World renowned landscape architect coming to NZ

Media Release – February 23, 2006

World renowned landscape architect arrives in NZ next week for three-week study, research, speaking tour

One of the world’s leading landscape architecture experts Joan Nassauer arrives in New Zealand next week on a scholarship visit.

Nassauer has arrives in Auckland next Tuesday for a three week study, research and speaking tour hosted by the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects and the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.

From Michigan USA, Nassauer is the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects’ (NZILA) second Education Foundation scholar. She will speak in New Zealand cities and towns throughout March.

``During my visit, I will offer ideas from my work in the US and recent collaborations that have led me to think about US and European comparisons.

``What I expect to learn is whether and how these ideas might be relevant for New Zealand landscape architecture practice, landscape ecology, and urban and rural landscape change,’’ Nassauer said today.

Nassauer is a world renowned landscape architect with particular expertise in and passion for ecology and landscapes.

She is Professor of Landscape Architecture in the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan.

She has written many books and articles and specialises in landscape ecology and design perceptions.

She has previously chaired the United States International Society for Landscape Ecology, and has helped to build plans and designs, at federal, state and local government levels, for the improvement of ecological health with aesthetic experience.

She has worked as an advisor to United States Senate Committees and is an internationally respected figure in the field of agricultural change.

``Joan is passionate about understanding the many related factors influencing landscape change - cultural and natural -- and their ecological consequences,’’ NZILA foundation spokesman Frank Boffa said today.

``Joan has spent decades researching, studying, writing and speaking about sustainable landscapes using low-impact technologies.’’

Nassauer will be travelling and speaking in Christchurch, Lincoln, Queenstown, Nelson, Wellington, Taupo, Hamilton, Auckland and Whangarei during her visit.

She will speak to landscape architects, professional groups and public meetings throughout her three week New Zealand visit.

She will also address the NZILA awards event at Te Papa in Wellington on March 13 and will be visiting major landscape project sites throughout the country.

ENDS

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