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via Christopher Olin, ASLA Oregon Chapter Communications Chair
April is Landscape Architecture Month!
ASLA Oregon is pleased to announce our Spring 2012 Chapter lineup of Portland Events!
Join fellow like-minded student and professional peers in networking, learning and fun!
To learn more, register for events, find resources and subscribe to our mailing list visit www.aslaoregon.org.
Download Upcoming Events Flyer PDF - 11x17 Screen
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via Nancy C. Somerville, Hon. ASLA
Executive Vice President and CEO
American Society of Landscape Architects
American Society of Landscape Architects
Annual 2011: A Report to Our Members
As we dive into what promises to be another very busy year for ASLA, I wanted to take a moment to review our accomplishments in 2011. Despite a very challenging economy that has affected us all, ASLA members and their Society made real progress in raising awareness of the profession and ensuring that the profession’s voice was heard.
On August 17, 1,000 volunteers hit the streets, the parks, and the sidewalks in their communities to share examples of landscape architecture projects and to explain the benefits your work brings to people’s lives. More than 250 events, half of which involved direct, one-on-one discussions, happened almost simultaneously. Collectively, these events generated more than 80 news stories in all media, reaching an estimated 15 million people.
So who says one person can’t make a difference? There are less than 30,000 people employed in the landscape architecture field in a nation of more than 312 million. Yet we were heard, big time. And we’ve only just begun.
Working hand-in-hand with our chapters and their dedicated public-awareness volunteers, we will continue that engagement with activities at the grassroots level supported by resources created by the national office. And this April chapters across the nation will once again celebrate National Landscape Architecture Month, introducing the profession to the public through a series of standalone events while also coordinating a common public outreach on April 26, Frederick Law Olmsted’s birthday.
On the PR and communications side, much of our energy—and creativity—continues to be focused on web communications, because of the ability of the web to reach the largest audience. In 2011, the site attracted 644,000 unique visitors and more than 5 million pageviews, continuing healthy year-to-year growth.
To complement the public awareness materials, we have developed special areas on the site to serve as resources for policy makers, educators, students, and members of the other design and construction industries.
As part of the 08.17.11 events, we launched www.asla.org/design, a basic introduction to the profession as a destination for the curious public. So far, it has received more than 55,000 pageviews.
Designing Our Future: Sustainable Landscapes features 30 case studies and eight animations that detail sustainable landscape design. These resources have attracted more than 370,000 pageviews thus far, and the animations have been viewed an additional 85,000 times.
To establish landscape architects in the forefront of discussions of key issues affecting the profession, we have developed detailed resource centers around topics such as transportation, green infrastructure, and livable communities, as well as corresponding resources for residential projects.
And we continue to leverage The Dirt blog to keep our voice in the mix. The blog is widely read and syndicated, consistently ranks among the top 10 on environmental subjects, and has received some 1.3 million pageviews since relaunch in 2009
These outreach efforts provide a solid foundation to support our equally significant progress on the advocacy front, in spite of the challenging political environment in Washington.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is in the midst of a critical national rulemaking on stormwater. The process started with an EPA-commissioned National Research Council study on the effectiveness of the Agency’s current stormwater program. NRC’s conclusion: Big pipes and grey infrastructure are not going to solve the problem, but green infrastructure and low-impact development can.
To support its rulemaking, EPA asked ASLA to help document the use and effectiveness of green infrastructure approaches. We turned to you, and set an ambitious goal of 300 projects. You responded with 479 case studies, covering 43 states, D.C, and Canada. We provided all that data to EPA, and those case studies are now catalogued and available on the ASLA website. These projects are a compelling demonstration of the value of green infrastructure—and the critical role of landscape architects.
Another priority focus this year has been transportation. With the surface transportation bill coming up for renewal, we are advocating for inclusion of a federal Complete Streets policy in the legislation, along with supporting essential existing programs that support transportation alternatives, enhance community livability, and provide jobs for landscape architects.
Many of these programs came under a barrage of attacks in 2011, especially the transportation enhancements program. An example: On October 17, ASLA’s government affairs staff learned of a serious threat: Senator John McCain was preparing to offer an amendment to a fiscal year 2012 spending bill to gut the transportation enhancements program.
Since McCain did not include bicycle and trail projects on his hit list, many of our usual coalition partners opted not to challenge the proposal. So ASLA took the lead. We prepared a letter in opposition, got 12 other organizations to sign on, and put the letter into the hands of each senator’s chief of staff, legislative director, and transportation legislative assistant. And we sent out a red alert to all of you through our Advocacy Network. You responded. We had the best performance from the Advocacy Network to date, with 655 activists sending 1,338 messages to their senators over the two days preceding the vote.
It worked. The roll-call vote on October 19 was 59 to 39 to table the amendment, essentially killing it.
Your grassroots-level advocacy, combined with our D.C.-based outreach efforts, not only reversed the threat, but also raised ASLA’s profile on Capitol Hill. ASLA was cited by the influential Democratic Policy Committee as an opponent of the amendment, and multiple senate staffers cited ASLA’s opposition and outreach as a major contributing factor to votes against the amendment.
Threats are continuing, and vigilance and quick action are still required. I commend you all for your support of ASLA and your direct involvement in issues of importance to the profession and to the country. It would be easy in such very difficult and stubborn financial times to lose faith and withdraw. That’s not our style, and the relative health of ASLA and the profession is testimony to that, as are such success stories as I’ve just shared.
There’s a lot more I could tell you about, like the changes I hope you’ve been noticing in our fantastic Landscape Architecture Magazine, the second-largest Annual Meeting and largest Expo in ASLA history, and the progress of our Sustainable Sites Initiative partnership. I urge you to stay engaged and help us help you, as you all did so effectively in 2011. Thank you all.
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MARCH 2012 |
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UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS (APRIL IS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE MONTH!)04.20 | ASLA Oregon North Park Block Design Charrette OTHER UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
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ASLA Oregon LANDbytes MARCH 2012 Feature:
Happy Birthday, FLO!
By Rebecca Wahlstrom
What are you doing on April 26? Join the coast to coast party, celebrating the 190th birthday of Mr. Frederick Law Olmsted with all your fellow ASLA members! April 26 is a day to remember and celebrate the man who first brought to the forefront many of the ideas that we practice today in Landscape Architecture. So gather some friends, blow out some birthday candles for Mr. Olmsted, and make a wish for the continuation of great designs that stand the test of time.
Check out more fun ways to celebrate Landscape Architecture month at www.aslaoregon.org/updates/articles/national-landscape-architecture-month.
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ASLA Oregon LANDbytes MARCH 2012 Feature:
Get Ready! National Landscape Architecture Month is Coming!
By Rebecca Wahlstrom
April has been set aside by the ASLA as a month when activities happen nationwide to celebrate and promote the profession of landscape architecture. The focus of this month’s activities is “Public Health and Active Living 2012”, showing how we are addressing the major problems of obesity and chronic health problems due to lack of exercise by designing healthy community structures. This topic is a great fit for our active state – what a perfect chance to show people how we promote healthy lifestyles. Are there playgrounds or trail systems where you can show people how landscape architecture has been part of its creation? How about plaza’s where farmers markets happen or places where people wait to catch the MAX or bus? Can you get out there and let people know who designed that space? Now is the time to celebrate all you have done and promote the future of landscape architecture.
You might be asking, “what can I do?” Glad you asked! ASLA has put forward a whole webpage of ideas for activities along with detailed instructions and tips (and has a picture of Portland’s Mt. Tabor Middle School rain garden design). The below is just a sampling of what the website provides on the ‘Career Discovery Activities’ page. http://www.aslaoregon.org/updates/articles/national-landscape-architecture-month. Boy Scout troops can learn about plants and earn a badge during your time with them; Connect with middle and high-school students and design a rain garden or reading garden; Are you a native plant expert? Visit your local high school and show them how essential native plants are to our landscape.
