National landscape architecture education group honors Dvorak

Sustainable landscape design, “green” roof construction, and using research to inform design are just some of the areas Bruce Dvorak, assistant professor of landscape architecture at Texas A&M, covers in studios; his efforts will be recognized with an award from a national education organization at its March 27-30 convention in Austin.

Dvorak, who joined the Texas A&M faculty in 2007, will receive the [Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture] (http://www.thecela.org/index.php) ’s 2013 Excellence in Teaching Award.

He led an effort to secure a university Tier One Program grant to build a [green roof] (http://one.arch.tamu.edu/news/2012/12/10/green-roof-project/) atop Langford A. The project drew students from a wide variety of disciplines, including architecture, landscape architecture, construction science, environmental geosciences, environmental studies, horticulture and meteorology.

“His students have learned how to build green roofs and understand the structural and architectural issues critical for these projects,” said Forster Ndubisi, LAUP head. “Dvorak has set a stage for learning and research for students and faculty many years into the future.”

His first-years students’ application of research findings to develop master plans netted honor and merit awards from the Texas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects two consecutive years.

During study abroad studios he led in Bonn, Germany in 2011 and 2012, Dvorak introduced students in several disciplines to sustainable practices in Germany.

“His students received first-hand experience working with problems from a new perspective,” said Elton Abbott, assistant dean for international programs and initiatives. “This experience will be valuable for them when they face similar situations in the U.S.”

Last summer, his students collected data for a Landscape Architecture Foundation [project] (http://one.arch.tamu.edu/news/2012/7/10/laup-casestudies/) investigating the benefits of four high-performance landscapes in China and the U.S.

“These real life experiences facilitate teaching and research and help students become future leaders in landscape architecture, planning and other disciplines,” said Ndubisi.

Praise for Dvorak also comes from his students.

“It has been a rewarding experience to have professor Dvorak’s guidance throughout my graduate education,” said Ao Shi, a Master of Landscape Architecture student. “I appreciate his passionate teaching of green roof technology and sustainable landscape design, which I believe inspires all his students and is paving the way toward a ‘green’ landscape industry.”