Roussel, Megan. Lori Ryker.

I enjoyed the lecture given by Lori Ryker. She had great stories to tell of her in school. I thought the banner written in Russian was hilarious. But when she first opened up with the story of the garbage bags hanging from the ceiling, she posed a question that really made one think. Is it art or just garbage? Another question she posed was about myth, what is it? She described a myth being something you believe isn’t coming true? Our ultimate goal in life is to make our myth come true. She spoke of the idea of civic engagement which landscape architects have to deal with every design. Who is going to use this space? She also spoke about the ability to change our futures. We all have the opportunity to do so, but it is up to us to act upon it. The wristbands were a sign of those who want to make a different and see change. I am curious what the winning “change” will be on the next one.

My favorite project Ryker showed us was the park located on the banks of the Yellowstone. The entry points have an impact on the visitors to the site, but not have a negative effect on the landscape. Everything was left natural, but the structures all fit into the landscape. My favorite part of the site was the markers of the trail that whistle when the winds blow so one does not have to see the trail, but they can listen for it.