American University of Beirut

About LDEM

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​T​​​he Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management (LDEM) is an academic unit within the American University of Beirut established in 2007 to house two programs, the Bachelor Degree of Landscape Architecture (BLA)​​ and the Interfaculty Master of Science in Environmental Sciences (MSES), major Ecosystem Management (ECOM)​​​.​

The BLA is the only one of its kind in the MENA region and received accreditation in 2021 making it the first accredited program by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) outside the USA​.​ LDEM offers license-qualifying degrees at the graduate and undergraduate levels and is an official member of the European Council for Landscape Architecture Schools (ECLAS).

Due to its distinctive position within the university, LDEM promotes collaboration with various academic units including architecture, urban design and planning, agriculture, food security, archaeology, engineering, and public health. LDEM faculty are engaged in research and teaching across a breadth of topics including landscape architecture, ecosystem management, environmental design and planning, and landscape management. LDEM integrates the academic and professional experience of its accomplished faculty members and practitioners in graduating a generation of leading landscape architects who concurrently utilize design and science in the field.

Graduates from both programs are successful professionals holding positions in landscape architecture, multi-disciplinary design and planning firms, local and international private consulting firms, international organizations and UN agencies, non-profit organizations, and Government Ministries. LDEM is housed in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS)​

Department History

  • ​2000–BSc program in Landscape Design & Eco-Management was established.​
  • 2007–Department of Landscape Design & Ecosystem Management (LDEM) was established.
  • 2013–Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) was established.​
  • 2019–Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) program was fully registered at NYSED.​

Department Mission

To graduate lifelong learners and critical thinkers who adopt a holistic view of the landscape and the environment, and who are equipped with interdisciplinary scientific knowledge and creative, flexible skills for the design and management of natural and cultural resources to become, with experience, successful professionals serving their communities

The essence of the department lies in its interdisciplinary nature, equally in teaching and in research with applications in the larger Middle Eastern region. To that end, the Department builds on the strong linkages established with other academic units within and outside the faculty.

Department Vision

  • To remain a leading academic institution.
  • Offer degrees in Environmental Science and Landscape Architecture in the Arab World.
  • Graduate socially responsible designers and scientists.
  • Responsive to place, culture, and ecological needs of the region​.


Contact Us

For various questions, please try contacting us via social media first!
read more

Privacy Statement

We take data privacy seriously and adhere to all applicable data privacy laws and regulations.
read more

Copyright and Disclaimer

Written permission is needed to copy or disseminate all or part of the materials on the AUB website.
read more

Title IX, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Discriminatory Harassment

AUB is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment to all members of its community.
read more