From Mentorship to Impact: ASLA Members Supporting Student Designers for Future City Competition

By mentoring student teams, ASLA members are advancing design excellence, sustainability, and equity in the Future City Competition.

ASLA is gearing up for another year of innovative design solutions through the international Future City Competition, bringing a unique, design-centered perspective to more than 60,000 students nationwide. As the only design-focused organization involved, ASLA introduces young people to the power of landscape architecture in shaping healthy, resilient communities.

This year's competition theme-food sustainability-closely aligns with ASLA's mission. ASLA's Edible City Design Excellence Award reflects our commitment to designing cities that are both livable and nourishing. By addressing food insecurity through landscape architecture, the award highlights how design can advance equity, sustainability, and community health.

That impact was brought to life through the mentorship of Abby Schafer, ASLA who guided students throughout the competition. She introduced them to the profession of landscape architecture, shared inspiring design precedents, led a design charrette to launch the model-building process, assisted with model making, and supported the team at the regional competition-where they earned Best Transportation System. She also answered students' questions about careers that help build our cities.

In addition, Chloe Gillespie, ASLA served as a Regional Judge, reinforcing ASLA's commitment to engaging students at every level of the Future City experience.

ASLA is excited to see who will win the national competition on February 17 in Washington, DC-stay tuned!