Conférence du Dr. Hoversten (NC State University, College of Design)
jeudi 9 octobre, 10-12h, site Vauban, amphi A4
organisée par Michela Deni avec le soutien du service des relations internationales de Nîmes Université, du Laboratoire Projekt et de la Faculté de Design.
Conférence en anglais.
Discursive moments: Reframing deliberation and decision-making in alternative futures landscape ecological planning
Abstract
A brief introduction to the programs of the College of Design at NC State University is followed by an analysis of decision-making in landscape ecological planning in the Mountain West region of the United States. Alternative Futures (AF) landscape ecological planning integrates scientific inquiry and findings into plausible futures that can shape and inform decisions on public policy. AF theorists typically present an AF process in which expert deliberation about technically possible futures is separate from political decision-making about desirable or socially acceptable futures. This lecture offers an alternative interpretation by asking whether crucial decision-making might take place prior to direction from elected officials.
The concept of Discursive Moments is investigated through two case studies in the US Mountain West, selected to represent two contrasting planning approaches. Evidence from documentary analysis and key informant interviews elucidates the nature of both deliberative and decision-making work during each Discursive Moment. We conclude that the concept of Discursive Moments a) draws attention to the constant interplay between deliberative discussion and decision-making throughout the AF planning process more overtly than is found in previous literature, b) identifies critical decisions early in the process that are under-examined in previous literature, c) proposes a preliminary checklist of decisions that require deliberation during each Discursive Moment, d) reframes the competence of the AF planning team by adding the skills of mediating between deliberation and decision-making, and e) provides valuable information to institutions and decision-makers considering AF approaches.
Bio
Dr. Hoversten serves as Dean of NC State University College of Design (July 2016) and Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. A Fellow of the Yaddo arts colony, the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture, Hoversten has received seventeen national and regional planning and design awards and has published and lectured widely. His work has been featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine, Public Roads, and TR News. He served as president of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture and as chair and member of committees and review teams for the Urban Land Institute, the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board, the Dix Park Conservancy, the Watauga Club, the Southern Nevada Interpretive Association, and the Nevada Statewide Transportation Advisory Committee. Hoversten’s research has focused on interpretive planning in desert climates, context sensitive highway design, and alternative futures landscape planning. Prior to his work in higher education, he served as an Associate at Royston Hanamoto Alley and Abey, worked in a variety of landscape architectural and architectural firms and managed land planning for a division of Howard Hughes Corporation.
Hoversten received bachelor’s degrees in landscape architecture and painting and drawing from the University of Minnesota. He completed a master’s degree in painting and drawing from the University of New Mexico and a master of fine arts degree in painting from the University of Iowa. He also completed his Ph.D. in landscape planning from Lincoln University in New Zealand.
