The development and role of the fundamental concepts and ideas that lie behind the discipline of landscape architecture and their transformation into workable techniques is the central issue dealt with by this working group. It focuses on the place of landscape architecture in the wider scheme of ideas and theories which attempt to explain, interpret and guide mankind's activities.

- History and philosophy of science
- Principles of scientific method
- Theories of knowledge and its creation
- Theory in/of landscape architecture
- Landscape architecture in the context of the history of architecture and urban design
- Movements in contemporary landscape architecture
- Theory and criticism
- User groups and minorities in landscape architecture and their relation to the planning and design process
- Public participation and user involvement in planning and design
- The planning and design process
- Design method