John Motloch, professor of landscape architecture, will soon be working with others to create environmentally and culturally conscious communities.
Motloch's new position as director of the Ball State University Land Design Institute will commence in January of 2003.
"In the new world we're in, you have to be a collaborator," said David Ferguson, director of the communication initiative and Center for Media Design for the iCommunication project.
"He's real friendly and is not a lone ranger," Ferguson said.
Motloch will be calling upon his years of experience as a landscape architect, an architect and interior designer in his new job, Ferguson said.
Motloch worked on sustainability and environmental research projects in such places as South Africa, Mexico, Taiwan, Greece and Brazil.
After joining the Ball State faculty seven years ago, Motloch became chair of the Department of Landscape and Architecture from 1996 to 2001. Now, after Ferguson's departure from director of the Institute, it's Motloch's turn to lead the organization.
"I don't plan on departing from what Dave (Ferguson) did, but continuing to develop proposals for the Institute," Motloch said.
The Land Design Institute was formed in 2001 by Ferguson to mesh environmental management with landscape architecture.
The organization travels to many places and interacts with colleagues to create sustainable communities, areas that use their resources in an environmentally-friendly way, and therapeutic landscapes, among other projects, Ferguson said.
"Therapeutic design works with medical experts to design environments that help people heal," Ferguson said.
For example, many cancer centers in hospitals have constructed rooms for patients that are soothing and conducive to fighting the illness.
"We've built partners in places such as the Far East, the United Kingdom and Latin America," Motloch said.
Part of Motloch's motivation to head the institute comes from a love of learning.
"I really enjoy interdisciplinary activities, and the Institute seeks to be a clearinghouse of information about environmental responsibility," Motloch said.
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