In 2021, ASLA expanded its Career Discovery programming by launching its first virtual design event, DREAM BIG with Minecraft, a fully remote competition for high school students in Miami, Florida, New York City, and Washington, DC. View the photo gallery of designs created by team members at the Design and Architecture Senior High School (Miami, FL)

In 2022, ASLA hosted DREAM BIG with Minecraft Design Camps in Washington, DC and Sacramento, CA.  

ASLA Mentor, Skip Mezer, FASLA leads Sacramento high school students in design project using Minecraft. Photo credit: Skip Mezer.

Due to the growing interest from ASLA Chapters, ASLA will continue to scale programming around DREAM BIG with Minecraft with the DREAM BIG with Minecraft Design Event Guide for ASLA Chapters. 
Building on the success of the 2021 design competition and 2022 design camps, the guidebook provides a framework for how ASLA Chapters can host DREAM BIG with Minecraft design events with local schools and/or community groups.

The primary objectives of the DREAM BIG with Minecraft Design Guide for ASLA chapters are to: 

• Create long-term partnerships between ASLA chapters and local school/community groups using an innovative educational resource. 
• Teach students landscape architecture design concepts using Minecraft. 
• Introduce pathways to landscape architecture programs throughout the country. 
• Engage university program chairs in the active recruitment of high school seniors. 
• Increase enrollment in landscape architecture programs. 

Participating chapters will learn how to:

• Host Minecraft design events in a variety of educational settings. 
• Promote local design events. 
• Secure funding and other support for their local event. 
• Connect students to ASLA’s community of university program chairs. 

Participating students will learn: 

• Landscape architecture design concepts. 
• Real-time collaboration and problem-solving skills. 
• Adept abilities to innovate. 

The release of the design guide will be preceded by a three-part webinar series for ASLA members.

Monday, August 7 - Informational Webinar: DREAM BIG with Minecraft Design Guide for ASLA Chapters        
Presenters: Lisa J. Jennings, ASLA Staff and Zac Jarrard, Developer 

Tuesday, August 29 - Building Blocks of Inclusion: Examining the Research Behind Minecraft as a Design Tool for Youth
Presenter: Abigail Loraine Danner, ASLA

Thursday, September 7 - A Look Back at 2013: Landscape Architects Test the Waters of Minecraft.   
Presenter: Paul Byron Crane, ASLA

All webinars will begin at 1:30pm EST.  
Registration is open and required. 
Please direct inquiries to Lisa J. Jennings, Senior Manager, Career Discovery and Diversity at ljennings@asla.org.