April 15, 2012
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Summer 2012 Emerging Professionals (EP) 101 Series:
Local Innovation in Greenroofs: Wildlife, Plants and Technology
A Green Roof Tour and Roundtable Discussion
6:00-8:30pm
June 13*, 2012 (tentative as we confirm roof tour availability, check back for updates!)
$20 non-member / $15 members / $10 students and emerging professionals
PDH's available!
Hosted by the ASLA EP Committee and Columbia Green this summer's EP 101 Series Event offers a guided green roof tour, showcasing three of Portland’s most noteworthy ecoroofs, followed by a roundtable discussion touching on wildlife, plants and technology. Space is limited to 25 attendees so RSVP today! Attendees will be eligible to receive PDH credits. All are encouraged and welcomed to attend!
Tour stops may include: The Indigo + Multnomah County Library + Ecotrust Building + Ladd Tower
A Portion of this event is a walking tour – bring appropriate footwear and keep an eye on the forecast!
*Note: Date has been changed from June 14 to June 13!
Register as an Emerging Professional (link coming soon)
RSVP Today! (link coming soon)
DONATE $150 to support this event as an EP Continuing ED Sponsor
Contact Christopher Olin for more information
April 7, 2012
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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
Download Upcoming Events Flyer PDF - 11x17 Print
Visit ASLA Oregon's NLAM Page
Visit ASLA Oregon's Online Event Calendar
March 17, 2012
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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
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:
- Two out of every three American adults twenty years or older are overweight or obese (Flegal, 2010).
- Since 2000, antidepressants have become the most prescribed medication in the United States (Olfson and Marcus, 2009).
- In 2007, 16 percent of the United State’s gross domestic product – $2.3 trillion – was spent on health care (Orszag and Ellis, 2007).
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
March 11, 2012
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via Kassia Dellabough, PhD
Director, UO A&AA Office of Outreach & Development for Students
You are invited to participate in the 9th Annual A&AA Career Symposium. This is an opportunity to meet with students from the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts and serve as a mentor and assist with their career choices and preparation for their respective Fields. The school has nine departments and programs: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Fine Art, Arts Administration, Art History, Product Design, Historic Preservation, and Planning Public Policy and Management. Your candid feedback and advice is invaluable! Students from both the Eugene and Portland campus will be attending. We provide transportation for the Eugene students and they all pre-register.
NEW THIS YEAR!
Recruitment Opportunities - info table displays and individual interviews. Sign up for space. LIMITED SPACE so sign up early! We will follow up directly with you with billing and set up details.
MENTOR SESSIONS:
Select from roundtable topics, small group portfolio reviews or practice interviews all designed as informal mentoring opportunities to assist students in their next steps.
DATE: April 26, 2012
LOCATION: Left Bank Annex, 101 N. Weidler, Portland, OR
SCHEDULE:
9:00 - 5:30 Optional Recruitment Table/interviews
*welcome to participate in regular sessions
8:30 - 9:15 - check-in, coffee & pastries
9:15 - 9:30 - WELCOME
9:30 - 12:30 -MORNING SESSION:
Opt for small group portfolio reviews, practice interviews or round table discussions
12:30 - 1:45 - networking lunch
2:00 - 5:00 - AFTERNOON SESSION:
Opt for small group portfolio reviews, practice interviews or round table discussions. Also a “speed dating” activity
Hope you can join us!
DEADLINE to register, Monday, April 2
Kassia Dellabough, PhD
Director, A&AA Office of Outreach & Development for Students
264 Lawrence Hall
541-346-2621
d:541-346-8272
Learn More and Register Today!
December 20, 2011
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On Friday, February 3rd ASLA Oregon and the Student ASLA at the University of Oregon are sponsoring the Nineteenth Annual Shadow Mentor Day. For one day, students will experience the working world of landscape architecture by shadowing professionals. A learning experience for students and practicing landscape architects alike, this event has always been a great success. Students gain valuable insight into the multifaceted work landscape architects do in a day. Some students will see what it is like to work in the office while others will experience a day out in the field.
If you have not received an invitation to participate and would like to, please contact Claire Maulhardt at clairem@greenworkspc.com.
November 27, 2011
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ASLA Oregon LANDbytes NOVEMBER 2011 Feature:
Growing Fresh Insights at the University of Oregon
By Logan Bingle, Undergraduate of Landscape Architecture, University of Oregon
In recent years, urban agriculture has become a widely popular idea. Just this year, the APA published a guide on issues planners should consider when incorporating urban agriculture into their work. At the University of Oregon’s Landscape Architecture Department, urban agriculture is not just a fad, but a subject that has been used to inform design and promote the field of landscape architecture.
The University of Oregon’s Landscape Architecture Department began exploring urban agriculture in the 1970s when Professor Richard Britz founded the Urban Farm on a plot of land across Franklin Boulevard from the University of Oregon. Unfortunately, Richard Britz was not granted tenure at the University of Oregon and left the university’s faculty in 1981. Ann Bettman took over the Urban Farm and kept it going through the 1980s despite threats from development and low class attendance. Things began to change in the 1990s with renewed interest in urban agriculture.
Since 2000, the Urban Farm has been a wild success. Around 2000 students have passed through the Urban Farm’s spring, summer and fall classes. A wide range of students have taken the classes, including Freshman Interest Groups, Environmental Studies Majors, Architecture Majors and many others. In an odd twist, the Urban Farm’s director, Harper Keeler, reports that landscape architecture students are a minority in the Urban Farm classes. In a survey of landscape architecture students, Harper found that most students feel that urban agriculture is important to the field but feel they cannot fit the class into their schedules. Despite this lack of Landscape Architecture students, Harper emphasizes that the Urban Farm plays an important role in exposing the Landscape Architecture Department to the wider University community. Indeed, several freshmen who have taken the Urban Farm Freshman Interest Group have gone on to join the landscape architecture program.
The Urban Farm is not the only department effort in urban agriculture. In 2010, the Landscape Architecture Department began a second urban farming effort across from the Eugene District Courthouse. This effort was a partnership between the Oregon Federal District Court Chief Judge Ann Aiken, the University of Oregon Landscape Architecture Department Professors Ann Bettman and Lorri Nelson and the City of Eugene. The new Courthouse Garden aims to serve a social mission, originally aimed at inmates and paroles, with the support of University students and volunteers.
In the one and a half years since the Courthouse Garden began, the program has begun to shift away from its original inmate and parole program because of logistically difficulties. The Courthouse Garden’s director, Lorri Nelson, has begun to refocus the garden on at risk youths and other social missions. Recently, the Courthouse Garden has been hosting work parties from local schools for at risk youths, such as the MLK School, as part of the Landscape Architecture Department’s Courthouse Garden classes. This allows both groups of students to learn and support each other.
The Landscape Architecture Department’s efforts in urban agriculture do not end with practical work either. Beginning with Richard Britz, there has been a great deal of research done on urban agriculture at the University of Oregon. The first major work after the 1970s was completed in 1995 by Kelly Donahue, who looked at six campus farms on the west coast and their resurgence in the 1990s. Harper Keeler has also conducted researched on ways that urban farming can contribute to the education of landscape architects and ways urban farming can be incorporated into the landscape architecture curriculum.
