HALF A CENTURY – Master of Landscape Architecture turns 50
The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Architecture, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022. The Department of Landscape Architecture wants to highlight this momentous event in a modest but dignified way with all departments and programs of the Faculty of Architecture, students, alumni, friends, affiliates and professional associations. A series of events will be prepared with the friendly support of the Faculty of Architecture for the academic year 2022-2023.
The graduate program in Landscape Architecture at the University of Manitoba was Canada’s first of its kind. It resulted from the vision of the late Dean of Architecture, John A. Russell. Its establishment was facilitated by the appointment of Alexander Rattray as Head of the program in July 1969. The initial three-year graduate course of study was offered through the University’s Natural Resource Institute in 1970. The Master of Landscape Architecture program was formally accepted by the Province of Manitoba in 1972. In the fall of 2022, the MLA program graduated more than 440 students. Students have originated from all regions of Canada and many other countries.
HOMECOMING – HARNESS SYNERGIES
Fall is the time to plant bulbs. A horticultural happening preludes the homecoming event that will take place in the evening of Friday, September 23rd, during Homecoming Week 2022. The idea is to insert 10,000 bulbs into the grassland in front of the John A. Russell Building. Homecoming guests are invited to get their hands dirty before they start mingling and celebrating. In case guests are afraid of digging in Winnipeg clay, everyone is invited to watch, observe, take pictures, have a conversation, meet old friends or make new connections. After the work is done that day, the bulbs hibernate before they show off next spring. It is anticipated that anybody involved will enthusiastically wait for spring 2023. People will come back full of curiosity and excited expectations; taking pictures, trying to identify ‘their’ bulbs which turned into beautiful flowers, and full of pride to be part of this project. Bumblebees, wild bees, beetles and flies benefit from the early pollens produced by the bulbs. Their party starts in spring 2023.
To stay up-to-date with all 50th Anniversary events visit here: https://umanitoba.ca/architecture/LA50
MAKING FLOWERS MAKING WAVES – TURNING BULBS INTO A STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
The lots of bulbs project is intended to be a catalyst for funding an MLA 50th Anniversary Student Scholarship. Winters are long in our prairie climate, summers get humid and hot, falls are golden, and springtime always feels too short. An MLA 50thAnniversary bulb mixture will be created. Colours, textures, and aromas are essential aspects, but the selection of different species may extend the dish for pollinators and the eyes of the beholders after a long winter. Packages of the MLA 50thAnniversary bulb mixture will be for sale, the flowers can feed pollinators all across Canada and beyond, and the revenue will feed the MLA 50th Anniversary Students Scholarship.
Update your contact information, and you will be kept in the loop about the MLA 50th Anniversary program and the best time to order your bulbs.
https://umanitoba.ca/community/alumni/alumni-update-your-contact-information
Text was previously published in: Landscapes Paysages, Landscape Architecture in Canada, L’Architecture de Paysage au Canada, 24(2), 17.