October 10, 2011 Edit

in CLARB

"Public Welfare" Landmark Study

via CLARB:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Landmark Study Defines "Public Welfare" and How Landscape Architecture Impacts It; Research Sheds New Light on Poorly Understood but Distinctive Aspect of Practice

FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA (UNITED STATES) -- October 5, 2011 -- The licensed practice of landscape architecture has seven distinct, observable impacts on public welfare according to a newly released study by ERIN Research for the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB).  The landmark report also offered a contemporary definition of public welfare (an integral part of professional licensure along with health and safety).  A special executive summary of the report can be downloaded by clicking here

"While public welfare is a poorly defined, understood, and appreciated area of practice," noted CLARB Past President Ian Wasson, "it also represents a substantial portion of our body of knowledge and its application differentiates our practice from related disciplines."

He added that this new research provides a "practical, new framework" for understanding public welfare and how the profession "uniquely contributes" to its advancement.

The report describes public welfare as a "fusion" of the concepts of "public realm" and "well-being" and offers a modern definition based on the historical context as well as current legal practice and foundations. The seven principal impacts of landscape architecture on public welfare include:

   Environmental sustainability

   Economic sustainability

   Public health and well-being

   Community building

   Landscape awareness and stewardship

   Aesthetic and creative experiences

   Better functioning communities

"CLARB sponsored this groundbreaking research to help the organization and its member licensure boards better understand the relationship between the licensed practice of landscape architecture and public welfare," noted Executive Director Joel Albizo, "and to ensure that it was properly recognized in the licensure examination."  He added that the findings have generated "substantial interest" inside and outside the profession and that the organization is working to share these new insights more broadly.

 

About the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards

CLARB exists to promote public health, safety and welfare in the practice of landscape architecture.  It accomplishes this goal by supporting its member state/provincial licensure boards that regulate the practice in 48 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and two Canadian provinces.

 

For more information:

Veronica Meadows, Director of Communications

Phone:  571-432-0332

Email:  vmeadows@clarb.org 

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