Landscape Architecture

Influence of Landscape Architects Rises With Urbanization

Landscape architects aren't typically well known, but their work is a major part of many peoples' lives. As urbanization increases, their influence on city dwellers will become more noticeable, according to this article.

July 11, 2008 - The Vancouver Courier

Save Water, Face Fine

When California declared a statewide drought, a couple decided to let their front lawn die.

July 10, 2008 - RedOrbit

Do Cities Have Room For Golf Courses?

Stakeholders in Austin debate the future of a public golf course in the center of town while the University of Texas, owner of the land, debates whether to seek greater profits off the land. Neighbors champion the course as vital open space.

July 9, 2008 - Austin American-Statesman

Ads in Public Places Raise Money, Concerns

In an effort to raise extra money, cities and counties in Florida have been selling advertising in public spaces. Some say it's a good way to get extra revenue, but others worry about the visual pollution of public areas.

July 8, 2008 - Herald Tribune

New Public Park 'Sponges' Up Contaminants

Landscape architecture firm dlandstudio is taking the stench out of the Gowanus Canal by building a new public park that is beautiful as well as functional.

July 7, 2008 - The New York Sun

Why Preserve a Failed Public Place?

In this column, landscape architect Bill Thompson, FASLA, takes a look at the shortcomings of Boston's City Hall Plaza as a public space and what he feels are misguided efforts to preserve it.

July 5, 2008 - Land Online

A Waterfall Under The Brookyln Bridge

Artist Olafur Eliasson has installed a cascading waterfall directly under one of the towers of the Brookyln Bridge. In this excerpt, he reflects on the need for public space and the impact of art in public.

June 29, 2008 - Wall St. Journal

How Much Is Green Worth?

A recent conference in Austin, Texas, of real estate appraisers explored how they should incorporate green-building techniques and features into their assessment of properties.

June 27, 2008 - Austin Business Journal

Skirting Process, Bremerton Makes Beautiful Public Spaces

Landscape architect Gary Sexton worked on a tight budget and dodged commissions and regulations to create a beautiful vision for downtown Bremerton (near Seattle).

June 25, 2008 - The Seattle Post-Intelligencer

St. Louis Comes Back

Despite predictions that the city was dying, St. Louis has just won an "All-America City" award. Neal Peirce looks at how the city turned itself around.

June 24, 2008 - The Washington Post Writers Group

Cap and Play

This commentary from the Los Angeles Times calls for creation of a central park for the city, made by putting a "cap" over a section of freeway.

June 21, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Report Estimates Economic Value of Philadelphia's Park System

A report announced by Mayor Michael Nutter estimates that Philadelphia's park system has a combined economic value of $1.9 billion in services, income and taxes to the city.

June 12, 2008 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Caring For Foreclosed Lawns

A city councilwoman in Galt, south of Sacramento, is cited for violating city code rules on watering. That's despite the fact that the City Council had urged the public to water and care for lawns at foreclosed homes.

June 8, 2008 - Lodi News-Sentinel

Mow Your Lawn -- Or Else

Canton, Ohio residents and property owners who don't pay close enough attention to their lawns could face jail time. A new law would apply to repeat offenders and to lawns and weeds growing higher than eight inches.

June 4, 2008 - Canton Repository

A Green And Solar Roof How-To

The installation of a green roof and solar array on the rooftop of the new WGBH building in Boston is captured on video.

May 27, 2008 - The Boston Globe

Streets May Become Temporary Recreational Spaces in San Francisco

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is considering a plan to temporarily close down certain streets to car traffic, creating public space for pedestrians -- similar to the successful Ciclovia that takes place weekly in Bogota, Colombia.

May 25, 2008 - The Examiner

Despite Downturn, Landscape Architects Keep Busy

A national survey shows that despite the depression in the housing market, landscape architects across the U.S. continue to get work.

May 23, 2008 - Daily Journal of Commerce, Portland, OR

The Wildflower Wars

A dazzling wildflower season spells trouble for master-planned communities across the West.

May 16, 2008 - The Next American City

Make Public Art Public

Pubilc art should be guided by public input, according to this commentary.

May 13, 2008 - The Guardian

Potential Reservoir Of Urban Open Space

What do you do when 96 football fields worth of space opens up in a major metro area?

May 8, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

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