What do you do if you want to deepen your knowledge of urban design principles as a landscape architect?

I recently opted to make a significant career shift exiting a thirty year run in Landscape Construction for an opportunity to work as a Landscape Planner for a local municipality. I'm still actively involved with development, but I'm able to experience it now from a perspective I've wasn't fully connected to previously and I'm able to engage in some very exciting redevelopment work. Additionally, I've bridged this career transition via teaching a Landscape Design course evenings at a near by Community College. New challenges, new connections, new work places, it's all very energizing. In some ways, I wish I had made changes sooner, but I can also attest that it's never too late to just make the leap.

Travel and see examples of new thinking in sustainable design, public engagement , cultural enrichment etc eg Gardens by the Bay Singapore...

-Analyse and investigates how different target groups use and perceive the urban spaces thought first hand observation of the urban dynamics. -Understanding the specificities of each urban context, that are largely connected to different climatic condition and therefore different cultural behaviour -Learn how to select the most relevant data available (the amount has reached such an extensive amount that sometimes could become complicated to navigate trough them). -Mixing an objective satellite/data based research with in person experience is the key to deepen knowledge in those complementary fields. -There’s no strict boundary between Urban design and Landscape Architecture, on the opposite they are strictly interconnected disciplines.

In my experience urban design is a holistic discipline that integrates planning, architecture, and landscape architecture. It could be loosely looked at as a bridge between disciplines. By immersing oneselve in theory, practice, and real-world contexts, you’ll enhance your expertise and contribute to creating vibrant, sustainable cities. Collaborate engage in interdisciplinary discussions. Collaborate with urban planners, architects, and other professionals. Learn from their perspectives and experiences. Visit and observe how urban design principles manifest in the built environment. Pay attention to street layouts, public spaces, transportation systems, and green infrastructure. .

Travel Careful observation Think about context and be place specific Don’t be overly reliant on duplication of successful places. The best places develop slowly and evolve. Try to set that in motion.

Take as many courses as you can in as many different subjects as you can. Ranging from theory to program usage - any bit of additional knowledge you can learn each day will only elevate you personally and professionally.

Besides specialized courses in the subject matter, I believe that Urban Design is a multifaceted topic that crosses over interdisciplinary courses of studies. For example, courses in sociology, anthropology, or environmental psychology can provide insights into human behavior and societal dynamics that greatly influence urban design. On the other hand, workshops or seminars on topics like urban planning, public policy, or even art and culture can offer fresh perspectives on the interconnected nature of urban spaces. In that sense, one can develop a more holistic understanding of urban design and its multifaceted influences by diversifying course selection beyond traditional landscape architecture offerings.

Courses are a great way to learn and update your professional skills, as the content offered is always updated according to new discussions, technological innovations, concepts, etc. Especially in an area as multidisciplinary as landscape architecture. Lately I have been updating myself on contemporary topics to enrich my practice in Landscaping Design.

I think, the courses offers a fast and precise way to achieve the experience in short time, which, when you are starting its dificult to get.

Through collaboration and interdisciplinary discussions, one can access diverse perspectives that challenge conventional thinking and inspire innovative solutions. Conversations with peers and academics often provide insights into the latest trends, research findings, and practical experiences in urban design. This collective knowledge enhances critical thinking and encourages a broader understanding of complex urban environments. As a result, landscape architects can develop more comprehensive and sustainable designs that address the multifaceted needs of modern cities, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and vibrant urban landscape.

Personally, it is fortunate that I have had the opportunity to interact and engage directly with experts in the field through immersive experiences at work. These experiences with urban designers and planners have helped me to gain firsthand insights into their methodologies, decision-making processes, and project implementations. By observing their work in action, I had the opportunity to glean valuable knowledge not typically found in textbooks or formal education settings. Additionally, participating in collaborative projects or design charrettes alongside these seasoned professionals have helped to provide a unique platform for exchanging ideas, receiving constructive critique, and refining my skills in real-world scenarios.

As others have said, speak with design professionals from other disciplines, but don't forget the expertise of the average citizen. Designers create places and experiences for the general public. Understanding their viewpoint, desires, use-cases, and experiences of a place is critical in becoming a sensitive designer in any culture or context.