One doesn’t need to be hampered by this list – create your own activity that will appeal to you and the audience you wish to reach. Back on 8.17.11, the first roll-out of the Understory, the Bend folks led a design charrette, people in Springfield did a workplace information blast to enlighten their co-workers on what their department had accomplished, and Portland canvassed downtown parks. http://www.aslaoregon.org/blog/2011/9/14/dues-increase-effective-january-2012 What will Oregon do this time to celebrate landscape architecture? I believe our fit and active state is primed and ready to show off all that we have done to promote physical activity and public health to the general public and to the nation. Be creative – have fun – and be sure to let people know about landscape architecture in April!
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National Landscape Architecture Month 2012 (NLAM) Quick Links:
NLAM PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED & THE CAMPAIGN FOR PUBLIC HEALTH
APRIL 2012 National, State and Local Activities:
04.04.12 COMMUNITY TREES FIELD CLASS
04.20.12 ASLA OREGON NORTH PARK BLOCK DESIGN CHARRETTE
04.20.12 ASLA OREGON EMERGING PROFESSIONALS SOCIAL
04.21.12 ASLA OREGON ENLIGHTENED LANDSCAPE[S] SYMPOSIUM
04.26.12 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON A&AA CAREER SYMPOSIUM
Questions? Interested in getting involved with NLAM?
Contact ASLA Oregon Communications Chair Christopher Olin for more information!
via ASLA Nationals
A Whole New National Landscape Architecture Month:
Public Health & Active Living 2012
Now is the time. Childhood obesity surges to epidemic proportions, healthcare costs push even higher and divisive politics provide no solutions. Meanwhile an interdisciplinary profession continues to rise offering solutions to these stark problems:
Landscape architects will join across the country during the month of April to educate the public as to how their profession is well poised to address these troubling issues.They’ll hold public events showcasing just what can be done through hands on work with the public, speaking engagements and design charrettes. For an idea, check out this slideshow of 2011’s events.
With the theme of Public Health and Landscape Architecture, National Landscape Architecture Month 2012 welcomes these new and necessary discussions about the profession. Besides all the same great activities from years past, National Landscape Architecture Month joins in the public awareness campaign. On 04.26.12, the profession will publically celebrate Frederick Olmsted's birthday, considered the founder of modern landscape architecture, by once again taking to the streets from coast to coast telling people why landscape architecture matters just as they did on 08.17.11. Since 08.17.11 was just the beginning, expect more this time around. The call to celebrate his birthday could not be more in line with the theme as Frederick Law Olmsted and the Campaign for Public Health points out, Olmsted’s roots in landscape architecture first started with his dedication to public health.
The prevalence of low-density, automobile-dependent communities has resulted in unsustainable lifestyles that increasingly threaten human health and well-being. In addition to inflating housing and transportation costs and increasing carbon emissions, disconnected communities reliant on cars create sedentary lifestyles. The lack of access to environments that encourage daily exercise, provide clean air and water and offer affordable services and nutritious food has meant growing epidemics of depression, obesity, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.
Working with landscape architects, communities can promote human health and well-being by encouraging the development of environments that offer rich social, economic, and environmental benefits. Healthy, livable communities improve the welfare and well-being of people by expanding the range of affordable transportation, employment, and housing choices through "Live, Work, Play" developments; incorporating physical activity into components of daily life; preserving and enhancing valuable natural resources; providing access to affordable, nutritious, and locally produced foods distributed for less cost; and creating a unique sense of community and place.
Landscape architects help communities maximize opportunities for daily exercise like walking and biking. Landscape architects encourage communities to move towards compact, transit-oriented land-uses by designing Complete Streets and other transportation networks that connect mixed-use developments, neighborhood schools, and a range of affordable housing choices. They assist communities in developing healthy green buildings and open spaces that promote efficient water and energy use and provide substantial amounts of vegetation to clean air and cool temperatures. In doing so, these communities can avoid the expensive health epidemics associated with automobile dependence, sedentary lifestyles, along with the high costs to the environment brought by dysfunctional patterns of living.
PUBLIC HEALTH & COMMUNITY DESIGN
With health epidemics associated with sprawl on the rise, there is growing demand for communities that get people moving and reduce the onslaught of depression, obesity, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. Communities can also be designed to reduce traffic fatalities and crime rates. When communities take these issues seriously, they become people-friendly places that promote healthy living and feel safe and secure.
A recent study from the Victoria Transport Policy Institute demonstrates that people who "drive less, exercise more, and live longer, are generally healthier than residents of communities without high-quality public transportation." Lansdcape architects design multi-modal sustainable transportation infrastructure such as public transit, which force people to walk and climb stairs, and well-lit, tree-lined streets with sidewalks and bike lanes, which enable safe and convenient physical activity. These systems provide healthy alternatives to automobile transportation. In addition, landscape architects create parks, green streets, and even green roofs, which encourage physical activity by making outdoor spaces more attractive, cooler, with cleaner air.
Communities can also invest in healthy green schools built along new and improved transportation infrastructure and connected to neighborhoods via sidewalks, bike trails, transit service, and roadways that provide safe routes to school. Landscape architects design green school campuses with indoor and outdoor learning environments, which are also available for community activities.
In addition, landscape architects work with communities to create urban agriculture projects that provide access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food that is locally produced and distributed. These initiatives make productive use of vacant lots and derelict spaces, transforming them into safe environments for youth education and community interaction. They can provide resources for green hospitals where studies have shown that organic food gardens help patients recover faster.
See the full article at ASLA.org
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We’re one month out from April, which promises to be the busiest National Landscape Architecture Month (NLAM) yet. Last year all 48 of ASLA’s chapters realized the benefits of public outreach during April, participating with a variety of amazing events, and this year will prove no different.
Alaska, for example, will continue with its Garden Design Workshop concept, but will expand it to three cities. Mark Kimerer, ASLA, the chapter’s president, cites the benefits of outreach and NLAM.
“The Garden Design Workshop is an opportunity for local landscape architects and designers to reach out into the community and teach what they know to enthusiastic participants,” he says. “Typically AK ASLA only does one Garden Design Workshop per year. We will be setting a high mark by hosting three in different parts of Alaska. Our toughest challenge will be getting our small membership to be able to cover all the volunteer time in each area. We are up to the challenge and happy this will be a great NLAM in Alaska.”
Partnerships can make the planning easier and help bring notice to your events. The Idaho/Montana chapter is working with the Barber Pool Conservation Area Interpretive Trail Design Workshop to organize an educational trail design charrette involving the National Park Service, the Idaho Foundation of Parks and Lands, and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. This exciting project will provide a rare opportunity to work with students and the local high school environmental education program. The critical design themes will include stewardship and conservation, recreation and being active, landscape and resource management, and community agriculture.
The Prairie Gateway chapter will address tragedy in its community by building a series of rain gardens for Joplin, Missouri, still recovering from a devastating tornado. The work is being done with area nonprofits as part of a grant-funded program through Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center. Student chapters are getting to work, too. University of California–Davis students will create and host a float to display the profession of landscape architecture during its highly visible Picnic Day.
We’re still waiting to hear from chapters so that we can properly publicize NLAM 2012. We have reached millions through media outreach during NLAM, and we need to hear from you now to do it again. Report events using this form and stay tuned for further updates.