Currently, there are several graduate students at the University of Oregon exploring issues surrounding urban agriculture. Expecting to graduate this fall or winter, Patty Stevenson has been looking at large scale planning issues concerning community gardens. Her work looks beyond food production to consider community gardens that also produce cut flowers and are aesthetic works produced in a cooperative spirit. This shows how issues of urban agriculture can transcend purely practical ends to wide ranging design considerations.
This is the most important lesson taught by the University of Oregon Landscape Architecture Department’s work in the field of urban agriculture. While urban agriculture can be purely practical, it can also help inform our work as designers. The Urban Farm, Courthouse Garden and urban agriculture research at the University of Oregon promise to bring new ideas, talent and public exposure to the field of landscape architecture.
November 8, 2011
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The Sustainable Cities Initiative and the UO Department of Landscape Architecture Present:
Designing The New Cities of China: Blending Ancient Traditions with 21st Century Sustainability
China is experiencing urbanization at a scale previously unseen in world history. Much of the new urban development is very international, rather than Chinese, in character. Dr. Jie Hu will discuss how the Tsinghua University Planning and Design Institute attempts to infuse projects with both 21st century ecological science and the spirit of Chinese culture and tradition. His ideas are illustrated in his prize-winning designs for Beijing's Olympic Forest Park (twice the size of New York City's Central Park), Tieling Fanhe New City Landscape planning and Tangshan Nanhu Eco-City Central Park. Click here for more information.
Portland Tuesday, November 8, 2011
5:30 pm Reception
6:00 pm Lecture
University of Oregon in Portland
White Stag Block, Event Room
70 NW Couch St.
Portland, OR 97209
Eugene Thursday, November 10, 2011
Noon-1:00 pm Brownbag Lunch
231 Lawrence Hall
University of Oregon
1190 Franklin Blvd.
Eugene, OR 97403
5:30 pm Lecture
110 Fenton Hall
University of Oregon
1021 E 13th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97403
JohnPaul Jone, FAIA
Jones & Jones Architects, Landscape Architects and Planners
Portland, Wednesday, November 9
5:30 pm Reception
6:00 pm Lecture
University of Oregon in Portland
White Stage Block
Portland Turnbull Center, #350
70 NW Couch St.
September 14, 2011
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Pizza Social!
To kick off the new school year, UO Student ASLA is hosting a meet and greet at Pegasus Pizza in Eugene!
Come join us September, 26th at 6:00 pm!
Pegasus Pizza
790 East 14th Ave
Eugene, OR 97401
Hope to see you there!
Questions? Contact ASLA Oregon UO/Student Liaison Claire Maulhardt
August 5, 2011
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via Linsey Payne, University of Oregon Graduate Student
Please fill out this Tackling Stormwater in Oregon’s Small Cities Survey to help improve water quality issues throughout the Willamette Basin.
Your responses will help identify the barriers, if any, to incorporating natural systems (wetlands, bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, permeable paving, etc.) into stormwater management programs in Oregon’s small cities in the Willamette Basin. Many cities are facing State and Federal mandates to reduce bacteria, mercury, and temperature levels in local rivers and streams and need assistance to address these issues. Survey results will help create a Stormwater Management Plan Template for use by small cities to address these and other water quality issues. This project is a combined effort of the University of Oregon, the OSU Extension Sea Grant, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, the City of Cottage Grove, and the City of Creswell.
Take the Survey!
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Linsey Payne:
planningtech@cottagegrove.org
541-767-4130.
This survey is sponsored by:
Linsey Payne, University of Oregon graduate student in Landscape
Architecture and Community and Regional Planning
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
City of Cottage Grove
City of Creswell
May 9, 2011
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May 2011
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Upcoming Chapter Events
08.17 | Public Awareness Summit 2011
10.01 | Design Awards
Announcements
Thank You Symposium Sponsors
Thank You Symposium Exhibitors
GI Case Studies
April 2011 Trustee's Report
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Event Calendar
Check out the online Calendar of Events for the most up-to-date listing of opportunities!
Additional Opportunities
05.25 | Architects in Schools: Eugene
05.26 | Landscape Legacies Lecture
06.01 | Architects in Schools: Salem
More Information
Job Listings
Newswire Submittal Requirements
Keeping Yourself Current
Contact Us
Follow Us
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Upcoming Chapter Events
Public Awareness summit 2011
 National and the State Chapters are partnering to accomplish some specific goals related to public awareness. Recent survey results indicate that the biggest general public misconception about the landscape architecture profession is that landscape architects are landscapers who deal mostly with designing planting plans and installing plant materials. As stated by one survey participant, "People don’t understand the breadth, complexity and technical rigor that goes into our work."
Each State Chapter has appointed a Public Relations Advocate, who will work directly with National to develop this program. The Public Relations Advocates will meet at the Summit in July to fill in the initial framework for the program and flush out additional ideas and actions. There will be two separate messages - an internal one for ASLA members and an external one for the public (such as "Saving the Earth: Site by Site" type of ideas).
The main goal of the Public Awareness Summit 2011 is to engage the public through coordinated public outreach between National and all State Chapters - this is the first time ever. A "Launch Event" is scheduled for August 17 at lunch time. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
ASLA Oregon Chapter 2011 Design Awards
Announcements
APRIL 15-16, 2011 Landscape Fusion Symposium Sponsors & Exhibitors
By sponsoring you provided high quality opportunities and products to the Oregon Landscape Architectural community. You also allowed companies to become involved with landscape architects and related professionals through quality, high profile programs and services. Networking with ASLA Oregon chapter members and their affiliates provides an opportunity for your company to share industry changes, product and service upgrades as well as other information that affects the current and future design and installation of significant projects.
We hope to continue our partnerships with you in providing high quality opportunities and products to the Oregon Landscape Architectural community.
Thank you to our ASLA Oregon 2011 Symposium Sponsors!
 Portland State University
Facility Sponsor
 The Western Group
AM Break Sponsor
 Teufel Landscape
Lanyard Sponsor
 The Daily Journal of Commerce
General Program Sponsor
 landscapeforms
PM Break Sponsor
Additional sponsorship opportunities...
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, sponsoring and event, or advertising on the website or other materials, we have a range of potential opportunities that will fit your needs:
View Available Sponsorship Opportunities for 2011
Thank you to our ASLA Oregon 2011 Symposium Exhibitors!
Cascade Recreation, Inc.
Cold Spring Granite Company
Columbia Cascade/Timber Form
Harry L. Stearns, Inc.
JP Stone Contractors, Inc.
Northwest Playground Equipment
Northwest Recreation
NWR & Associates
Oregon Association of Nurseries
Parkforms/Wildwood Playgrounds
Regional Water Providers Consortium
SiteLines Park & Playground Products
The Western Group
GI Case Studies
Thank you to those who submitted projects and case studies for review by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in preparation for its upcoming national proposed rulemaking to strengthen the stormwater management program. Thanks to your hard work, ASLA far exceeded its goal of 300 cases, and submitted 459 projects.
ASLA appreciates the membership’s continued efforts in promoting green infrastructure practices in communities across the country and for demonstrating that landscape architects have been, and will continue to be, national leaders on green infrastructure and stormwater management.
Thank you.
Roxanne Blackwell, Esq.
