APRIL 2006 IS NATIONAL
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE MONTH
Theme to be “Discover Landscape
Architecture"
WASHINGTON, DC, February 13, 2006---The American
Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has proclaimed April
2006 as National Landscape Architecture Month. ASLA chapters
across the country will celebrate with public outreach activities
to help communities “Discover Landscape Architecture,”
the theme for this year. The month encompasses Earth Day on
April 22 and the birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted on April
26, who founded the American landscape architecture profession.
Each week will focus on a different aspect of the profession:
· April 1-8: The landscape architect’s roles
in security design and disaster preparedness will be explored
during week one. Renowned landscape architect Laurie Olin,
FASLA, who redesigned the Washington Monument grounds, will
be giving tours of the project in conjunction with the National
Building Museum. Landscape architects planning for community
rebuilding and the restoration of vegetation and protective
wetlands to mitigate damage from future storms along the Gulf
Coast will explore lessons learned and applicability to other
natural disasters.
· April 9-15: In week two, students will be encouraged
to explore career opportunities in landscape architecture,
a field that is much in demand and that offers a lucrative
salary. ASLA partners with the ACE Mentor Program of America
to introduce high school students to careers in landscape
architecture, architecture, engineering, and construction.
· April 16-22: Week three activities will highlight
green building and sustainable design. The culmination of
the week will be the official dedication of ASLA’s landmark
green roof on its Washington, DC, headquarters.
· April 23-30: During the final week of April, the
focus will be on the residential landscape architecture—dollar
for dollar, the best investment in home improvement. Award-winning
landscape architect Steve Martino, FASLA, who has pioneered
the use of native and low water plants, bold forms, and conservative
use of water to achieve dramatic, lush, and livable landscapes,
will visit the National Building Museum for a lecture on his
work.
“Landscape architecture touches our lives every day
in hundreds of different ways,” said Dennis Carmichael,
FASLA, president of ASLA. “National Landscape Architecture
Month is a great opportunity for Americans of all ages to
learn more about how landscape architecture can improve our
communities, increase property values, and protect our environment
through creative, sustainable design.”
ASLA chapter events will be held throughout the month. More
information on National Landscape Architecture Month and on
local events can be found at http://www.asla.org/lamonth/index.html.
This year, ASLA is partnering with a number of national organizations
to gain support for National Landscape Architecture Month,
including the American Horticultural Society, the American
Nursery & Landscape Association, and the Urban Land Institute.
ASLA will be reaching out to additional organizations in the
coming months for partnership opportunities.
About ASLA
Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association
for landscape architects, representing more than 16,000 members
in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters. Landscape
architecture is a comprehensive discipline of land analysis,
planning, design, management, preservation, and rehabilitation.
ASLA promotes the landscape architecture profession and advances
the practice through advocacy, education, communication, and
fellowship. Learn more about landscape architecture online
at www.asla.org.
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