Designing Our Future: Sustainable Landscapes

Landscape architects have been “Green Since 1899,” but now we have the Internet to show everyone just how green you are. ASLA has expanded a new online tool designed to educate the general public, government officials, clients, and the media about the work of landscape architects and the social, economic and environmental benefits of sustainable design. Called “Designing Our Future: Sustainable Landscapes,” this interactive learning tool uses 20 case studies that include image slide shows, descriptions, project facts, and downloadable one-page briefs to help answer the question, “What do landscape architects do?”

The site reflects more than a year’s work of research and writing, partially supported with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Explore the case studies below, check out all the resources at www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes, and use these examples to help tell the profession’s story.

The High Line Park (New York City)

http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/highline.html

Nueva School (Hillsborough, California)

http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/nuevaschool.html

The Red Ribbon, Tang He River Park (Qinghuangdao City, Hebei Province, China)

http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/redribbon.html

Underwood Sonoran Family Landscape Laboratory (Tucson, Arizona)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/sonoran.html

Washington Mutual Center Green Roof (Seattle)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/greenroof.html

Kresge Foundation Headquartesrs (Troy, Michigan)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/kresge.html

The Crack Garden (San Francisco)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/crackgarden.html

HtO Park (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/hto.html

Viet Village Urban Farm (New Orleans)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/vietvillage.html

Transformative Water (Pitkin County, Colorado)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/transwater.html

Mount Tabor Middle School Rain Garden (Portland, Oregon)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/raingarden.html

Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Master Plan (Philadelphia)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/trid.html

From Brownfield to Greenfield (Wellesley, Massachusetts)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/brownfield.html

Bryant Park (New York City)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/brownfield.html

Greensburg Sustainable Master Plan (Greensburg, Kansas)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/greensburg.html

Rooftop Haven for Urban Agriculture (Chicago)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/rooftophaven.html

NE Siskiyou Green Street (Portland, Oregon)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/greenstreet.html

Pacific Cannery Lofts (Oakland, California)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/cannerylofts.html

High Point (Seattle)
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/highpoint.html

Park 20/20: A Cradle to Cradle-inspired Master Plan
http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/cradletocradle.html.

More information:

Terence Poltrack

Director, Public Relations and Communications

American Society of Landscape Architects

636 Eye St., NW

Washington, DC 20001

202.216.7852

tpoltrack@asla.org

www.asla.org

 

ASLA Headlines Congressional Hearing on the Benefits of Green Infrastructure

	Take Action!
Ask Congress to Support The Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act
David Yocca, FASLA, represented the American Society of Landscape Architects in testifying before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Water and the Environment Subcommittee for a hearing entitled “Impact of Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development on the Nation’s Water Quality, Economy, and Communities.” The hearing featured Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, Hon. ASLA, Mr. Yocca, Mayor Adam Ortiz of Edmonston, Maryland, Tim Richards for the National Association for Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies, Bruce Boncke representing the National Association of Home Builders, Drew Becher, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and Howard Neukrug, Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Water Department. Yocca’s testimony focused on his landscape architecture projects and the multiple benefits that communities reap from utilizing green infrastructure approaches , “Integrated green infrastructure strategies combine leading-edge, living technology with local design, craft, and skill to restore our neighborhoods and cities, to be healthier, more beautiful, and ultimately more economically and ecologically sustainable over time.” Now it’s your turn to tell your stories from your communities. Click on TAKE ACTION above, and take 30 seconds to ask your legislators to support HR 4202/S 3561, which would provide localities the tools they need to implement a green infrastructure agenda.  If you have time please take a moment to let your member of Congress know how green infrastructure has provided multiple benefits in your community. Thank you, Roxanne Blackwell Federal Government Affairs Manager

 

New LAND Newsletter

Check out the latest version of the LAND E-News from ASLA.

 

Landscape Architect as TV Host?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Zig Gauthier (310) 450-5860

SEEKING DYNAMIC FEMALE LANDSCAPER/LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
FOR NATIONAL TELEVISION PROJECT

Television production company seeks a landscaper/landscape designer for TV show

Los Angeles, CA, August 4, 2010 – Los Angeles-based television production company, Red Varden Studios, is currently casting nationwide for an experienced, charismatic, and television-friendly female landscaper, landscape designer, exterior designer or someone with expertise in gardens, pools, decking, gazebos, barbecues, etc. for a national television project.  Candidates must have verifiable experience in their field and a desire to be featured on national television. Preferred backgrounds for potential landscapers include: general landscaping, landscape architecture/artistry/design, outdoor refurbishing, and horticulture. Red Varden Studios is seeking someone who is outgoing, engaging, and eager to help people beautify their backyards. On camera experience is not required. However, candidates must be comfortable in front of the camera and interacting with others.

