Design With Nature Now

Design With Nature Now, presented by the University of Pennsylvania School of Design (PennDesign), will highlight dynamic and visionary approaches to landscape design and development in the face of climate change and urbanization. Taking as its point of departure the landmark book Design With Nature (1969) by Ian McHarg, the project comprises three parallel exhibitions and related programs focused on expanding the public’s understanding of ecological approaches to design. A noted landscape architect and University of Pennsylvania professor, McHarg argued in his book that cities and their entire infrastructures should be planned in accordance with how the landscape functions as an ecosystem: design with, not against, the way nature works. At PennDesign’s Meyerson Galleries, Design With Nature Now will document 26 built and unbuilt projects in which cities and regions are being designed with nature and landscape-related issues in mind. Ian McHarg: Changing Landscape, in the Kroiz Gallery, will draw from extensive archival holdings in PennDesign’s Architectural Archives to tell the story of McHarg’s life and work. A Book of Days, at Arthur Ross Gallery, will feature a multimedia installation by landscape architect and visual artist Laurel McSherry, designed to inspire visitors to think about their everyday landscapes in new and thoughtful ways.

Additional unrestricted funds are added to each grant for general operating support.