Description

In this conversation, Design:ED interviews Beka Sturges and Eric Kramer of Reed Hilderbrand about the evolving role of landscape architecture in contemporary design. They discuss the historical hierarchy between architecture and landscape architecture, emphasizing how current environmental and social challenges demand a more integrated, site-responsive, and collaborative design approach. Drawing on projects like Storm King and Powder Mountain, they highlight the importance of understanding place, scale, and ecological systems, and how landscape can enrich human experience and civic engagement. The conversation also explores the unpredictable, living nature of landscapes, the urgency of addressing climate change, and the potential of landscape architecture to foster inclusive, meaningful public spaces that reflect shared cultural values.

Learning Objectives:

Examine the evolving relationship between landscape architecture and traditional architectural practices in response to environmental and social challenges.

Evaluate how landscape architecture contributes to site identity, user experience, and cultural narratives across various scales.

Apply principles of ecological and civic resilience in the planning and design of contemporary landscape projects.

Explore strategies for integrating art, community engagement, and environmental stewardship within large-scale landscape interventions.

Credits: 1.0 AIA LU/Elective

Speaker: Beka Sturges and Eric Kramer