Since June 2024, the Wisconsin ASLA Student Chapter at the University of Wisconsin - Madison has conducted a series of engaging “studio tours” that introduce landscape architecture to younger audiences, particularly K-12 students. What started as a humble show-and-tell for 3rd graders has been successfully iterated for a diverse audience, from elementary students to college freshmen. From meticulously planning tour routes to conducting hands-on activities that highlight the many facets of the field, the students at UW-Madison are forging meaningful relations and sowing the seeds for the next generation of creative minds.

It started when Jennifer Kilburg from the Madison Metropolitan School District reached out to Eric Schuchardt, PLA, ASLA, who serves as the BLA Program Chair at UW-Madison, asking if her students could visit the studio as part of their pre-college summer program. Recognizing this as an opportunity to engage the student chapter, Mr. Schuchardt roped in Avi Clancy (current Chapter President) and Dhruv Lokhande (current Social Media & Outreach Coordinator) to develop a program that included a tour of the creative space and an activity where students were asked to imagine their dream park.

Impressed by the tour, Ms, Killburg offered a glowing review and spread the word within the local STEAM education circle of educators who are keen on engaging with the university and its offerings. In her feedback, she said, “The students enjoyed the opportunity to see what landscape architects do. Youngsters like 2nd and 3rd graders are very visual, so showing them examples of different students' work and giving them time to explore was fantastic.” She noted that the hands-on activity came as a surprise, “but that was a nice addition that was much appreciated.” The result was a recurring tour for her class and more interest from others.

It is a well-acknowledged fact that landscape architecture suffers from a lack of recognition. Advocacy and outreach are essential to cultivate a broader awareness about the important work that landscape architects do. The constant threats to licensure and the recent bid to discontinue the Landscape Architecture program at the University of Nebraska stem from the same disregard for our profession. Against that backdrop, the Wisconsin students’ work is both timely and promising. 

The Studio Tours program is a lean outreach model, as it uses simple supplies like pastels, crayons, and Play-Do to convey the beauty of landscape architecture. It is also self-sustaining due to student leadership. Students have the bandwidth to execute these events, which the professionals may not always have. Finally, student chapters are uniquely positioned to serve as the bridge between the profession and the public because of the conviction with which they tell their story. It is a tremendously rewarding exercise for the students to reflect on what landscape architecture means to them and what they would like to share with those who are not too far from them in age. 

By encouraging such initiatives and inviting student participation in ASLA’s advocacy efforts, we will not only benefit from fresh voices, but we will also achieve a strengthened relationship within our community where students contribute towards a purpose they identify with.

As for the Badgers, it has been a successful studio tour season. After experimenting with younger classes and smaller groups, the students recently hosted their biggest ever tour for about 50 freshmen. The chapter is buzzing with a newfound energy - and hopes to package these tours into a more robust student ambassador program. 

Currently in an incubator phase, the program will benefit from monetary resources and mentorship support. Please consider reaching out to the Student Chapter. You can also find them on social media at @badger_asla.