As we enter a massive “green building” boom, it might be wise to stop and really assess what “green buildings” are.

For instance, are these buildings meant to merely meet some basic governmental requirement for “sustainability?” Or, should they be designed to be essentially organic, and changeable, like nature itself?

It’s a perfect time for the ideas of landscape architect Diana Balmori, who “explores the line between landscape and architecture, and between nature and culture.” She’ll help us revisit one of our key themes on Where We Live, the idea of “livable cities.” Later this year, she’ll release a new book called “A Landscape Manifesto,” which will discuss urban ecology and environmental conservation and building techniques.