As a Landscape Architecture major, my curiosity for sustainability was sparked in my anchor course, LAND 2310, “Introduction to Sustainability,” at the University of Georgia. This course was a game-changer for me, highlighting the inherent connection between landscape design and sustainability. Beyond just the practice of recycling and reusing, I learned that sustainability encompasses a much wider spectrum of considerations that extend to every individual, regardless of whether they perceive its effects directly.
The Brundtland Commission’s definition of sustainability, “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,” was one of the foundational concepts of this course that resonated with me. As an aspiring landscape architect, this definition has become my mantra, emphasizing the significance of analyzing how landscape designs impact humans and the planet as a whole. It is essential to evaluate the intrinsic value of nature and determine how landscape designs can work collaboratively with it to achieve optimal results. In summary, this course taught me the fundamental principles of sustainability, and how to apply them to my future endeavors as a Landscape Architect. Sustainable landscape design is an investment in the future. It ensures that our landscapes can continue to provide ecological, social, and economic benefits for generations to come. As designers, it is our responsibility to approach each project with a sustainability mindset and create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, without compromising the environment’s ability to thrive.
During the course, I engaged in various lab assignments that helped me to understand the intricate connections between the environment and sustainability. One of the most enjoyable labs I undertook was an exploration of a watershed in Athens, Georgia, where I learned about the ways in which humans have contaminated it and how to alleviate this in the future. This lab provided me with a hands-on approach to learning about the ways in which human activity impacts the environment and how to implement practical solutions to mitigate the damage. It allowed me to gain an appreciation of the complex relationship between the environment, human activity, and sustainability. The lab was a valuable learning experience, as it encouraged me to think critically about the world around me and how I could use my knowledge and skills to promote sustainability. As a future landscape architect, this lab has inspired me to take an active role in creating sustainable designs that prioritize the health of the environment and communities.
In conclusion, my introduction to sustainability in LAND 2310 has been transformative in shaping my perspective as a Landscape Architecture major. It has given me a strong foundation in understanding the connection between landscape design and sustainability and has taught me how to apply these principles in my future endeavors. I have learned that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a crucial consideration that encompasses ecological, social, and economic aspects. As landscape architects, we have a responsibility to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also environmentally sustainable and socially equitable. The hands-on lab assignments have been a valuable learning experience, allowing me to gain an appreciation for the complex relationship between human activity, the environment, and sustainability. Overall, this course has inspired me to make sustainability a core consideration in all of my future landscape design projects, knowing that I can create beautiful and functional spaces that benefit both people and the planet.