I arrived in my first landscape architecture studio having transferred from Civil Engineering. With me came a strong math science background. So, when presented with my first design project, and believing there was some hidden way to approach it, I raised my hand and asked, “What’s the formula?” The response, which at the time I believed was an answer, was comprised of design jargon, references to space and certain activities, and a smattering of sociology. I was lost. I was confused but also equally sure I had a lot to learn. But my question stuck with me. I don’t remember ever asking it again, but it haunted me through undergraduate studies, a short stint in professional practice, and then teaching in an accredited landscape architecture program.
