USC Architecture XpoThis semester long design-research studio will challenge students to rethink how our systems of land care should evolve, who does the work, and to what end these systems can result in the health of both people and the planet in three parallel tracks:
Track 1: Labor Research.
Students will explore the historical and current systems of gardening and land management in Los Angeles across diverse topics such as the demographics and history of garden professionals; rise of machinery and automation; gardening business models.
Track 2: Interviews. Students will conduct interviews with gardeners and other land care professionals.
Track 3: Test Plot. In partnership with Audubon and State Parks, students will design and build a series of native gardens at Rio de Los Angeles State Park. Students will monitor and maintain the test plots through May 2021.
