Landscape Architecture Commons^™

A Health Impact Assessment Of Mixed Use Redevelopment Nodes And Corridors In Lincoln, Nebraska, Katie Clear

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Obesity is a growing threat to America’s health. The national rate of obesity is 34% (Health Consequences, 2011), and Lincoln, Nebraska is not far behind that trend at 20.7% (BRFSS, 2011). Increasing physical activity is one way to reduce weight gain, (Edwards, 2008) and further studies show that small changes to the built environment can induce people to use alternative and more active forms of transportation such as biking, walking, and public transportation (Edwards, 2008; Zheng, 2008). The 2040 Comprehensive Plan for Lincoln, NE includes language to create a more walkable community. The proposal is to redevelop existing areas within …

A Survey And Assessment Of The State Of Low Impact Development In The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester County Region Of Coastal South Carolina Emphasizing The Role Of Landscape Architects In Stormwater Management, Noelle Castiglia

All Theses

Watersheds across the U.S., particularly population-dense coastal regions, are being impacted by cultural development preferences which promote an increase in impervious surfaces and ultimately increase the rate and volume of stormwater runoff. Low Impact Development (LID), a site specific form of green infrastructure (GI), is being adopted by many municipalities as an alternative stormwater management solution. Taking advantage of local ecological systems, LID addresses pressing growth requirements with the fundamental need to protect waterways, while also meeting federal regulations resulting from the National Permit Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This thesis attempts to assess the state of LID in the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester …

A Model Of Human Scale Tested On Rural Landscape Scenes, Richard K. Sutton

Great Plains Research: A Journal of Natural and Social Sciences (through 2013)

Landscapes such as the Great Plains have been described as lacking human scale. This study developed a quantitative model of human scale and compared it with viewers' perceptions of visual structure. Visual structure was selected from the physical features of Otoe County, NE, forming boundaries, found as ground textures, vegetative screens, and topographic breaks and was depicted in photographs of landscape scenes. The model used and tested nine classes of scale based on grain and extent of the photos rated by viewers against those from the model. Viewers identified boundaries representing grain and extent that were synthesized into a viewer-perceived …

High Desert Community Landscape Performance Benefits Assessment, Bo Yang

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Faculty Publications

High Desert community in Albuquerque, New Mexico honors low-impact design practices of water conservation, wildlife habitat restoration, material recycling and cultural endowment. This project changed water-conservation and landscape planting ordinances at city and state levels. Through this master plan, Design Workshop pioneered the firm's philosophy and comprehensive approach, DW Legacy Design®, which strives to balance environmental sensitivity, community connections, artistic beauty and economic viability with metrics that gauge the success of outcomes. High Desert's demonstrated success is a model for sustainable master planned communities.

Daybreak Community Landscape Performance Benefits Assessment, Bo Yang, Amanda Goodwin

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Faculty Publications

Daybreak is a 4,127-acre model mixed-use community for comprehensive sustainable design. The project was planned on surplus mining land and will accommodate over 20,000 residential units, approximately 9.1 million sf of commercial space, and 20,000 jobs at build-out. The extensive parks and open space integrates stormwater management, merges with natural systems, and is enlivened by social and recreational programming. The full range of sustainable features includes walkable streets, an extensive trail system, native and drought-tolerant plants, habitat conservation, recycled materials, and a vibrant mix of amenities and services. Landscape Performance Benefits • Retains 100% of storm water that falls on …

An Exploration Of The Potential Benefits Of Healing Gardens On Veterans With Ptsd, Brock Justin Anderson

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

Healing gardens are places that facilitate in improving or restoring an individual’s mental or physical health. Today, therapeutic landscape design is a growing facet of landscape architecture. This study looks at the potential benefits of using healing gardens in addition to traditional methods of treatment for veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A reasonable amount of research has been done into the area of therapeutic landscapes and their influence on certain populations, but the potential positive effects these healing gardensmay hold for veterans suffering from PTSD seems to be unidentified. This study examines the history of healing gardens, problems …

North Park: A Regional Approach To Parks, Recreation, And Trails Planning, Alan John Luce

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

The North Park study area is mainly focused on the parks, recreation, and trails of two municipalities: North Logan and Hyde Park. These two municipalities have formed several partnerships to provide the police, fire, and other civic needs of the citizens of both communities. Coincidentally, these services have been given a name that combines the names of the two municipalities, North Park. However, this particular study area also includes small portions of land that are currently located in Logan City, Cache County, and the U.S. Forest Service.

