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Grading and Drainage

Graded Landscaped Garden
ARCH X 472.12A

Using graphic conventions and calculations, grading and drainage techniques used in every landscape architecture project are applied to grade a complex site while considering public health, safety, and welfare.

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Typically Available
Fall
Duration
As few as 1 day
Units
4.0
Current Formats
Hybrid
Cost
Starting at $1,069.00

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What you can learn.

Understand contour signatures ­and the ability to utilize them in grading design through the manipulation of contour lines
Use the three basic grading formulas to calculate grade, length, and vertical difference in elevation
Use the cross slope formula to design plane surfaces to a specific cross slope
Design drainage systems
Understand and apply stormwater management design concepts, including the design of retention and detention basins and erosion control
Use cut and fill calculations using common methods of determining soil volumes

About This Course

This course covers the basic grading and drainage techniques used in every landscape architecture project. Students learn the skills necessary to grade a site of moderate complexity while considering public health, safety, and welfare. Instruction covers contour signatures and contour manipulation by cutting and/or filling and stormwater management techniques including low-impact design, bioretention, and detention and retention areas. Basic grading formulas and cut and fill calculations are presented. The course also introduces landform grading and erosion control together with road and path layout and alignment for pedestrian and vehicular circulation.
Prerequisites
ARCH X 472.4D Design Graphics I: Drafting and Drawing of the Built Environment, ARCH X 471.1B Landscape Design 2: Site Design Basics, ARCH X 493.992 AutoCAD 1 - or equivalent as determined by the program office.

Fall 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
Saturday 9:00AM - 12:00PM PT
Instructor:
Nicholas Decker
REG#
409571
Fee:
$1,069.00
Hybridformat icon
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
Updating...
Notes

Attendance at in-person meetings is mandatory per the LATC credentialing of this program.
No class meeting on Nov 17, 24; Dec 8
In-person class meeting on Nov 2, 15
Nov 2 class meeting: Phil and Nell Soto Park, Pomona.
International Students: This hybrid section is not considered in person for immigration purposes. 
Internet access required. Materials Required.

Deadline
Refunds only available from July 27, 2026 to October 04, 2026
Course Requirements
Book: Site Engineering for Landscape Architects
ISBN 9781118090862
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Lecture
Sat Nov 14, 2026
9:00AM PT - 12:00PM PT
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center in Westwood
UCLA Extension Lindbrook Center 206

This course applies toward the following programs

landscape-architecture-ce0594

Landscape Architecture

certificate

Landscape Architecture

certificate Whether you want to design a national park, or a modest, water-efficient backyard, landscape architecture can give you the skills and abilities to change the places you live, work, and play for the better. The profession of landscape architecture is a multidisciplinary field that weaves together design, environmental systems, sustainability, construction knowledge—as well as land and water conservation—to influence place making, and to create designed outdoor living spaces.

Whether you want to design a national park, or a modest, water-efficient backyard, landscape architecture can give you the skills and abilities to change the places you live, work, and play for the better. The profession of landscape architecture is a multidisciplinary field that weaves together design, environmental systems, sustainability, construction knowledge—as well as land and water conservation—to influence place making, and to create designed outdoor living spaces.

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