To envision what parks of the future might look like, we first need to reflect on their past. The history of urban parks in America is deeply rooted in European influences. Boston Common, believed to be America’s first public park, sits at the heart of the city and was originally a public gathering space for events, recreation, and community assembly.

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, the places where we connect face-to-face are becoming scarcely populated. These “third places” – a term created by American sociologist Ray Oldenburg – are the neutral ground outside of home and work and have been the lifeblood of thriving communities for generations.

In today’s challenging economic climate, many cities and developers are seeking innovative strategies to increase revenue and stimulate economic development while attracting residents and businesses. The answer they seek lies with landscape architects, whose design work has been proven to dramatically enhance the economic value of any neighborhood, city, or region.

With the increase in flooding, global temperatures, and scarcity of resources posing persistent threats, our planet is faced with the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Landscape architects, at home in both the natural and built environment, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between societal development and environmental preservation for sustainable growth.

While safety through design has long been practiced through requirements of building codes and local ordinances, the impact of its use to prevent crime in public spaces is a relatively new concept. In urban environments, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) combines urban design strategies and architectural elements to optimize safety in outdoor spaces. This approach is guided by four key principles

Beyond creating beautiful outdoor spaces, landscape architects shape the way in which we live, work, and connect – acting as a catalyst for positive change. In the face of pressing economic, environmental, and social issues that burden the 21st century, let’s peel back the layers and explore the pivotal roles landscape architects play at the forefront of today’s most critical challenges.

As landscape architects, we are always striving to advocate for and create an understanding of what we do. While we contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the projects we work on, our core focus is crafting spaces that transcend, inspire emotional responses, and curate unique, memorable experiences.