To be considered for the project, please review the company website at www.redvarden.com and submit to the address listed on the site. Submissions should include the following: a bio/resume or summary of academic and real world landscaping experience, details about current position/company, and 4-5 photos from the past six months exclusively of the candidate.  Individuals selected for the the next stage will be required to submit a simple home video (details provided upon selection).

Red Varden Studios
2716 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite 1065, Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 450 5860

 

Courthouse Garden Grows Food & Community

With hands-on learning, the food grown will be distributed to local non-profit social service groups and allows transitioning opportunities for those in the criminal justice system

EUGENE, Ore. — (August 3, 2010) –A two-acre abandoned lot adjacent to the U.S. Federal Courthouse is being transformed into an urban oasis of fresh vegetables, fruits and all kinds of native plant life. Presiding U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken’s dream project of creating an urban garden that services community non-profits has come to life, thanks a special partnership with the UO’s Department of Landscape Architecture and its energetic students and faculty members.

The empty lot is also being cared for by individuals from the criminal justice system; giving them the reentry skills needed to transition back into the community. The university’s Courthouse Garden program will teach students how to hone their gardening skills as well as how to develop an urban garden. Students began work during the winter season and are now in full gear with summer crops and activity, thanks to a summer class now underway.

Lorri Nelson, adjunct instructor, has big plans for the urban garden. This summer, she is teaching students the logistics of starting up an urban garden with a strong social services mission.

“I think it’s a really enlightening program,” says Nelson. “It’s more than just learning about gardening. It’s a hands-on course about the social issues of having an edible garden in the city. Besides helping to grow food for those who need it most, it’s a social integration opportunity for people within the criminal justice system.”

Probation officer, Jed Davis, agrees. “The garden started a vacant lot of dirt and gravel. It has given our clients, who are transitioning back into society, important job skills, healthy food, as well as helping them learn to communicate with others. By working together, we are teaching skills and boosting self worth and self sufficiency, and in the long run, preventing crime,” says Davis.

Nelson said the summer course will teach students all about the logistics of gardening sustainably, whether it be teaching irrigation methods or planting new vegetable beds. Students and those from the in-transition program won’t be working side by side during class hours but there will be opportunities to work outside of class to service the garden.

And although the garden is temporary —the City of Eugene has leased the site to the University of Oregon for three years—Nelson is optimistic that long-term benefits will soon ensue.

“It’s just a really inspiring idea,” says Nelson. “This class is a larger vision and helps to promote accessibility to sustainability, and cuts through any economic or racial divide. Everyone in the garden is on the same level, hoping to achieve the same goals. I’m hoping this project leads to more like it in the future.”

Judge Aiken’s deep involvement with the Relief Nursery (a nationally acclaimed model for preventing child abuse and preserving families) was the inspiration for this Courthouse Garden. She wanted to provide a reentry program for convicted persons and connect the garden’s produce to community service endeavors after seeing the positive results with the Relief Nursery garden.

“The knowledge base of Ann Bettman and Lorrie Nelson has been essential,” says Jed Davis. “We could not have done it without them. The passion and enthusiasm of the students has been mind blowing. The students came in to help our clients and shared ideas that went beyond gardening and how to help the community.”

Ann Bettman, who had taught the landscape architecture Urban Farm course for over thirty years, was asked to help develop the project and soon after, Nelson agreed to teach the summer Courthouse Garden course. Bettman is an assistant adjunct professor of landscape architecture at UO and the retired director of the Urban Farm.

“It’s all kind of happening so fast,” Nelson said. “It’s incredible how much community support we’ve received. EWEB installed our irrigation system, University of Oregon students have logged countless volunteer hours, Fall Creek Nursery just donated blueberry plants and so many other community members are offering their goods and services. It’s really reaching out beyond the university level.”

