Speaking at
Landscape Typologies – From Purpose to Performance to Value
An introduction to landscape typologies and their social, economic, and ecological performance. Similar to the urban form variations of a planning transect, landscapes differ in character and must be intentionally placed to fit their context and purpose. Unlike most of the built environment, landscapes are living, dynamic systems— inherently unpredictable and often misunderstood. We will explore planning challenges, maintenance misnomers, and case studies to examine the impacts of your choices as a developer, a municipality, or a designer – on both Day 1 and long-term. At all scales, from a single site to city-wide, high-performing landscapes are key to unlocking resilience in our communities and contributing to your bottom line.
Placemaking Through Nature: Green Infrastructure and Native Vegetation in the Urban Landscape
Conventional landscape practices often default to turfgrass and ornamental plantings, missing critical opportunities to restore ecological function and build climate resilience. This session takes participants on a guided walking tour from the Fayetteville Square to the Upper Ramble, highlighting how nature-based strategies are being integrated into the city’s landscape. Along the route, we will explore green infrastructure practices, natural infrastructure such as riparian buffers, and the role of native vegetation in fostering a strong sense of place. The tour will also address site assessment techniques—such as evaluating soils, hydrology, vegetation, and cultural context—and how those insights inform design decisions and long-term maintenance. This session equips participants with practical insights for implementing and sustaining ecologically grounded landscapes in urban settings.
Participants will:
- Learn how to use site assessment techniques (soils, hydrology, vegetation, cultural context) to guide ecological landscape planning.
- Explore the role of native vegetation in placemaking, cultural connection, and long-term maintenance strategies.
- Understand how green and natural infrastructure mitigate urban heat island effects, enhance wildlife habitat, and support stormwater management.
- Experience real-world applications of ecological design and maintenance through built examples in downtown Fayetteville.
Nature-Based Design Solutions for Health and Wellbeing: How Development Shapes Quality of Life
As our cities and neighborhoods grow, so too does our understanding of how the built environment influences human health. From extreme heat and walkability to social connection and connection to nature, the design and planning of our developments play a critical role in shaping the quality of life for the communities they serve.
Key topics will include: · The science behind health-oriented urban design
- Strategies for integrating wellness into site planning
- Influence of development patterns on the urban heat island effect and health outcomes
- Heat-safe, nature-based urban design solutions for health and wellbeing
- Importance of recreation in daily life
- Regional approaches to outdoor protection and equitable provision of recreational opportunities