Landscape architecture has been designated a STEM discipline by the federal government. This is one of the biggest developments for the profession in recent years.
This new designation rightfully places landscape architecture alongside other STEM disciplines. Landscape architecture firms and universities will be able to recruit from a broader talent pool. And, as a STEM discipline more young people will now be introduced to the profession.
We all know that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are fundamental to landscape architecture – and now the profession has this new designation to help others better understand the depth of your work. This STEM designation also affirms the profession’s leadership in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises and other global challenges.
In order to secure this designation, ASLA developed and submitted a technical paper “Landscape Architecture is a STEM Discipline” that included:
- detailed data analysis of landscape architecture STEM course requirements
- a selection of STEM-related research, innovative projects, and new technologies at collegiate landscape architecture programs across the country
- and patents for university landscape architecture projects.