Design with Nature - - NOW!

Design with Nature has been a baseline for me in my work since my graduate school years at Penn. Studying with Ian, everything we did was rooted in this concept - both at school and later when I worked at Wallace McHarg Roberts and Todd.  Starting with an understanding of natural systems was normal on every project, regardless of scale, from garden to region. Later, when I started Rhodeside & Harwell with Deana and Elliot Rhodeside, it was a foundation of our our practice, and it still is.  Design with Nature in the 1970's was a good and necessary idea. 

Now- - technology has advanced and is a more powerful data-based tool than ever; we can model natural processes and outcomes as never before.

Now -- collaboration with scientists, engineers and stakeholders is deeper and more effective; multidisciplinary teams are a norm, not an exception.

Now-- the most compelling and beautiful design and planning includes science, community, and engineering, led by landscape architects and planners.

John Hoke, creative director of Nike recently said in an interview:

"...we're co-creating with data...We know data can't dream. That's where designers come in. The job of the designer tomorrow is to take that head start, take that information and then imbue on top of that their intellect, their imagination, their heart, and their hand."

Tomorrow is now. Landscape architects and planners are the agents of change;  and Design with Nature --NOW is our imperative.

Co-founder, Rhodeside & Harwell

Rhodeside & Harwell updated Harwell