ASLA Oregon

May 31, 2013 Edit

in News

May 2013 Newswire

April 7, 2013 Edit

in News

The Fields Park Grand Opening

via Portland Parks and Recreation

Portland Parks & Recreation and the Portland Development Commission, along with our valued community partners, invite you to join us on Friday, May 17, 2013, at 12:00 pm for the grand opening of The Fields Park. The celebration will be highlighted by appearances by City and community leaders, a musical performance and art exhibit by neighborhood school children, light refreshments, and much more! The Fields, the newest park in the Rose City, is scheduled to open to the public on May 6. It is located in northwest Portland on NW 10th Ave. and Overton.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Design and construct a new neighborhood park in northwest Portland.

Project Partners
Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Development Commission, Pearl District Neighborhood Association

Project Advisory Committee (PAC)
Keith Thomajan, Patricia Gardner, Lisa Hamilton, Anita Kissee-Wilder, Catherine Levi, Steve Pinger, Linda Salinsky, Jillian Smith, Steve Young

PROJECT SCHEDULE
March 2012 - March 2013: Construction
May 6, 2013: Park opening to the public
May 17, 2013: Opening Celebration

PROJECT BACKGROUND
This is the third park that was outlined in the Portland River District Park System Urban Design Framework Study (January 2001). The study included planning and design concepts for four parks within the Urban renewal Area (URA) located between NW 10 and 11 Avenues, beginning at NW Johnson. The four parks include Jamison Square (completed 2002), Tanner Springs (completed 2005), The Fields (to be completed 2008), and a potential Riverfront Park. The Fields is situated within the Hoyt Street Yards portion of the Pearl District Neighborhood Association (PDNA).

In the early 1900s, the Pearl District was a major industrial and transportation hub of Portland, with extensive rail yards, warehousing, and manufacturing facilities. In the 1950s, many industrial activities were relocated as transportation patterns shifted from water and rail to surface transit on interstate highways and air. The low rents that soon followed created spaces for artists and small businesses.

The Pearl District of today began in the early 1980s with extensive planning efforts to convert warehouses and rail yards into mixed use development. Pearl District redevelopment gained momentum in the 1990s which resulted in urban mixed use with multi-family residential buildings, offices, and a broad range of retail shops and services

March 17, 2013 Edit

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ASLA Year of Public Service

via Phil Stamper
Public Relations & Communications Coordinator
American Society of Landscape Architects

It’s time to bring all your good work to light. As you may know, the ASLA public awareness campaign has made 2013 the Year of Public Service. The goal is to highlight the wide-reaching public service activities performed by landscape architects and landscape architecture students in an attempt to advocate for a deeper commitment by all to community service. Learn more about the initiative on the YPS2013 web site.

ASLA invites all current members to submit 2013 projects. Selected projects will be highlighted in the campaign’s website and outreach materials. Descriptions, quotes, and multimedia content may be used – with proper credit – on the YPS2013 website, blog and The Understory Facebook page.

You can start your own project or reach out to your local ASLA Chapter and join an existing project. For a project you’ve already started or participated in, simply go to the YPS2013 web site and click “Submit Project.” A pre-populated email will pop up, requesting information. Projects initiated in previous years are fine to submit, as long as some major aspect of the project occurs in 2013.

Your ASLA Chapter may be able to provide access to other projects, too. ASLA and the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program have boosted their ongoing collaborative partnership to celebrate the Year of Public Service. Under this partnership, ASLA’s local chapters can volunteer in their communities to help NPS RTCA, providing technical assistance for such outdoor resources as trails, bike paths, and other recreational facilities. Review those identified for 2013 here.

We hope to have a wealth of projects led by students, members and our chapters on the blog and website by the end of YPS2013. Spread the word to anyone else who may be interested.

Contact Phil Stamper at pstamper@asla.org with any questions related to the Year of Public Service. Join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #YPS2013.

Download PDF Flyer for More Information

March 10, 2013 Edit

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Halprin's Portland Plazas Listed in N.R.H.P.

via Steven Koch, Koch Landscape Architecture

The innovative series of downtown Portland fountain plazas by world-renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places, according to the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office.

