2018 in Review: Professional Practice Networks Highlights

ASLA's Professional Practice Networks (PPNs) provide opportunities for professionals interested in the same areas of practice to exchange information, learn about current practices and research, and network with each other—both online and in person at the ASLA Conference on Landscape Architecture.

In 2018, the PPNs published 103 posts for The Field and organized 14 live Online Learning presentations. Thank you to those who shared experiences on The Field and shared their expertise as Online Learning presenters! These opportunities are open to all ASLA members, and we hope to grow our group of PPN contributors in 2019.

Below, we highlight the top five Field posts and best-attended live Online Learning presentations of the year, but be sure to check out the full PPN 2018 IN REVIEW for additional information, including recaps of:

• PPN Live at the ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO in Philadelphia,
• the ASLA Online Learning Student & Emerging Professional SPOTLIGHT mini-series, and
• how all ASLA members can contribute and participate on a national level through ASLA’s PPNs.

Year in Review: The Field

The Field was established to give members in the field of landscape architecture a place to exchange information, learn about recent work and research, and share thoughts about current happenings. Contributions are by members, for members, and we encourage all ASLA members with an idea or an experience to share to contribute to The Field. New posts are published twice weekly.

Here are The Field’s top five most-read posts written by ASLA members in the past year:

1. What Exactly is a Transportation Landscape Architect?

By Jeff Lormand, ASLA Transportation PPN

2. Philadelphia’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure Landscape Guidebook

By Caitlin Glagola, Associate ASLA, Tim Linehan, Associate ASLA, and Rachel Streit Sustainable Design & Development PPN

3. From Slums to Sky Gardens - Singapore’s Public Housing Success

By Erik S. Mustonen, ASLA International Practice PPN

4. Promoting Pollinator Habitat as Landscape Architects

By Anthony Fettes, ASLA Ecology & Restoration PPN

5. Icons of Healthcare & Therapeutic Garden Design: Clare Cooper Marcus

By Lisa Bailey, ASLA Healthcare & Therapeutic Design PPN

Year in Review: Online Learning

To provide our members with professional development opportunities, ASLA offers Online Learning webinars, many of which are hosted by the PPNs on a topic of special relevance to their members. In 2018, ASLA’s PPNs organized and hosted 14 live Online Learning presentations, two of which were part of the third Online Learning Student & Emerging Professional SPOTLIGHT mini-series. Live PPN-hosted presentations take place throughout the year, and are recorded and made available for on-demand viewing afterwards.

Here are the top five best-attended live PPN-hosted presentations of the past year:

1. A Guide to Economic Analyses of Parks for Landscape Architects

Presented by Connie Chung, Jessica Sargent, and Carl Winston Hosted by the Parks & Recreation PPN

2. The Play Environment: A New Paradigm for Play Areas

Presented by Greg Miller, FASLA Hosted by the Children’s Outdoor Environments PPN

3. Utilizing BIM to Improve Design and Workflow Efficiency

Presented by Matt Wilkins, ASLA; Robert Anderson, ASLA; and Erig Berg, ASLA Hosted by the Digital Technology PPN

4. Universal Design in Play: A Behavioral Comparison of Three Playgrounds

Presented by Kenneth Hurst, ASLA Hosted by the Children’s Outdoor Environments PPNs

5. Landscape Performance to Demonstrate Impact: Sustainable Campus Landscapes

Presented by Megan Barnes, Associate ASLA Hosted by the Campus Planning & Design PPN