Alexander Felson - Relationships of Ecological Design with Landscape Architecture

MHG Meetings

Sponsored By: Metro Hort Group

Alexander Felson

Relationships of Ecological Design with Landscape Architecture

This talk explores ways in which “restoration ecologists” work with designers and other practitioners in the development of resilient and adaptable landscapes. Traditionally focused on reconstructing ecosystems of historically documented landscapes, this approach is being reassessed in light of changes in site conditions and pressures on ecosystems from global environmental changes. Alex will discuss some of his projects where novel ecosystems are designed that use historical knowledge of restoration but recognize the value of creative environmentally sensitive solutions that are functional and aesthetic.

Alexander Felson, a landscape architect and urban ecologist, is on the faculty of both the School of Architecture and the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University. His projects include a Harlem community garden, the East River Salt Marsh project with Ken Smith, and a real estate development in the Tuxedo Reserve where he brought together a multidisciplinary team of academics and practitioners to work with developers, community planning boards, and regulators to define and encourage responsible management of urban ecosystems.