The Curation, Choreography, and Culture of Linear Landscapes - 1.25 PDH (LA CES/HSW)

Includes a Live Web Event on 05/14/2025 at 1:00 PM (EDT)

Linear landscapes—streets, utility corridors, trail systems, waterfronts—are some of the hardest spaces to design but often have the most impact on community and ecological health and well-being. Panelists will share how framing linear landscapes through curation, choreography, and culture yields exceptional design solutions for these spaces.

Learning Outcomes:

Distinguish between elements of continuity that unify a linear landscape at a macro scale and elements of distinction that honor the unique characteristics of each micro-environment along a corridor.
Recognize ways that linear landscapes can create new relationships and common ground between stakeholders that are spatially and culturally distinct.
Understand how spaces and places are experienced differently by users depending on their mode of movement.
Learn about keeping the design vision alive while navigating complex multi-jurisdictional and inter-agency contexts that frequently occur as linear landscapes cut across boundaries.

Note: This webinar was originally presented as part of ASLA’s 2024 conference. Please check your LA CES PDH record (under the "Professional Development" tab in your ASLA member account on asla.org) if you are not sure whether you've already earned PDH for this presentation.

Megan Born, ASLA

Associate Partner

Field Operations

As a landscape architect and urban designer at Field Operations, Megan specializes in leading multi-disciplinary teams and collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups to realize visionary public realm projects across the country. During her nearly 15 years with the firm, Megan has managed many of Field Operations’ best-known and most celebrated projects, including the High Line, Waterfront Seattle, the Reimagine Middle Branch Plan, and the Presidio Tunnel Tops.

Megan earned her Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, where she was awarded the prestigious Ian L. McHarg Prize for Excellence in Ecological Design.

Nate Cormier, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP

Managing Studio Director

RIOS

Nate helps lead the landscape architecture practice at RIOS with a focus on immersive environments for art, culture, and hospitality. His interest in landscape design as a form of storytelling drew him to Los Angeles in 2015 after two decades of practice in Seattle and a Masters in Landscape Architecture from Harvard. Nate’s current research interests center on landscape strategies for wellbeing and on contemporary applications of Picturesque aesthetics to inspire curiosity. Recent project work includes Palm Springs Downtown Park, Tulsa's Philbrook Museum of Art & Gardens, Denver's Skyline Park, Boulder Civic Area, and the 1 Hotel West Hollywood.

Cindy Zerger, ASLA, PLA

Urban Design Practice Lead

Toole Design Group

Cindy is Toole Design’s national Urban Design Practice Leader and has focused her career at the intersection of transportation and the built environment. She blends a background in organizational management with years of experience in planning and landscape architecture, equipping her to drive project success from both design and policy perspectives. Her project experience ranges from complex streetscape and urban design projects to large statewide and national initiatives centered on improving experience in our transportation system. Cindy is a dynamic speaker and facilitator often leading trainings for organizations like Smart Growth America and the Mayors Institute on City Design.