Richard Weller: Landscape architects and climate change

Professor Richard Weller is the Meyerson Chair of Urbanism, professor and chair of landscape architecture, and co-executive director of The Ian L. McHarg Center for Urbanism and Ecology at the University of Pennsylvania.  Professor Weller will be presenting virtually at the 2022 NZILA Firth Conference. 

His research projects have involved scenario planning for cities, mega regions and nations. Most recently his work has concentrated on global flashpoints between biodiversity and urban growth. 

Professor Weller sits on the board of the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) in Washington, is a member of the International Federation of Landscape Architect’s (IFLA) Advisory Circle and is the Creative Director of the interdisciplinary journal of landscape architecture LA+.

At the University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design he specialises in teaching history, theory and advanced design studios. LAA was able to catch up with Professor Weller for the following Q & A.

Professor Richard J Weller

LAA: Why did you choose landscape architecture?

RW: In suburbia where I grew up there were three choices; make model cars, play with dolls, or climb trees. I chose the trees - a plan view as it were.

LAA: What is its role, what should it set out to do?

RW: On the one hand just make nice places for people, on the other, save the world from itself.

LAA: Tell us about your work scenario planning for cities?

RW: Scenario planning is just a smart way of saying kicking around ideas. I like kicking around ideas and believe it's important to try and broach the city as a whole before getting tangled up in fragments.

LAA: How has climate change influenced that?

RW: It’s forced the question of whether the way we currently live is suicidal, and if so, then how we can change.

LAA: What role do landscape architects play in mitigating climate change?

RW: In reality nothing much - in theory everything.

LAA: What can attendees expect from your presentation?

RW: A bit more detail in response to question 5!