For much of its first century as a defined profession, landscape architecture has suffered from a predominantly parochial viewpoint. While a hyper-local perspective is critical, it is equally as important to recognize that societal issues are interrelated, interdependent, and international. From climate change and biodiversity loss to inequity and environmental justice, these challenges speak to our shared humanity and are global in scale – just as we should be as a profession. Working globally isn’t glamorous, it’s necessary.

Michael Grove is the Chair of Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Ecology and sits on Sasaki’s Board of Directors. Leading much of the firm’s international work, he offers unique insight into the environmental and social impacts of urbanization around the world. Michael is a fierce advocate for the vital role that landscape architects play in shaping contemporary cities.

Michael is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in landscape architecture and a focus on planning and urban design. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, sits on the Placemaking council of the Urban Land Institute, and currently serves as President-Elect of the Landscape Architecture Foundation. His work has been recognized with numerous national and international awards, and he is a frequent lecturer at conferences and universities around the world.

The Zube lecture series is named for Erv Zube, former head of LARP from 1974 to 1980. Professor Zube is internationally known for his leadership in developing a culture of academic research in the profession of landscape architecture. His research made numerous seminal contributions to landscape planning theory and practice. Erv left UMass for the University of Arizona, where he continued his renowned research and teaching until he passed away in 2001.

Erv and his wife Margaret endowed at UMass in 2004 to “bring scholars to the department to stimulate and enrich our academic community in landscape architecture and planning.” The Zube endowment has been supported generously by alumni, students and faculty.

We honor their leadership and generosity through the lecture series which continues to enrich our community with the thoughts and works of local, national and international academic and professional leaders. The department is pleased to accept donations of any amount to continue to build and enlarge the endowment.

Landscape Architecture 

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