Known individually as Keller Fountain, Pettygrove Park, Lovejoy Fountain, and the Source Fountain, the public plazas are located between SW Clay and Lincoln streets and First and Fourth Avenues and are connected by a system of pedestrian walkways. They are collectively called the “Portland Open Space Sequence.”

“Portland is well-known for the 1970s and 1980s transformation of its downtown with great public spaces like Waterfront Park and Pioneer Courthouse Square,” said Randy Gragg, president of the Halprin Landscape Conservancy, the initiators of the nomination. “But it was Halprin’s fountain plazas of the 1960s that first made downtown safe for fun.”

A winner of the Presidential Medal of the Arts and other honors, Halprin and members of his firm, Lawrence Halprin and Associates, designed the plazas from 1963-1970 as the heart of the city’s first urban renewal district, known as the South Auditorium District. Their unprecedented sculptural wedding of public space, water, and references to the natural landscape turned the plazas into instant people magnets, luring investment and laying the groundwork for Portland’s unique urban renewal policies for decades to come, according to the nomination’s proponents.

“Nearly forty-three years after the late architecture critic Ada Louise Huxtable declared that it ‘may be one of the most important urban spaces since the Renaissance’, this defining achievement in Halprin's extraordinary career has been deservedly recognized by inclusion in the National Register,” said Charles A. Birnbaum, president and founder of The Cultural Landscape Foundation in Washington, D.C

Halprin’s ideas about nature, movement and social interaction transformed the American urban landscape and influenced a generation of designers. Halprin designed important urban projects such as the Century 21 World’s Fair site in Seattle; Sproul Plaza at the University of California-Berkeley; Ghirardelli Square and Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco; Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis; Heritage Park Plaza in Fort Worth, Texas; the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial in Washington, D.C.; and the Walter and Elise Haas Promenade in Jerusalem.

As these plazas approach 50 years of age, the Halprin Landscape Conservancy, nearby property owners and the City of Portland have initiated a public-private stewardship program that has already resulted in tree-thinning, new lighting, and repairs to the iconic shelter designed by Halprin associate Charles Moore at Lovejoy Fountain. This spring, the conservancy will launch a plan for additional restoration and ongoing enhanced maintenance.

The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. More information about the National Register and recent Oregon listings is online at www.oregonheritage.org (click on “National Register” at left of page).

Other information:

National Register nomination link
http://www.oregon.gov/oprd/HCD/NATREG/pages/nrhp_recent_nominations.aspx

Oral history of Halprin by The Cultural Landscape Foundation
http://tclf.org/oral-history/lawrence-halprin

Halprin Landscape Conservancy website link www.halprinlc.org

February 4, 2013 Edit

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Summary of ASLA National News

What's up at ASLA? Check it out!

ASLA National News

January 17, 2013 Edit

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U of O Professor Published

via Marti Gerdes, U of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts

A University of Oregon professor has coauthored an article in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on how cultural and aesthetic experiences factor in policy- and decision-analysis. Professor Robert Ribe is director of the UO Institute for a Sustainable Environment and director of master’s studies in the Department of Landscape Architecture. The article discusses the capacity of wildland, rural and urban landscapes to provide pleasant, therapeutic, spiritual and culturally enriching aesthetic experiences. The article also analyzes how human interactions with these landscapes can support individual and collective behaviors that sustain other ecosystem services.

Full Article

December 18, 2012 Edit

in News

2013 Symposium Call for Sessions

via Kurt Lango, Oregon ASLA Chapter President

The Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects is seeking presenters for its annual
symposium on June 15th, 2013 in Portland, Oregon.

The theme of the 2013 symposium is “The Nature of Space”. The nature of space is fundamental to how we
design, interpret and plan living environments. This symposium seeks to address current trends, issues and
research on transformative spaces, adaptive reuse, spatial planning in landscape ecology, urban interventions
and evolving issues related to how we perceive and interact with the environment.

The symposium includes three session timeslots, with two concurrent sessions during each timeslot for a total
of six potential sessions. ASLA Oregon is seeking 90‐ minute sessions that explore this theme using a variety of
formats: panel discussions, presentations, interactive dialogues. Multi‐disciplinary sessions are encouraged,
but not required.

