Skip to main content
Edit Page Style Guide Control Panel
IMG_8193 crop2

Sowing Seeds of Change

We are thrilled to have sponsored Meghan Obernberger's trip to the ASLA '24 National Conference through our 'Sow Seeds of Change' giveaway which focuses on supporting emerging professionals. We are grateful to Meghan as she shares her thoughts and experiences from her time in DC and at the show, including how the conference informed and affirmed her perspective of landscape architecture's past, present, and future. Enjoy! 

"Attending the 2024 ASLA Convention was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of landscape architecture and provided connections to fellow professionals in the field. As a nod to this year's conference theme, I am sharing the insights I gained from my week in DC at ASLA on landscape architecture's present, past, and future.

Image 3 1080H

Current: Landscape Architects as Agents of Change

Since the conference was located a stone's throw from Capitol Hill, several lectures I attended focused on current legislation and actions by federal agencies in propelling landscape architecture to promote environmental equity and combat climate change. In lectures on urban forestry and schoolyard greening, I heard how Congress and the US Forest Service are working to fund projects that require the expertise of landscape architects to make communities more resilient to the increased temperatures associated with our changing climate. I was excited to hear how projects I am working on – including designing green schoolyards in California – are directly related to these insightful acts of Congress.

These initiatives were reinforced by many of the innovations I viewed at the Expo. From fossil fuel-free steel benches to play pieces that promote ecological literacy, it was exciting to see how climate goals are becoming less of an "add-on" in our field and more of an expected necessity in the products that form the spaces we create as landscape architects.


Image 1600W

The Past: Landscapes of Stories and Histories

Alongside having lawmakers present at lectures, the context of DC provided ample opportunities to learn directly from historic landscapes. A trip to Dumbarton Oaks to see the historic landscape designed by Beatrix Farrand, one of the first female landscape architects, complimented the conference. The space illustrated the work of an innovator of her time with diverse plantings, garden rooms, and harmonious layouts formed by honest expressions of materials. 

A bike ride through the National Mall and traversing monuments and museums reminded me of landscape's powerful role in narrating stories and its connection to cultures. In particular, I was struck by the thoughtful design by GGN at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, marrying hardscape and aptly themed gardens to connect to relevant stories and histories.


Image 4 1080H

The Future: Landscapes of Abundance and Equity

While some lectures I attended nodded to the essential role landscape architects will continue to play in mitigating and adapting to our changing climate, a key elaboration was the need for empathy and understanding in our practice to form a more equitable future, not just for humans but for all kinds of life. While this was approached in varied methods, like including youth in the design process or considering various sensory needs in the design of therapeutic and public spaces, I found it was best put by Dr. Lyla June Johnston. Dr. Johnston's keynote speech posed humans as keystone species that, in ideal situations, are "architects of abundance" – "gifts" to the environment who service the land around them. In centuries past, this took shape in fire-maintained food forests of towering chestnut trees that supported not only humans but a diverse mix of grazing mammals. An important question for the future of landscape architecture is how we will create the abundant landscapes of tomorrow

I am incredibly thankful to have had the privilege of attending ASLA this year. By attending lectures and connecting with peers, my passion for crafting socially significant spaces that are context-sensitive to both culture and environment was reaffirmed. Seeing my peers' and allied professionals' inspiring and innovative work, I feel more informed in my budding practice. I am excited to apply lessons learned to my current projects and those well into the future."

- Meghan Obernberger


Related Posts

thumb_MeghanTHUMB

2024 Sow Seeds of Change Winner Meghan Obernberger: Transforming Communities Through Landscape Architecture

As part of our ongoing support of ASLA, we ran our first giveaway earlier this year titled Sow Seeds of Change. We proudly introduce the 2024 winner, Meghan Obernberger!

AdobeStock_470090820 crop 550x485

Digging Into Trends in Commercial Landscape Design

We had the opportunity to sit down with Bruce Jett and he shared his perspective on the future of landscape architecture.

Sign up for early updates

Enter your email to opt-in and receive the latest product news and event announcements.


Greenscreen Joins Tournesol

Welcome to Tournesol! Greenscreen® was acquired by Tournesol, enabling a mutual expansion of product offerings with integrated and innovative solutions for green infrastructure and urban greening.