21st Century Design

Landscape Architects – The Fundamental Designers of Cities
Conor O’Shea invites his students “to think creatively and critically, and to come up with more futuristic visions of where we want to be living in 40 or 50 years.”
Beyond the Classroom
The inside scoop on happenings outside the classroom. Faculty and students share stories about experiences, projects and life beyond the brick & mortar of the classroom.

Collaborative Experiences Foster New Design Ideas
Landscape architecture aspires to be interdisciplinary. It recognizes that the design challenges of the 21st century can only be solved through collaborations.
Design Disrupted
Design moves forward when rules are broken. Faculty showcase ongoing research projects that challenge the status quo or cause people to rethink the approach to a problem.

Disrupting the Surface of a City
Professor Mary Pat McGuire has a different approach to Chicago's rain problem. Instead of whisking the rainwater away, could it be valued as a resource?
Felt
Great design is felt. Faculty and students tell stories of moments that words alone cannot express.

Affecting Social Change with Landscape Architecture
Professor Jessica Henson feels landscape architects address many of the issues that 21st Century cities face, from social justice to human health and wellbeing.
Some Alum
Our alums are our brand ambassadors. Alumni discuss work projects, experience and opportunities afforded them from the education and degree received in Landscape Architecture at Illinois.

Video Chat with Kelley Lemon
BiIll Sullivan talks with Illinois grad Kelley Lemon's experience in the Landscape Architecture program and her favorite project since graduating.
Courses Unpacked
Wondering what that class is really about? Faculty provide a behind-the-scenes look at individual courses and unpack what will be learned to help potential students understand what to expect.

The Foundation Studio
The Foundation Studio is an intensive course where students learn how to be designers and spend a semester focusing on a series of real-world projects.
Here-There
Capture wisdom from our students & professors from around the globe. Faculty and students tell of their research projects overseas and international students tell of their experience on campus.

Exceed the Visual
Professor D. Fairchild Ruggles looks for traces of social values in the heritage landscapes she studies and teaches about.