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Equity and Inclusion

THUR-FS-02: Landscape for Veterans: Bridging a Human-centered Habitat and Native Ecosystem

Thursday, September 17, 2026
12:30 PM - 5:00 PM PT
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, Field Session Departure Area (South Lobby)
Ticket Purchase Required
1.75 PDH, LA CES/HSW
Ticket Price: $95 per person
Tour a newly opened supportive housing project on the historic West LA VA campus, an assemblage of structures designed by Frank Gehry. The landscape design takes an approach of resilience through abundance, equally serving the population of formerly homeless veterans and the native arroyo habitat, both vulnerable and underserved communities.

Includes transportation. Moderate walking.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Evaluate how landscape-driven site planning can support trauma-informed design goals such as safety, dignity, autonomy, and social connection within supportive housing environments for formerly homeless populations.
  • Analyze how horticultural therapy principles can be integrated into everyday landscape experiences—through planting design, sensory engagement, and circulation systems—to promote mental restoration and whole-health outcomes.
  • Identify strategies for creating hybrid ecological systems that balance native habitat restoration, climate responsiveness, and high-performance planting to enhance biodiversity while addressing long-term maintenance and operational needs.
  • Assess how interdisciplinary collaboration translates therapeutic, community-centered design intent into constructible, durable landscapes within complex institutional and supportive housing settings.