We understand the relationship between the sky and the earth. We understand the natural systems above, on and below ground. Simon sees the need to work with natural systems and the environment. We cover up a lot in the environment. Systems that control use a lot and waste a lot of energy.
Landscape architects make judgments about resources, as well.
If you cut down on the grass, then you introduce more gravel and stone. Locally those materials are quarried in hills between Albuquerque and Santa Fe that are now diminishing. Everything has a cause and effect. As with any new program, the MLA is resource poor, says Simon, who adds that Dean Schluntz is supportive. Although Simon is the only fulltime faculty member in landscape architecture, others from Architecture and Planning teach part time in his department.