First in Future: NCSU Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Co-Director for Coastal Dynamics Design Lab Andrew Fox

Summary:  This week, our guest isn’t just a community builder, he’s also a community listener. We talk with Andy Fox, a landscape architect from NC State University’s College of Design and co-founder of the Coastal Dynamics Design Lab, about how listening is critical to providing design solutions for large-scale social, environmental and economic issues. Andy goes into communities with an interdisciplinary team of architects, engineers, river specialists, and even social scientists, and does something very strange—he listens. Lately, he’s been listening to people in southeastern North Carolina from places like Fair Bluff, Princeville and Windsor, as those places try to figure out how to recover from Hurricane Matthew.

Excerpts:  “Landscape architecture, for me, is…about understanding systems of things and being able to look at the issues around what those systems might be, and come up with solutions.”

Book recommendations:  The Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt’s New World, by Andrea Wulf

Major issue NC needs to address in the short term?  Climate adaptation and issues of equity (creating resilient communities).

What big issue do we need to address to be ready for the future in 20 years?   Education

Next great North Carolinian to watch?  Professor Kofi Boone is doing great things in the world of environmental justice. His work will make a difference not only here in North Carolina, but also globally.

Best mountain for skiiing?  Boyne Mountain outside of Traverse City, Michigan – not as much need for artificial snow!

Listen to the podcast:

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