Eleven words sum up my experience at the Labash conference this year. They are: “I cannot think of a more noble profession than landscape architecture”. These words were articulated by Susan Weiler, principle at Landscape Architecture firm Olin, in a casual declaration to conference attendees at a local bar at the end of the weekend.
The Labash conference offered me a crucial platform to further understand the passion with and significance of the role of landscape architect within our society. I was humbled by the experience of meeting hundreds of other like-minded individuals from all over the continent who are devoted to the betterment of our environment, culture, and economics through the field of landscape architecture.
These passions range from the very small scale such as how to properly plant a tree (I attended a lecture called: Don’t get caught with your plants down) to the very large scale initiatives like Philadelphia’s endeavor to transition into primarily using green infrastructure as a municipal water management technique. All throughout my time it clearly reestablished why I am passionate about the profession and helped inspire me to progress through the challenges of school and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
The conference was a unique way to network with students, firms, and material companies alike, and a friendly setting to begin to establish relationships with them. It is very likely that as we plow ahead in our attempts to improve the world we will collide with these familiar faces both as allies and as adversaries. Nonetheless, Susan’s words ring true; landscape architecture really is one of the noblest professions and the Labash conference really helped me to solidify my place within the community. I look forward to seeing those faces again and to working with them to strengthen our vital role as designers as social and environmental advocates.
