, which keep our urban canopy alive, to coastal adaptations informed by continuously evolving climate data," said Gary Hilderbrand, FASLA, the Peter Louis Hornbeck Professor in Practice and Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture at Harvard Graduate School of Design. "This new designation brings with it greater opportunities for students and graduates throughout the United States and beyond to become leaders in the field."
“Landscape architects have incredible responsibility for the health, safety and well-being of communities which is why it’s imperative for landscape architects to continue to be licensed to practice,” said Emily O'Mahoney, FASLA, President of ASLA. “The STEM designation will be an additional tool in helping decision-makers understand the rigor this discipline demands.”