04.26.12 and Olmsted’s Birthday
As chapters finish up their NLAM events, landscape architects across the country will drop what they’re doing, 08.17.11-style, for an hour to once again take to the streets. LRSLAstudio has taken the lead, creating an inside-joke poster to recruit landscape architects and allies to participate. Can you best them? Join the competition at www.facebook.com/theunderstory to form a team creating a piece similar to LRSLAstudio’s—the design with the most likes will win T-shirts for everyone on the team to wear on 04.26.12.
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via Brooke Hinrichs, ASLA Library, American Society of Landscape Architects
Dear ASLA Member,
We have just launched a new section of ASLA.org. Books published over the years by Fellows, Full, Associate, Affiliate, Student, and Corporate Members are now available at discounted prices through our ASLA Amazon.com store for both members and the public.
Visit the ASLA Amazon.com Store
Books are organized into seven categories:
Landscape Architecture
Sustainability
Gardens and Gardening
Trees, Plants, and Flowers
Biographies
Urban Planning & Design
Drawing & Design
If you are a member and an author and we’ve missed your book, please let us know as soon as possible. Your book must still be in print, fit into one of these categories, and be available via Amazon.
To be included, please mail one review copy of your book to:
Brooke Hinrichs
ASLA Library
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
636 Eye Street, NW,
Washington, D.C.
20001
Please contact Brooke at 202-216-2354 or bhinrichs@asla.org with any additional questions.
Buying a book through ASLA.org benefits ASLA’s library and educational programs. Please let your colleagues know and buy now to support ASLA.
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via Carolyn G. Mitchell, JobLink Coordinator, American Society of Landscape Architects
Summer internships are an excellent opportunity for students to gain valuable hands-on experience while providing firms with extra help and prospective future employees. ASLA is offering a special JobLink summer internship promotion to its members. During the months of February, March, and April, ASLA members may post one free intern position per firm, agency, or organization. ASLA will target students with email reminders promoting JobLink, informing them about the summer internships to increase the applicant pool.
Here’s what members need to get started:
Whether the challenge is recruiting new employees or searching for new jobs, JobLink is the solution. JobLink offers an exclusive reach to the landscape architecture community with its two primary functions—job postings and résumé postings—making JobLink the best way to recruit top quality candidates for open positions or for individuals to find new positions. As an inexpensive alternative to newspaper ads and other generic online career sites, JobLink provides access to a smaller, more qualified pool of candidates and firms that are actively looking for new talent.
For more information or questions about JobLink or the free internship posting, please contact Carolyn Mitchell at cmitchell@asla.org.
Thank you,
Carolyn
Carolyn G. Mitchell
JobLink Coordinator
American Society of Landscape Architects
636 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-216-2331; Fax: 202-842-0861
www.asla.org
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Each year, the ASLA Professional Awards honor the best in landscape architecture from around the globe, while the ASLA Student Awards give us a glimpse into the future of the profession.
Award recipients receive featured coverage in Landscape Architecture Magazine, the magazine of ASLA, and
in many other design and construction industry and general interest media. Award recipients, their clients,
and advisors will be honored at the awards presentation ceremony during the ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO
in Phoenix, September 28–October 1, 2012.
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In 2011, ASLA successfully worked with federal legislators and other policymakers on a number of issues that benefit landscape architects and their small businesses. As the first session of the 112th Congress concluded, ASLA celebrated a number of legislative victories and set the stage for future policy successes on behalf of the landscape architecture profession.
Economic Recovery for Landscape Architects
One of the most important legislative victories for ASLA came on November 19, 2011, when President Barack Obama signed into law H.R. 674, legislation to repeal the law that required a 3 percent withholding on all payments from federal, state, and local government. With the repeal of this law, businesses, including landscape architecture firms, will not be forced to forfeit 3 percent of all payments received from federal, state, and local governments for services rendered under government contracts. As a member of the Government Withholding Relief Coalition, ASLA worked diligently to repeal this law that would have been onerous for many landscape architecture firms, including restricting the much-needed cash flow of these firms.
In 2011, ASLA also urged the Small Business Administration (SBA) not to increase the cap for gross annual revenues for consideration as a small landscape architecture business for federal government contracting purposes from $7 million to $19 million. With 80 percent of all landscape architecture firms having less than $1 million in gross annual revenue, raising the dollar amount to $19 million for consideration as a small business could severely disadvantage nearly all landscape architecture firms in the country. Currently, SBA is reviewing ASLA’s recommendation not to increase the dollar amount and will respond in the near future.
Transportation Planning and Design
Federal transportation policy was an important priority for ASLA in 2011. ASLA Government Affairs worked diligently to protect and preserve transportation programs critical to landscape architects, including the Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, and Recreational Trails programs, while also advocating for a new federal Complete Streets policy.
In 2011, ASLA staved off several attacks to the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program when U.S. Senators Tom Coburn (OK), John McCain (AZ), and Rand Paul (KY) each offered an amendment to various transportation bills to eliminate or gut the highly successful TE program. During consideration of each of these amendments, ASLA and its grassroots activists urged their senators to reject these amendments and pointed out the myriad of benefits provided by the TE program, including the economic benefits to communities and critical jobs for landscape architects. As a result of these advocacy efforts, the Senate rejected these amendments and left the TE program intact for now.
After years of consistent advocacy efforts by ASLA Government Affairs and the ASLA grass roots, another important legislative victory came on December 14, 2011, when the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously adopted an amendment authored by Senators Mark Begich (AK) and John Thune (SD) to establish a federal Complete Streets policy. Specifically, the Begich/Thune amendment would call on the Secretary of Transportation to “establish standards to ensure that the design of federal surface transportation projects provides for the safe and adequate accommodation, in all phases of project planning, development, and operation, of users of the transportation network, including motorized and nonmotorized users.” Under the amendment, states with their own Complete Streets policies would get a waiver from the federal policy. The Begich/Thune amendment was adopted as part of S. 1950, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act, which is the Senate Commerce Committee’s portion of the reauthorization of the surface transportation law that addresses freight and safety issues. This is the first time that a federal Complete Streets policy has been included in a major piece of federal legislation.
While these are important successes for the landscape architecture profession, ASLA will continue its efforts in 2012 to ensure that the final reauthorization of the surface transportation law includes a federal Complete Streets policy and robust TE, Safe Routes to School, and Recreational Trails programs.
Promoting Green Infrastructure
In the 112th Congress, ASLA Government Affairs continued its work to promote the use of green infrastructure to address a number of national issues, including managing water. In 2011, ASLA submitted 479 case studies on landscape architecture projects that successfully and sustainably manage stormwater to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As EPA prepares to unveil a proposed rule to strengthen the national stormwater program, these projects will demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of using green infrastructure to help manage our nation’s stormwater. To further highlight green infrastructure and landscape architecture design techniques, on May 26, 2011, ASLA hosted more than 60 congressional, administration, and affiliated organization staff for the ASLA congressional briefing, tour, and reception on our award-winning green roof.
ASLA also worked with Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MD) and Senator Tom Udall (NM) to reintroduce the Green Infrastructure for Clean Water Act (H.R. 2030, S. 1115) ( http://www.asla.org/FederalGovernmentAffairs.aspx?id=25688), which would provide assistance to communities that want to employ green infrastructure projects to address their water quality and quantity needs. ASLA is working to gain cosponsors for the measures and move them through the legislative process.
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ASLA has announced the call for presentations for the 2012 Annual Meeting and EXPO, to be held September 28–October 1 in Phoenix at the Phoenix Convention Center. The deadline for education session proposals is January 20, and detailed information is available online.
