Alexander Robinson

Alexander Robinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture + Urbanism at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Architecture. He holds an MLA from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and a BA in Studio Arts and Computer Science from Swarthmore College. His research focuses on landscape infrastructure, sustainable design, and community engagement, particularly through projects like the Inclusive Infrastructure Design Lab (IIDL) and the Los Angeles River Observatory (LARO).

Key research areas include nature-based infrastructure, climate resilience, and the Los Angeles River revitalization. He co-founded TEST PLOT, a non-profit advancing ecological stewardship, and runs Double Iris, a design practice. His books, such as The Spoils of Dust and Living Systems, explore landscape architecture’s role in environmental restoration and design innovation.

• Education:
  • MLA, Harvard Graduate School of Design
  • BA in Studio Arts & Computer Science, Swarthmore College
• Awards:
  • Fellow of the American Academy in Rome
  • Prince Charitable Trust Rome Prize (2015)

Robinson’s work integrates engineering, ecology, and public engagement through labs like IIDL, which uses advanced modeling and augmented reality. He teaches courses such as Entropy and the New Monuments, an intensive field school exploring California’s landscapes. His research is supported by NSF, USC, and collaborations with agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers.