ASLA Professional Practice Networks Online Learning

Budding redbud. Photo from www.henrydomke.com

Budding redbud. Photo from www.henrydomke.com

The first of a bi-annual series of Online Learning webinars hosted by the American Society of Landscape Architects’ Professional Practice Networks (PPNs) starts on Monday, 4/4/13. These distance learning opportunities are scheduled during the same week, creating a “virtual conference.” Future series will focus on a common theme, while this inaugural event allowed each PPN to determine their own topic ideas.  Webinars will be recorded for future viewing opportunities, but this live event offers the chance to interact with presenters with Q&A time during each presentation.

Presentations are free to everyone, but space is limited.  Recordings will be posted on the ASLA webinar page in April, so check back then to see the presentations that are full.

Professional development hours (PDHs) will be available to registered ASLA members; include your member number on the registration form. Number of PDHs vary for each presentation, so check the descriptions below for details.

PPN Online Learning Series: Spring Kick-off Event
March 4-14, 2013

The following are webinars still open for registration. Others that might be of interest to our Network (such as “Welcome to Planet Earth: Designing Nature into Early Childhood”; “Urban Agriculture – Beyond Community Gardens”; and “How Communities are Embracing Sustainable Site Development”) are already full, but you can check the webinar page (link above) in April to listen.

Bridging the Landscape of Autism

Hosted by the Healthcare and Therapeutic Design PPN
Friday, March 8 at 11:00 am (eastern)
1.5 PDH credits (LA CES/HSW)

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are increasingly present today, and this session will clarify the many related opportunities and obstacles this presents in place-making. It will suggest best-management practices to accommodate and integrate individual needs in private and public spaces during analysis and conceptual design.

Speakers:
Julie Sando, Founder, Autistically Inclined & Natural Play Therapy
Brian Johnston, Founder, Square Root Design Studio
Tara Vincenta, Principle and Founder, Artemis Landscape Architects, Inc.
Vince Lattanzio, President, Carducci Landscape Architects

Partnering for Healthy Communities

Hosted by the Parks and Recreation PPN
Date and Time: Monday, March 4 at 3:00 pm (Eastern)
1.0 PDH credits (LA CES/HSW)

In an economy where resources are limited, joint use agreements are becoming a platform for creating healthy collaborations. Establishing joint use agreements between schools, parks and other local organizations allow facilities to be utilized by more members of the community and provide community members with increased opportunities for physical activity. These partnerships provide mutual benefits to all parties involved and improve community livability; however these partnerships do require work in resolving differences.

Speakers:
Craig D. Bronzan, Director City of Brentwood Parks and Recreation
Patty Boyd, RD MPH with the Tri-County Health Department in Greenwood Village, CO

Soak it up: Placemaking through Sustainable Water Strategies in the Desert Southwest

Hosted by the Water Conservation PPN
Date and Time: Friday, March 8 at 1:00 pm (eastern)
1.0 PDH credits (LA CES/HSW)

Focusing upon urban environments in the desert southwest, this presentation will discuss water’s influence upon land and people through time, modern development’s disconnection from natural water systems and how sustainable water harvesting can reinforce the importance of this vital resource our ecosystems and future are dependent upon.  Various water sources will be identified and passive and mechanical harvesting methods will be demonstrated both for irrigation and water feature elements.  

Speaker:
Todd Briggs

Multicultural Design: Creating Landscapes that Welcome and Serve Everyone Equally

Hosted by the Women In Landscape Architecture PPN
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 5 at 1:00 pm (eastern)
1.0 PDH credits (LA CES/HSW)

Research shows that visitors’ cultural and economic background impact how they experience landscapes. Yet, most landscape architects in America design for a single ‘universal’ experience that reflects white middle class culture.  What would change if paths, picnic tables, lawns and groves were designed from a diversity of cultural and class perspectives. Could we create parks as diverse and rich as America itself?

Speaker:
Steve Rasmussen Cancian