More than 6,000 attendees are expected, and the meeting will feature a diverse spectrum of industry experts speaking on a wide range of subjects, from sustainable design to active living to best practices and new technologies. More than 130 education sessions and field sessions will be presented during the meeting, providing attendees with the opportunity to earn up to 21 professional development hours under the Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System. Many of the sessions will also qualify for continuing education credit with the Green Building Certification Institute (toward LEED AP credential maintenance), the American Institute of Architects, the American Institute of Certified Planners, and other allied professional organizations and state registration boards.
The 2011 Annual Meeting and EXPO in San Diego featured more than 460 exhibits as well as 135 education sessions for the 5,571 registered attendees—the second-largest attendance in ASLA history. For an overview of the 2011 sessions, see http://www.asla.org/2011meeting/EdOverview.html.
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An open letter from José Almiñana, FASLA, ASLA Professional Awards Jury Chair
The ASLA 2012 awards call for entries is currently accepting submissions for professionals and students. As a jury member and chair, I’ve seen thousands of entries and would like to offer these strategies for success:
Commit to a great submission.
A winning submission takes time. If it is put together quickly at the last minute, it probably will not win. Submissions take twice as long as anticipated; for that reason, do not delay, and allow more time than you think it will take. The more time invested is clearly seen by the jurors and sets your project apart.
Design your presentation.
Treat the submittal like the design of any project. It needs to be clear, concise, and beautiful, yet simple and easy for the jury to digest. Do the drawings and the photographs communicate your concepts and ideas? How do the colors work with the photographs? How do you start the story and how do you end it? The presentation design needs to be as thoughtful as the project. The jury sees many submittals; make sure the jury understands why your submission is worthy of consideration.
Tell your story clearly.
What are the important ideas? Why should this project win? You need to tell the jury clearly through diagrams, narrative, and photographs. Idea and concept drawings are extremely helpful. A concise project description is appreciated. Explain how the goals of the project are resolved through the design. Provide the jury with adequate diagrams to explain your design concept. Locus plans or an overall site aerial view photograph help the jury understand your design concepts immediately.
Hire a professional photographer.
Your work is worthy of great photography. It makes a difference and pays back. Take the time to research and find a good photographer. It is better to have a few great photographs than several insignificant photos. Do not settle for mediocre photographs due to time, money, or ease. Edit the shots, decide which tell the best story, and invest in keeping good images of the work you have spent so much energy to create. If you cannot afford a photographer, make sure your pictures are the highest digital quality.
Get a crit before you submit.
Have a professional peer who is not familiar with the project critique your submittal. Listen carefully to the comments. Is the story clear? Did he or she understand quickly? How would the peer improve the submittal? Take the comments seriously. The jury process is the same as having your peers review the submittal and evaluate your work. Be sure to benefit from a “pre-jury.”
Submit on time.
The most important piece of advice for a successful entry is to submit it on time. The 2012 entry deadlines are:
Entry forms and payment must be received by:
Friday, February 3, 2012, for Professional Awards
Friday, April 27, 2012, for Student Awards.
Submission binders must be received by:
Friday, February 17, 2012, for Professional Awards
Friday, May 11, 2012, for Student Awards.
In need of inspiration? View the ASLA 2011 Professional and Student award-winning projects.
José Almiñana, FASLA
ASLA Professional Awards Jury Chair
Andropogon Associates Ltd.
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Three 2013–2014 vice presidential offices and the office of 2013 president-elect in play.
The following members will comprise the 2012 slate of candidates for the ASLA offices of president-elect; vice president, finance; vice president, membership; and vice president, professional practice. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order by office.
LAND will provide complete election coverage in the coming months, beginning with the publication of the candidates’ election statements in early March. The candidates for president-elect will also be participating in the LAND president-elect candidate forum in April and May, and the text of their speeches to the Board of Trustees and Chapter Presidents Council in mid-May will also appear in LAND.
The vice presidential election will be held during the Board of Trustees midyear meeting on May 11-12, 2012. Voting in the general election for president-elect by the professional membership will open on Monday, May 14, and close at midnight PDT on Wednesday, June 13. The Tellers Committee will convene on Friday, June 22, to review and verify the election results.
The candidates are:
2013 President-Elect
Mark Allen Focht, FASLA
Vaughn B. Rinner, ASLA
2013-2014 VP Finance
David L. Lycke, FASLA
Richard H. Powell, ASLA
2013-2014 VP Membership
Shawn T. Kelly, FASLA
Steven N. Rodie, ASLA
2013-2014 VP Professional Practice
Hunter L. Beckham, ASLA
Annette P. Wilkus, ASLA
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Dear Advocates,
On November 19, President Barack Obama signed into law H.R. 674, legislation to repeal the law that requires a three percent withholding on all payments from federal, state and local government. With the repeal of this law, small businesses, including landscape architecture firms, will not be forced to forfeit three percent of all payments received from federal, state, and local governments for services rendered under government contracts.
The three percent withholding requirement was originally passed in section 511 of the “Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005” (P.L. 109-222), which would have required federal, state, and local governments with more than $100 million in annual expenditures to withhold three percent of their payments for goods and services. As a result of the law, businesses and government entities could have been burdened with restructuring computer systems and training and hiring new accountants and office managers to assist in complying with the new accounting procedures. Moreover, many small businesses, including landscape architecture firms, would have been disadvantaged because the up-front tax withholding would severely restrict cash flow and could disrupt their ability to provide goods and services.
As a member of the Government Withholding Relief Coalition, ASLA has been working diligently to repeal this law that would have been onerous for many landscape architecture firms. Also, thanks to the advocacy efforts of ASLA members and other allied organizations who contacted their legislators, Congress overwhelming supported the legislation to repeal this law, moved it through the legislative process, and onto President Obama for his signature.
Thank you for your continued advocacy efforts.
Roxanne Blackwell
Federal Government Affairs Manager
The American Society of Landscape Architects
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Last year, we only have five top books (see earlier post), but this year we’ve expanded the list. A range of great books came past our desk and any of these may be of interest to your favorite landscape architect. Here are the top ten books of 2011, along with five other notable books:
Landscapes in Landscapes by Piet Oudolf (Monacelli Press, 2011)
In his complex, endlessly interesting landscapes, Oudolf says he prizes form and texture as much as color. He almost exclusively uses perennials, which he values for their “beauty throughout their natural life cycle.” Requiring little maintenance, his naturally sustainable landscapes, which feature drought-resistant plants, evolve over time. As Charles Waldheim, chair of the landscape architecture department at Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD), wrote in The New York Times, “he’s gotten away from the soft pornography of the flower. He’s interested in the life cycle, how plant material ages over the course of a year.” Read the full review.
The Altered Landscape: Photographs of a Changing Environment by Ann M. Wolfe (Editor) (Skira Rizzoli, 2011)
From the book: “This comprehensive look at the work of 100 contemporary photographers captures the impact of human activity on natural landscapes. The Altered Landscape is a provocative collection of photographs representing a wide range of artists, techniques, visual styles, subjects, and ideological positions. Organized chronologically, the more than 150 images-by artists such as Andy Goldsworthy, Chris Jordan, Catherine Opie, and Edward Burtynsky-reveal the ways that individuals and industries have marked, mined, toured, tested, developed, occupied, and exploited landscapes over the last fifty years.”
Field Notes from Science and Nature by Michael R. Canfield (Editor), Edward O. Wilson (Foreword) (Harvard University Press, 2011)
The Los Angeles Times writes: “This gorgeous book reproduces samples from the notebooks of 12 naturalists in all their glory, accompanied by short essays on methodology and why field notes are still so critical to the art of science. These drawings, notes (in spectacular handwriting), photos, and maps are a reminder that natural history is the root of all biology, and observation is a critical skill. George Schaller’s drawings of a lion hunt in the Serengeti, Bernd Heinrich’s delicate drawings of leaves, Kenn Kaufman’s lists, Jonathan Kingdon’s drawings of acacia trees in Kenya, Jenny Keller’s spectacular drawings of moon jellies–these and others make science look not only appealing, fascinating and fun but human and creative as well.
