Presenter: Sara Peschel, founding partner of landscape architecture firm, GROUNDWORKS

Discussion of landscape architecture and its evolving role in design, sustainability and livability.

Landscape Architecture is a broad field with design considerations that range from site specific details to concerns at the global level. A mix of projects in the Bay Area that are public, publicly accessible, and along the public/private interface will be presented.  Each project will be examined in regard to how design addresses accessibility, biodiversity, climate change, community, stormwater management and safety while creating a desirable place for users (human and non-human).  Discussion will focus on what these issues mean for the future of public open space and community oriented design in Berkeley.

Ms. Peschel’s work addresses various scales from large scale urban ecologies to smaller scale public open space and garden projects.  Her background in natural resources and experience in public art has fostered a deep interest in how the design process can facilitate a personal connection to the natural environment.  She received a BS from the University of Vermont and a Master of Landscape Architecture from Harvard University.