The Courthouse Garden construction began on February 10, 2010. The urban garden class began June 21 and will conclude on August 13. Community residents also have the opportunity to work side by side with the students and reentry program participants on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the garden site adjacent to the U.S. federal courthouse, 405 E. 8th Avenue. Tools are provided.

View the video made by Tzum Productions at www.youtube.com/uoregonaaa

About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon’s flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 63 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.

Contact: Karen Johnson, AAA External Relations and Communications, (541) 346-3603, karenjj@uoregon.edu

Source: Lorri Nelson, landscape architecture adjunct instructor, 541-345-5552, lanelson@uoregon.edu
Jed Davis, probation officer, U.S. Federal Courthouse, 541-431-4060, John_Davis@orp.uscourts.gov

Links: http://housing.uoregon.edu/news.php?view=2001&ref=reshalls
http://comm.uoregon.edu/archive/uo-news/2010/march/uo-e-clips-march-18
http://sites.google.com/site/courthousegarden/

Story by Emily Wilson and Karen Johnson.
Video by Nancy Webber, Tzum Productions, nancywebber@tzumpro.com

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Railvolution Comes to Portland

October 18-21, 2010 Portland, Oregon www.railvolution.com Conference Registration Now Open! Urban Planners – Business Leaders – Livable Community Activists – Elected Officials – Architects Planning Commissioners – Community Leaders – Financiers –Transportation Advocates 2010 is a time of confluence – when renewed energy, forward-thinking federal policy and increasingly complex livability challenges are converging. There’s never been a better time for Rail~Volution to take place! For four days in October, the best and brightest ideas on livability will be debated, researched, tested and shared. Rail~Volution in Portland will be the scene of a living, breathing laboratory with many opportunities for exchanging ideas, understanding new concepts and shaping effective strategies, both inside conference rooms and outside on the streets. Take the opportunity to work in ground-breaking partnerships with policy makers at all levels to build more livable places – regardless of their size, shape, demographics, location or economies. Rail~Volution provides you with several opportunities to learn how to leverage these collaborations to your advantage – from the new formal partnership between HUD, DOT and the EPA, to informal alliances across organizations and municipalities. Your stories and lessons learned, your take on new policies and your wisdom gained through innovative best practices, will guide the conversation.  Come be a part of the Rail~Volution! To Learn more about Rail~Volution 2010, click here. To Register, click here Monday, October 18-Thursday, October 21, 2010 Portland, Oregon www.railvolution.com Conference Location and Hotel Information: The Hilton Portland & Executive Tower 921 SW Sixth Avenue Portland, OR 97204 Phone: (503) 226-1611 Reservations: (800) 445-8667 The group rate of $169 / night for the main hotel and $189 / night for the Executive Tower will be available upon request (space permitting) until September 27, 2010.

 

University of Oregon selects Salem as Sustainable Cities partner for 2010-11

City and UO faculty and students will work collaboratively in year-long effort

EUGENE, Ore. — (May 25, 2010) – The University of Oregon’s Sustainable Cities Initiative program has selected Salem as its focus city for the 2010-11 academic year. Following a successful inaugural year in Gresham, Ore., UO faculty and students will work collaboratively with Salem, Oregon’s capital city, to tackle important development, planning and civic engagement issues.

“We are honored that the University of Oregon selected Salem to participate in this unique program that matches professors and students in a number of disciplines with real-world community projects,” said Salem City Manager Linda Norris. “The City’s participation in the program allows us to address several City Council goals and leverage existing limited resources to move projects forward much faster than would otherwise be possible. As a result of this work, we will have well-researched designs and plans to present to the community and the City Council.  We think this program is a great model for encouraging additional future collaboration between Oregon universities and Oregon cities.”

More than 25 courses, 25 faculty members and approximately 600 students will focus on Salem projects during the 2010-11 academic year. The UO anticipates selecting one city each year to be the focus of sustainable design and planning courses as part of its Sustainable Cities Initiative. The Salem City Council, Salem Housing Authority Commission and Salem’s Urban Renewal Agency Board approved participation in the program on May 24.

“The Sustainable Cities Initiative is an ambitious interdisciplinary undertaking, “said Frances Bronet, dean of the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts. “It is unique in its approach to focus on a single city and bring collective expertise and strengths of faculty and students from multiple areas of campus together. The common goal of making a place better through collaboration embodies how higher education institutions contribute and serve the public interest.”

Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI) is shaping the future academic priorities at the UO as a result of a campus-wide discussion and selection process. Started at the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts, SCI now extends across disciplines into other schools and colleges on campus. The goal is to promote research, education, service and public outreach related to the development of sustainable cities.

The 2009-2010 academic year partner was the city of Gresham, where nearly 100,000 hours of student work was applied to projects throughout the city. Starting with only six courses, the SCI course listing expanded to 21 by the end of the school year, across five academic departments. The completed work will contribute to future planning for Gresham.

To select the 2010-2011 city, SCI co-directors Nico Larco, Marc Schlossberg and Robert Young invited Oregon cities with more than 15,000 residents to apply and submit project proposals. Proposals were submitted by five cities: Beaverton, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Salem and Springfield. Salem was selected as the top finalist by a review committee of university faculty.

Salem is the center of a strong agricultural sector; home to sustainable industries like SANYO Solar of Oregon, Kettle Foods, Sequential Bio Fuels, AgriPlas and Truitt Brothers; stable government employment as the state and county seat; large private employers including Garmin Industries, Salem Hospital and the recently announced Home Depot Rapid Deployment Center. Local educational institutions — including Chemeketa Community College Center for Business and Industry, Willamette University and Western Oregon University — provide undergraduate and graduate programs and workforce training, and contribute to cultural events and art that enrich the community. Salem’s vibrant, historic downtown has several parks within walking distance, and a wide array of restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions.

Salem projects will apply study from architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, arts and administration, planning, public policy and management, law, business management and journalism. Projects were selected because they accelerate positive direction for Salem, fit within curriculum, and will result in fully researched and designed options for the City Council to move Salem forward at the right time. Projects will include:

• A critical look at areas immediately adjacent to Salem’s vibrant downtown, to result in development and redevelopment scenarios to make better use of the Riverfront;
• New police facility planning and civic center redesign scenarios to improve public service, utilizing the existing building;
• A civic engagement strategy to expand communication, representation and participation in decision making with use of new technology and other materials;
• A plan to connect Salem’s downtown parks with urban trails and bike routes;
• A restoration plan for natural areas at the large Minto-Brown Island urban park;
• A development plan for the Salem Housing Authority Orchard Village site;
• Market analysis to include supply chain and business cluster studies.

Courses will begin Fall 2010. For more information, visit http://sci.uoregon.edu/.

About the University of Oregon

The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon’s flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 63 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.

Contacts: Julie Brown, UO media relations, 541-346-3185, julbrown@uoregon.edu; Nicole Wahlberg, City of Salem Urban Development public information, 503-588-6178, ext. 7552, nwahlberg@cityofsalem.net

Links: UO Sustainable Cities Initiative, http://sci.uoregon.edu/; City of Salem, http://www.cityofsalem.net/

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UO Professor earns APA honor

UO professor’s sustainable development plan for U.S. Marine Corps base wins American Planning Association honors

Mark Gillem’s plan reduces carbon emissions for the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni on mainland Japan.

EUGENE, Ore. — (March 15, 2010) – Sustainable design was the focus of UO professor Mark Gillem’s award winning plan for the U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in central Japan. His installation development master plan was selected as the Outstanding Federal Planning Project for 2009 by the American Planning Association’s Federal Planning Division. The award is given annually to the best planning project completed for the U.S. government.  Gillem will receive the award in April at the annual meeting in New Orleans.

The plan accommodates over $3 billion in development including housing for over 1,000 families, four new schools, retail shops, over 40 acres of parks, and a new flightline. Professor Gillem developed the plan and accompanying form-based code using a highly collaborative process that included representatives from the Government of Japan and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The design process also incorporated the first-ever scientific survey of environmental preferences of military families living in Japan. The plan’s focus on sustainable development will reduce carbon emissions by nearly 5 million pounds per year, reduce vehicle miles traveled by over 4.5 million miles per year, and reduce per household transportation costs by over $1,000 per year.

The Iwakuni air station is 1,300 acres and has been the site for Japanese, United Nations and United States Armed Forces installations since 1940.  The base is located approximately 600 southwest of Tokyo, Japan.