Genius of Life: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted by Justin Martin (Da Capo Press, 2011)
Genius of Place: the Life of Frederick Law Olmsted, a new biography by Justin Martin, illuminates Olmsted’s major achievements as a visionary artist, social reformer, pioneering environmentalist, and founder of the modern profession of landscape architecture. Olmsted is best known for creating several noteworthy landscapes, including New York City’s Central Park. Martin, a journalist who has written two acclaimed biographies on Alan Greenspan and Ralph Nader, paints a portrait of Olmsted as a preeminent American figure, revealing that “as a park maker, environmentalist, and abolitionist, Olmsted helped shape modern America.” Read the full review.
High Line: The Inside Story of New York City’s Park in the Sky by Joshua David and Robert Hammond (Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2011)
The New York Times writes: “This lushly illustrated volume showcases the range of imaginative designs [Joshua David and Robert Hammond] explored and, in some cases, rejected. In recounting their decade-long experiment, they provide an inspiring primer for grass-roots urban planning.” Paul Goldberger at The New Yorker writes: “In this book Robert Hammond and Joshua David, who led the grass-roots movement to rescue the High Line from demolition, tell with energy, passion, and refreshing candor the story of how this industrial artifact became, against all odds, a magnificent park.”
Making Healthy Places: Designing and Building for Health, Well-being, and Sustainability by Andrew Dannenberg (Editor), Howard Frumkin (Editor), and Richard Jackson (Editor) (Island Press, 2011)
Dr. Richard Jackson (see earlier post) and Dr. Howard Frumkin (see earlier post) have been long-time advocates of marrying public health and design. In this book, they offer a how-to that is essential reading for all landscape architects. “The authors have crafted an exemplary look at the various components of community design that promote and support health. Through their perspective we see clearly how much community design matters to our health and well-being; and it matters a lot.” – Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association. Read the full review.
MAPS by Paula Scher (Princeton Architectural Press, 2011)
Map making is not just about creating visual representations of physical spaces, but can also be about documenting impressions and emotions. Paula Scher, a partner at Pentagram and one of the most influential graphic designers of her generation, has a new book that conveys the rich, complex feelings she has for the process of map making itself. As she writes in the introduction, “I began painting maps to invent my own complicated narrative about the way I see and feel about the world. I wanted to list what I know about a place from memory, from impressions, from media, and from general information overload. They are paintings of distortions.” Read the full review.
The New American Landscape: Leading Voices on the Future of Sustainable Gardening by Thomas Christopher (Editor) (Timber Press, 2011)
Instead of exacerbating environmental issues, gardeners must harness the many ecosystem services provided by natural systems and design gardens that support and strengthen local ecologies. This how-to guide clearly demonstrates how gardeners’ sustainable practices can positively shape our shared enviroment. Read the full review.
Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier, and Happier by Edward L. Glaeser (Penguin Press, 2011)
“Edward Glaeser is one of the world’s most brilliant economists, and Triumph of the City is a masterpiece. Seamlessly combining economics and history, he explains why cities are ‘our species’ greatest invention.’ This beautifully written book makes clear how cities have not only survived but thrived, even as modern technology has seemingly made one’s physical location less important.” - Steven D. Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics, professor of economics at the University of Chicago.
The View from Lazy Point: A Natural Year in an Unnatural World by Carl Safina (Henry Holt & Co, 2011)
From the Booklist review: “From his home base, this celebrated scientist and activist travels to places where the impact of climate change and environmental abuse is starkly evident. With the spiral of a year as his structure and with what Einstein termed the ‘circle of compassion’ as his moral compass, MacArthur and Guggenheim fellow Safina illuminates the wondrous intricacy and interconnectedness of life in a book of beautifully modulated patterns and gracefully stated imperatives.”
Other notable books in 2011:
The Agile City: Building Well-being and Wealth in an Era in Climate Change by James Russell (Island Press, 2011)
Gateway: Visions for an Urban National Park by Alexander Brash (editor), Jaime Hand (editor), Kate Orff (editor) (Princeton Architectural Press, 2011)
Pulled: A Catalog of Screen Printing by Mike Perry (Princeton Architectural Press, 2011)
Small, Gritty, and Green: The Promise of America’s Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-carbon World by Catherine Tumber (The MIT Press)
Urban Green: Architecture for the Future by Neil Chambers (Palgrave MacMillan, 2011)
In addition, check out a few other best book lists: Planetizen offers their top 10 planning books for 2011. The University of Cambridge compiled a list of the top 50 books on sustainability.
Lastly, these “painstakingly hand-printed” t-shirts of some great U.S. cities by City Fabric aren’t books but they make great presents.
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via LAND E-News from ASLA Nationals
With the Board of Trustees approval, ASLA is encouraging all licensed landscape architects to use the post-nominal letters “PLA” after their names. As an abbreviation of the title “professional landscape architect,” it will better enable potential clients and the general public to identify licensed practitioners. It will also provide consistent recognition for the landscape architecture profession across the nation.
Why PLA? To truly establish a designation that can be used universally, it is necessary to avoid words that have specific legal meanings, like the terms registration and licensure. While these terms are often used interchangeably, in reality each has a distinct meaning in the realm of professional regulation. Like the PE designation for engineering, PLA can be used in any jurisdiction where a landscape architect is duly licensed. Most important, the use of PLA can raise the profile of landscape architecture by creating a universally recognized symbol for licensed landscape architects.
The use of PLA by landscape architects is intended as a customary designation, just as similar abbreviations are used today. No legislative changes or rule development for state licensing is necessary, given that it falls under current title restriction provisions that restrict the use of any title (or abbreviation) that indicates the individual is a landscape architect. Further, no state law or regulation assigns specific post-nominal letters that licensed landscape architects must use.
The development of this policy and the discussion of this issue have raised many questions, particularly regarding how such a designation interacts with licensure laws. For more information, see below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did ASLA adopt this policy?
There is currently no uniform way for a licensed landscape architect to indicate that he/she is licensed. Many use PLA, RLA, LLA, or LA to signify licensure. The lack of a consistent post-nominal abbreviation makes it more difficult for potential clients and the general public to identify a licensed practitioner.
Why did ASLA choose PLA?
State laws and regulations use different terms to denote professional regulation of landscape architects, with many using licensure, others using registration, and several using both. These terms were originally intended to signify different levels of regulation; however, common usage has blurred these definitions for the design professions so that licensure and registration are often used interchangeably. The ASLA Licensure Committee chose PLA for two reasons. First, PLA does not conflict with the existing legal terminology (licensure and registration), thereby allowing for universal usage. States that use registration or licensure may not be comfortable with its licensees using the other term, making PLA a neutral designation that can apply to both terms. Second, PLA is consistent with existing post-nominal abbreviations for related disciplines, such as engineering (PE) and land surveying (PLS).
How would the use of PLA affect existing licensure laws and regulations?
State laws are written to ensure that only qualified individuals hold themselves out as landscape architects. Laws typically reserve “landscape architect” and “landscape architecture” for licensees and sometimes include restrictions on other titles, such as “registered landscape architect” or “licensed landscape architect.” Further, the title protection provisions prohibit any unlicensed individual from in any way holding himself or herself out to practice landscape architecture, which includes abbreviations and other derivations of the term landscape architect. At the present time, no state law or regulation assigns specific post-nominal letters that licensed landscape architects must use. States may be interested in changing rules to specify that the use of PLA (professional landscape architect) is restricted, but it is not necessary because existing language covers use of all iterations of “landscape architect.”
