Designing with Nature: The Art of Balance

In October, U-M students attended the ALSA's 2007 Annual Meeting and EXPO in San Francisco. The conference theme was "Designing with Nature: The Art of Balance."

The kickoff to the conference was an alumni event at the Hilton Hotel, during which current students and faculty mingled with alumni. The conference offered students the chance to attend educational sessions on a variety of subjects. There was also an opportunity to learn about the work of specific designers and firms with the inside the LA studio series that gave insight into process and projects. Whatever free time was available, students also spent time in and around the city. Some highlights include ice cream at Ghirardelli Square, catching an air show from Telegraph Hill, and biking the Golden Gate Bridge. While attending the conference, landscape architects and other speakers explored the designer's role in sustainable development.

Net Impact Forum

The Net Impact Forum is an organization that promotes socially and environmentally responsible business. The panel was geared toward students interested in sustainable development and the influence of design.

The panelists included: Tavis Dockwiller, ASLA, founder of Viridian Landscape Studio; Kurt Nahikian, vice president of marketing for Workstage; and Dale Medearis, environmental planner for the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. it was moderated by Vernon Swaback, FAIA, FAICP, of Swaback Partners.

The panelists each presented for 15 minutes and gave examples of their work. The topics ranged from the master planning and ecological design of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent in Monroe, Mich., to how green infrastructure is being usedin the revitalization of industrial cities in Germany.

In addition to the panel, Vernon Swaback gave a separate presentation on his recent book titled "Creating Value: Smart Development and Green Design." Landscape architecture students, business students and professionals alike attended both events, which were well received. This event will hopefully open doors to more design-oriented events in the future and promote the profession of landscape architecture to other disciplines.