LABash
LABash is an annual student Landscape Architecture conference held in North America. Each year, LABash is hosted by a different University in the United States or Canada. Students and professionals, have traveled from Canada and some as far away as South Korea and New Zealand to attend. The conference consists of guest speakers, workshops, design charettes, expos and social events.
The annual event was founded by three Landscape Architecture students James Macgregor from the University of Guelph and Ted Baker and Al Reghr from the University of Toronto ]]. They traveled to several other landscape architecture schools in Canada and the Eastern US to network and exchange knowledge and skills. In 1970, the first LABash conference was held at the University of Guelph, Ontario. It has since become a tradition to host the conference in different universities each year. Landscape architecture professionals, past graduates, current students and professionals and students from related fields such as urban planning, architecture, urban design, and art have joined to celebrate landscape architecture, learn new skills, network with other students and prospective employers, and gain inspiration for their work.
1970 – University of Guelph
1971 – Louisiana State University
1972 – University of Wisconsin
1973 – West Virginia University
1974 – Cal Poly-Pomona University
1975 – Michigan State University
1976 – University of Georgia
1977 – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg Virginia
1978 – University of Guelph
1979 – Kansas State University
1980 – University of Florida
1981 – University of Arizona
1982 – Penn State University
1983 – Purdue University
1984 – Iowa State University
1985 – University of Guelph
1986 – University of Georgia
1987 – University of Montreal
1988 – Ohio State University
1989 – Louisiana State University
1990 – Penn State University
1991 – Kansas State University
1992 – University of Texas
1993 – Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo University
1994 – University of Illinois
1995 – University of Guelph
1996 – Ball State University
1997 – University of Arkansas
1998 – West Virginia University
1999 – University of Kentucky
2000 – University of Wisconsin-Madison
2001 – University of Montreal
2002 – Temple University
2003 – North Carolina State University
2004 – University of Florida
2005 – Ohio State University
2006 – University of Maryland
2007 – Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University hosted the Conference with the theme "Survive" from February 22 to 24, 2007. It was held in the Baton Rouge Sheraton Hotel. Some speakers included Peter Walker who is known for his project on the World Trade Center Memorial and futurist David Zach. The conference hosted over 700 students and 150 professionals. www.labash.lsu.edu
2008 – University of Guelph
University of Guelph held the Conference for the fifth time from February 21 to 24, 2008 with the theme "Frontiers of Landscape Architecture". Keynote speakers included Craig Kielburger.
2009 – Pennsylvania State University
The 2009 Conference was held from February 26 through February 28 at the Pennsylvania State University. The conference was held at the Penn Stater, a hotel on the campus, with one evening of social events held at the Days Inn.
2010 – University of Nevada
The 2010 Conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, and was hosted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The theme was "outLANDish" and it sure held true to its brand. Venues included UNLV, Sunset Park, the World Market Center Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the Clark County Wetlands Park, the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, the Hoover Dam, the Neonopolis, the Fremont Street Experience, and all the fabulousness of the Las Vegas Strip.
2011 – Purdue University
At the 2009 Conference, Purdue University was unanimously chosen to host the 2011 LABash Conference.
The location of the 2013 LABASH conference was chosen to be at the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia on March 21-23.
2012 – Florida International University
Miami, FL
2013 – University of Georgia
Athens, GA
2014 – University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, Wisconsin [1]
2015 – Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
2016 – The Ohio State University
Held in Columbus, Ohio. Keynote speakers included Shannon Nichol of GGN, Laura Solano of MVVA, and Thomas Woltz of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects.[2]
2017 – University of Maryland
2018 – The Pennsylvania State University
The 48th Annual LABash carried the theme “Identify.” Keynote speakers included Ken Smith, Susannah Drake, and Gina Ford. The student directors strived to welcome speakers that would generate a diverse array of voices and perspectives. They also started some new practices, such as:
- Asking a distinguished alumnus (Mark A. Focht, PLA FASLA. Deputy Commissioner / Chief Operating Officer at New York City Parks and Recreation) to serve as the Grand Marshall of the 2018 LABash.
- Hosting a dedicated graduate school fair to encourage the more than 250 undergraduate attendees to meet with graduate program representatives from eight schools.
- Offering 13 LACES (CEU) credits to entice professionals to participate.
From the website,[3] "Each landscape architect plays a role in the large scheme of how our world changes day to day and over time. Changing the world may sound like a big task, but it is only possible through you.
Throughout the weekend, guests were asked to be conscious of the ideas, people, and experiences they encounter and reflect:
How will you make your mark?
What inspires you?
What has shaped you?
What will you do?"
2019 – University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia. Held for the fourth time in Athens, the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia hosted the 2019 LABASH conference on April 4-6, under the theme of "Find Your Roots."
“LAbash 2019’s mission is to allow the next generation of landscape architects to tap the longevity of experience and tradition that UGA’s College of Environment and Design has to offer, as well as create experiences that allow them to create and explore their own roots in design." - LAbash Student Committee | 2019[4]
2020 – Cornell University
Ithaca, New York. 50th annual LABash April 2-4, 2020 at Cornell University. Theme is "Rise Above Run."
"This year’s theme for the 50th anniversary of LABash is “Rise Above Run”. While this theme was inspired by Cornell’s distinct and profound Libe Slope located on our campus’ landscape, it means much more to us as it relates to the field of landscape architecture. As emerging landscape architecture professionals, we are constantly challenged to “rise above” the issues that our society is facing and create landscapes that not only acknowledge, but embrace these obstacles through the power of design. Through this year’s LABash, we want to challenge designers to ask how landscape architecture can be used as a medium to rise above climate change, rising sea levels, and a multitude of other issues related to social justice and the environment." - LABash 2020 Committee [5]
2021 – Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Held for the fourth time in Baton Rouge, it is the 50th anniversary of LABash being hosted at Louisiana State University.
References
- http://www.labash2014.com
- http://labash2016.com/
- "labash2018". labash2018. Retrieved 2018-04-18.
- "labash2019". labash2019. Retrieved 2019-10-24.
- "labash2020". labash2020. Retrieved 2019-10-24.