Landscape interaction – Artisans of resilience

Evan Abramson:

Evan is a former videographer and photographer reporter for various major media outlets (New York Times, Washington Post, The Guardian…). During his reporting he traveled to Latin America and Africa. His documentaries have earned him several awards at numerous festivals. The coverage of environmental crises and the social consequences on populations have made it evolve towards a more active and concrete posture. By following the master’s degree in eco-design ‘Sustainable Planning and Design’ at Conway School, Evan Abramson became an ecological landscaper. By creating Landscape interaction, he surrounded himself with several resource people to support his creations and enrich his knowledge. Dr. Robert Gegear is an associate professor of biology at the University of Dartmouth in Massachusetts. He has been studying the ecology of pollinating insects in the northeastern American region for more than 25 years. Sneha Kakkadan is an eco-landscape architect (ecological landscaper), in charge of planning the projects for their achievements. Finally, Adam Kohl collaborates with Landscape Interaction as a botanist and puts his experience and knowledge at the service of the structure’s projects. It is thanks to this multidisciplinary team that Landscape Interaction can create and propose landscape creations for the restoration of ecosystems and the protection of associated pollinating insects. An important part is also made to pedagogy and the transmission of knowledge and environmental issues. Through publications and documents very carefully, Landscape Interaction delivers complete projects full of meaning. To understand and illustrate Evan Abramson’s approach, one must take the time to look at and read his publications. His past experiences as a designer, photographer and videographer are reflected in his high-quality visuals.

During our project ‘Resilience and adaptation from one continent to another’ in 2024, we were able to meet Evan who had invited us to participate in a workcamp with other volunteers. The project in question was located on the peninsula of Cape Code south of Boston. Evan Abramson was commissioned to set up a storm basin on the site of the Indian community of Mashpee Wampanoag. Like many public infrastructures, this site has a buffer basin for rainwater collection. The space was functional and met the initial objective of storing and allowing stormwater to infiltrate. To go further and increase the ecosystem services of this basin, Evan proposed to plant it with a procession of local plants in order to recreate a biotope favorable for pollinating insects. Before installing the plants, it was necessary to ensure that the soil was well cleared and free of invasive plants, particularly mugworth. The technique of occultation by a tarpaulin was chosen. It was during this first phase of work, in which we participated, that we were able to discuss with Evan and better understand his approach. The work and projects proposed by Landscape Interaction are really interesting and complete. The global vision and interdisciplinarity allow landscape creations to fully meet the environmental challenges of the future.

Not far from where we stayed, another Landscape Interaction project was visible. In the town of Wellesley, around the library, a large part of the lawns have been transformed into clusters of perennial plants that can accommodate a greater diversity of insects and pollinators in particular.

At the time I am writing these lines, the new American administration is fighting against science, scientists, and democracy. I sincerely hope that the work of Evan and his team can continue to develop and promote these new living spaces.

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