Continuing education credits will be pursued. Session rooms will be equipped with projection equipment, and
are set up lecture‐style. Presenters are provided complementary symposium registration.
For questions, contact the Sessions Organizer, Melinda Graham, President‐Elect, Oregon ASLA at
mgraham@2inkstudio.com

Please use the following fillable session proposal form. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you!

Session proposals are DUE 5:00 p.m. January 21, 2013 to mgraham@2inkstudio.com

2013 Session Proposal Form

December 18, 2012 Edit

in News

UO A&AA Recruitment Fair - coming soon!

via Pam Macki

Greetings!

Time is flying by, and our A&AA Recruitment Fair is coming up soon: Thursday, February 28, 2013. We want to invite you to join us at this active and fun event - take this opportunity to connect with our talented students and share your opportunities for career positions, internships and mentoring. The Recruitment Fair will be held in Lawrence Hall at the center of activity in the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts.

Here are some highlights:
Set up starts at 10 and we will break down at 4:30.
Morning coffee & snacks and lunch are provided
You have the option to interview candidates either Thursday or Friday
Special Info sessions are also an option
Sliding fees accommodate non-profits and small entrepreneurs
Limited space assures high visibility so register early!

Here is a link to the registration site, with more details: https://oregon.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6DSSxZGVwbcwDmR

Please join us - meet the students and make some connections for a great future! We look forward to seeing you. If this event is not a good fit for you, feel free to share it with colleagues who may be interested in participating. Contact me if you have any questions or need further information.

Best regards,

Pam Macki
Internship Coordinator, Office of Professional Outreach and Development for Students (PODS)
UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts
phone: 541.514.7570
email: pmacki@uoregon.edu

October 23, 2012 Edit

in News

2012 Design Awards Winners

Visit the Design Awards Homepage for More Information

ASLA OREGON DESIGN AWARDS
2012 PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

	Harborside Fountain Park - Bremerton, WA    Walker Macy    Merit Award    General Design
	Simon and Helen Director Park - Portland, OR    ZGF/Olin    Merit Award    General Design
	Hoke Residence - Portland, OR    2.ink Studio    Merit Award    Residential Design
	Mirabella - Portland, OR    Mayer/Reed    Merit Award    Residential Design
	Columbia Boulevard WWTP Support Facility - Portland, OR     2.ink Studio    Merit Award    Un-Built Work
	The Nancy Russell Overlook - Cape Horn, OR    Walker Macy    Honor Award    General Design
	Martin Luther King Jr. Gateway and Heritage Markers - Portland, OR    2.ink Studio    Honor Award    Transportation
	Bud Clark Commons - Portland, OR    Mayer/Reed    Award of Excellence    General Design

2012 ACADEMIC AWARDS

Community Design Project    Deven Young    Honorable Mention Award    Student Work

April 4, 2012 Edit

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ASLA Report to Our Members

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.

Nancy C. Somerville

March 30, 2012 Edit

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March 2012 Newswire

March 29, 2012 Edit

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Happy Birthday, FLO!

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.

Visit ASLA Oregon's NLAM Webpage!

March 29, 2012 Edit

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National Landscape Architecture Month!

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!

Visit ASLA Oregon's NLAM Webpage!

March 17, 2012 Edit

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April is National Landscape Architecture Month!

National Landscape Architecture Month 2012 (NLAM) Quick Links:

NLAM HOMEPAGE 

NLAM PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN 

NLAM POSTERS FOR DOWNLOAD

CAREER DISCOVERY ACTIVITIES

NLAM 2011 RECAP

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 AND YOU

04.26.12 THE UNDERSTORY

04.26.12 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON A&AA CAREER SYMPOSIUM

January 10, 2012 Edit

in News

2012 SYMPOSIUM

Elevate your understanding of landscape by taking it to a higher level. ASLA Oregon invites you to expand your thinking over two days of inspired guest speakers, discussions and a design charrette. Join us for learning and networking opportunities, as well as the opportunity to earn valuable professional development hours (PDH’s).

promotional mailer PDF

more information + registration

2012 sponsorship opportunities

2012 supporting sponsor - only $100!

Your company name will be featured on the event program! 