My state uses RLA on its stamp. Can I use PLA?
Yes. The post-nominal abbreviation PLA is intended as a customary designation to identify oneself as a landscape architect with a valid license/registration. As long as the individual has a valid license in the state, that licensee can use PLA after his/her name to signify licensure. The state could choose to change its rules and stamp design to be consistent with PLA, but it is not necessary, and ASLA does not intend to advocate for such changes. It is important to note that a landscape architect should always follow the state specifications for the official stamp.
What is the responsibility of the landscape architect?
As the PLA designation is intended to signify licensure, it is the responsibility of licensees who use PLA to remain in compliance with their respective licensure requirements and only to use the designation in jurisdictions where they have a valid license. Those who are unlicensed should never use PLA.
What is the responsibility of the licensing board?
Because the use of PLA would signify licensure, the existing title restriction provisions will provide the authority for state licensing boards to take enforcement action in the same way that they can currently enforce the use of the title landscape architect by those who are not licensed. In keeping with existing title restriction provisions, state licensure boards alone have the authority to ensure that only individuals with a valid license hold themselves out as landscape architects, including the use of PLA.
How does this policy affect the ASLA designation?
The ASLA designation will continue to denote that the individual has met the qualifications of membership in the Society and has a membership in good standing. PLA does not replace ASLA as a designation, but establishes a supplementary designation that can be recognized by all to signify licensure (e.g., Jane J. Smith, ASLA, PLA).
I am not a member of ASLA. Can I use PLA?
Yes. ASLA intends for the PLA designation to be open to all licensed landscape architects. Otherwise, it could not truly become a universally recognized designation for clients and the general public to identify licensed landscape architects.
Questions?
Contact ASLA Government Affairs Director Julia Lent at jlent@asla.org.
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"Instead of a lofty discussion on the merits of different prerequisites and credits, Jose Alminana, FASLA, Andropogon, Angela Dye, FASLA, A. DYE Design, Hunter Beckham, ASLA, SWT Design, and Sarah Weidner Astheimer, ASLA, james corner field operations, launched into the practical challenges and rewards involved in applying the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) to new and existing projects and steering the first pilot projects through the submittal and certification process. In fact, Beckham and Astheimer are now neck and neck, having moved past the first submittal process and now heading towards the final submittal and certification, meaning one will be the first SITES-certified project.
Alminana said that 157 pilot projects in 34 U.S. States, Iceland, Canada, and Spain are registered and moving through the submittal and certification process, with 9 projects already in the preliminary submittal process. Projects clearing the preliminary review move to final review and then are set at one of the four levels: 1-4 stars. He said landscape architects testing out SITES view the initiative as valuable because it “adds clarity and vigor to technical content.”
Now, the SITES team is also reviewing feedback from the pilot projects to determine the “accuracy and fairness of the credits weights, their applicability to diverse project types, and how challenging or rewarding certification levels are.”
A wide variety of projects are moving forward. Some 65 percent of projects are greyfield redevelopments, while another 15 percent are brownfields. There are lots of sizes, from less than one acre to up to 500 acres. Alminana said the guidelines will be available as a stand-alone rating system, or can simply be used as voluntary guidelines. SITES is being incorporated into LEED through updated credits, and the U.S. Green Building Council and SITES founding partners are also working out how SITES certified projects will be treated in the LEED systems. Pilot testing will continue through 2013. When that process ends, the reference guide will be revised and presented. “This is freeware for all.” (see earlier post on the progress of SITES).
A Few Projects Testing out SITES
The Novus International headquarters, a 9.5-acre site outside St. Louis, is part of a University of Missouri research park, and has already made its way through the preliminary submittal process. Beckham, the landscape architect on the project, said “they want everything in SITES in their project so I got lucky.” The building, which is LEED Platinum, is now surrounded by active design elements, including a running loop, biomimetic dedsign features, and vegetable gardens. More importantly, Beckham mapped out the nine different habitats in the region and developed a plan and set of design proposals to incorporate those into the site. To accomplish SITES pre-requisite 2.1, the pre-design assessment, Beckham basically incorporated all these ideas into his client pitch, introducing all the concepts from the get-go. To match the LEED platinum building, Beckham is aiming for SITES 4-stars.
Shelby Farms Park, a massive 4,000-acre park less than 6 kilometers from Memphis, is one of the major projects of james corner field operations, and has already gone through the preliminary submittal process. Astheimer said the master plan’s goal is to create a “major public space and destination, along with a model of sustainable design.” One of the first projects, the 4.5-acre Woodland Discovery Center, is already done. Astheimer said Corner’s firm used this project because we “wanted to test ourselves” against the benchmarks and guidelines. The site include mature oaks surrounded by invasive Chinese species. An adjacent forest provides a frame for a series of “play rooms or nests.” There’s a “rich set of play experiences tailored to different children’s needs.”
Shoemaker Green, a yard and plaza on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia, provides 3.85 acres of new open space, passive recreation as well as six tennis courts. It’s surrounded by buildings and has an innovative on-site water reuse program with zero runoff. There are “very intensive uses on the site” — some 57,000 participate in annual relays every spring. For Alminana at Andropogon, another key goal is zero-waste. “Every cubic inch of material on site was reused.”
The Tempe Transportation Center in Tempe, Arizona, was a 2-acre employee parking lot. Constructed between 2006 and 2008, the project is close to downtown, and across from Arizona State University dorms. Suited to SITES, it displaced parking, includes a vegetated green roof (one of the first in the desert), shaded areas for “respite,” a 3-story mixed-use building, and bike station with valet, repair, and lockers. The site is also of great historic significance to the local native American community: the city found that the location of the transportation center was a burial ground sacred to the Hohokam. Archeological investigations were blessed by tribal elders. Remains found by the city were removed and are being inventoried, with the goal of eventually returning them to the tribe.
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via Julia Lent, Government Affairs Director, American Society of Landscape Architects:
The Advocacy Summit is now taking to the web! In August, we announced that we will be holding quarterly webinars to give Advocacy Summiteers the opportunity to get the latest information on advocacy strategies and events as well as a chance to share what is happening in your chapter. Originally, the plan was to hold the first webinar today, but let’s just say that events conspired against us, so the first Advocacy E-Summit will be held Thursday, October 20 at 2pm ET – 1pm CT – Noon MT – 11am PT – 10am AK – 9am HI.
As you may recall, the suggestion for these webinars was given at the Summit. If you have a specific topic that you would like to address, a question to ask, or a success story to share please let us know!
Homework: To help organize the agenda for the E-Summit, please fill out this short 5-question survey, which can gauge progress and feedback on many of the topics we discussed in July: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AdvocacyQuarterly. Please complete the survey by COB October 14.
Webinar Login information:
Topic: ASLA Advocacy E-Summit
Date: Thursday, October 20, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
Meeting Number: 595 604 174 (This meeting does not require a password.)
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via ASLA Nationals:
ASLA ANNOUNCES 2011 PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
Thirty-seven projects honored for innovation, design and sustainability.
9/28/2011
Washington, D.C., September 28, 2011 – The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has announced the winners of the 2011 Professional Awards. The awards honor the top public places, residential designs, campuses, parks and urban planning projects from across the U.S. and around the world. High-resolution images and full project information can be viewed at www.asla.org/2011awards.
The jury of leading design experts considered 567 entries and selected 37 winners in the categories of General Design, Residential Design, Analysis and Planning, Communications, Research and the Landmark Award. In addition to the quality of the design, the jury also weighed the environmental sensitivity and sustainability of each project. The October issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine features the winning projects. Winners will be honored at the ASLA Annual Meeting and EXPO in San Diego on Wednesday, November 2. The upcoming ceremony and awards video are sponsored by Firestone Specialty Products.