Federal Government Affairs Manager
American Society of Landscape Architects
636 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-216-2334
rblackwell@asla.org
April 2011 Trustees Report
Some of the highlights from our National Office the past month are as follows:
Governance and Administration
- ASLA is the recipient of the District of Columbia Department of the Environment Partner of the Year! This award is given to an organization that promotes environmental practices on behalf of the District of Columbia and its residents. The award will be conferred by D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray on April 20.
- ASLA participated in today’s Architect of the Capitol-U.S. Senate’s Spring Environmental and Energy Showcase. This event, held annually in a Capitol Hill Senate office building, focuses on environmental and energy conservation awareness. Special Assistant Swann and Professional Practice Networks Coordinator Kasha Helget provided handouts on the green roof and the Sustainable Sites Initiative™ (SITES™), presented a PowerPoint to promote the green roof, and showed off the website animations that demonstrate the benefits of landscape architecture.
Government Affairs
- We Did It! Thanks to your efforts, ASLA collected 470 green infrastructure projects to submit to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ASLA has posted a preliminary analysis of the projects and, in the coming months, ASLA will share these individual projects with our members and the public on the ASLA website. EPA’s Office of Water has already begun to review the projects and analyze the associated data. Upon reviewing ASLA’s submitted projects, along with data and information from other stakeholders, EPA will issue a proposed rule in September 2011 and is expected to issue a final rule in December 2011. For more information, ASLA has created an issue brief on the proposed rulemaking.
- ASLA sent a letter to Senators John Kerry (MA), Tom Udall (NM), and Bill Nelson (FL) thanking them for introducing S. Res. 126, a resolution recognizing UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention and celebrating the 2011 International Day for Monuments and Sites. This celebration recognizes the important natural and cultural contributions of sites.
Publishing and Resource Development
- The link to the April free digital issue was sent to more than 40,000 contacts, posted on ASLA’s social networking sites, and “tweeted†on the Twitter accounts. Visits to the online edition are approaching 20,000. Page views total 213,939 and the average time spent viewing each page is three minutes.
Professional Practice
- The Sustainable Urban Forest Coalition is holding its annual meeting April 12 – 13 in Washington, DC. Federal government affairs and professional practice staff are participating and representing ASLA.
Public Relations and Communications
- ASLA’s Green Roof Experience subsite on asla.org is a finalist for the Webby Awards, the most prestigious award in the world for all things Internet. While just being a finalist is a huge accomplishment, voting is underway for the People’s Choice Webby Award. Sign up and vote for ASLA in the Associations category, using either Facebook, Twitter, or email.
- ASLA’s YouTube Channel has surpassed 100,000 total views, making it one of the most popular within the entire design and construction industry. View and share the videos at www.youtube.com/landscapearchitects.
Additional Opportunities
Architects in Schools: Eugene Exhibits
Wednesday, May 25 4:30-6:30pm
Eugene Arts & Technology Academy, 1650 West 22nd in Gym 3
Landscape Legacies Lecture - Don't Miss Out! Only One Lecture Left in Series.
Architects in Schools: Salem Exhibits
First Wednesday, June 1 5:00-7:30pm
Where the Sidewalk Begins, 233 Commercial St. NE
More Information
Job Listings
Landscape architecture firms can reach landscape architects across Oregon with an advertisement in NewsWire or on our website. Details click here.
Landscape Designer/Architect
BergerABAM is seeking an experienced professional to support ongoing design and production within our landscape architecture and urban design team. This person will be located in the BergerABAM office in Vancouver, Washington and support existing Pacific Northwest projects.
The ideal candidate will have 5 to 8 years of professional experience with strong design, production, and communication skills. This candidate will have excellent design and CAD production abilities, including construction drawings, details, and graphics. Candidates should have a basic knowledge of urban design, Northwest landscape plants, low impact development (LID), and LEED.
The duties of this position include:
• Working under the direction of senior staff to assist in the master planning, design, and development of open space, streetscape, and public facility projects.
• Providing AutoCAD design and production support during concept and schematic design, design development, and construction document phases.
• Providing drafting and graphic support for the BergerABAM engineering, public involvement, natural resource, and planning teams as required.
• Other duties as required.
Requirements
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in landscape architecture from an accredited program
• Minimum 5 to 8 years of professional experience
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and ability to work in fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment
• Technical knowledge and experience preparing landscape construction documents for planting, irrigation, and hardscape using the principles of sustainable stormwater solutions/LID
• ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, and SketchUp knowledge a plus
• Strong written, graphic, and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, and capable of working collaboratively with multi-discipline teams
• State registration as a landscape architect and/or LEED accreditation preferred
• Digital portfolio in .pdf format to accompany cover letter and resume
Position location: Vancouver, Washington
Position closes: 13 May 2011
Job #11-LA-02
Newswire Submittal Requirements
NewsWire is a publication of the Oregon Chapter ASLA.
NewsWire is published at the beginning of each month for annoucing information for the following month. All ads and information must be received by noon of the previous Friday for inclusion
Please send all submissions questions and comments to Dana Baisden.
Keeping Yourself Current
Please help us keep our mailing list current. Send updates or corrections of your contact information to info@aslaoregon.org.
Contact Us
Executive Committee and other contact information is available at the Chapter Website
For mailing and other administrative inquiries about the chapter, contact:
ASLA Oregon Chapter
147 SE 102nd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97216
phone: 503.227.6156
fax: 503.253.9172
info@aslaoregon.org
Follow Us
Oregon ASLA Facebook Page
Oregon ASLA Emerging Professionals Facebook Page
Oregon ASLA on Twitter
Oregon ASLA Blog
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April 12, 2011
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University of Oregon Department of Landscape Architecture
Landscape Legacies Spring 2011 Lecture Series:
KEVIN CONGER
Founding Partner, Principal and CEO
CMG Landscape Architecture, San Francisco, CA
Purpose and Beauty - An Urban Agenda
Thursday, April 14, 6:00pm
White Stag Block, Room 152
70 NW Couch Street, Portland, Oregon
LOUISE MOZINGO
Director, Center for Resource Efficient Communities
Associate Professor, University of California at Berkeley
Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning and Urban Design
Pastoral Capitalism: Corporations, Suburbs, and the Metropolitan Landscape
Tuesday, May 3, 6:00pm
White Stag Block, Room 150
70 NW Couch Street, Portland, Oregon
January 28, 2011
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An update on the work of the Sustainable Cities Initiative work in Salem, Oregon as this years focus of activity.
The Sustainable City Year concluded fall term work in December, with reviews and presentations by 275 students in fifteen classes across eight departments and programs. Members of Salem’s professional community (traffic engineers, planners, architects, and others) and interested citizens volunteered their time to provide students with feedback on:
• designs for a potential new police facility
• ideas for redesigning the city’s Civic Center offices
• engineering concepts to improve some areas of downtown’s traffic circulation
• north downtown redevelopment schemes
• design guidelines for the area south of Mission Street along Commercial
• methods to enhance connectivity between downtown parks and other community destinations
• a vision for Salem Housing Authority’s Orchard Village site within the context of the surrounding community
• cultural asset mapping in northeast Salem
• plans for enhanced civic engagement and internal staff communication
• recycling and reduction of food and biofuel processing waste
• downtown parking standards
• an interpretive trails plan for Minto Brown Island Park
In January, winter term work will include building designs for the North Downtown area, civic engagement strategies, architectural projects for the Orchard Village site and possible infill development opportunities at other SHA properties, redevelopment studies for specific sites in multiple urban renewal areas, and a sustainable streetlights project focused on developing a more efficient design for lighting and identifying alternative sources of revenue to fund Salem’s streetlights.
