The Advanced Bachelor in Landscape Development programme focuses on the landscape, and on the ways that landscape can be used in the context of environmental planning. This one-year programme aims to train competent professionals in the analytical and synthesizing skills that are necessary for an independent and critical understanding of landscape. This forms the basis for creative and substantiated planning proposals. The degree of complexity of the project assignments increases with each successive term. In the first term, students tackle relatively simple problems, focusing on site analysis. Planning and instrumentation are covered in the second and third terms, with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as an important tool. These projects often evolve as responses to specific questions from the field. In the course of the projects, as well as in the final stages, discussions take place between students and clients. In this way, students will have already presented studies and projects to local authorities, provincial councils, non-profit organizations and private partners. The eight weeks of the fourth term are in the form of an internship, in which students test and integrate the competencies they have acquired. Preferred internships are in design firms, public institutions or administrations (the Flemish Government, provincial and municipal authorities), in Belgium or abroad, addressing landscape planning in its broadest context, as well as the application of Geographic Information Systems.

Projects developed in 2015-2016:

Geopark in the Flemish Ardennes
An existing example of a Geopark is studied and analyzed in terms of the various themes it addresses, with students investigating its possible connections to the Flemish Ardennes. Geopark is a quality label for landscapes which aim to achieve the three primary goals of landscape protection, sustainable regional development and geological education. Geopark promote regional identity, create greater awareness of the themes involved in landscape protection through education and play a role as a framework for sustainable, regional development. They are a success story because the political world has embraced the recognition of Geoparks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites with open arms. It may not yet be widely known in Flanders, but this study and collaboration with local stakeholders can mean an opening in local political vision.
Geologically, the study area of the Flemish Ardennes was the northern edge of the Tertiary continent. Which landscapes in particular can best illustrate this story of the creation of our landscapes is investigated. The study area and the specific geology of the region is visited and explained on site by geologist Dr. Marie Christine Van Maercke-Gottigny.

The Akamas Landscape: Between Science and Myth
KASK students participated in the LE:NOTRE International Student Competition, which took place in the Akamas region in Cyprus. A landscape master plan needed to be developed, centred on the themes of sustainable tourism and cultural heritage. Specifically, a detailed landscape design was required for an astronomy park at the village of Kato Arodes. Both the First and Third Prizes were won by KASK Advanced Bachelor students. A third KASK team also received Honourable Mention.
The First Prize was for the team of Niels de Couvreur, Tobias van der Els, Joren Jodts and Maarten Dox. The Third Prize was won by Guillaume Vanden Avenne, Thomas Dreesen, Gus van Hoeck and Robin Vangheluwe. Praise and an Honourable Mention were received for the original approach to the project and proposal by Fleur Vergote, Nona De Baerdemaecker, Rinus Vanderlinden and Pepijn Verbeeck.

Energielandschap 2.0 /Energy Landscape 2.0
The Province of East Flanders, the city of Eeklo and the Ecopower company are envisioning the landscape of Eeklo as a renewable energy landscape. In order to guide the participation side of the project – with local inhabitants and stakeholders – the three partners of Energielandschap 2.0 have asked for design ideas on how the landscape of Eeklo could develop into an sustainable, energy-producing landscape.

Applying for a bachelor degree:

1. Stijn Adriaen
2. Matias Aneca
3. Karel Bloeyaert
4. Sander Carael
5. Jonathan Clerckx
6. Nona De Baerdemaeker
7. Niels De Couvreur
8. Maarten Dox
9. Thomas Dreesen
10. Elien Duerinckx
11. Joren Jodts
12. Jonathan Nachtergaele
13. Gilles Pieters
14. Cedric Rogiers
15. Tobias Van Der Elst
16. Gus Van Hoeck
17. Robin Vandenberghe
18. Rinus Vanderlinden
19. Jo Vandormael
20. Robin Vangheluwe
21. Pepijn Verbeeck
22. Kjell Vercaemst
23. Fleur Vergote
24. Arno Verstraete
25. Stijn Vyncke
26. Kenjiro Waeles