The International Federation of Landscape Architects was founded in 1948 as a non-political organization to advance the profession of landscape architecture in all its facets, for the betterment of humanity worldwide. This year the 25th IFLA World Congress will meet in Boston from July 16-19.

This world meeting of Landscape Architects will be highlighted by three general assemblies, 21 different educational programs covering four categories, special events, tours and mobile workshops.

The General Assemblies

The first general assembly will feature Sir Geoffery A. Jellicoe, CBE, founder and honorary president of the federation. He will analyze the progress IFLA has made since 1948 and give his vision of the next 40 years.

Sir Geoffery A. Jellicoe, CBE is a founding member of the British Landscape Institute (1929) as well as the founder and honorary president of the federation. His professional career began in architecture and he was on the staff and subsequently principal of the Architectural Association School of Architecture. But his special interest in landscape architecture showed itself early in his book Italian Gardens of the Renaissance, still a classic work. Other books include Studies in Landscape Design, Water in the Landscape (Jointly with Susan Jellicoe), and their important work The Landscape of Man. In addition to the many honors bestowed upon him, Sir Geoffrey was knighted ?EUR??,,????'??for services to landscape?EUR??,,????'?? in 1979.

The second general assembly will feature The Paul Winter Consort, the internationally acclaimed musical group. Winter will perform a selection of their “living music.” The Consort’s music combines elements of classical, jazz and international folk traditions drawn from their natural environment.

The concluding general assembly will deal with “Design for Human Scale.” Design is a powerful medium of communication. The language of design transcends artificial boundaries of nations and written languages, and speaks to groups and the human community as a whole.

The designer’s responsibility to demythologize design is the subject of the address by Victor Papanek. Papanek will examine new ways to simplify and humanize design, to make design human in scale and accessible for non-designers.

Victor Papanek is a working designer, with a background in architecture and anthropology. He has spent more than 20 years working for the United Nations and other international groups in many countries, and has also taught at universities in Europe, Latin America, Australia and North America. Author of eight books, including the seminar Design for the Real World, he is a fellow or member of many international design societies and has received several honors and awards. Presently he serves as J.L. Constant Distinguished Professor in the School of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Kansas.

Educational Programming

Choose from over 21 different sessions reflecting on four themes. Topics and speakers are being selected to provide a range of international perspectives, a variety of approaches and solutions and stimulating new ideas.

The four themes of this year’s World Congress are ?EUR??,,????'??The Art and Spirit of Place,?EUR??,,????'?? ?EUR??,,????'??Landscape Architecture for a Developing World,?EUR??,,????'?? ?EUR??,,????'??History and Technology of the Profession?EUR??,,????'?? and ?EUR??,,????'??Professional Development in the International Context.?EUR??,,????'??

Special Events

One of Boston’s most historic sites will be the backdrop for a party in celebration of America’s famous Boston Tea Party. All attendees will enjoy the festive atmosphere of the evening’s entertainment.

Join your colleagues for an afternoon luncheon featuring a prominent speaker in the field of landscape architecture.

Two evening forums will be held during the Congress and will provide opportunities for discussion and sharing of ideas on important international topics and themes. International experts will share their views with the audience and invite participation in this informal atmosphere.

The first of the two forums will deal with ?EUR??,,????'??Places for Peace.?EUR??,,????'?? Discussions will be held on the unique processes, design criteria and functions inherent in the building of places for peace. Presenters and discussion leaders will include Tican Papachristou, FAIA; President, ADPSR, Alan Gussow, founder of the Shadow and Lifeyard Projects; environmental theorist Jean Gardner and ceremonialist and therapist Dr. Talia de Lone.

The second forum will discuss ?EUR??,,????'??Landscape Architecture Education?EUR??,,????'??+The International s Perspective.?EUR??,,????'?? The professional preparation of Landscape Architects is a subject of interest and concern around the world. Hear about different approaches to the education and training of Landscape Architects and learn from the experience of the nations.

Mobile Workshops: Education Sessions That Include Site Visits

Boston is a city known for its extensive park system. This mobile workshop will provide an opportunity to experience Fredrick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace from Commonwealth Avenue through Back Bay Fens, Olmsted Park and Franklin Park. The Olmsted program is an important national model which is in the process of restoring and rehabilitating significant open spaces designed by Olmsted.

The revitalization of Lowell’s historic mills and canals and their designation as a national and state Heritage Park has served as an important model for revitalization of valuable cultural landscapes. This mobile workshop will focus on the decade of revitalization that has occurred in a public-private partnership with collaboration of the state, national and local levels.

Boston’s new Harborpark Plan is s contributing to the restoration of pride and purpose in Boston’s harbor by fostering a bustling multi-use harbor while providing a pedestrian way with direct and continuous access to the waterfront. This tour will begin at the Boston Redevelopment Authority’s office at the Charlestown Navy Yard where you will see revitalization efforts recently completed and in progress. Visit North End and finish the tour with a recently completed Rowes Wharf Development.

In addition, there will be an exhibit hail with more than 100 booths lining the floor. Exhibitors will be displaying the best and latest products and services available to Landscape Architects. These face-to-face meetings keep you in touch with today’s landscape industry, provide extra assistance when you need to prepare specifications for a job and help you generate new ideas to spark your professional creativity.

For more information about the IFLA World Congress, contact the ASLA National Headquarters at 202-466-7730.