The National Building Museum will present the 2019 Vincent Scully Prize to Elizabeth K. Meyer,FASLA, the Merrill D. Peterson Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Virginia School of Architecture.

A public program celebrating the award will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 from 6:30 to 8 pm at the National Building Museum. In a conversation with Thaisa Way, program director of garden and landscape studies, Dumbarton Oaks Research Center, Meyer will discuss several contemporary topics in landscape architecture and public space design, including: how urban planning and topographies correlate with race and privilege, how plants and animals collaborate in placemaking, why non-native plants are necessary for resilient landscapes, and why aesthetics matters in responses to climate change.

“This Prize is such an unexpected and meaningful honor,” said Meyer. “I admire so many of its former recipients for their substantial contributions to the built environment. Like Vincent Scully, I care deeply about the role of history and theory in design education.”

The Vincent Scully Prize recipient is selected by a jury, including members James Corner, RLA, FASLA; Maurice Cox; Ellen Dunham-Jones; and led by chair Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, FAIA.

“Landscape architect, theorist, historian, university professor and former dean, Elizabeth Meyer embodies the very spirit of Vincent Scully as a master lecturer who inspired generations of practitioners,” said Plater-Zyberk. “Integrating research and writing with professional, administrative and civic responsibilities, Meyer has produced an influential body of theory, interpretation and criticism, on landscape topics related to aesthetics, sustainability, culture, and social impact.”

Read more about Elizabeth K. Meyer, past recipients of the Vincent Scully Prize and the National Building Museum here

Elizabeth K. Meyer joined SAH in 1986 and is a Life Member.