News

Larry Harder, Professor in Landscape Architecture at the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development hopes to address issues occurring in unofficial Syrian refugee camps across Lebanon through a locally initiated project that he is participating in. From May 22 to May 30 he will work with 50 other landscape architecture students and professors from across the world to address issues being faced in a specific camp in the Bekaa Valley, called Talyani. Talyani is near the Lebanese town of Bar Elias, which is about 10km from the Syrian border.

Seven years after receiving her undergraduate degree, Ashley Honsberger decided it was time to return to school. Her career focus on farm business management was missing the international development link she longed for. To reset her career path, she pursued a Master’s of Science in Capacity Development and Extension (CDE) at the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development.  Read her research story "Learning the Art of Adaptability"

Bachelor of Landscape Architecture alumni capture top prizes in the 'Lost Spaces 2015 Ideas Competition'. The competition calls for alternatives to improving the use, public realm and ecological value of a lost space in Calgary, Alberta.  

Jamal Nureddin (BLA '14) and Nadja Pausch (BLA '15) teamed forces with their submission titled "Pollen-Nation: Vacant Lots + Lost Spaces // Social & Ecological Catalyst" which responds to several vacant areas in Calgary and captured the top Parks Field Prize.  

Graduate Students Hosted 2nd Annual SEDRD Conference

As a unique interdisciplinary department at the University of Guelph, the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development (SEDRD) brings together rural studies, landscape architecture, planning, and capacity development to look at rural development from various angles. Last year, the SEDRD annual conference served as a forum for student researchers from the four above-mentioned programs to present research, foster connections, and exchange ideas. The success of last year’s conference was repeated and topped this year.

Nathan Perkins, Professor in Landscape Architecture in the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development says "participatory design is essential when creating outdoor environments that inspire physical and mental health". Outdoor spaces influence our health and well-being.  The article is featured in the At Guelph.

Congratulations to the following University of Guelph landscape architecture students who are recipients of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Student Awards for 2015.  These awards recognize excellence in the study of landscape architecture and skills related to the art and technology of landscape architecture.

ASLA Student Honor Awards:

Jonathan Behnke, BLA
Nadja Pausch, BLA
Daniella Favero, BLA
Ku Wing (Bryan) Chao, MLA

Landscape Architects Network interviews Nadia Amoroso, an Adjunct Professor in Landscape Architecture at the School of Environmental Design and Rural Development.  Nadia talks about her work in GeoDesign and landscape representation with LAN writer and UofG alumnus, Michelle Biggs.    

See article in Landscape Architects Network.

On April 9, 2015 the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) announced the new members of the College of Fellows in recognition to their outstanding contributions to the profession over an extended period of time.  The new members will receive the honour at the CSLA Congress to be held in Mexico at the Hilton Mexico City Reforma on May 23, 2015.

Evaluation is a calling that requires strong analytical, problem-solving, research, and communication skills. Dr. Harry Cummings, Professor in the School of Environment Design and Rural Development at the University of Guelph, has an established reputation for his evaluation work. Transcending national boundaries, Dr. Cummings works with non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and the public sector across Canada and internationally to help monitor and evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of projects and programs.

The winners of the 2014 OSSGA Student Design Awards were recently announced.  The Student Design Competition is sponsored by The Ontario Aggregate Resources Corporation, an arm of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and administered by the OSSGA. The Minister of Natural Resources attended the awards ceremony, which was held on February 25, 2015 in Toronto.

The University of Guelph third-year Bachelor of Landscape Architecture students won first, second and third prizes, as well as three honourable mentions. Congratulations!!