Conference dates are scheduled throughout the year, bringing many specialists together for discussions on a variety of subjects related to landscaping design, planning and architecture. These conferences are open to all students, professionals and researchers who have an interest in landscape architecture and urban planning. Landscape Architecture is a growing discipline in architecture that deals with planning, designing and building spaces to match nature. The conference focuses on landscape architecture and urban planning from a broad perspective, incorporating current research, practice and theory. It is an excellent choice for those interested in architectural, creative, technical, economic, environmental and social arenas.
It is important to understand the relationship between environment, society and architecture. With landscape architecture, this relationship is examined at the interface of science and art, including art history, critical theory, applied science and computer science. The conference proceedings are designed to stimulate dialogue on these various disciplines with an emphasis on issues of concern to current practitioners. Specific areas of focus include the relationships between landscape architecture and urban planning, the use and management of natural resources, ecological systems and ecological processes, human habitat, public realm and aesthetics. Special attention is also given to issues related to construction, design, sustainability and green building.
The major papers or special topic topics include issues in landscape architecture and urban planning, issues in sustainable architecture, issues in the built environment and design, issues concerning global warming, issues concerning architectural interventions, environmental change and engineering change, and sustainable development. The conference theme is “Urban Studies and Landscape Architecture.” Special themes include sustainable cities, critical cities, global landscapes, global environments and global issues. Papers include Current Problems in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Critical theories in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, The Ecological Process, Landscape Network, Alternative Technologies for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources, Energy Efficiency and the Built Environment, Designing for Energy Efficiency, The Role of Public Spaces in Architectural Design, Theoretical perspectives on Sustainable Architecture, Alternative Technologies for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources, Alternative Technologies for Landscape Architecture, Alternative Ways of Developing Cities and Environments, Landscape Networks and others. Topics are decided after a tentative agenda is presented.
The conferences aim at developing understanding about landscape architecture and urban planning from a scientific perspective. This means that the participants are provided with the opportunity to learn the basic principles of landscape architecture and urban planning as well as understand more about the natural processes that help build an attractive and livable built environment. Through the conferences, the participants can also develop the expertise they have gained and be able to present their research and case studies on ecological issues and the effects of human intervention on nature. These have been done to demonstrate the connection and the inter-relationship between landscape architecture, urban planning and natural environment.
Urban Planning is concerned with the provision of access to natural resources for citizens. Landscape architecture and urban design aim at ensuring the proper use and implementation of natural resources in the built environment. This can be done by planning the use of space, form of development, functionality, site layouts, construction materials, energy requirements, as well as the preservation and restoration of natural resources. Urban planners also play an important role in providing information on the planning and development of communities that rely on natural resources. They can ensure that these resources are conserved and protected. In the recent years, several laws have been introduced as regards to the protection and usage of natural resources in urban environments.
Landscape architecture has made use of many forms and methods. Some of these include building regulations, environmental assessment, environmental impact analysis, site selection, design and construction methods, sustainable architecture, site feasibility, community aesthetics and urban planning. Urban planning refers to the layout of an urban area and includes the decision-making procedure, financing, construction methods, development policies, land use control, land development, zoning regulations, public amenities, and transportation facilities. Sustainable architecture intends to enhance the performance of the built environment by reducing its energy requirements, land use, water use and other related issues. Site feasibility helps in determining the location of a place and constructing buildings that are not too big or that do not take up too much space in the surrounding areas.
The focus on sustainable design focuses on minimizing the negative effects of development. The major aim of sustainable design is to ensure long-term ecological balance in an urban setting. Site feasibility involves the scientific knowledge of the location, climate, soil and vegetation dynamics, as well as other important site-specific information. It also takes into account potential barriers to ecological processes and human activities such as noise, air, heat and light. Site aesthetics considers the look of a place and includes concerns about space, people and culture. Community aesthetics deals with issues such as unity, conflict and other important social factors.
A successful landscape architecture plan involves a balanced mix of strategies. Local, regional and global environmental concerns must be taken into consideration. The project should be able to minimize environmental harm, while meeting the projected growth rate, budget and specifications of the homeowner. It also aims to make the area more functional and appealing. Landscape architecture and urban planning incorporate various theories of landscape architecture such as ecological systems, site stability, design ecology, and site efficiency.