Read more about what's been happening in the Sustainable Cities Initiative here.
November 29, 2010
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DECEMBER 2010
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Upcoming Chapter Events:
Announcements:
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Event Calendar
Check out the online Calendar of Events for the most up-to-date listing of opportunities!
Additional Opportunities
More Information
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CHAPTER EVENTS
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12.02 | design|spring construction professionals gathering (EUGENE)
It’s time for (beer):30!
Design|Spring is starting a new tradition: a semi-annual gather of emerging design, engineering and construction professionals from Design|Spring, CSI, ASLA and more! Our hope is to open up lines of communication and allow all of us to get to know each other better. Even if you don’t care for beer, we still hope to see you!
Date/Time: Thursday, December 2 at 5:30
Location: The Bridge – 444 E. 3rd Street – Eugene, OR – right next to the Ferry Street Bridge (the former Peabody’s)
Contact Mariko Blessing with any questions.
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12.07 | MT HOOD SECTION: Crystal springs stream restoration
Crystal Springs Stream Restoration
Dennis O'Connor with Habitat Concepts and Zachariah Perry, Crystal Springs Canyon Manager at Reed College will discuss the restoration of a degraded urban creek into a canyon habitat.
Date: December 7, 2010
Time: 5:30
Location: 1204 SE Water Avenue. (New location)
Dennis O’Connor has over 30 years of experience as a landscape designer and restoration ecologist, specializing in stream and wetland enhancement and upland erosion control projects. He has participated in the construction supervision and/or installation of a majority of his projects, whether working with a contractor or a youth crew. He is the author of several publications on drought resistant plants and their use, soil bioengineering, and stream enhancement. Dennis approaches landscape design with an understanding of ecological functions and aesthetic values of natural systems, and the desire to create self-sustaining systems that benefit both the public and natural environment.
NEW LOCATION for Mt. Hood Section Events!
1204 SE Water Avenue, Portland. (This is a new location and is 5 five blocks north of Group Mackenzie's offices. The building is on the Southeast corner of Water Avenue and Salmon Street.)
Upcoming
January 11, 2011 at 5:30 pm Permeable Paving
Gale Schroeder with Willamette Graystone will explain the design and installation requirements for permeable paving.
February 1, 2011 at 5:30 Urban Greenspaces
Mike Houck, Executive Director of the Urban Greenspaces Institute will discuss his work.
Information
Our goal as the new Mt. Hood section co-chairs is to provide opportunities for members to obtain Professional Development Hours at the section meetings. Please contact Steve Shapiro (steve@shapiro-la.com) or Joyce Jackson (jjackson@maulfoster.com) if you care to suggest a topic.
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12.09 | Emerging Professionals Fall 101 Series Workshop + Happy Hour
Join the ASLA Oregon Emerging Professionals Committee for this educational event in Portland on December 9th featuring a lighting workshop, tour, and ending with a happy hour.
We are pleased to welcome parties of all disciplines to our Fall EP 101 Series Event!
Join us for an informative workshop session, specialty lighting tour and happy hour!
$3 at the door / free to ASLA Members
1.5 PDH credit hours available
6:00pm
Rendezvous and Basics of Lighting Demo
GreenWorks PC, 24 NW 2nd, PDX
6:30pm
Pearl District Specialty Lighting Tour
Led by HL Stearns Lighting Rep Kandy Welch
8:00pm
Emerging Professionals Happy Hour
BridgePort BrewPub, 1313 NW Marshall, PDX
More Information:
Contact Christopher Olin via email or by phone at 503.286.7175.
Download a PDF of the flier to share with others.
Join the Emerging Professionals Facebook Group for more info
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l a n d s c a p e f u s i o n | April 15-16, 2011.
Please save the date to join us for the next ASLA Oregon Annual Symposium entitled “Landscape Fusionâ€. This will be the premiere landscape architecture event of the year, held April 15 & 16, 2011 in Portland State University’s Shattuck Hall.
Highlights include:
• Keynote Speaker Walter Hood, FASLA
• Friday Tour and Charrette Events
• Opportunity to acquire at least six Professional Development Hours (PDHs)
• State of the Practice CEO Forum
• Technical Break-out Learning Sessions
• Socializing with your fellow landscape architecture professionals!
More specifics will be announced in coming weeks. For more information, or to volunteer for the event planning, contact Marianne Zarkin ASLA Oregon Vice-President for Chapter Services at 503.758.3131 / mzarkin@gmail.com or Dana Baisden 503.227.6156 / dbaisden@updatemanagement.com.
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CHAPTER ANNOUNCEMENTS
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in memoriam: Brian mccarthy
The Oregon Chapter was saddened by the news of the passing of Brian McCarthy, Managing Principal of Eugene-based Cameron McCarthy.
A memorial service was held on November 14, 2010 at The Shedd Institute in Eugene for Brian David McCarthy of Eugene, who died Nov. 3 from an aortic aneurysm. He was 60. He was born on Oct. 24, 1950, in Pasadena, Calif., to Walter and Betty Blackwell McCarthy. He married Caroline Moore on Aug. 30, 1975, in Portland.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture at the University of Oregon. He worked for the Portland planning department for one year and then for Cameron McCarthy Landscape Architecture in Eugene. Survivors include his wife; his mother, Joan McCarthy, of Newport Beach, Calif.; two sons, Cogan of Oakland, Calif., and Colin of Eugene; and a brother, Robert, of Mission Viejo, Calif.
Remembrances to the Pacific Rivers Council.
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recent updates to the blog
A selection of links to the Oregon ASLA blog, which has featured a number of recent posts with information related to landscape architecture, at home and abroad. Subscribe to the blog feed to make sure you don't miss any of the great content.
As always, we're on the lookout for news of interest to members, so please links or suggestions to Jason King at jason@terrafluxus.com
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LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS STILL NEEDED FOR THE ARCHITECTS IN SCHOOLS PROGRAM!
The Architects in Schools Program is still in need of volunteer landscape architects for the 2010-2011 school year! Architects in Schools matches professional landscape architects with 3rd through 5th grade teachers for a 6 week classroom residency at no cost to the schools. The program is based on a curriculum guide that teachers and their partner landscape architect can use to complement existing curriculum. The curriculum uses architectural concepts to teach math, science, social studies, language arts and other disciplines and includes 'green' designing concepts. Landscape architects who've participated report the experience of sharing their passion with young people to be very rewarding.
For applications, questions and more information, please contact Kim Ruthardt Knowles as soon as possible at 503.317.7537. Go to the website for more information about the Architecture Foundation of Oregon
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WV Section Call for Volunteers for Golf Tournament
ASLA Members, Associates & Colleagues:
A lot of us in the Eugene area play golf. ASLA Oregon-WVS would like to set up a golf tournament in September 2011 for landscape architects and other design and construction professionals. Marina Wrensch, co-chair for our Willamette Valley Section of ASLA, is requesting volunteers for a committee that could help with organizing the event. Tasks may include: finding a location for the tournament, fund raising, sponsors, catering, etc. She would like to have the committee set up by mid-November and hopes to have the first meeting around that time. This event is a fundraiser for the Willamette Valley Section and will directly benefit us as ASLA members. It is also a great way to socialize and make connections. So, please help out and volunteer. Your help is always greatly appreciated!