North Park is a beautiful area nestled on the east bench of Cache …

Wku-Habitat For Humanity Green Community: A Model For Engagement And Partnerships, Nancy Givens, Rodney Goodman

Education for Sustainability Summer Institute

No abstract provided.

An Exploration Of The Attributes Of Sense Of Place In A Culturally-Diverse Dallas District: Learning From Cedar Springs Case Study, Susan Alford

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses - Archive

Neighborhood centers rich in cultural diversity and history are desirable and special places for communities. Cedar Springs "The Strip" is a dynamic gay commercial neighborhood center serving Cedar Springs district's and is specified as unique although experiencing socio-spatial changes in character as expressed by its community (Vanderslice, 2008; Zillow, 2010). Even though research in literature reveals various definitions of sense of place, it is not clear what attributes make a particular place special and desirable such as Cedar Springs district which in turn can inform design and plans to respond to the community's sense of place. This research identifies and …

Protocols For Use Of The Cela Academic Information System, Alexandra Mariaaguiar Leister

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses - Archive

The Academic Information System (AIS) is a digital database used by academic administrators in landscape architecture programs to store and analyze information about the operations of their academic units. It is an information access tool that allows administrators to compare information about their academic units with information from clusters of other academic units also involved in the education of landscape architects. The reasons for CELA to create the AIS were "to eliminate the making of critical decisions about landscape architecture education based on intuition-driven information reinforcing the idea that there are priorities for releasing the data" (Taylor, Ellis, Ozdil 2010). …

Imsa Sustainable Landscape Plan "The Greening Of Imsa", [Ecology + Vision, Llc.] Ecologists And Landscape Architects

Landscape

In May of 2011, the IMSA Fund for Advancement of Education contracted with a professional ecological planning fi rm to develop this document in order to provide a basis for securing future funding for implementation of the ideas, goals and plans established herein. A secondary purpose of this document is to provide a foundational design and act as a guideline as funding is secured and construction design is conducted in preparation for implementation.

Open Space Planning; Utilizing Green Infrastructure To Preserve Community, Cynthia V. Reynolds

Master's Theses

Current sprawl development patterns typical of contemporary development in the United States are unsustainable. The uniform development guidelines prevent context sensitive community design, degrading our communities and consuming large amounts of natural and cultural resources. Significant progress has been made in reorganizing community planning towards sustainable development practices. However, these alternatives still work under the misconception that there is a disconnect between planning open space networks and planning development. Through a comprehensive land use planning approach, this project explores combining concepts of landscape ecology, green infrastructure planning and conservation subdivision patterns to design an integrative open space/community network.

New Urbanism: Its Interpretation And Implementation, Sherri Marie French

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

New Urbanism is a popular development movement that combines old and new development strategies in an attempt to build unique and lasting communities of value. However, as this movement employs practices that are not currently considered typical, developing in this manner can be difficult. This research seeks to identify the common difficulties that arise during the development of New Urbanist communities as well as possible solutions for overcoming those difficulties.

Researching the barriers to implementing principles of New Urbanism is important as this movement may offer solutions to some of the challenges arising from current development practices such as:

• Sprawl …

Enhanced Cross Country Running Course Design: A Study Of Historic And Recent Courses, Other Landscape-Based Sports, Athlete Psychology, And Course Elements, Audrey B. Lancaster

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Literature suggests that the original and "pure" elements of cross country course design have faded through time; in order to wholly enhance course design the original elements must be preserved and united with desired modern course elements. "Pure" sport is defined by an athlete's struggle and persistence that occur amidst tough competition, rugged course elements, and physical pain. In addition to identifying the desired elements through literature review, case studies, and self-experience of cross country course design, it was necessary to confirm the desired elements through interviewing eight key informants. The key informants were renowned and accomplished NCAA cross country …

A Study Of The Biltmore Estate's Ramble: Researching Design Intent, Evaluating Change Over Time, And Proposing A Rehabilitation Plan, Owen Mclaughlin

