The 1990’s offer the profession of landscape architecture and us, landscape architects, the most exciting and potentially rewarding opportunity ever offered to any group of professionals. We have the opportunity to provide a leadership role in solving the most fundamental planning and design problems of our time. Our challenge, and the challenge to mankind, is to find a balance between the manmade world and the natural world, an acceptable balance where both systems live together harmoniously. Locally, you could call this challenge “making Southern California more livable.” Nationally, you could call it “making the United States more livable.” Globally, you could call it “making the world more livable.” In all three cases, we need to focus on the difference between “making more environment,” and “making more livable environment,” since the quantity of urban life has turned out to be a poor substitute for the quality of urban life we all desire. This is not a new concept, but it is the ultimate concept, for without a livable world we will all perish! I believe that most people today seriously question man’s ability to be successful in this venture. They, too, are desperately searching for realistic solutions of any kind. Some are working, others are not. While we landscape architects are implementing these new and more workable methods of providing a livable environment, we must not forget the need for a thriving economy, a responsive political system, and a healthy and safe home for everyone.

Why do I think that the landscape architectural profession should have a leadership role in this venture? My answer is simple; making livable environments is what we do best! Let me give you some examples:

1. Livable environments require an understanding of natural resources and their capacity to carry development.

That is Landscape Architecture!

2. Livable environments require an ample supply of open space and recreation at the project, community, regional and worldwide scale.

That is Landscape Architecture!

3. Livable environments require an urban environment where both people and plants flourish.

That is Landscape Architecture!

4. Livable environments require new transportation methods and land use relationships.

That is Landscape Architecture!

In other words, Landscape Architects understand both the natural systems, and manmade development. Making both of these environments livable and compatible is what we do best!

Now is here is the frustrating point!

Whereas, we Landscape Architects know we have the ability to deal with these critical planning and design issues, we have not convinced or communicated this fact to everyone who needs to know! Together, we must change our role from passive followers, willing to cover up other’s mistakes, to inspired leaders with new workable solutions. This leadership role will not be performed by us alone. There are many other professionals who will provide leadership also, however their involvement needs to recognize and accept our equality and value. This may not be easy, because there are many reasons why our professional input has been given a low priority. Regardless, this must not divert us from our mission. We need to prove our skills and commitment through performance and education.

For those of you who say “I do all that right now! So what’s the big deal?” I say, GREAT, do it more until there is no question that our capability to improve the environment is proven and well-accepted. For those of you who aren’t leading the professional charge, I say “You should! Get with it! We are only as strong as our weakest link.” For those who do lead the way, your professional opportunities will increase beyond your expectations.

The 1990’s will bring one other opportunity to this profession. That is the opportunity to work together more often, with similar goals. More professional collaboration will enhance our own understanding of each landscape architect’s individual skill and give us a more comprehensive perspective of the total profession. Too many times landscape architects seem to compete with each other when we should be competing with others who do not do our work well, or who simply want the work to keep their dollar volume up. Our combined efforts should focus on giving recognition to the Landscape Architectural profession first; that is where the great void exists.

When we are told landscape architecture has a low priority or role, we can no longer accept this position. We must work together to change this misrepresentation of the profession so our potential can be realized. The stakes are too high not to care. We are not only talking about the future of our profession, we are talking about the livability of our world.

Before I close, I would like to add one other thing. Here in Southern California, ASLA 1990 will be sponsoring a year long effort to bring the landscape architectural profession together, to determine its combined goals, and to move energetically toward a leadership position. I encourage you to participate in these ASLA events. The first meeting will be our fall conference at Lake Arrowhead, September 29 and 30, 1989. Our program format is featuring the first ASLA Design and Planning Collaboration addressing the subject of – you guessed it – ”making Southern California more livable.”