What Is Environmental Designing
Environmental design
Environmental design is the process of addressing surrounding environmental parameters when devising plans, programs, policies, buildings, or products. Classical prudent design may have always considered environmental factors; however, the environmental movement beginning in the 1940's has made the concept more explicit. Environmental design can also refer to the applied arts and sciences dealing with creating the human-designed environment. These fields include architecture, geography, urban planning, landscape architecture, and interior design. Environmental design can also encompass interdisciplinary areas such as historical preservation and lighting design. In terms of a larger scope, environmental design has implications for the industrial design of products: innovative automobiles, wind-electricity generators, solar-electric equipment, and other kinds of equipment could serve as examples. Currently, the term has expanded to apply to ecological and sustainability issues.
Environmental designers create human spaces with the best interests of the community and natural environment in mind. Degrees are available at all levels and often lead to careers in local government agencies and environmental organizations.
Inside Environmental Design
Environmental design is closely related to architecture, urban planning and landscape design, but focuses on the interplay of built infrastructure, urban landscapes and natural surroundings. Environmental designers create buildings, landscapes and community spaces to be functional, be aesthetically enjoyable to humans and to promote community advancement while remaining in harmony with the natural environment.
Education Options
Students interested in careers in environmental design can pursue professional and academic degrees at all levels of study. This interdisciplinary field is often housed in conjunction with architecture and planning departments within colleges and universities. Coursework may cover topics in community design, government policy, educational development, land use, environmental conservation and historic preservation. In contrast to urban planning and architecture programs, environmental design programs emphasize design principles centered on sustainability and low ecological impact. Most programs further incorporate hands-on learning through studio courses, internships or practicums.
Degree Options
Environmental design students can start off in associate's or bachelor's degree programs. However, an accredited master's degree is the standard credential for those working in the planning field, according to the American Planning Association (APA). Closely related degrees include landscape architecture, urban design and environmental planning. The articles below highlight some degree choices.
Distance Learning Options
Fully online degree programs in environmental design are rare due to the hands-on nature of the work. However, hybrid degree programs in related fields of study, like architecture and planning, are available. Here are some articles featuring more information about online studies.
Continuing Education
Professional development opportunities exist through organizations such as the APA and the Environmental Design and Research Association. Graduates and professionals both can pursue environmental design-related certifications to expand their credentials and qualify for advanced positions. Licensing may be required for some jobs, and continuing education may be necessary to maintain licensing and/or certification. The following articles provide further ideas.
Career Options
Environmental design graduates often pursue careers in urban planning and development. Many graduates with bachelor's degrees qualify for entry-level positions with local governments, working as assistant planners, community developers or associate environmental planners, for example. With experience or further education, graduates may work as city planners, architects or urban designers.
Additional career opportunities exist in historic preservation, environmental policy, public administration and real estate. Some environmental designers work in the area of conservation to protect ecologically sensitive lands that abut developed areas.
Students interested in environmental design careers may find good job prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expected average job growth - 10% for urban and regional planners and 14% for landscape architects - between 2012 and 2022 (www.bls.gov). In addition, the BLS expected planning jobs in the private sector to grow the fastest, particularly within architecture and engineering firms that must ensure new development meets environmental regulations. The BLS reported that the median annual salary for urban and regional planners was $65,230, and that for landscape architects was $64,180, as of May 2012.
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