Seed Sessions by SeedTalk

"Coastal resilience is a call to action to rethink our waterfronts as landscapes in flux, that is, constantly changing"

Today we sat down with Robert Curtis to discuss coastal resilience, designing ecologically sound and community-backed waterfront spaces, nature-positivity, and the role of landscape architecture in climate change adaptation. Robert leaves us with an important message: ‘Progress Over Perfection' to move the needle on the climate crises.

With a background in environmental studies and history, Robert develops the foundational research that goes into designing a resilient landscape at Curtis and Rogers Design Studio. From gathering and synthesizing historic information on a specific site, to mapping and analyzing existing conditions, his work provides the basis for developing a landscape design the seamlessly weaves into the surrounding environment while also providing services that enhance the resilience of urban spaces. Robert believes that landscape architects have the ability to lead the development of large-scale climate adaptation solutions and reimagine humans relationship with the environment – a core tenant of Curtis + Rogers Design Studio.

Be sure to follow @seed.talk on instagram and visit seedtalk.info for latest updates and releases.

Today I’m sitting down with Danielle Wahl, a PhD student at FIU in the Biology department to discuss invasive plants. Danielle studies invasive tree species in South Florida from a distinct biochemical lens. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of invasive tree species; why some introduced plant species become a problem but not others. She’s interested in better understanding below ground methods of invasion and symbiotic relationships with soil microbes. We cover all about invasives and what you can do about them.

On our first episode, Sara Pezeshk joins us to discuss living shorelines and her innovative research project, "Performance-Based Hybrid Shorelines", where she uses data-driven generative computation design and biomimetic approaches with material systems to conserve and increase marine biodiversity.