With many firms involved in international work, tomorrow's practitioners need to be able to develop the skills necessary to work in other cultures. As new technologies challenge and extend the Landscape Architects' capabilities, the profession continues to explore new types of projects in different contexts and in collaboration with an increasingly diverse set of other design professionals, as well as professionals in the environmental and social sciences. Relationships with clients have changed to include multiple clients, the general public and increasing involvement with different cultures in both international and national projects. Therefore, given this situation of change, the capacity to accept and adjust to new conditions and multiple points of view, flexibility in approach to situations, and a willingness to explore are essential qualities necessary for contemporary landscape architects. The Off-Campus program provides an educational format designed to meet these challenges.
Students work closely with faculty to develop individual programs of study.
The Off-Campus semester provides the opportunity for direct contact with different cultures, value systems and physical environments which sharpens their awareness and requires an understanding of their relationship as designers to the diversity of people, places, histories and values. This emphasis on the process of learning, as opposed to emphasis on content or technical skills, prepares the student for life long learning beyond the bounds of the university campus. 2.To develop skills in defining an individual study proposal. 4.To develop and apply field study methodologies. 5.To compare theoretical knowledge and field observations, with the goal being refutation or verification of the reverence of such theory.