Landscape Architecture Foundation

Happy to share two new resources – developed and released for #COP29 by friends and partners – that use examples and data from our Landscape Performance Series case studies. "WORKS with Nature: Low Carbon Adaptation Techniques for a Changing World" is by Pamela Conrad (a 2018-19 LAF Fellow), Kotchakorn Voraakhom, and many contributors and collaborators. It compiles 100 landscape-based techniques for adapting, mitigating, and restoring communities and ecosystems. The document is intended to serve as inspiration for countries developing their National Adaptation Plans, as well as others around the world. https://lnkd.in/ewJkGq6c "An Analysis of Benefit Values: 175 Landscape Architecture Case Studies in the U.S." by the American Society of Landscape Architects and the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center aims to illustrate how landscape architects make design decisions that can maximize the economic benefits of nature-based solutions. Using LAF's Landscape Performance Series case studies, the researchers aggregated the data and applied environmental benefit valuation techniques to show the annual value of benefits in ASLA's 5 key areas. https://lnkd.in/eyRpCXyU LAF has worked hard to build the Landscape Performance Series and make it a go-to place to find precedents, show value, and make the case for sustainable landscape solutions. So we are thrilled to see it being used by others to advocate for nature-based solutions on the world stage! Big thank you to all of the researchers, design firms, students, and clients who have worked on case studies to build the library over the last 14 years! If you haven't checked it out lately, be sure to at: LandscapePerformance.org

Time is running out to complete our 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Survey for Landscape Architects and Designers. https://lnkd.in/eeD5RCMY As the expert on your own experiences, LAF wants to hear from you! The survey will help LAF and allied organizations identify areas of opportunity to continue supporting the landscape architecture profession in becoming more equitable and inclusive. The survey follows up on a 2019 effort, and the results will help us understand where progress has been made and where there is still need. All responses are anonymous. (Note that this survey is for individuals who are landscape architecture professionals, not students or educators. If you are not a trained landscape architect by experience or education, please do not complete the survey.)

Love seeing this new resource by Pamela Conrad (a 2018-19 LAF Fellow), Kotchakorn Voraakhom, and many contributors and collaborators! Of the 100 low-carbon landscape-based adaptation techniques featured, 23 projects are case studies in our LandscapePerformance.org database.

LAF Olmsted Scholar Elisa Gutierrez is a recent graduate of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Elisa now works as a landscape designer at MVVA. She is deeply interested in the intersection of nature and education, particularly in designing schoolyards that enhance childhood experiences with nature. Her studies have led her to explore naturalized schoolyards in different eco-regions, including a thesis research project conducted in Spain. She aims to transform existing schoolyards into vibrant, sustainable spaces that benefit students and the community, fostering environmental stewardship and cultural appreciation. Named for Frederick Law Olmsted, the LAF Olmsted Scholars Program is the premier leadership recognition program for landscape architecture students. Now in its 17th year, the program honors students who advance sustainable design and foster human and societal benefits through ideas, influence, communication, service, and leadership. #landscapearchitecture #landscapearchitecturestudents

Landscape architects can create accessible and inclusive environments for diverse users as well as spaces specifically tailored to address distinct needs, all while providing co-benefits for people and planet. In this free webinar, three research teams from LAF's 2024 Case Study Investigation (CSI) program will present these exemplary projects and the findings from their work to quantify their environmental, social, and economic benefits: - South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park, Dallas, TX - Power to Be Basecamp, Victoria, BC - Boston Children's Hospital Master Plan & Implementation, Boston, MA Register to join us Nov 20, 12-1pm EST. 1.0 PDH (LA CES/HSW) may be earned upon completion of a short quiz following the webinar. https://lnkd.in/eTimQkNn Want to see more of the 2024 CSI research? Look for the final case studies to start rolling out on LandscapePerformance.org later this month. If you missed the first two webinars in the series, you can watch the recordings.

Olmsted Scholar SooBin An recently graduated from the University of Georgia with a BLA, minoring in Studio Art. Her interest in community design, environmental resiliency, and inclusivity led her to intern at Inspire Placemaking Collective, an interdisciplinary placemaking firm based in Orlando, Florida, where she now works as a Landscape Designer. Named for Frederick Law Olmsted, the LAF Olmsted Scholars Program is the premier leadership recognition program for landscape architecture students. Now in its 17th year, the program honors students who advance sustainable design and foster human and societal benefits through ideas, influence, communication, service, and leadership. #landscapearchitecture #landscapearchitecturestudents

Reminder about the upcoming deadline to apply for the LAF Research Grant in Honor of Deb Mitchell. This $25,000 opportunity funds research relevant to the professional practice of landscape architecture. At least one of the Principal Investigators must be trained as a landscape architect and currently engaged in the field. Preference is given to research teams that represent partnerships between professional practice and academic/research institutions. Proposed projects must start in summer or fall of 2025 and be completed in 12- to 18-months. Past recipients' projects have addressed: Ethical materials sourcing, visualizing thermal disparities, physical features of intergenerational communities, rural resilience, and pollutants in landscapes adjacent to highways. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gryfu8Dd

Wildlife crossings don't just protect wildlife. They also make people safer by reducing wildlife-vehicle crashes. A study of a Colorado State Highway showed an 86% reduction in the number of animal carcasses found along the highway and a 70% decrease in the number of wildlife-vehicle crashes reported to authorities in the first year after the installation of wildlife crossings like tunnels and bridges along with wildlife-friendly barriers. See slide 2 for full citation and link to access the study. It can also be found at LandscapePerformance.org (link in bio) under the Fast Facts section. This is just one of 200 entries in our Landscape Performance Fact Fact Library, a searchable collection of landscape benefits derived from published research. Browse the whole Fast Fact Library collection at https://lnkd.in/e4WDkUpB #wildlifecrossing #landscapearchitecture #safestreets

Olmsted Scholar Jonathan Berlin recently finished his MLA at Penn State. He specializes in ecological restoration, and for his capstone, Jonathan surveyed reforestation sites designed by landscape architects in Maryland to evaluate their long-term performance. He also holds a bachelor's degree in management from the University of California – Santa Barbara. He plans focus on designing for forest, meadow, and wetland restoration. Named for Frederick Law Olmsted, the LAF Olmsted Scholars Program is the premier leadership recognition program for landscape architecture students. Now in its 17th year, the program honors students who advance sustainable design and foster human and societal benefits through ideas, influence, communication, service, and leadership. #landscapearchitecture #biodiversity

Heading to Greenbuild 2024 in Philadelphia? This year's conference features five new, in-person summits on Tue, Nov 12, available to attendees with a Conference or Student pass. LAF's Megan Barnes will kick off the Regenerative Ecosystems Summit with her session on Biodiversity Metrics. Hosted by Christian Gabriel, this summit is an opportunity to learn from and connect with professionals passionate about integrating nature-based solutions into the built environment. https://lnkd.in/eDfvUXDx