Episode 5 - Visionary Spaces: Landscape Architecture as a Catalyst for Change with Mark Johnson & Scott Jordan

In this conversation, Renelle Everett Darr speaks with Mark Johnson and Scott Jordan, leaders at Civitas, about the transformative power of landscape architecture. They discuss how well-designed public spaces catalyze social change, enhance community and belonging, and improve public health. Through examples like the Central Platte Valley in Denver and a St. Patrick’s Island in Calgary, they illustrate the importance of public spaces as communal grounds that foster connections and enhance the social fabric of cities, leading to healthier and more vibrant urban environments. 

The discussion delves into how cities, much like individuals, have a collective consciousness shaped by their history and experiences, emphasizing the need to recognize and nurture their true nature for meaningful transformation.

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About Our Guests

Mark W Johnson is a recognized thought leader known for the design of complex projects involving green infrastructure as catalyst to economic, environmental and social change.  He is a prominent designer of public space, completing the River's District in Calgary, Green Design in the South Bronx, NY, the North Embarcadero in San Diego; St. Patrick's Island in Calgary; and Riverfront Park in Tampa and many others. In his 45 year career he has received many awards for planning, design and service.

Mark is a frequent lecturer at universities, the Urban Land Institute, the Salus Network, the International Academy of Design and Health, and the Landscape Institute with a focus on the role of design in support of public health. B. Landscape Architecture, Utah State University; MLAUD, Harvard University.

Scott Jordan
The transformative effect that landscape architecture and urban design have on cities is what drew Scott to this profession 20 years ago. Scott has developed a passion for engaging the public throughout the design process, further deepening the relationships between people and place. His focus on the public realm is driven by a desire to create social interactions and build a sense of community by bringing people of diverse backgrounds together.

Scott holds a Master of Landscape Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. He has won several national design awards for his work, been an invited lecturer and guest critic at universities across the country and has presented at numerous national design conferences. Scott is active in the community through his volunteer work as an underprivileged youth hockey coach each summer as well as helping coach his son’s lacrosse team.

Key Takeaways:

• Catalysts for Social Change: Well-designed public spaces play a crucial role in driving social change, enhancing feelings of community and belonging.

• Health and Well-being: The integration of thoughtful landscape architecture in urban areas significantly contributes to public health and the overall vibrancy of the community.

• Historical Consciousness: Cities hold a collective consciousness that mirrors human nature, where recognizing and embracing historical identities can lead to transformative urban renewal.

• Unified Paths: The conversation connects landscape design's role in urban transformation with conscious leadership, illustrating how both use strategic change to enhance community and organizational well-being and foster collective growth.