• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.108-121
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to explore the issues and implications for landscape design education in Korean landscape architecture by analyzing the National Exhibition of Korean Landscape Architecture(NEKLA). This study analyzed the suggested topics and selected site as well as the commentary that appeared in the NEKLA's award-winning book published from 2004 to 2014. Results of the study are as follows: First, topics of NEKLA are not only competition guidelines but related to exploring new area and role of Korean landscape architecture. Second, most dealing with site is 'industrial heritage and regeneration space' and 'green infrastructure'. In more recent years, a larger variety of sites were addressed. Third, site locations are concentrated in metropolitan areas, and awards and participation of the non-metropolitan universities was very low. Fourth, seven criteria can be applied in a general landscape design competition such as 'newness of the concept(idea)', 'logicality of the design process', 'selection of site fidelity of analysis(interpretation)', 'presentation and completion of the master plan', 'consistency with the theme', 'linkage of concepts and results' and 'feasibility'. The evaluation criteria are increasing the sophistication of the design language to provide useful suggestions on how to find design education methods. Its implications are as follows: First, training is essential to derive innovative ideas, but it should avoid excessive concept-oriented education. Second, design education may include instruction on how to define the problems related with the site. Third, more emphasis on design logic is essential to transform the innovative concept to actual results. Fourth, 'slick images' unrelated to design should be suppressed. Fifth, practice is needed to solve the topics addressed in the design process of education. Sixth, 'feasibility' and 'creative thinking' are necessary to recognize a reciprocal relationship that is helpful to one another. This study uses direct quote commentary to minimize the subjectivity of the researcher and to trace issues of the contemporary landscape architecture more directly and vividly. This study is a record waiting for another review as meta-criticism. In this regard this study, the landscape architect of the next times will have a mean that historical records to review the current thinking of the landscape theory and design.