If you would like to volunteer or have any questions about the event, please contact Marina via email at Marina@cmgsla.com or phone at 541.485.7385.
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trustee's report: what's up at national?
November 2010 Trustee’s Report from Dave Walters. Some of the highlights from our National Office the past month are as follows:
Governance and Administration
- EVP Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA, attended the Greenbuild conference in Chicago along with several other staff members last week. In addition to a presentation on SITES™ given by Dave Yocca, FASLA, on behalf of ASLA, ASLA members incorporated aspects of SITES into several sessions focused on site and stormwater. The Sustainable Sites Initiative™ was credited as “an incredible resource†in a USGBC-led session focused on site-related revisions in the 2012 LEED update.
- While in Chicago, Somerville met with American Planning Association Executive Director Paul Farmer, Hon. ASLA, to discuss international membership, the economy, and 2011 priorities.
Government Affairs
- On November 9, Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Hon. ASLA, and National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis, Hon. ASLA, signed off on a plan for a major overhaul of the National Mall. During the official ceremony, Director Jarvis thanked the American Society of Landscape Architects, along with a host of other organizations for their efforts and contributions to the final plan
- Federal Government Affairs Manager Roxanne Blackwell continues to participate in the Complete Streets Federal Policy and Steering Committee meetings, where the coalition discusses moving a Complete Streets bill through Congress next year.
Landscape Architecture Magazine
- LAM Editor Brad McKee also attended Greenbuild and met with about 20 of the magazine's advertisers or prospective advertisers to promote the redesign of the magazine, set to launch in January, as well as the more prominent and attractive placement LAM's editorial coverage of products will have when it moves from the back section of the magazine to the front as part of the redesign.
Public Relations and Communications
Member and Chapter Services
- A new online student chapter report module was released. Student chapter presidents can now access their rosters on the student Web page. The module also allows chapter leadership to pull the students within their chapter jurisdiction.
Publishing and Resource Development
- Department staff organized and staffed ASLA’s booth display at the U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild last week in Chicago. The sales team walked the show to promote the ASLA EXPO and advertising in Landscape Architecture magazine (LAM). They reported heavy booth traffic and strong interest in landscape architecture and specifically SITES from attendees.
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Want to Write for OregonLAND?
As part of our expanded communication strategies, we are re-launching OregonLAND in 2011 as an online magazine, with original content, essays, project reviews, and other content relevant to landscape professionals in Oregon. Our aim is to draw from around the region and beyond in developing content that reaches a range of practitioners, academics, and everyone in between in our broad professional sphere.
Monthly feature essays will be developed on a range of topics, along with coverage of local design and ASLA events drawing from a wide, interdisciplinary group of contributors. The compilation of content will be curated once per year in a 'best of' edition that will be realized in a web and printed edition that will provide multiple platforms for disseminating information about landscape architecture to potential clients, collaborators, and related professionals.
We will kick of 2011 with regular meetings of the editorial group to get this ball rolling. If you are interested in getting involved on editorial staff, to contribute articles, update web content, help with graphic design, track down sponsors, or anything else, please let Jason King know at jason@terrafluxus.com and by phone at 503.481.7826.
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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
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12.9 | KENGO KUMA LECTURE - PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN
The Portland Japanese Garden is hosting world renowned architect, Kengo Kuma, at a free lecture on December 9. I have included some details below and a link to our website for more information – but please share this information with anyone who may be interested and encourage them to make reservations to ensure everyone has a seat!
 
Kengo Kuma Lecture
December 9, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Pavilion
Reservations required, space is limited.
events@japanesegarden.com or (503) 542-0280
Kengo Kuma Open House & Display of Design Concepts
December 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pavilion
Included with Garden admission
Public comment welcome
Additional Information
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12.11 | civic ecology workshop - damascus
The City of Damascus is hosting a Civic Ecology workshop Saturday December 11, 2010 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
The workshop will be held at Damascus City Hall. Many of you may be familiar with Civic Ecology workshops held around the region. This is an exciting opportunity for us to work with Tim Smith and engage with the community. We hope to integrate this work into our Sustainability Plan and also be a catalyst for community led projects and programs.
Download a PDF of the flyer for the event.
Questions and/or RSVP to Erika Palmer at the City of Damascus
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The Basics of Furniture and Fabrics for Outdoor Use | January 20, 2011
Join us for an afternoon at the delightful Leach Botanical Garden, Portland/ Explore the foundations of furniture and fabric selection:
- How history & architecture influence furniture styles and why it matters
- Fabric content and application “101â€
- Learn how to choose durable and sustainable materials;
AND
Get the inside scoop about how the furniture and
fabric industry trade works.
First come, first serve registration begins
December 1, 2010
Maximum 40 people
Download a PDF with more information on how to register.
Workshop presented by:
Vanessa Nagel, APLD, NCIDQ, ANLD
SeasonsGardenDesign.com
AND
Bonnie Bruce, ANLD, FIIDA, LEED AP
CeliloGardens.com
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Re:STREETS CONFERENCE | july 21-23, 2011
Streets Reconsidered: Inclusive Design for the Public Realm
Berkeley, California
In partnership with The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Complete Streets Coalition, America Walks, Smart Growth America and the urban planning and design fi rm of MIG, Inc., PLAE, Inc.
announces the Re:STREETS Conference.
More information, download a PDF here.
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mORE INFORMATION
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JOB LISTINGS
Landscape architecture firms can reach landscape architects across Oregon with an advertisement in NewsWire or on our website. Details click here.
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NewsWire Submittal Requirements
NewsWire is a publication of the Oregon Chapter ASLA.
NewsWire is published at the beginning of each month for annoucing information for the following month. All ads and information must be received by noon of the previous Friday for inclusion
Please send all submissions questions and comments to Jason King.
Keeping Yourself Current
Please help us keep our mailing list current. Send updates or corrections of your contact information to info@aslaoregon.org
Contact Us
Executive Committee and other contact information is available at the Chapter website.
For mailing and other administrative inquiries about the chapter, contact:
ASLA Oregon Chapter
147 SE 102nd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97216
phone: 503.227.6156
fax: 503.253.9172
info@aslaoregon.org
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November 27, 2010
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in UofOregon
Enchanted Forest now part of Historic American Landscapes Survey
EUGENE, Ore. -- (Nov. 12, 2010) -- Seventeen years ago, a class project by landscape architecture students laid the groundwork for award-winning work in 2010. Two alumni received second place honors in the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) Theme Park Challenge for Oregon’s Enchanted Forest.
In 1993, as students in Professor Kenneth Helphand's History of Landscape Architecture, Jean Senechal Biggs, BLA ’95, and Cathleen Corlett, MLA ’96, were part of a five-member student team that also included September Vhay, BArch ‘93, Sarah Lewis, BArch ’94, and former landscape architecture student Michael Warren. The students chose to study the Enchanted Forest, a storybook theme park that has been continually owned and operated by the Tofte family since 1964. “Kenny was enthusiastic about our choice for the assignment to document an Oregon landscape. Disneyland may be the best-known of all U.S. theme parks, but the Enchanted Forest is distinctly Oregon and is treasured by many,†says Senechal Biggs.