All Theses

The purpose of this study is to propose a historically appropriate rehabilitation plan for the Biltmore Estate's Ramble based upon Olmsted's original design intent. In order to ascertain Frederick Law Olmsted's original design intent for the Ramble, an extensive review of Victorian Era garden design, cultural landscapes, the U.S. Horticultural Industry, and possible design influences on Olmsted as he designed the site was performed. Using primary archival materials and secondary sources, the developmental history of the Ramble from 1890 to present was studied. From that work, design intent was determined by analyzing character-defining features from the original 1893 planting plan …

The Solitary Place Shall Be Glad For Them: Understanding And Treating Mormon Pioneer Gardens As Cultural Landscapes, Emily Anne Brooksby Wheeler

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The gardens of early Mormon pioneers are a unique cultural resource in the western United States, but little guidance has been provided for understanding or providing landscape treatments for Mormon landscapes. Mormon pioneers came to Utah and the Great Basin to escape religious persecution and build their own holy kingdom. In relative geographical isolation, they built towns that have a distinctive character delineating a Mormon cultural region in the West. Self-sufficiency was an important feature of these towns and of the religious culture of early Mormons, both because of their geographical isolation and their desire to be independent of the …

The Impact Of Different Play Environments On The Social Interactions Of Toddlers With Disabilities, Rebecca Buckley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Play is a crucial part of any child’s social behavior and development. It helps children develop self-determination, self-control, and identity. These skills are primarily learned through interactions with other children. Play is particularly imperative for children with disabilities approaching the age of three, an age that studies have shown to be pivotal for their social and emotional growth.

Children with disabilities often have difficulty with social interactions. Play serves as a platform for these interactions, and provides a way for children with disabilities to learn social standards and values. Children with disabilities who do not participate in play can suffer …

Elementary Schoolyard Landscapes As Outdoor Learning Environments: North Texas Stakeholders' Perceptions Of The No Child Left Inside Act, Shawn Marie Bookout

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses - Archive

So that children can be exposed to a more stimulating outdoor educational experience, the United States public education system developed and implemented strategies to accomplish an integrative approach between indoor and outdoor learning (Gardner 1991; Wells and Evans 2003; Titman 1994; Moore 1986). One of these strategies is to allow for an enhanced connection between children and the outdoor environment through the betterment of school landscapes. As described by Wohlwill (1983), the outdoor environment is - that vast domain of organic and inorganic matter that is not a product of human activity or intervention. The purpose of this study is …

A Search For Design Appropriateness Using Qualitative Techniques To Contrast The Mountain Resort Community Cores Of Vail Village And Beaver Creek Village, Jared Sylor

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses - Archive

This study uses in-depth interviews to compare the mountain resort village cores of Vail Village and Beaver Creek Village to determine levels of design appropriateness in each. Design appropriateness for a village core is defined as an outdoor, multi-chambered, visually stimulating environment that encourages and invites human activity and repeat visits to the village core and ski resort (Dorward 1990.) An appropriately designed village core "encourages visitors to wander, explore the special places and unique features of the village, people-watch, and interact amiably with strangers in a diverse mix of gathering places and open-air seating" (Dorward 2006, p.273.) Design appropriateness …

Impact Of Suburbs: Assessing Tree Coverage Using Geo-Spatial Tools In The City Of Fort Worth, James Colton Yorek

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses - Archive

Throughout the last century, developers kept pace with the growing housing demand, and in doing so, former rural landscape continued to become part of the urban fabric (Corrigan et al, 2004; Secker 2007). This newly acquired land is primarily being shaped by development typically in the form of single-family residential subdivisions (Berger, 2006). With the increasing consumption of land for development there are increasing concerns from the public surrounding issues of land use changes, natural resources, and the protection of land through conservation efforts (Johnston et al, 2006). One of these issues is the acceptance of the urban forest as …

A Search For Design Appropriateness Using Qualitative Techniques To Contrast The Mountain Resort Community Cores Of Vail Village And Beaver Creek Village, Jared Sylor

