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Human Factors in Landscape Architecture

human-factors-in-landscape-architecture-archx472-23
ARCH X 472.23

Learn the basic principles guiding the successful design of space. Human factors, engineering, natural processes, human capabilities, and limitations are woven into the design of environments.

Typically Available
Winter
Duration
As few as 11 weeks
Units
4.0
Current Formats
Hybrid
Cost
Starting at $1,069.00

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What you can learn.

Understand human motivation and behavior patterns
Evaluate the aesthetic, social, and ecological successes of existing landscapes to inform future design decisions
Observe social factors as an element affecting design and as essential to effective design
Utilize community facilitation as part of the design process, the design program, and final design concept
Develop the ability to embody an idea within the landscape that is sensitive to culture, demography, and geography

About This Course

This course presents an introduction to current concepts and research on how people interact with their environments and how design shapes human behavior and perception. Topics include the cultural and social determinants of territoriality; personal space and life style as design generators; designing for community, privacy, and safety; perception and recognition of urban form; designing streets and plazas for pedestrian use; the sensory environment; and learning from and programming for clients.
Prerequisites
ARCH X 472.19 Design 6: Concept Development.

Winter 2026 Schedule

Date
Details
Format
 
-
Sunday, Wednesday
Instructor:
REG#
405773
Fee:
$1,069.00
Hybridformat icon
Remote Classroom
Field Trip
Updating...
Notes

Students are required to attend two of the three in person site visits listed below. 
In person meetings: Jan 25 - Glendale; Feb 11 - Pasadena; Mar 1 - Downtown Los Angeles
No class meeting: Jan. 28; Mar. 4
This hybrid section is made up of In Person and Live Online instruction.
International Students: This hybrid section is not considered in person for immigration purposes.
Visitors not permitted
Internet access required. Materials required.

Deadline
Refunds only available from November 03, 2025 to January 18, 2026
Course Requirements
Book: How To Study Public Life by Jan Gehl, Birgitte Svarre
Book: Outdoor Environments for People: Considering Human Factors in Landscape Design by Patsy Eubanks Owens, Jayoung Koo, Yiwei Huang
Schedule
Type
Date
Time
Location
Lecture
Wed Jan 7, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Wed Jan 14, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Wed Jan 21, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Off-Site
Sun Jan 25, 2026
11:00AM PT - 3:00PM PT
Field Trip
Lecture
Wed Feb 4, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Off-Site
Wed Feb 11, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:30PM PT
Field Trip
Lecture
Wed Feb 18, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Wed Feb 25, 2026
6:00PM PT - 9:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Off-Site
Sun Mar 1, 2026
11:00AM PT - 4:00PM PT
Field Trip
Discussion
Wed Mar 11, 2026
6:00PM PT - 8:00PM PT
Remote Classroom
Lecture
Wed Mar 18, 2026
6:00PM PT - 7:30PM PT
Remote Classroom

This course applies toward the following programs

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.