Johanna Wennemar’s Master’s thesis ‘Laurophyllisation’ at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences receives an award
The effects of climate change are placing increasing pressure on urban trees. Heat, drought and sealed surfaces significantly hinder their growth. Johanna Wennemar addressed this challenge in her Master’s thesis “Laurophyllisation – An opportunity for climate-resilient use of trees and shrubs in the city”. The graduate of the Master’s programme in Landscape Architecture at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences was awarded the Karl Foerster Foundation’s 2025 International Ulmer Prize for this work on 20 March 2026 in Osnabrück. The prize, worth 4,000 euros, recognises innovative research in the field of vegetation science.
Laurophyllisation describes a process whereby the deciduous broad-leaved forests typical of Central Europe develop into at least partially evergreen forest communities through the spread of both native and non-native species. “Johanna Wennemar is investigating the extent to which evergreens from laurel forests of the fully humid subtropics are suitable for use in urban areas. Using selected evergreen broad-leaved trees, conifers and palms, she examines the extent to which laurophyllisation could offer an opportunity for climate-resilient tree use in urban areas in the future,” according to the statement by the expert jury, comprising representatives of the Board of Trustees of the Karl Foerster Foundation.
Since 2007, the Karl Foerster Foundation for Applied Vegetation Science has been awarding the INTERNATIONAL ULMER PRIZE, to promote awareness of the use of plants as design elements in landscape architecture and to encourage young professionals to explore the unique qualities of this building material.
International award for a graduate of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
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