LARE Section 3 case studies
LARE Section 3 · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.) is the examination program administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). CLARB describes it as a key milestone on the path to licensure, measuring the knowledge and skills needed to practice safely and effectively. The LARE Section 3 case studies are 5 cases and about 4,478 words.
1School Lot That Ponds Every Storm: Diagnose Before You Regrade
An elementary school built in 1968 has a 0.9-acre asphalt parking lot with 42 standard stalls, two accessible stalls, and an island holding a 24-in caliper willow oak. In every storm exceeding roughly 0.5 in, water ponds 3–4 in deep across two stalls and the accessible aisle and stays 12–24 hours.
909 words, about 5 min2Buried Tank, Substitute Paver, and a 14-Day Request on a Civic Plaza
A 1.2-acre civic plaza is 40% complete under a 3.1 million lump-sum contract with a 210-calendar-day schedule. Scope includes 18,000 sf of set-on-sand concrete pavers over a 6-in aggregate base, an 8-ft seat wall, and 14 shade trees.
854 words, about 4 min3Parking Reduction on a Transit-Adjacent Infill Site
A developer proposes 68 apartments on a 1.9-acre (82,764 sf) infill parcel two blocks from a light-rail station, with 20% of units deed-restricted affordable. Zoning requires 1.5 parking spaces per unit, or 102 spaces; the developer requests a reduction to 0.9 per unit, or 61 spaces, and points to reduced parking minimums adopted elsewhere in the region.
908 words, about 5 min4Fourteen-Acre Rail Yard: Sampling Strategy Drives the Layout
A 14-acre former rail maintenance yard is being redeveloped as 120 attached dwellings plus a 1.5-acre public park. A Phase I environmental site assessment identified recognized environmental conditions in three areas: a former roundhouse and fueling island near the center, a tie-treating area along the north fence, and an unknown fill area under the existing gravel yard.
941 words, about 5 min5Occupied Park Renovation: Absorbing a Council-Added Splash Pad
A 6-acre neighborhood park renovation is under contract for design at 8% of a 2.4 million construction budget, or 192,000, with a 16-week schedule, three public meetings, and construction documents at 60% completion. The program includes a new playground, perimeter loop trail, restroom replacement, irrigation, and 40 new trees.
866 words, about 4 min