November 25, 2011 Edit

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Design Awards DJC Oregon Feature

The ASLA Oregon 2011 Design Awards Winners have been featured in the A&E Section of the Oregon DJC!

Click Here for the full story

October 20, 2011 Edit

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October 2011 Newswire

October 11, 2011 Edit

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ASLA Oregon 2011 Design Awards Winners Announced!

ASLA Oregon LANDbytes OCTOBER 2011 Feature:

Oregon Landscape Architects Celebrate Achievements; Look to Future
By James Hencke, ASLA, LEED AP

It was a night of design, drinks, and distinction as ASLA Oregon, the state chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), held its annual “Celebration of Design” on October 1, 2011 at the elegant Tiffany Center Emerald Ballroom in downtown Portland. While entry submissions were projected onto a large screen, the 116 attendees, comprised of members and professional colleagues, witnessed the bestowing of ten professional and three academic awards recognizing excellence in the field.

At the discretion of the jury, two award levels were presented in six design categories:

1. Honor: recognizing superior professional accomplishment.
2. Merit: given in each category at the jury’s discretion.

This year’s winners included:

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

Mosier Retreat
Bennett Burns, LEED AP
Merit Award
Residential Design

Swan Creek Park Master Plan
MIG, Inc.
Merit Award
Analysis & Planning

Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Walker Macy
Merit Award
Analysis & Planning

Clean Water Services Low Impact Development Approaches Handbook
GreenWorks, P.C.
Merit Award
Research & Communication

Port of Portland Headquarters
Mayer-Reed
Honor Award
General Design

Brookside Children’s Garden
Walker Macy
Merit Award
General Design

Cooper Mountain Nature Park
Vigil-Agrimis, Inc.
Merit Award
General Design

LOTT Clean Water Alliance Regional Service Center
Murase Associates
Merit Award
General Design

The Fields Park
Office of Cheryl Barton
Merit Award
Un-Built Work

Steel Bridge Skatepark
Lango Hansen Landscape Architects
Honor Award
Un-Built Work

ACADEMIC AWARDS

Vegetation-Bearing Garden Wall and Enclosure
Alexandria Donati & Holly Workman
Honorable Mention Award

From Landmark to Place
Alexandria Donati
Honorable Mention Award

Whiteaker Neighborhood Improvement Project
Logan Bingle
Honorable Mention Award

The evening kicked off with 90 minutes of music, food, and drink – including the signature “Stone-tini” cocktail sponsored by JP Stone Contractors. Socializing was followed by a welcoming statement from outgoing ASLA Oregon President James Hencke, and then moved to the awards program, moderated by Marianne Zarkin, VP of Chapter Services, who announced the winners, and Sam Williamson, jury member, who shared comments from the jury.

After the design awards outgoing President Hencke invited University of Oregon Professor Ron Lovinger to the stage to speak for a few minutes about several students that the University landscape architecture program had recently recognized with awards.

The evening was capped off by incoming ASLA Oregon President Jeff Schnabel who challenged the group in the year ahead by stating “We do great work, but can we do even better? Can we take the cutting edge work from our state and bring it to a broader national audience?”

Jurists included Maggi Johnson, Fernanda D'Agostino, John van Staveren, Sam Williamson, and Joseph Paul Readdy. For detailed information about the jurists, see http://www.aslaoregon.org/events/articles/design-awards#awards

EVENT SPONSORS:

Signature Sponsor
JP Stone Contractors - John Stone

General Sponsors:
Cascade Recreation, Inc. - Martha Gaty
Cedar Landscape, Inc. - Mike Grace
Northwest Recreation - James G. Ringelberg
Rain Bird Corporation - Christen Funk

Table Décor Sponsors:
Diadem USA, Inc. - Leisa Baker
Northwest Playground Equipment - Bob McGarvey
Willamette Graystone, Inc. - Gale Schroeder

In-Kind Sponsor:
GXI Inc. - Brian Scott

ASLA Oregon is a 285 member professional society dedicated to the advancement of landscape architecture within the state. The group holds an annual design awards event every fall and a professional symposium every spring. For more information see http://www.aslaoregon.org/.

October 10, 2011 Edit

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September 2011 Trustee’s Report

October 10, 2011 Edit

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ASLA ANNOUNCES 2011 PROFESSIONAL AWARDS

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.