Helphand connected Corlett and Senechal Biggs with HALS liaison Laurie Matthews, MLA ‘01, who encouraged them to enter the Theme Park Challenge. The two realized that their student work was the foundation a HALS submission. In June 2010, they revisited the site and interviewed the park’s founder, Roger Tofte, to complete their inventory.
Now in its tenth year, the HALS program is a partnership between the National Park Service, the American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Library of Congress. The program depends on volunteers to systematically document a variety of historic American landscapes. "Until we have permanent, secure funding for HALS, we depend greatly on such wonderful donations," says Paul Dolinsky, HALS chief at the National Park Service.
First place honors in the Theme Park Challenge went to a faculty-student team from Virginia Tech for their documentation of Glen Echo Park, Glen Echo, Maryland. Documentation of Sonoma Traintown Railroad in Sonoma, California won third place. Winning entries will be featured on the Library of Congress website in 2011.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 63 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact: Karen Johnson, AAA Communications, (541) 346-3603, karenjj@uoregon.edu
August 3, 2010
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in UofOregon
With hands-on learning, the food grown will be distributed to local non-profit social service groups and allows transitioning opportunities for those in the criminal justice system
EUGENE, Ore. -- (August 3, 2010) –A two-acre abandoned lot adjacent to the U.S. Federal Courthouse is being transformed into an urban oasis of fresh vegetables, fruits and all kinds of native plant life. Presiding U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken’s dream project of creating an urban garden that services community non-profits has come to life, thanks a special partnership with the UO’s Department of Landscape Architecture and its energetic students and faculty members.
The empty lot is also being cared for by individuals from the criminal justice system; giving them the reentry skills needed to transition back into the community. The university’s Courthouse Garden program will teach students how to hone their gardening skills as well as how to develop an urban garden. Students began work during the winter season and are now in full gear with summer crops and activity, thanks to a summer class now underway.
Lorri Nelson, adjunct instructor, has big plans for the urban garden. This summer, she is teaching students the logistics of starting up an urban garden with a strong social services mission.
“I think it’s a really enlightening program,†says Nelson. “It’s more than just learning about gardening. It’s a hands-on course about the social issues of having an edible garden in the city. Besides helping to grow food for those who need it most, it’s a social integration opportunity for people within the criminal justice system.â€
Probation officer, Jed Davis, agrees. “The garden started a vacant lot of dirt and gravel. It has given our clients, who are transitioning back into society, important job skills, healthy food, as well as helping them learn to communicate with others. By working together, we are teaching skills and boosting self worth and self sufficiency, and in the long run, preventing crime,†says Davis.
Nelson said the summer course will teach students all about the logistics of gardening sustainably, whether it be teaching irrigation methods or planting new vegetable beds. Students and those from the in-transition program won’t be working side by side during class hours but there will be opportunities to work outside of class to service the garden.
And although the garden is temporary —the City of Eugene has leased the site to the University of Oregon for three years—Nelson is optimistic that long-term benefits will soon ensue.
“It’s just a really inspiring idea,†says Nelson. “This class is a larger vision and helps to promote accessibility to sustainability, and cuts through any economic or racial divide. Everyone in the garden is on the same level, hoping to achieve the same goals. I’m hoping this project leads to more like it in the future.â€
Judge Aiken’s deep involvement with the Relief Nursery (a nationally acclaimed model for preventing child abuse and preserving families) was the inspiration for this Courthouse Garden. She wanted to provide a reentry program for convicted persons and connect the garden’s produce to community service endeavors after seeing the positive results with the Relief Nursery garden.
“The knowledge base of Ann Bettman and Lorrie Nelson has been essential,†says Jed Davis. “We could not have done it without them. The passion and enthusiasm of the students has been mind blowing. The students came in to help our clients and shared ideas that went beyond gardening and how to help the community.â€
Ann Bettman, who had taught the landscape architecture Urban Farm course for over thirty years, was asked to help develop the project and soon after, Nelson agreed to teach the summer Courthouse Garden course. Bettman is an assistant adjunct professor of landscape architecture at UO and the retired director of the Urban Farm.
“It’s all kind of happening so fast,†Nelson said. “It’s incredible how much community support we’ve received. EWEB installed our irrigation system, University of Oregon students have logged countless volunteer hours, Fall Creek Nursery just donated blueberry plants and so many other community members are offering their goods and services. It’s really reaching out beyond the university level.â€
The Courthouse Garden construction began on February 10, 2010. The urban garden class began June 21 and will conclude on August 13. Community residents also have the opportunity to work side by side with the students and reentry program participants on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the garden site adjacent to the U.S. federal courthouse, 405 E. 8th Avenue. Tools are provided.
View the video made by Tzum Productions at
www.youtube.com/uoregonaaa
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BSsqQy9E40]
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 63 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact: Karen Johnson, AAA External Relations and Communications, (541) 346-3603,
karenjj@uoregon.edu
Source: Lorri Nelson, landscape architecture adjunct instructor, 541-345-5552,
lanelson@uoregon.edu
Jed Davis, probation officer, U.S. Federal Courthouse, 541-431-4060,
John_Davis@orp.uscourts.gov
Links:
http://housing.uoregon.edu/news.php?view=2001&ref=reshalls
http://comm.uoregon.edu/archive/uo-news/2010/march/uo-e-clips-march-18
http://sites.google.com/site/courthousegarden/
Story by Emily Wilson and Karen Johnson.
Video by Nancy Webber, Tzum Productions,
nancywebber@tzumpro.com
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June 2, 2010
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in UofOregon
City and UO faculty and students will work collaboratively in year-long effort
EUGENE, Ore. -- (May 25, 2010) – The University of Oregon’s Sustainable Cities Initiative program has selected Salem as its focus city for the 2010-11 academic year. Following a successful inaugural year in Gresham, Ore., UO faculty and students will work collaboratively with Salem, Oregon’s capital city, to tackle important development, planning and civic engagement issues.
"We are honored that the University of Oregon selected Salem to participate in this unique program that matches professors and students in a number of disciplines with real-world community projects,†said Salem City Manager Linda Norris. “The City's participation in the program allows us to address several City Council goals and leverage existing limited resources to move projects forward much faster than would otherwise be possible. As a result of this work, we will have well-researched designs and plans to present to the community and the City Council. We think this program is a great model for encouraging additional future collaboration between Oregon universities and Oregon cities.â€
More than 25 courses, 25 faculty members and approximately 600 students will focus on Salem projects during the 2010-11 academic year. The UO anticipates selecting one city each year to be the focus of sustainable design and planning courses as part of its Sustainable Cities Initiative. The Salem City Council, Salem Housing Authority Commission and Salem’s Urban Renewal Agency Board approved participation in the program on May 24.
“The Sustainable Cities Initiative is an ambitious interdisciplinary undertaking, “said Frances Bronet, dean of the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts. “It is unique in its approach to focus on a single city and bring collective expertise and strengths of faculty and students from multiple areas of campus together. The common goal of making a place better through collaboration embodies how higher education institutions contribute and serve the public interest.â€
Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI) is shaping the future academic priorities at the UO as a result of a campus-wide discussion and selection process. Started at the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts, SCI now extends across disciplines into other schools and colleges on campus. The goal is to promote research, education, service and public outreach related to the development of sustainable cities.