Gillem is currently in Guam studying the link between land use, politics and health.  “The Department of Defense spends $1.2 billion on obesity related health care costs and planning is a big cause of the problem,” says Gillem.  His research will take him to Vietnam to look at the remains of U.S. military bases there and make connections with local universities.

Mark Gillem is an associate professor with joint appointments in the Department of Architecture and the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Oregon and author of America Town: Building the Outposts of Empire (2007), a publication that explores the export of American land use planning, environmental and social impacts to foreign countries that have U.S. military complexes. Gillem was honored last year with the 2009 Outstanding Sustainable Planning award for his Historic Downtown Area Development Plan for Fort Lewis, Wash. He is also a licensed architect, a certified planner, and a former active-duty U.S. Air Force officer.

Gillem is the principal of The Urban Collaborative, LLC. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He has a PhD in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley; a Masters in Architecture also from Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kansas.

About the University of Oregon

The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon’s flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 62 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.

Contact: Karen Johnson, AAA external relations and communications, 541-346-3603, karenjj@uoregon.edu

Source: Mark Gillem, associate professor, architecture and landscape architecture, mark@uoregon.edu, 541-346-1999

Links:

http://www.marines.mil/unit/mcasiwakuni/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.federalplanning.org/index.htm

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Upcoming LARE Review Class, Sections C & E

Saturday April 10, 2010

The workshop would benefit those preparing to take LARE sections C and/or E for the first time, those who are repeating the exam and seeking more study direction, and those interested in connecting with potential study partners.

The Oregon Chapter ASLA will hold this one day exam review workshop to support members in their preparation to sit for the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.) graphic sections C – Site Design and E – Grading and Drainage.  It is the responsibility of exam candidates to study and prepare adequately, and the Oregon Chapter is excited to offer support and guidance during the process.

Location:
Alta Planning + Design, 711 SE Grand Avenue,  Portland, OR

Schedule:
9:15-12:00      Intro, Section C
12:00-12:20    Break
12:20-1:30      Brown bag lunch
1:30-4:30      Section E

The workshop will include discussion and handouts on the following:

1. Section C and E exam content review
2. Study resources
3. Practice problems
4. Time-saving tips
5. Lunch hour session with recent exam takers sharing their experiences and answering questions.

Please bring materials similar to those used during the exam:

1. pencils and/or pens, erasers
2. scales (architectural and engineering)
3. trace paper
4. non-photo blue pencils
5. drafting tape
6. circle template(s)
7. calculator

* Lunch is not provided. Bring your own lunch, or bring cash if you would like to join a group sandwich order at lunch. The review session is open to ASLA members and non-members and costs are as follows:

• Both Sections C and E: ASLA Members $60.00, Non-members $80.00
• Section C or E only: ASLA Members $30.00, Non-members $40.00

** Go to the Registration Page for this Event **

Interested individuals may contact Robin Wilcox at (503) 230-9862 for more information.

 

Advocacy: Green Infrastructure Bill

A new update from the National ASLA Advocacy Network of interest to landscape architects in Oregon.  Learn more about ASLA advocacy and take action on this bill here.

Landmark Green Infrastructure for Water Management legislation Introduced

Dear Advocates:

ASLA has been working to raise awareness of the benefits in utilizing green infrastructure to help manage our nation’s water issues. Hearing our message, landmark legislation has been introduced in Congress that would provide assistance to communities that want to use landscape architecture techniques to help deal with their stormwater and other water quality issues.

H.R. 4202, the Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act would:

• invest in community-based green infrastructure projects that address water issues
• establish a green infrastructure program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote the use of green infrastructure and provide technical assistance to states, local governments and the private sector
• establish up to five Centers for Excellence for Green Infrastructure which would conduct research, develop recommendations, and provide training and technical assistance for implementing green infrastructure best management practices.

Today, stormwater runoff is a serious threat to the nation’s waterways and public health, costing Americans hundreds of millions of dollars each year in increased drinking water treatment costs. Fortunately, Congress is recognizing that green infrastructure provides an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sound approach to managing stormwater and reducing combined sewer overflow pollution.

Simply click TAKE ACTION and use the provided templates to urge your legislators to support this legislation. If possible, please personalize your letter with examples of water projects that you or your colleagues have worked on.

Contact your legislators today and urge them to support this critical legislation that will provide important opportunities for landscape architects!

Thank you!

Roxanne Blackwell
Manager, Federal Affairs