Alf Simon, PhD, came to UNM from Manitoba, Canada in 2000 to direct the MLA program. ALBUQUERQUE, NM?EUR? - This spring, the Landscape Architecture Accrediting Board (LAAB) reviewed the University of New Mexico's School of Architecture and Planning's master of landscape architecture program. In August 2003, the LAAB accredited the program for a six-year period, the maximum allowed. The LAAB is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the accrediting agency for first-professional baccalaureate and master's degree programs in landscape architecture in the United States. The LAAB accredits 45 baccalaureate LA degrees and 30 MLA degrees. The University of New Mexico MLA program is in its fourth year. Alf Simon, PhD, who heads the MLA program, told LASN that 40 students have matriculated for the fall semester. Dr. Simon explained that the MLA is a three year program, and that the number of graduate hours required match the requirements for other specialized graduate degrees at the university. The MLA program complements the already established architecture and community and regional planning programs, which adds a strong interdisciplinary foundation for the students. The curriculum has been designed to teach the fundamental skills and knowledge required of a professional landscape architect, whether in the private, public or academic sectors; and to promote theoretical explorations and research that encourage each student to pursue a specialization within the broad discipline. Dr. Simon points out that the MLA curriculum, like all curricula, is a perpetual pursuit. The program investigates the principles and theories of landscape architecture and how to translate that knowledge into design. Dr. Simon told LASN that while the technical aspects of landscape architecture are taught, he gives equal importance to teaching and investigating the cultural influences within landscape architecture, and points to the strong cultural influences of Southwest architecture and design. Dr. Simon is well equipped to lead the cultural studies, as his PhD is in cultural geography. Dr. Simon believes that social, economic and cultural understanding are critical for the landscape architect. In an article published by the UNM Public Affairs Office, he notes: "Our environment reinforces our values and needs, functioning in a natural, delightful way. The sky is our ceiling, the ground our floor. We understand the relationship between the sky and the earth. We understand the natural systems above, on and below ground. Human and natural systems can be elegantly integrated." There is, of course, always the consideration for the use of resources when designing landscapes. "Everything has a cause and effect. How will future generations feel about what we do?" Dr. Simon asks. Dr. Simon is clearly delighted with the program's accreditation, as it is in essence a seal of approval at the national level. Dr. Simon said the accreditation status will translate into more students applying for the program, which will allow the university to be more selective in accepting graduate students. The challenge will be to keep up with the staffing demands. Dr. Simon gave thanks to the students who had the faith in the program to begin their graduate landscape architectural studies before accreditation was in place. Landscape architecture courses have been taught at UNM for more than 25 years. In April 1997, the faculty of the School of Architecture and Planning unanimously voted to add a graduate landscape architecture program. All university and state approvals were completed in June 2000, and the first class was admitted that fall. Professor Baker Morrow, who began his teaching career at UNM in 1975, witnessed the initiation of undergraduate course work in landscape architecture at UNM in 1977. Even then he envisioned a master's program, but it wasn't until 1994 that it gained momentum under Dean Richard Eribes. The program owes much to John Brinkerhoff Jackson, a twentieth century cultural historian and resident of La Cienega, New Mexico, who taught at Harvard, Cal. Berkeley, and at UNM, and was the editor of Landscape. Upon his death, he left the school a $3 million endowment. Interim Dean Ric Richardson, and the current dean of the school of Architecture and Planning, Roger Schluntz, along with Prof. Morrow, persuaded the administration that the interest from the endowment should be used to support a new landscape architecture program. There was also support for the program from Governor Johnson. Dr. Simon has recently received an $18,000 grant from the UNM Center for Regional Studies to develop an urban landscape for the Albuquerque neighborhood of Martineztown. He hopes to make it a representation of the people and events that have shaped the neighborhood. Toward that goal, he is working with a contingent of faculty and students to find those identifying themes that can be translated into the landscape design.