June 2017

We recently returned from the International Conference on Landscape Architecture Education in Beijing where LAF was invited to present on both landscape performance and the New Landscape Declaration. Both initiatives were enthusiastically embraced, and we came away inspired, invigorated, and excited about landscape architecture in China and the future. 
 
As we continue to process our cultural and educational experience, a key takeaway is that landscape architecture is definitely on the rise in China. In 2011, China elevated landscape architecture from a Level 3 to a Level 1 profession of highest importance to society, subsequently spawning over 200 education programs across the country. We learned that "Green is Gold" and an "Ecological Civilization" are part of a national vision with a long view and focus on landscape performance and shared interests in the aims of the New Landscape Declaration We are more inspired than ever to see if there are strategies we can employ here in the U.S. to increase demand for landscape architecture education and advance a systems-thinking versus transactional approach to leadership within our democratic governance. 

As we reflect on the LAF Summit on Landscape Architecture and the Future one year ago, we thank you for your commitment, appreciate how our collective vision is shared around the world, and wish you the benefits of travel over the summer!
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Barbara Deutsch
Executive Director

Dhara Mittal, a Masters of Landscape Architecture candidate at the University of Michigan, is the 2017 recipient of the $20,000 LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA. Dhara is linking landscape architecture with advocacy to create a more sustainable future in her native Vadorada, India. By conducting an extensive analysis of a proposed development plan for the Vishwamitri River and introducing potential design alternatives, she's gearing up to push for big system change.


On May 3, the LAF held an intimate dinner and reception in Washington, D.C. to present the U.S. National Park Service with the 2017 LAF Founders' Award, its highest honor for an organization. NPS Acting Director Michael Reynolds accepted the award and gave a short presentation emphasizing common interests and the influence of landscape architects' on the National Park Service and its lands. Congratulations to this pioneering agency, which has had a profound and lasting impact on our nation and the world.

Engaging Students with the New Landscape Declaration

To help university faculty and landscape architecture departments engage with the New Landscape Declaration, LAF has complied a list of resources and ideas to incorporate the themes into their programs and coursework. M. Elen Deming (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), Richard Hawks (SUNY-ESF), and Ken Yocum (University of Washington) have graciously shared the materials and assignments that they developed to include the Declaration in courses taught during the 2016-2017 academic year.


LAF spent an incredible four days at the CELA/CLAEC International Conference on Landscape Architecture Education May 26-29 in Beijing. During the opening ceremony, CEO Barbara Deutsch presented the New Landscape Declaration and participated in a panel discussion with the conference co-hosts. LAF also hosted a pre-conference workshop on landscape performance and presented "The New Landscape Declaration" documentary during the conference Film Track.


In May, LAF welcomed the first cohort of the new LAF Fellowship for Innovation and Leadership to Washington, D.C. for an intense 3-day residency. The six participants explored aspects of transformational leadership and presented their project proposals in multiple formats, gaining guidance and feedback from the cohort team, facilitators, and invited guests. Many thanks to facilitators Lucinda Sanders of OLIN and Laura Solano of MVVA and to invited critics Brad McKee of Landscape Architecture Magazine and Daniel Pittman of A/D/O.


One year ago...
Our Summit on Landscape Architecture and the Future examined the profession's vital role. Get inspired with the essays, recordings, and more.
LAF Annual Benefit
Join us in Los Angeles on Fri, Oct 20 for great company, local food, and an open bar. Early Bird rate ends 6/30.
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Special Thanks
EDSA has supported LAF in many ways over the years. The celebrated firm has been a strong and continuous supporter of LAF's scholarship programs since 1990 when the firm established the endowed EDSA Minority Scholarship. EDSA is also an annual sponsor for the  Olmsted Scholars Program and the LAF Annual Benefit. Along with in-kind graphic design support from Andrew Schmidt and thought leadership from Kona Gray through his service on the LAF Board of Directors, we are grateful for the time, talent, and financial support that EDSA and its staff have devoted to LAF! 

LAF on the Road

NC Green Industry Council
7th Annual Water Symposium
Raleigh, NC
June 22

Baltimore, MD
June 24

St Louis, MO
Sept 13



Montreal, Canada
Oct 16-25

Los Angeles, California
Oct 20-23

Campaign Corner:  Jeanne Lalli

To diversify the pool of talent and increase academic opportunity, the 
50 & Forward Campaign allowed LAF to double its financial support for students. Most notably, a generous gift from Jeanne Dawson-Lalli in 2015 created the LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA. This $20,000 endowed scholarship honors Joe (1943-2014) and his 46-year career as a landscape architect, artist, philanthropist, mentor, and teacher.
   
As Jeanne said, "Joe credited his graduate studies for making him the outstanding designer he was. He also learned so much from drawing, painting and traveling extensively - it influenced his designs and his way of thinking. Similarly, I hope that this award allows promising students to continue their studies and pursue their passions to feed their creativity."  Learn more about the scholarship and the first two recipients here .


Landscape Architecture Foundation