The value of green spaces lies in their ability to foster social integration, community health and the preservation of cultural identity. It’s a mission that landscape architects are increasingly taking on as central shapers of the public realm.
Philadelphia – Schoolyard Renovating Projects:
A burgeoning movement in the United States has turned abandoned schoolyards into vibrant play areas that stimulate children’s imagination and learning. This collaboration among nonprofits, government agencies, schools and university students is breathing new life into more than 300 neglected schoolyards in the city of Philadelphia.
Denver – Cherry Creek North Retail District:
The 16-block Cherry Creek North retail district, an outdoor shopping area in downtown Denver, has seen its business decline in recent years due to deteriorating infrastructure and tired aesthetics. A streetscape upgrade, designed by Design Workshop and evaluated by USU’s Bo Yang as a LAF case study, restored its identity with new lighting, planting, signage and wayfinding and preserved its historic character.
Bangor, Maine – Penobscot River Trail:
The Greater Bangor Convention & Visitors Bureau and partners would like to market, promote, and connect its downtown assets with outdoor recreation assets, including the nearby Penobscot River. This project seeks to attract overnight tourists and businesses; create a sustainable land management plan that improves water quality; and increase physical activity.
High Desert, Albuquerque:
In a high desert, low-impact development project in northern New Mexico, Design Workshop created green spaces that conserve water, protect wildlife habitat and increase connectivity, reduce view impairment and light pollution, recycle materials and minimize stormwater runoff. This project also challenged and changed water-conservation and landscape planting ordinances at the city and state levels.