2011 ASLA Professional Awards

August 15, 2011 Edit

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Landscape Architecture. Your Environment. Designed.

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 movement – a movement to get out and tell your story to the world.

It’s not too late to get involved. Here’s how:

Use this map to find out what’s happening near you or contact the closest landscape architect representative for further info.

Create your own lunchtime activity. Watch this video to get an idea. Use chalk to mark “Designed by a Landscape Architect” on your favorite landscape architecture project and hand out these campaign materials. This is also a great opportunity to promote your own projects. Email thedate@asla.org to add your activity to the map or for more event ideas.

Post pictures and videos from your event on Twitter, using the hashtags #landarch and #design. On Facebook, share your activities at the campaign page www.facebook.com/theunderstory.

Be there for the beginning. Take one hour to speak with one voice on one day for one profession, ours. Make 08.17.11 a landscape architecture day.

Portland Landscape Architects will meet in downtown Portland at Pioneer Courthouse Square and Director Park from 12-1pm on August 17th to talk to the public about landscape architecture. These two parks are some of the most used and beloved examples of landscape architecture in Portland. Our goal is for more people to understand what the field of landscape architecture is.

Landscape Architects are licensed professionals who design the places where we live, work, and play. We connect cities. We create experience. We design, protect, and preserve your environment. Landscape architecture is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates natural sciences, horticulture, architectural design, engineering, transportation and circulation design, historic preservation, and environmental education. We manage the relationship between the built and natural environment. Landscape architects design parks, urban plazas, roads, restored natural areas, zoos, shopping centers, stormwater runoff facilities, green roofs, and more.

July 26, 2011 Edit

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What's all this about 08.17.11?

The world needs to know about landscape architecture, and 08.17.11 is the day it all begins.

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 movement – a movement to step out of the Understory and tell your story to the world.

Details will arrive soon. But until then, share the movement with friends, coworkers and classmates. The public awaits.

Check out 08.17.11 on Facebook!

Check out a map of nationwide 08.17.11 Events!

Get your "Landscape Architecture: Your Environment. Designed." T-Shirt!

July 19, 2011 Edit

in News

Public Awareness Events Map

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!

July 19, 2011 Edit

in News

OSLAB Newsletter (June 2011)

POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THE RULE FOR REGISTRATION BY RECIPROCITY:

Board staff, the Licensure Review Committee, and the full Board have recently been struggling with the existing rule for registration by reciprocity and have determined there is a need to develop rule revisions. The Board solicits your input about this issue. For reference, the reciprocity requirements are contained in OAR 804 Division 22.

The current reciprocity rule applies the same criteria to a reciprocity request as are applied to applications for initial registration. The idea behind the rule is not bad – to set uniform standards for registration in Oregon. Certainly the Board does need to ensure sufficient education, passage of professional examinations, and demonstrated proficiency in the field. The primary problem with the rule is the requirement for documenting work experience under the supervision of a registered landscape architect (RLA).

The reciprocity rule essentially treats all reciprocity applicants, regardless of years of experience as RLAs in other states, as if they are at the beginning of their careers. Some applicants for reciprocity gained the required work experience many years ago. The companies or supervisors they worked for may not be available to sign-off on work verification forms. This makes documentation of supervised work experience difficult or sometimes even impossible for an applicant to obtain. The current rule does not allow the Board to consider how long the applicant has been successfully working as a RLA in another state as an alternative to supervised work experience.

The Board has asked the Administrative Rules Committee to work with the Licensure Review Committee and staff to consider alternatives to the current rule. Members of the Administrative Rules Committee will be called into service over the summer to early fall to help shape rule revisions. All are encouraged to share ideas and concerns with the reciprocity rule by sending comments by e-mail to oslab.info@state.or.us or by US mail to the Board office at 707 13th St. SE, Salem, OR 97301. The Board will be briefed at upcoming meetings in August and November of this year on input received via the Administrative Rules Committee or directly from registrants and other interested parties

