Continuing the Conversations of Landscape First
In April 2025, The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture hosted "Landscape First: Unearthing the Benefits of Nature-Based Solutions,” a convening which explored what can be achieved when landscapes are prioritized in urban settings. With the generous support of the Still Water Foundation, the event brought together elected officials, institutional leaders, community stakeholders, and professionals in planning, design, and engineering for one-and-a-half days of discussion about how nature-based solutions inspire creativity, unite neighborhoods, improve health, and support new infrastructure for urban resilience. At the conclusion of the gathering, it seemed the conversations were just beginning. We are pleased to publish a continuation of these topics through seven responses.
READ THE ENTIRE LANDSCAPE FIRST ESSAY SERIES HERE →
CONTRIBUTORS
Gullivar Shepard, Partner, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates
William C. Sullivan, Ph.D., FASLA, FCELA, Professor and Director of the Smart, Healthy Communities Initiative, University of Illinois
Frederick (Fritz) Steiner, Ph.D., FASLA, FCELA, FAAR, Dean of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania
Gina Ford, FASLA, Principal and Co-Founder, Agency Landscape + Planning
Ignacio F. Bunster-Ossa, FASLA, Vice President for Landscape Urbanism and Resilience, the Collaborative
Mary Margaret Jones, FASLA, FAAR, President and CEO, Hargreaves Jones
Brent Stringfellow, AVP of Campus Operations and Campus Architect, UT Austin