Ice and Fire: Landscapes for Climate Resilience

Imagine the Iron Throne (yes, a Game of Thrones reference) as a park bench in Phoenix or Calgary. Depending on the season, anyone who takes a seat could burn their skin or be frozen to the metal. Humor aside, our planet’s climate emergency demands serious action. Fortunately, there are practical urban design measures that effectively mitigate unpredictable heat, cold, wind and rain. These design choices also can strengthen communities, support transit users and offer more than just shelter. Join us for a dialog that meets the climate emergency with both intensity and inspiration. Short presentations on landscape design approaches to mitigate climate extremes followed by interactive conversation. You’ll learn about trees and plantings, shade and rain protection devices, the role of color and materials selection, wind screens, nighttime and cold weather considerations, plus examples of implementation at transit stations.

Nicole Rodriguez, Board Member, Trees Matter, Phoenix, AZ
Jay Hicks, FASLA, Principal, Dig Studio, Phoenix, Arizona
James (Jim) Hencke, ASLA, LEED AP, Design Studio Leader, David Evans and Associates, Inc, Portland, OR
J Ryan Wallace, AICP, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA, Principal, Urban Design, MHTN Architects, Salt Lake City, UT