GROUND UP..... 

is the student journal of the Department of Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning at University of California at Berkeley. Published annually, each issue centers on a theme of contemporary relevance with interdisciplinary possibilities. Articles and artworks are gathered through an open call for submissions, so naturally the journal is always guided by the interests of our readers and collaborators — from academics to practitioners, artists to scientists, and students to professionals. And really anyone with an interesting thought to share.

HISTORY

In 2010 with the rise of the Occupy Wall Street and the 99% movements, a cohort of Berkeley students wanted to create a place to discuss issues and movements of the time. Observing the gulf between scholarship and practice in landscape architectural discourse the students noted: the painful privatization of a public institution in response to an unprecedented crisis of funding, an employment horizon offering few opportunities in the shadow of the Great Recession, and the Occupy Movement sweeping through campus, signaling the revival of public space as a locus of political activism after years of apathy.

Into this landscape of uncertainty, Berkeley graduate students of landscape architecture created Ground Up. Across seven editions, Ground Up has also evolved, but remains true to its roots, responding and reacting to, critiquing, applauding, analyzing, imagining and questioning the contemporary in unexpected, thoughtful and compelling ways, without following the whims of intellectual fashion.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

GROUND UP announces each issue's theme in late October, and accepts submissions through the end of the year. Everything goes to print in April.

We seek submissions that capture the interdisciplinary nature of the field of landscape architecture. As such, we welcome subject matter from art practice, ecology, architecture and urban design, literature, policy, and beyond. Submission types include — but are not limited to — design proposals (built or unbuilt), interdisciplinary research, creative writing, artworks, and student work. We accept written contributions up to 2,500 words, and are enthusiastic about publishing digital media on our website and social platforms.

Interested in submitting an article to the journal?

For submissions questions reach out to [email protected]