Since McHarg, we have learned to see nature as a breadth of living systems; the flora and fauna that inhabit our world and the climate and resources that are intrinsic to a resilient and productive planet. But do we think often enough of human nature? Humankind's relationship with nature has taken many forms – from fearing and naively ignoring nature to exerting our power and control over it. From this we have learned that nature is not the “other” but that our relationship is inextricably linked together.  

As practitioners, we respect the broad spectrum of systems that nature embodies. We are all responsible for responding to an array of issues and challenges within our communities and our environment. And just as we relate with one another, we interact with our environment intuitively, emotionally, and intellectually.  We directly shape the designed and manufactured environments we live within, while indirectly influencing the feral environments beyond. We actively change, willfully neglect, and at times attempt to preserve or restore nature. Our work embodies our values and our connection to the world and one another. This produces functional and aesthetic outcomes; each carrying with it our biases and convictions. 

We do not need to emulate nature but instead consider human nature and habitats so we can exist in solidarity. By striving to advance the interplay and respect between ourselves and nature, we can encourage generosity, offer inspiration, and embody rational functionality within the constructed environment.

Partner
Discipline Director, Landscape
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