I enjoy travelling around the world and exploring new places. Quite often I find myself analyzing these spaces subconsciously during my travels. It is so interesting to see what works and what doesn’t and you really can learn so much from watching how people interact and use a space to pick apart its successful and/or unsuccessful features. Sometimes I even finding myself taking pictures of these examples to use as precedents when working through urban design challenges on my own projects.

In my opinion, taking a hands-on approach to understanding urban design through the analysis of existing public spaces is invaluable. By visiting various cities and neighborhoods, closely observing how these spaces are utilized, and noting the elements that contribute to their success or shortcomings, one can gain a deeper understanding of what makes a public space truly functional and engaging. Factors such as pedestrian flow, the presence of greenery, thoughtful seating arrangements, and accessibility all play a crucial role in shaping user experience. Reflecting on these observations allows designers to identify effective design elements that can be incorporated into their own projects, ultimately enhancing functionality.

Throughout my career, I was given the opportunity to explore public open spaces in different cities through site survey and office trips. Exploring these urban spaces with a critical eye has provided me with invaluable insights into urban design principles. By immersing myself in various environments, from bustling city centers to tranquil parks, I had the chance to observe firsthand how different design elements influence the use and perception of space. Paying attention to factors such as spatial layout, circulation patterns, and the integration of natural elements, I found myself analyzing how these elements contribute to the overall character and functionality of the space, as well as how they impact the experience of users.

Recognize that urban buildings are usually constructed up to the right of way line, leaving no room for landscaping. Therefore, landscaping needs to go between the sidewalk and the street (or in the sidewalk in the form of tree grates and raised planers, etc), in common areas, and in open public spaces such as squares and parks.

Travel. Experiencing other cultures, spaces, and environments is transformative. The biggest hurdle for young designers is to leave your pre-conceived notions behind and try to view a space, system, or structure through the lens of a local before applying your own professional eye and judgement. Notice the small details that people interact with every day. Take a moment to use all of your senses - what does the space smell like, how does the light interact with designed elements both on- and off-site, is there a breeze, etc. These experiences are what form lasting memories for people.

Challenging the standard in design is not just necessary, but fundamental for both personal and professional growth within the landscape architecture industry. By pushing boundaries, questioning norms, and experimenting with innovative ideas, landscape architects can propel the field forward, fostering creativity, sustainability, and resilience. Embracing this mindset cultivates a culture of continuous learning and evolution, enabling practitioners to develop their skills, expand their perspectives, and ultimately contribute to the advancement of the industry as a whole.

Step back from your design and imagine yourself as someone else. A parent taking your children out for some fun, an elderly person out for a walk, a busy professional out for a lunch break, a teacher leading a school tour, an events planner programming a parade or festival, etc. Map where they would enter (by foot, bike, public transit, or private vehicle), where they would linger, where their destinations might be and what they'd experience along the way. Ensure that at every step, something positive has been added to the experience. The places we all know and love are memorable because people have had the freedom and control to make them their own. Be humble and adapt your grand vision to the small moments that people will remember.

One aspect that boosted my career was joining Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Learned so much from colleagues at our annual conferences and the network built from those contacts. We had the opportunity to visit a variety of designed spaces often in urban centers. I learned from comments and conversations with designers on the bus between site visits

I travel and experience spaces first hand. Sometimes we only think of successful urban design in terms of highly sophisticated developed countries with excellent public transportation. However some pre-Columbian cities such as parts of Cusco, Peru and around the Sacred Valley show ingenious ways of dealing with stormwater management and ADA standards before ADA standards were ever created. The more I walk around cities where the main mode of connectivity is walking the more I learn about little details that are often overlooked.

consider exploring the integration of smart city innovations and Earthship design principles for sustainable urban environments. This approach combines technology and sustainable building practices, promoting eco-friendly and energy-efficient urban spaces. Additionally, study the urban design principles for waterfront transit-oriented development (WTOD), which integrate mixed-use development around public transport stations and promote pedestrian-friendly environments. Furthermore, investigate water sensitive urban design principles for sustainable stormwater management, allowing humans and nature to coexist in mutual respect.

As a landscape architect with a focus on sustainability, I wish to emphasize the significance of implementing xeriscape principles in landscape design, specifically to conserve our valuable resources, particularly water. By incorporating xeriscape techniques, we can create environmentally responsible landscapes that minimize water usage while still providing aesthetic appeal and functionality.