Download the full 4-Page PDF OSLAB June 2011 Newsletter

July 19, 2011 Edit

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Designing for Sustainability in a Growing Environment

via Robin Gyorgyfalvy, ASLA

A ribbon-cutting event that took place on June 28, 2011 at the newly-minted Kansas Avenue Learning Garden was one of many steps being taken to make sustainability a part of daily life in central Oregon. Exactly one year ago, a design charrette led by ASLA High Desert Chapter’s Chelsea Schneider and Brian Caldwell, set out to transform a contaminated vacant lot that was formerly an old drycleaning site into a vibrant and interactive living classroom and learning garden. This challenging site is adjacent to The Environmental Center and within walking distance to the Boys & Girls Club and Amity Creek Elementary School. This unique project for teaching sustainability in an outdoor classroom was made possible through a partnership that was created between an environmental center, educators, and local landscape architects.

The main concept for the Learning Garden is to create a place where children can witness the growth of the seeds they plant and learn how gardens require care, hard work, and patience. Contact with the outdoors and making discoveries with weekly observations is a hands-on way to learn more about how communities and the environment can be sustained through growing your own food. Denise Rowcroft, sustainability educator for The Environmental Center says “It’s important that kids participate in building the garden so that they feel like they have ownership of it. We’re trying to get them involved in all aspects of the garden, from building fences, to showing them where food comes from – to teaching them about the health of the environment.”

The design charrette began with understanding the constraints of the site, its history, and ownership. Amber Hudspeth, an environmental professional explained the pollutants and a decision was made to cap contaminants on site and to build up the garden beds. Educators were an integral part of the charrette describing what elements and features were needed to form a learning landscape to best teach in an outdoor setting. The Environmental Center needed to have this place convey its mission to “embed sustainability into daily life in central Oregon.” A wish list was composed for what would be desirable on the site, opportunities were discussed for the outdoor rooms and the different amenities in each room, and priorities were determined for phasing.

Chelsea Schneider, ASLA of WH Pacific in Bend developed conceptual images for the group to develop further. Chelsea says “With a personal interest in environmental education, it is really important for me to see that learning landscapes become a reality through a community process such as this one.” The results are stunning with volunteers providing their energy and talent, their labor, donations, and materials for construction and planting. Incredible highlights of this project are the garden art mural paintings created by the Boys & Girls Club that decorate garden boxes lining the neighborhood street and the growing plants that were started as seedlings in the Amity Elementary School classrooms. These “pick me beds” are free for the community to harvest, a great way to encourage community interaction and involvement in central Oregon at the Kansas Avenue Learning Garden located at 16 NW Kansas Avenue in Bend, Oregon.

Pictured: Chelsea Schneider, ASLA and the Garden Box Mural Paintings

June 23, 2011 Edit

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Public Awareness Campaign: Who are we targeting?

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?”
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.”

• 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.

June 16, 2011 Edit

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June 2011 Newswire

June 16, 2011 Edit

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Calling all Authors, Columnists, Photojournalists, Bloggers, Reporters and Critics!

• Have you been searching for a medium to showcase a thought, idea or fresh approach?
  
• Are you interested in providing a Member Spotlight or a review of that new book on your shelf?
  
• Perhaps you're a guru of current trends in the profession?
  
• Do you have an analog or digital technique, tutorial or secret you're willing to share with your peers?
  
• Are you a student or emerging professional looking for an opportunity to get involved with your local chapter?

The ASLA Oregon Chapter Communications Committee is spearheading an effort to revisit, revamp and bring back to life the publication ORegon land, an award-winning publication that has established the Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects as a leading chapter within the society! Until further funding is secured, upcoming efforts will take the form of columns, briefs, reviews and photojournalism features in upcoming Newswires, published on a monthly basis.

Act now on this exciting opportunity to contribute and circulate your creative inklings through our community of like-minded design professionals including landscape architects, architects, students and faculty members, political leaders, ASLA state chapter presidents, and other individuals related to the profession.   

Interested?
Contact Communications Chair Christopher Olin for more information.

Stay tuned and look for our launch in the July Newswire!

May 9, 2011 Edit

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Newswire - May 2011

April 5, 2011 Edit

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April is National Landscape Architecture Month!

Celebrate National Architecture Month!

• Learn more about NLAM
• Check out hundreds of activities nationwide
  
  Free Issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine!
  

• In honor of NLAM the April issue is available for free
• Check it out online!