Presenters:

Debra Guenther, Principal, Mithun, Seattle, WA

Kelty McKinnon, Living Lab, Vancouver, BC

Global urban environments are growing at an unprecedented rate; by 2020, it is estimated that approximately 60% - 80% of the world’s population will live in cities. This urban migration is already resulting in drastic changes to the natural systems in urban areas that provide a host of ecological services – from natural stormwater and flood control to the increased health and well-being of urban residents.

In this lively interactive session, experts in the fields of urban ecological science and design, landscape theory, environmental economics and global climate will explore the interplay of science, art, philosophy, economics and well-being benefits and will make the case for incorporating urban ecology, animal behavior and biodiversity into the urban fabric and built environment.
 
Discussion will include a look at how urban systems function with respect to climate protection, ethology, biodiversity, ecological and human health, stormwater management and urban heat island effects. The relationship to relevant issues will also be a focus, including connections with climate change impacts, issues of scale, policy and regulations that support urban biodiversity, as well as the tools and methodologies already in use. 

Examples of innovative projects will include a sneak peek at the Seattle University sustainable master plan that serves as a guide for outstanding campus or community development in an urban setting.

Presenter Bios

Debra Guenther
Deb seeks to integrate natural systems with innovative infrastructure solutions in the city - capitalizing on the value of multiple benefits. Nationally recognized for leadership in sustainable landscape architecture, Deb 's work spans scales from big picture planning to detailed design. Her work has resulted in two ASLA national honor awards. Deb is the former chair of the Cascadia Region Green Building Council board, and represents the ASLA on the Sustainable Sites Initiative product development committee.

Click here to listen to Debra Guenter's presentation podcast.

Kelty McKinnon
Kelty is a writer, practicing landscape architect and adjunct professor of landscape architecture at the University of British Columbia, where she leads design studios focusing on the production of emergent urban and non-urban landscapes that simultaneously engage environmental, economic and cultural ecologies. She is co-founder of Living Lab, where she researches the points of intersection between social and ecological practices, and the potentials of engaging non-human agents in the production of landscape. She is also Senior Landscape Architect at Phillips Farevaag Smallenberg in Vancouver, BC. Kelty's landscape architectural and artistic work has been shown in Vienna, New York, London, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle, and Minneapolis.

Click here to listen to Kelty McKinnon's presentation podcast.

To listen to the Q&A period for this educational session click here.

 Audio edited by http://h2opodcast.com.