Eco-Conscious Oasis
Eco-Conscious Oasis
Design for Tomorrow
As the design world continues to evolve and push boundaries, landscape design is witnessing a profound transformation, marked by an unwavering commitment to sustainability. Architects and designers are embracing cutting-edge practices and technologies to create environmentally conscious outdoor spaces that not only enhance aesthetics but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
Biodiversity has taken center stage in landscape design. With the inclusion of native plants, we are seeing an increase of wildlife-friendly habitats, and utilizing organic materials to promote ecological diversity. One of the most intriguing developments in sustainable construction is the increasing use of mycelium, the root-like network of fungi, as a building material. Mycelium offers a remarkable combination of strength, durability, and sustainability, making it a game-changer in architectural design. Architects and designers are harnessing mycelium's unique properties to create biodegradable building components, such as bricks, insulation, and even entire structures. Not only does mycelium construction reduce our reliance on traditional materials like concrete and steel, but it also has a significantly lower carbon footprint.
As climate change continues to affect our planet, architects and designers are responding with resilient landscapes. Climate-adaptive designs use techniques like xeriscaping, which conserves water, and green roofs, which mitigate heat island effects. The renovation of New York's Central Park includes a climate-adaptive approach, ensuring the park can withstand extreme weather events and support urban sustainability. Set for completion in summer of 2024, Harlem Meer Center will certainly have a positive impact for the park and its visitors.
With an increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions, landscape designers are striving for carbon neutrality. Innovative projects like the "Green Carbon Square" in Copenhagen incorporate carbon-sequestering plants, sustainable hardscape materials, and renewable energy sources to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, setting a new standard for urban green spaces. Inaugurated in 2023, it has transformed a once-conventional city square into a thriving hub of green innovation and carbon neutrality. Designed by visionary architects and sustainability experts, Green Carbon Square is a pioneering model of eco-conscious urban planning.
Architects and designers are leading the way by implementing innovative solutions that benefit both the environment as well as society. As we look forward to a greener future, these trends and projects serve as inspiring examples for those seeking to create landscapes that are not just beautiful but also sustainable, resilient, and transformative. Embrace these trends, and together, we can shape a more sustainable world through our landscapes.
Interested in reading more? Check out this article about Designing Better Communities.
Designer Monologues the Podcast from IIDA New England with your host Katie Corcoran Garcia is officially LIVE!! On this show, we’ll share the stories behind the design of repurposing, developing and reshaping our communities. Incubated from the minds and skills of New England’s talented design community, you’ll hear how visual inspiration can come from nature, our history, current trends and more as we take you on a story-telling journey behind design.
Check out our latest episode here.
Each leader brings a unique perspective, and mine starts thousands of miles and many cultures away. As an immigrant - even though I look different and speak with an accent - my experiences instilled in me a passion for ADVOCACY, RESILIENCY, and INCLUSIVITY and propelled my career in design. Although my story is unique, I represent many designers who didn’t think they originally had a place in this profession. I would like them to know that they do belong, and IIDA NE is here to help them on their journey. We all have unique stories. What brings us together is the empathy that we share through lived experiences. I believe in creating a profession through EQUITY by acknowledging and accepting the existing inequities and different paths we have all taken, and by making room at the table for everyone. More importantly, we need to provide an environment where people who have differing backgrounds have an opportunity to have a voice and be heard.
I am thankful to our previous leadership and our seasoned professionals, both practitioners and industry partners, whose guidance has made our chapter what it is today, and to the emerging professionals and students, whose enthusiasm and excitement shall carry us into the future.
As IIDA NE President, I will strive to ensure that IIDA NE embraces diversity and responsiveness; and is a better reflection of the society we serve and what is best for our community. I aim to create a culture of belonging and personal value for everyone as we create meaningful human experiences with creative solutions for the built environment. I want to continue to make everyone feel welcome as part of IIDA New England and I want to hear from ALL our members on how we can, together, address the challenges and opportunities that each unique point of view perceives in the profession and in our chapter.
This year, I hope to bring a new and fresh perspective to our Chapter and design community. We will work to be more inclusive, highlighting our member’s diverse backgrounds and motivating others to pursue paths of leadership. I want to create a community that shares, inspires, and supports one another. Being an active member and getting involved is key to making the most out of your IIDA membership. I hope to connect with our design community, inspire you to take action, and help you find value with your membership.
Our IIDA NE Chapter has so much to offer! I encourage you to find something you are passionate about; join a committee, take on a leadership position, attend a peer group, support advocacy efforts, seek out or become a mentor, or even develop your skills at a CEU.
Additionally, we have lots of exciting events coming up this year! My challenge for each of you is to invest in yourself this year to grow professionally by getting involved in at least one activity. We have opportunities for everyone to participate and volunteer with varying levels of commitment.
Thank you all for your continued support. I look forward to meeting and working alongside each and every one of you this year. I hope to see you at our next event!
Deepa Venkat
President, IIDA NE Chapter
Check out the list of IIDA New England Emerging Leaders Network (ELN) Class of 2022 and the Leadership Exploration & Development (LEAD) Class of 2022!
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