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Here's a first take at what happened on 08.17.11 and it's pretty amazing so far. Anecdotally we've heard that, at some of the events, many participants were non-member landscape architects. It also went international!
Created and distributed 25,000+ pieces of collateral material to chapters across the country, including 120 campaign t-shirts sold online.
Early Testimonials – Campaign:
Twitter: Yes and love ASLA's campaign to promote profession - time for the same in the UK @Thirlwall_Assoc @landarchitects
Facebook: Lets do this! Just posted on NGA's website
http://www.facebook.com/TheUnderstory/posts/134022080023908
Facebook: We are so participating in 8-17-11. What an amzing idea.
http://www.facebook.com/TheUnderstory/posts/197266816994724
Facebook:
Joe Clancy: Found out about this too late, would have loved to had organized something with a couple friends!
The Understory: It's not too late to find some chalk and a street corner!
Joe Clancy: You know what your right, i'm gonna tag my town square, i'll post a photo tomorrow.
http://twitter.com/#!/NV_ASLA/status/103884788775141376
Early Testimonials -- Web
http://twitter.com/#!/vinceclortho/status/103568137278062592
Media
Here's an initial look at media. A pretty full list is below, but here are a few select highlights first.
http://manhattan.ny1.com/content/top_stories/145269/landscape-architects-share-knowhow-by-penn-station
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/08/16/minneapolis-to-use-floating-islands-to-clean-up-sick-lake/
http://www.wday.com/event/article/id/50619/group/homepage/
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?list=~%5Chome%5Clists%5Csearch&id=652982
http://www.blackhillsfox.com/2011/08/17/Architects-build-understanding-in-Rapid-City
http://www.criticalmention.com/report/12957x230892.htm
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-bushnell-plaza-landscape-architect20110817,0,6211081.story
Rest of Media Below:
http://kstp.com/news/stories/S2244999.shtml?cat=1 (video not currently working)
http://www.wday.com/event/article/id/50619/group/homepage/
http://inhabitat.com/floating-islands-will-restore-life-to-minnesotas-spring-lake/
http://www.courant.com/business/hc-bushnell-plaza-landscape-architect20110817,0,6211081.story
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110818/NEWS06/108180319/-1/RSS13
http://www.startribune.com/local/minneapolis/127980188.html
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/homegarden/127617988.html
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20110817/APN/1108170614?Title=Charleston-landscape-architects-talk-environment&tc=ar
http://www.live5news.com/story/15280749/charleston-landscape-architects-talk-environment
http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20110817/APN/1108170614?tc=ar
http://www.abcnews4.com/story/15280903/charleston-landscape-architects-talk-environment
http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/08/17/2337492/coastal-business-hospital-picks.html
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/aug/18/coffee-break-evolve-joins-loan-program/
http://drystonegarden.com/index.php/2011/08/l-a-graffiti-day/
http://www.ajc.com/news/county-by-county-news-1111263.html?cxtype=rss_news
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/11709/breakfast-links-suburban-traffic-engineer-follies/
http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/55229/081711_Sacramento_Landscape_Architects_Join_National_Awareness_Movement
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/2011/08/16/watch-out-for-guerilla-landscape-architects-tomorrow/
http://www.capitalcityweekly.com/stories/081711/cal_872659433.shtml
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2011/08/16/artificial-islands-work-to-clean-up-polluted-spring-lake/
http://www.djc.com/news/ae/12032259.html
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/330780/
http://savannahnow.com/exchange/2011-08-16/gathering-honor-landscape-architectsclermont-lee
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_818e3384-c6f8-11e0-8e2f-001cc4c03286.html
http://baltimorerealestate.citybizlist.com/1/2011/8/11/Mahan-Rykiel-to-Participate-in-National-Understory-Day-on-817.aspx
http://cdacity.blogspot.com/2011/08/first-city-park-designed-by-landscape.html
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/news19966.html
http://www.erosioncontrol.com/the-latest/minneapolis-floating-islands.aspx
http://landmarkwest.blogspot.com/2011/08/landscape-architecture-is-designing.html
Executive Vice President/CEO
American Society of Landscape Architects
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via LAND e-news from ASLA:
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via LAND e-news from ASLA:
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ASLA Oregon needs your help!
Do you have one hour to volunteer for your profession?
The world needs to know about Landscape Architecture, and 08.17.11 is the day it all begins.
Check out this Google Map of 08.17.11 Events nationwide!
What if, for just one day, we all decided to let everyone know what the heck landscape architects do. That we create the very places used to live, work, and play. That we connect cities. That we create experience. That Landscape Architecture is your environment, designed.
08.17.11 is that day. It’s the day the profession reintroduces itself to public. It’s the day where, for only your time spent during lunch, you’ll join the beginning of a new nationwide movement – a movement to step out of the Understory and tell your story to the world.
In Portland, landscape architects will be at Pioneer Courthouse Square from 12-1pm on August 17th to spread the word. Please join us - you'll get a free t-shirt and the satisfaction of helping build your profession.
Interested? Email christopher@kochla.com for more information about the Portland event, and check out The Understory on Facebook for general information.
FREE T-SHIRT front
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FREE T-SHIRT back
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via LAND E-NEWS from ASLA:
The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) has announced changes to the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE). The changes expected to take effect in late 2012 result from the recent task analysis research, advancements in testing technology, and evolution of the marketplace. The changes to the exam will include the following:
CLARB encourages candidates now in the exam process to complete all sections of the current exam by the June 2012 administration to ensure that they receive credit for sections they have passed. The LARE Transition Chart identifies the ways that the existing exam sections will transition to the new exam. CLARB staff is ready to assist candidates through the transition process and to help them develop a plan for completing the exams and obtaining initial licensure prior to the transition.
Prospective licensees are encouraged to begin the exam process as soon as possible as there is ample time to complete all sections prior to transitioning to the new exam in late 2012. Completing all sections by June 2012 will also result in savings to the candidate, because the per-section cost of the new exam will increase as total costs are spread across four sections instead of five.
CLARB has developed a website to provide candidates with information to assist them in completing the current exam and to better understand the process of transition to the new exam. Candidates will find resources including a set of frequently asked questions, the transition chart, and an administration timeline for the current and new exams.
ASLA and CLARB are working together to ensure candidates have access to timely and relevant information regarding the exam and licensure process. The ASLA LARE Prep webpage will provide updated information throughout this transition, including links to the CLARB resources.
For additional information on the LARE, please contact CLARB at 571-432-0332 or visit their website at www.clarb.org.
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Over the next several weeks, President-Elect Susan Hatchell, FASLA, will be considering appointments for committee service during her term as ASLA president (November 3, 2011–October 1, 2012). To volunteer for service on one or more of the committees listed below, please contact Mary Hanson by Friday, August 12, 2011, indicating the group(s) of interest to you. A few brief comments on your interests and experience would be helpful as well, but professional commitment and the desire to contribute through ASLA committee service is all that is required.
ASLA committees support Board of Trustees-approved programmatic objectives by: (1) performing specific functions, e.g., the Professional Practice Committee is charged with reviewing and providing input on ASLA professional products, programs, and services; or (2) providing member expertise and input on issues and programs, e.g., the Government Affairs Advisory Committee provides member input on issues that affect the profession and helps determine ASLA’s legislative priorities.
