Continuing Education

Open Space Systems
for the Built Environment

Presented by James A. LaGro, Jr.

(approved for Landscape Architects)

Open spaces in urban and suburban contexts can perform a wide range of social, economic, and environmental functions that promote public health, safety, and welfare. Yet these benefits are highly dependent on the design and connectivity of open spaces within these built environments. This program will examine the challenges and opportunities of designing and developing integrated open space systems that encompass public open spaces as well as privately-owned outdoor spaces accessible to the public.

The session will provide attendees with a conceptual framework for both evaluating existing open spaces and designing new open spaces. Attendees will be introduced to a 21st century open space typology – encompassing both softscape and hardscape – and will gain greater insight into why integrated open space systems are essential to community livability and sustainability.

In addition, attendees will participate in a “smart growth” master planning exercise which will provide them the opportunity to develop their skills in programming, site selection, and design of a multi-functional open space system to complement the mixed-use, higher-density redevelopment of a large, suburban shopping mall.

About the Presenter
James A. LaGro, Jr.

Jim LaGro earned his graduate degrees from Cornell University in landscape architecture (M.L.A., 1982) and natural resource policy, with a minor in city and regional planning (Ph.D., 1991). Between degrees, he worked for several years in private practice as a landscape architect in Switzerland, Florida, and New York. He joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1990 and served as Chair of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning from 2002 to 2008. LaGro teaches planning and design courses in both the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and the Department of Landscape Architecture.

With over 25 years of combined experience in private practice, academia, and government, he is the author of several publications, including a chapter in Green Community, a book jointly published by the American Planning Association and the National Building Museum. His most recent book – Site Analysis: A Contextual Approach to Sustainable Site Planning and Design – was selected by Planetizen.org as one of the top planning books in 2008. Jim is currently researching and writing a book on open space systems in the built environment.

This program qualifies for 7 CE hours for:
X Licensed Landscape Architects-HSW
X Licensed Architects-HSW
X Professional Engineers

Programs are 8:30am to 4:00pm and include lunch.

NOTE: Ensuring Compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and Applicable Building Codes will run until 5:00pm.

2012 Spring Sessions:

• $235 per person per program before September 15th.
• $285 per person per program after September 15th.