The Social Responsibility of Landscape Architects

As Landscape Architects, the work that we engage in is important. The ability to shape and enhance the public realm and community institutions affords landscape architects a unique ability to improve quality of life for often underserved communities. We design public spaces, private spaces, places for playing, places for healing, spaces that capture the essence of who we are as human beings.

While numerous Landscape Architects have and continue to serve on public and governmental committees and commissions, it is the exposure to the general public that enhances our status as professionals. So above serving ourselves and our profession, we need to look beyond the small microcosm of our design world. We need to position ourselves to serve in the public realm, where our voices can be heard and our decisions can impact communities beyond just design.

Through this course, Ernie Wong, Sean O’Malley and Lovisa Kjerrgren will share example from their experiences working with community institutions, nonprofit organizations and their service and commitment to facilitate impactful change with the work they do.

Learning objectives: 1. Participants will learn about the importance of partnering with non-profit and community-based organizations, and how landscape architects are uniquely positioned to connect such entities. 2. Learn what social responsibility means for Landscape Architects. 3. Learn how you can get involved in service work in our profession. 4. Participants will learn about several tangible examples of community improvement ranging from a larger community or city scale to more site-specific projects.

Credits: 1.5 PDH-HSW pending Instructors: Ernest C. Wong, PLA, FASLA, APA – Founder and Principal, site Sean O’Malley, RLA – Managing Principal, SWA Laguna Beach Lovisa Kjerrgren – Associate, SWA Laguna Beach