In the Landscape Architecture programme at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture, we explore alternative relationships between people and nature. We look beyond the current anthropocentric approach, in which everything is at service of humans, and seek a more ecocentric attitude. In doing so, we design conditions that benefit all forms of life, human and non-human. This way of working is in line with the Academy's Climate Curriculum, in which we strive for nature-positive, regenerative and equitable design in all our education and research.

Landscape architecture is sometimes described as ‘drawing in the topography’, but the profession encompasses much more. In the master's course at the Amsterdam Academy of Architecture, you will acquire the knowledge, insight and skills that enable you to solve spatial problems through design and to visualise new topographical situations. You will not only learn to reconcile new elements such as water, infrastructure, buildings or greenery with the existing qualities and possibilities of the natural and historical environment, but also how to set a process in motion which an increasing amount of parties will latch on to.

As part of the Amsterdam University of the Arts, we at the Academy of Architecture are in a good position to connect the practical and the poetic in our design and research studios, together with our students, and thus arrive at meaningful designs that contribute to improving the living conditions for all forms of life. 

Research is an important part of the work, as genuine understanding and innovation can arise from this. That also means gaining understanding of other factors than the spatial one: the users, the creators and the managers. Above all, the landscape architect is explicitly aware of the influence that the time factor has on the quality of the environment, and can let this do its work. By introducing the right basic conditions, a high-quality outdoor environment is created.

EMiLA offers landscape architecture students the opportunity to learn about the profession in the European context and to gain teaching experience abroad. The aim is to gain a better understanding of the major European themes for landscape architecture and learn about the different approaches to the subject. Students learn how political differences within Europe affect the landscape and gain insight into cross-border landscape cooperation. 

If you choose the EMiLAprogramme as a Landscape Architecture student, you will not attend classes at the Academy of Architecture in your second year of study, but two semesters at two schools of your choice instead. In addition to the programme at these participating institutes, you will follow a Summer School programme and an e-learning programme. Read more about EMiLA.

Architecture, urban design and landscape architecture are independent disciplines, but are inextricably linked with each other at the same time. The Amsterdam Academy of Architecture is the only Dutch design study programme that offers these three spatial disciplines in combination. By focusing on the essence and skills of your profession and, at the same time, partly working in interdisciplinary groups, you will be prepared for an integrated professional practice in the current field of work, where there is an increasing demand for your specific design skills within blurring boundaries. Working within an international context is also becoming increasingly important.

The Academy also maintains an active network of foreign study programmes, through which students and lecturers are exchanged on a small scale, and is a member of the European Association of Architectural Education (EAAE).