Committee chairs direct the activities of the group in coordination with staff and in accordance with the board-approved Annual Operating Plan and the committee charge. Staff are responsible for coordinating committee activities, including committee communications, and work with the chairs to set agendas. The frequency of committee conference calls, meetings, and correspondence depends on the nature of the work. The ASLA national officers serve as Executive Committee liaisons and are available to assist chairs and committees as needed. Terms range from one to three years and begin and end when the president assumes office at the conclusion of the annual meeting.
Annual Meeting Education Advisory Committee
The committee makes recommendations to staff for invited continuing education sessions, and reviews and evaluates submissions to the annual meeting call for presentations. Terms are for three years and are staggered to maintain continuity. The committee has one meeting, usually in Washington, D.C., late in the year, and meets by conference call as needed.
Archives and Collections Committee
The Archives and Collections Committee provides member input and works with staff on maintenance of and access to the Society's official records and archives. Terms are for one year and members are often reappointed to maintain project continuity. The committee corresponds via email and meets monthly via conference call and at the annual meeting.
Audit Committee
The committee oversees the Society’s annual audit and provides independent oversight of its finances, internal control procedures, and accounting, reporting, and compliance practices. Members are limited to chapter trustees, members of the Finance and Investments Committee, and one financial expert who may or may not be an ASLA member. Terms are for two years and staggered and outgoing members are not eligible for reappointment for at least three years. The committee meets at midyear, at the annual meeting, and via conference call as required.
Committee on Education (COE)
The Committee on Education advises the Board of Trustees on issues relating to education policy, accreditation, program support, enrollments, and employment trends. Appointments are for two years and staggered to provide continuity. COE meets during the ASLA Annual Meeting and monthly by conference call.
Constitution and Bylaws Committee
The committee maintains and interprets the ASLA Constitution and Bylaws and Administrative Policies, advises the Board of Trustees on matters of governance and policy, and assists sponsors of proposed amendments. Terms are for three years and are staggered to maintain continuity. The committee corresponds via email and meets via conference call as frequently as business demands.
Emerging Professionals Committee
The committee provides member review and input on Student, Student Affiliate, and Associate Member programs and services; promotion of the benefits of ASLA membership; and communication with and among all emerging professionals, ASLA chapters, and student chapters. Terms are for one year, and the committee meets at least quarterly by conference call and at the annual meeting.
Ethics Committee
Members must be individuals who are extremely thorough and discreet in their committee work. The committee receives and processes complaints, recommends code amendments to the Board of Trustees, and educates members about ethics issues. Appointments are for three years and staggered to ensure continuity. The committee corresponds via email, and meets via conference call as often as needed and during the annual meeting.
Finance and Investments Committee
The Finance and Investments Committee advises the Board of Trustees on matters concerning ASLA's financial management. Members must be skilled in business practices and informed about ASLA's financial status and condition. Terms are for three years and staggered to provide continuity. The committee meets monthly by conference call and at the annual meeting.
Government Affairs Advisory Committee
The committee provides member review and input on issues that affect the profession and helps determine ASLA's federal legislative priorities. Terms are for two years and staggered for continuity. The committee corresponds via email, and meets monthly via conference call and at the annual meeting.
Honors and Awards Advisory Committee
The committee recommends the slate of jurors for the professional and student awards programs and reviews and makes recommendations for updating or altering, when necessary, all of ASLA's awards and honors programs. Terms are for two years and staggered to provide continuity. The committee meets via conference call as needed. During their term of service, members of the Honors and Awards Advisory Committee and their firms/organizations/agencies may not be considered for the medal awards, Firm Award, or Community Service Award.
Landscape Architecture Magazine (LAM) Editorial Advisory Committee
Committee members provide the editor with ongoing intelligence from landscape architecture practice and education to help maximize the magazine’s editorial relevance to the profession. Members serve two-year terms that are staggered to maintain continuity. The committee meets monthly by conference call and during the annual meeting.
Leadership Development Committee
Committee members develop, implement, and monitor plans to identify potential and emerging leaders with attention to diversity of practice type, gender, and ethnicity; and develop, implement, and monitor plans to encourage participation and guide development through the leadership ladder of ASLA. Appointments are for one year and the committee meets via conference call three to four times a year.
Licensure Committee
The Licensure Committee provides member review and input on current and developing licensure advocacy materials and national and chapter outreach efforts. Terms are for two years and staggered for continuity. The committee corresponds via email, and meets monthly via conference call and at the annual meeting.
Licensure LARE (Landscape Architecture Registration Examination) Prep Subcommittee
The LARE Prep Subcommittee develops resources and materials in support of those preparing to take the licensure exam and assists ASLA chapters in promoting the benefits of licensure, offering LARE review workshops, and otherwise mentoring exam candidates. Appointments are for one year. The subcommittee corresponds by email, and meets monthly via conference call and at the annual meeting.
Member Services Committee
Committee members advise the staff and leadership on member recruitment and retention efforts; new programs and services for ASLA members and chapters; and professional membership qualifications, admission procedures, and privileges. Appointments are for one year, and the committee meets at least quarterly by conference call and during the annual meeting.
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee formulates ASLA policy on matters of professional interest and concern and regularly reviews and updates ASLA public policy statements. Terms are for two years and staggered to maintain continuity. The committee meets by conference call as frequently as business demands and at the annual meeting. There is a significant amount of work conducted via Internet research and email correspondence.
Professional Practice Committee (PPC)
The committee provides member review and input on specific practice needs and ASLA products, programs, and services. Appointments are for one year. PPC subcommittees include Specifications Review; Business Owners Support, including standard form contract development; Construction Administration; Professional Practice Academics; and Building Information Modeling. The subgroups conduct a significant amount of work via email and by conference call. The full committee meets quarterly by conference call and at the annual meeting.
Public Practice Advisory Committee
Committee members advise leadership and staff on strategies and programs to increase public practitioners’ interest and participation in ASLA and facilitate communication among all practitioners in the public sector. Appointments are for one year, and the committee meets monthly by conference call and during the annual meeting.
Public Relations and Communications Advisory Committee
The committee advises staff on development, implementation, and evaluation of media relations strategies, publicity materials, and outreach activities; helps identify members with expertise in various issue and practice areas to represent the profession to the media; and provides member review and input on ASLA web resources and electronic communications. Terms are for one year, and the committee meets at least quarterly by conference call and during the annual meeting.
in National
via Michael Cowden, ASLA Nationals Public Relations and Communications Coordinator
Keeping the ball rolling with 08.17.11 > check out this Google Map of Nationwide Public Awareness Events!
in National
June 22nd You Can’t Do It Alone: Campaign Recruitment Webinar
The focus of this webinar for the Public Awareness Campaign is “Who are we targeting?â€
This program aims to rally landscape architects together to become more engaged in promoting the profession to the public. It is also aimed at recruiting help from your own section and coordinating activities with other sections throughout your state. Even forming a committee made up of state-wide members or non-ASLA members would be an excellent promotional tool.
• There are two phases for the Public Awareness Campaign. The first phase is the “08.17.11. The Understory†which is specifically designed to recruit participants in the launch activities. The second phase is public outreach with a message of “Landscape Architecture. Your Environment. Designed.â€
• The Public Awareness Campaign has designed recruitment posters to generate excitement and create a buzz for landscape architecture to be launched on 8-17-11. These will be made available to ASLA chapters and landscape architecture or other design professional firms to download next week.
• Simple events will be planned with the intent of engaging all landscape architects to work together to more actively promote what landscape architects really do.
• Networking media such as Twitter and Facebook will be used to orchestrate and report on this campaign. Mapping tools such as Google Earth will use a national map to show how each state has a Public Awareness Advocate working together to develop higher visibility and innovative marketing tools for the profession.
• Stay tuned for how you can show and tell your understory on 08-17.11 very soon.