The 2009-2010 academic year partner was the city of Gresham, where nearly 100,000 hours of student work was applied to projects throughout the city. Starting with only six courses, the SCI course listing expanded to 21 by the end of the school year, across five academic departments. The completed work will contribute to future planning for Gresham.
To select the 2010-2011 city, SCI co-directors Nico Larco, Marc Schlossberg and Robert Young invited Oregon cities with more than 15,000 residents to apply and submit project proposals. Proposals were submitted by five cities: Beaverton, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Salem and Springfield. Salem was selected as the top finalist by a review committee of university faculty.
Salem is the center of a strong agricultural sector; home to sustainable industries like SANYO Solar of Oregon, Kettle Foods, Sequential Bio Fuels, AgriPlas and Truitt Brothers; stable government employment as the state and county seat; large private employers including Garmin Industries, Salem Hospital and the recently announced Home Depot Rapid Deployment Center. Local educational institutions — including Chemeketa Community College Center for Business and Industry, Willamette University and Western Oregon University — provide undergraduate and graduate programs and workforce training, and contribute to cultural events and art that enrich the community. Salem's vibrant, historic downtown has several parks within walking distance, and a wide array of restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions.
Salem projects will apply study from architecture, interior architecture, landscape architecture, arts and administration, planning, public policy and management, law, business management and journalism. Projects were selected because they accelerate positive direction for Salem, fit within curriculum, and will result in fully researched and designed options for the City Council to move Salem forward at the right time. Projects will include:
- A critical look at areas immediately adjacent to Salem’s vibrant downtown, to result in development and redevelopment scenarios to make better use of the Riverfront;
- New police facility planning and civic center redesign scenarios to improve public service, utilizing the existing building;
- A civic engagement strategy to expand communication, representation and participation in decision making with use of new technology and other materials;
- A plan to connect Salem’s downtown parks with urban trails and bike routes;
- A restoration plan for natural areas at the large Minto-Brown Island urban park;
- A development plan for the Salem Housing Authority Orchard Village site;
- Market analysis to include supply chain and business cluster studies.
Courses will begin Fall 2010. For more information, visit
http://sci.uoregon.edu/.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 63 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Contacts: Julie Brown, UO media relations, 541-346-3185,
julbrown@uoregon.edu; Nicole Wahlberg, City of Salem Urban Development public information, 503-588-6178, ext. 7552,
nwahlberg@cityofsalem.net
Links: UO Sustainable Cities Initiative,
http://sci.uoregon.edu/; City of Salem,
http://www.cityofsalem.net/
###
February 25, 2010
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Sustainable design in architecture chosen as first in the nation; interior architecture and landscape architecture place in top 5 programs
EUGENE, Ore. -- (Feb. 5, 2010) – The University of Oregon’s architecture program jumped 11 spots in the latest ranking of the nation’s architecture schools. Both graduate and undergraduate programs in architecture are ranked in the top 20.
A special edition of the journal
DesignIntelligence recognized UO’s department of architecture, the interior architecture program and the department of landscape architecture for commitment to teaching sustainable design. The architecture program was ranked as the leading program in the U.S. The interior architecture and landscape architecture programs were ranked second and fourth in sustainable design practices and principles, respectively. The publication ranks the country’s top architecture and design schools each year.
“It is a great honor to be in first place among a growing team of national architectural programs focused on the broad scope of sustainability,†said Frances Bronet, dean of the School of Architecture and Allied Arts (AAA). “AAA’s sustainability leadership comes from decades of innovation, integrated and excellent design, rigorous work and many partnerships and collaborations amongst students, faculty and internal and external constituents.â€
Overall ranking for the UO’s undergraduate architecture program is seventh. The graduate program remains in the top 15 percent at 16th. The architecture program was also ranked in the top five in the U.S. in analysis and planning skills. The
National Architectural Accrediting Board reports that there are 142 accredited architecture programs in the U.S. with 54 of these offering the professional degree at the undergraduate level and 94 programs offering the professional degree at the graduate level.
“Sustainable design and green building are deeply integrated into our programs,†said Christine Theodoropoulos, head of the architecture department. “Faculty with national and international distinction in sustainable design research also teach design studios. There is a shared commitment among students and faculty that every project must be sustainable, in theory and in practice.â€
The editors of DesignIntelligence also listed the UO landscape architecture program as a “Program of High Distinction†in the special report. The report rates programs based on a 10-year review of ratings by professional practice firms, dean’s survey results and external analysis. The editors cited the landscape architecture program as a ‘hidden gem’ since some programs that are deserving aren’t in the rankings list due to the small number of graduates who are in place in professional firms completing the evaluations. The
Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board states that 63 programs offer accredited landscape architecture degrees.
“It is great to be recognized for the ongoing, cutting-edge teaching, research and service that we have been continually engaged in and committed to for years,†said Stanton Jones, former head of the landscape architecture department. “We are indeed fortunate to have such a symbiotic relationship with both the region’s landscapes and its practitioners.â€
Liska Chan is the newly appointed head of the Department of Landscape Architecture.
UO’s interior architecture program was voted in the top 10 undergraduate and graduate programs in the nation. The program was ranked second for sustainable design and computer applications. The program’s undergraduate education ranked sixth in the nation. The
Council for Interior Design Accreditation reports that there are 145 undergraduate interior design programs in the U.S.
“We are pleased that interior architecture’s professional and creative curriculum continues to receive excellent national rankings,†said Alison Snyder, interior architecture program director. “Our emphasis on an integrated sustainable attitude along with computer media provides our students with strong ideals and competitive tools.â€
DesignIntelligence is a monthly publication produced by the Design Futures Council, a Washington D.C.-based think tank exploring trends, changes and innovation in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. The annual rankings edition was established 10 years ago.
The UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts offers accredited professional degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture and product design.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of 62 of the leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. Membership in the AAU is by invitation only. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Contacts: Julie Brown, UO media relations, 541-346-3185,
julbrown@uoregon.edu; Karen Johnson, AAA external relations and communications, 541-346-3603,
karenjj@uoregon.edu
Links: DesignIntelligence,
http://www.di.net/archschools/schools.html; UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts,
http://aaa.uoregon.edu; Council for Interior Design Accreditation,
http://www.accredit-id.org; National Architectural Accrediting Board,
http://www.naab.org
###
January 26, 2010
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Oregon Student Chapter Organizes Model Mentoring Program
Twenty-six firms will host some 50 students for one day this week to get a firsthand look at practice.
"University of Oregon students in landscape architecture will spend a day in the offices of professionals to gain insight into the practice and build their networking skills. On Friday, January 29, the 17th Annual Shadow Mentor Day, sponsored by the Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), will partner students with working professionals from Ashland to Seattle. The firms will open their doors to landscape architecture students for a day of mentorship to give students the chance to experience the workday of a professional within a design practice."
