What happens when hundreds of landscape architecture students, experienced professionals, and other landscape architecture enthusiasts gather together on a college campus for a weekend of learning, networking, and fun? LABash--that’s what happens! It would be an understatement to say that this year’s LABash was an invaluable experience for the 30 University of Maryland students who attended.
This year’s theme for LABash was ‘Find Your Roots,’ by which attendees were encouraged to witness the rich history and traditions of landscape architecture at the University of Georgia and be inspired to launch into new experiences and challenges. Our students engaged with students from around the country, many whom might be future partners or collaborators in professional practice. Creative workshops like sketching tutorials and software introductions challenged students to enhance their graphic skills and find new ways to express design ideas. Additionally, professional connections were made as students bounced around the expo learning about different firms and related companies. Kona Gray, Barbara Deutsch, and Thomas Woltz delivered fantastic keynote lectures. Together, they motivated attendees to pursue innovative design, professional community, and passionate practice to find solutions to difficult problems and change the world for the better. Kona brought things into perspective saying, “Innovation is creating value by applying novel solutions to meaningful problems,” and landscape architects try to solve meaningful problems all the time.
LABash2019 was refreshing and stirring for so many of our students. The skills we learned and the relationships we made strengthened the comradery of our student body and expanded the creative talent in our program. There is much to be thankful for, especially the generous donors who made this experience possible--without their help, many of our students would not have been able to experience the many benefits of LABash.
Thank you!
