A new model: Architecture School combines disciplines

By Derry Wade and Jane Ford

Since the late 19th century, architecture and landscape architecture have been discrete disciplines. Separate identities were established at that time with the rise of distinct professions.

Now, a common ground is emerging both in academia and in practice.

Reflecting the philosophical blurring of boundaries that have divided the two areas of knowledge, Architecture School Dean Karen Van Lengen recently announced the formation of a new Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

William H. Sherman, the Mario di Valmarana Associate Professor of Architecture, will be chairman of the new department.

Van Lengen said she believes that U.Va. is one of the first educational institutions to formally reflect a structure of multidisciplinary explorations linking the fields of architecture and landscape architecture.

“The formation of this new department of architecture and landscape architecture, which includes two highly regarded professional programs, not only acknowledges the symbiotic nature of our programs here at U.Va., but also offers new opportunities for collaboration and for a more comprehensive intellectual discourse as we move forward,” Van Lengen said.

Sherman anticipates the joining of the disciplines will open fresh perspectives for research and teaching at the departmental level.

“We are formalizing a pre-existing relationship between architecture and landscape architecture in order to support new opportunities in many areas of exploration,” Sherman said. “We are joining forces because the modern categorization of knowledge has reached its limit. The recognition of complexity demands new design processes, new intellectual structures, new educational models.”

Associate professor Julie Bargmann has been named director of Landscape Architecture, one of the few programs in the country with a strong emphasis on design.

A major focus of the new department will be to preserve the autonomy and integrity of the accredited graduate programs in landscape architecture and architecture while expanding the collaborative curriculum.

“The ecological design paradigm emerged with force in our department this past decade, and this systems approach forms a natural alliance with architects interested in constructing regenerative relationships between buildings and site, infrastructure and cities,” said Bargmann. “There is a fluid, generous and rigorous common ground that this new department builds upon.”

The decision to join the previously distinct departments of architecture and landscape architecture emerged from a series of joint initiatives at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The establishment of a dual-degree program, available between any four of the disciplines offered at the School of Architecture (architecture, landscape architecture, urban and environmental planning, and architectural history) has grown particularly popular among students seeking education in both architecture and landscape architecture.

Sherman plans to expand avenues for research collaboration among faculty members and among students and faculty. Upcoming projects will include launching a publishing program to promote collaborative work, developing a series of workshops led by visiting theorists and experts in emerging technologies, and continuing digital explorations in design and practice.