Â
Continue reading at
LAND online
January 6, 2010
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January 5, 2010
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in UofOregon
Landscape architecture student focuses on restoring, preserving her hometown through Sustainable Cities Initiative program
Rena Schlachter hopes to create a greener Gresham, Oregon as part of her UO studies
EUGENE, Ore. -- (Jan. 4, 2010) – This year’s Sustainable Cities Initiative (SCI) program at the University of Oregon hit home to landscape architecture graduate student Rena Schlachter. Literally. The SCI program, designed to provide university students with real-world sustainable city planning, chose Schlachter’s Gresham, Oregon hometown to kick off the program’s first year.
Lying to the east of Portland, Gresham has undergone increasing gentrification changes in recent years. Portland inhabitants have begun to move away from high-density city housing and into smaller neighboring cities; such as Gresham. But Schlachter fondly recalls growing up in a city that had only outskirted the Portland metropolitan area.
“I’ve lived there since I was a kid,†said Schlachter. “I remember going to the annual Jazz Festival downtown, all the football games in high school, running track, and playing in the Johnson Creek in the woods behind my house. My family still lives there and Gresham is still my home.â€
However, Schlachter adds, much has changed since she went to high school. The economic downturn hit the community atmosphere hard; school districts and housing have consequently been affected. This is why, Schlachter says, she’s happy the University of Oregon and the SCI program have come up with different approaches to tackle these problems.
“In urban planning, there’s a great need for collaboration. I’m excited the university is encouraging students and Portland metro organizations to join forces and spread a sense of community for the future of Gresham,†said Schlachter. “And with an emphasis on sustainability, we’re planning for a long-term positive impact.â€
Schlachter’s studio group for the program focuses on integrating native habitats and new housing units at Gresham Crossing; a 4-acre wetland site previously used as a logging pond. Located close to the MAX line, the overall idea was to aesthetically enhance the site in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.
“My group’s approach was to preserve, restore, and establish,†said Schlachter. “We wanted to find a way to co-exist new housing development with site preservation. That meant doing things like building housing on the edge of the site so it’s not intrusive to the natural habitat, getting rid of invasive species, minimize parking and maximize public transportation access.â€
For Schlachter, a big component of the sustainability project was to not only leave a “minimal human footprintâ€, but also to leave a sense of pride in the Gresham community. Real-life simulation outside the classroom let students come up with multiple solutions to tackle sustainability as well as community issues.
“I see this as a transformational educational experience for ‘real world’ design and planning opportunities, “ said Brook Muller, a UO architecture professor and Schlachter’s studio instructor, adding, “Rena is a fabulous student; she has offered valuable insights as far as the environmental, social and economic context within which we are working.â€
With a project so close to home, Schlachter’s efforts to improve Gresham’s sustainability and raise pride in her hometown are beginning to take flight.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 62 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact: Rena Schlachter, M.L.A graduate student, Department of Landscape Architecture, 541-740-0544,
rena@uoregon.edu. Story by Emily Wilson.
Source: Brook Muller, Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, 541-346-3647,
bmuller@uoregon.edu
Links: UO Sustainable Cities Initiative,
http://sci.uoregon.edu; City of Gresham,
http://greshamoregon.gov
December 10, 2009
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in UofOregon
Landscape architect and educator Stan Jones says farewell to Oregon
Nine projects of design and construction in Eugene and Springfield are evidence of his unique teaching style
EUGENE, Ore. -- (Dec. 10, 2009) -- His imprint is seen across the University of Oregon campus and in the community. Stanton Jones, associate professor of landscape architecture and department head, used the UO campus as a hands-on site for his students. After sixteen years of teaching, building and designing landscapes, restoring habitats, designing natural storm water filtration systems, and mentoring students, Stan Jones is leaving Oregon. Jones has been department head since March 2004.
Jones expressed his respect for the department in a recent interview. “As head, I’ve been able to work with an outstanding faculty cohort who work together to strengthen the program.†Citing achievements like the successful accreditation visits, the initiation of the doctoral program, expanding research programs, a robust international program to Japan, a healthy and secure urban farm program, and strong relations with the professional community, Jones says the department is in a strong position. “I hope the program continues to grow, mature and evolve as it responds to the strengths and interests of the faculty and demands of the profession.â€
Jones arrived in 1993 and began to teach Landscape Technology and Site Analysis courses, along with design studios. Eventually, he added design-build studio and construction projects into the curriculum with the first one initiated in 1994 to create the Springfield’s Millrace Park. Design-build is a set of classes that combines landscape technologies, professional practice, and design studios to “show students the connection between lines drawn on a page and how it gets built in the field,†explains Jones. The Millrace Park project was a historic dump, overgrown with blackberries and adjacent to the historic Springfield Depot. Then U.S. Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt praised the project as an excellent example of a cooperative venture that addressed environmental quality, ecological health, and urban quality of life.
Jones continued to offer numerous design-build projects throughout the area with his students. Other projects include the UO pedestrian footbridge over the Millrace and Millrace Park (1995), the outdoor classroom for Charlemagne at Fox Hollow French School (1996), Eugene Millrace north bank restoration and stormwater management project (1999), the stormwater bioswale sculpture on the south bank of the Eugene Millrace (2003), the UO’s “heart of campus†courtyard paving, garden and shelter design at E. 13th and University Streets (2004). His last design build-project was the renovation of Lawrence Hall’s central courtyard in 2006. Further off campus, the design-build projects include the playground at Spencer View Co-Op family center (2001) and the west meadow bank stabilization project on the Columbia River at The Shire property (1997).
As he leaves the Pacific Northwest, Jones encourages his students to remember to “see the value in their own environment—be responsible for it, take care and stay positive, and the work will make a difference.â€
Frances Bronet, dean of the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts, says, “Stan has been an incredible partner for all of us here. His sheer energy, willingness to work across all boundaries is demonstrated by a commitment to hands-on work with students, cross-unit partnerships, and great advocacy for the role of an evolving, resilient, and beautiful physical context. He has led the Department of Landscape Architecture with passion, conviction and a vision for a responsible and richly connected environment.â€
Jones feels strongly that teaching care and respect of the environment and of each other is critical. He has continued on this mission outside the classroom. As his family grew, Jones coached every sport his three sons signed up to try—football, baseball, hockey, and soccer.
Jones leaves the UO for a tenured position at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment in the Landscape Architecture Program. His wife, Laura Blake Jones, accepted a post as Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor earlier this year. In February 2010, Professor Jones will continue his teaching of landscape technologies and working on ways to increase the connection between the architecture and landscape architecture programs. He will look for ways to create design-build opportunities that can be modeled after the successful programs at the University of Oregon and will also be developing a research program centered around the issues of inclusivity and sustainability in the design of urban environments. “The University of Michigan, like the University of Oregon, is a world-class teaching and research institution, and I’m excited by the many wonderful opportunities that lay ahead,†says Jones.
Leaving Oregon is not easy for the Jones family as their involvement in so many activities both on and off campus has made them many good friends. However, one thing about the move to Michigan that has Stan Jones and his three hockey-playing sons excited is the prospect for outdoor ice rinks and the feeling of “skating on open ice.†Jones adds, “the cold and snow will be fine so long as we can all get out for a little pond hockey to burn off some energy every now and then.â€
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 62 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact: Karen Johnson, AAA communications, 541-346-3603, karenjj@uoregon.edu
Links:
landarch.uoregon.edu