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses - Archive

This study uses in-depth interviews to compare the mountain resort village cores of Vail Village and Beaver Creek Village to determine levels of design appropriateness in each. Design appropriateness for a village core is defined as an outdoor, multi-chambered, visually stimulating environment that encourages and invites human activity and repeat visits to the village core and ski resort (Dorward 1990.) An appropriately designed village core "encourages visitors to wander, explore the special places and unique features of the village, people-watch, and interact amiably with strangers in a diverse mix of gathering places and open-air seating" (Dorward 2006, p.273.) Design appropriateness …

Compatibility Of Urban Edible Landscaping To The Sustainable Sites Initiative's Goals And Design Criteria., Cheryl Beesley

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses - Archive

This research addresses edible landscapes through the lens of The Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES). The Sustainable Sites Initiative is a collaboration of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), The Ladybird Johnson Wildlife Center and the United States Botanic Garden. The team of professionals working on SITES has developed a manual for sustainable site development and landscaping practice that include guidelines regarding site development, installation, and maintenance practices. Various levels of certification can be obtained by accumulating points in categories that relate to new site construction or site renovation. It is the purpose of this thesis to research how urban …

Toward An Ontology Of Design Philosophy In Landscape Architecture: Developing A Personal Design Philosophy, Rhonda Erin Fields

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses - Archive

This thesis uses qualitative inquiry to examine the process for developing a personal design philosophy. The larger goal of the study seeks to understand the universal and particulars of design as philosophy with the intent to develop an ontology for design philosophy in landscape architecture. "Design is a crucial factor in the relation between beings and worlds as they shape each other, yet as a philosophy, design itself hardly exists" (Willis, 2009). Willis and others in the field of design philosophy suggest that design as a philosophy has only recently begun to be studied. Further, to begin an understanding of …

Elementary Schoolyard Landscapes As Outdoor Learning Environments: North Texas Stakeholders' Perceptions Of The No Child Left Inside Act, Shawn Marie Bookout

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses - Archive

So that children can be exposed to a more stimulating outdoor educational experience, the United States public education system developed and implemented strategies to accomplish an integrative approach between indoor and outdoor learning (Gardner 1991; Wells and Evans 2003; Titman 1994; Moore 1986). One of these strategies is to allow for an enhanced connection between children and the outdoor environment through the betterment of school landscapes. As described by Wohlwill (1983), the outdoor environment is - that vast domain of organic and inorganic matter that is not a product of human activity or intervention. The purpose of this study is …

Toward An Ontology Of Design Philosophy In Landscape Architecture: Developing A Personal Design Philosophy, Rhonda Erin Fields

Landscape Architecture Masters & Design Theses - Archive

This thesis uses qualitative inquiry to examine the process for developing a personal design philosophy. The larger goal of the study seeks to understand the universal and particulars of design as philosophy with the intent to develop an ontology for design philosophy in landscape architecture. "Design is a crucial factor in the relation between beings and worlds as they shape each other, yet as a philosophy, design itself hardly exists" (Willis, 2009). Willis and others in the field of design philosophy suggest that design as a philosophy has only recently begun to be studied. Further, to begin an understanding of …

Assessing Planning Approaches By Watershed Streamflow Modeling:Case Study Of The Woodlands, Texas, Bo Yang, M H. Li

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Faculty Publications

The Woodlands, Texas, is well known as a town created following Ian McHarg’s ecological planning approach that uses soil permeability to coordinate development densities and land use. Very few studies have quantitatively measured the effect of this planning approach on stormwater management. In this study, watershed stream flow modeling was conducted to assess five hypothetical land use scenarios. These scenarios were compared with The Woodlands’ 2005 condition using the Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment (AGWA) tool that simulates watershed long-term stream flow and peak discharges during single storms. The objectives are to: (1) assess The Woodlands development conditions during 1974–2005 on …

University Of Texas At Arlington Extensive Green Roof, David Hopman

Landscape Architecture Faculty Publications - Archive

The University of Texas at Arlington (UT-Arlington) installed the first extensive green roof in the Dallas / Fort Worth area in April of 2008. The roof was researched, designed, and is being managed by UT-Arlington associate professor and landscape architect David Hopman, ASLA. The approach to the roof is in keeping with the professional priorities of landscape architects and is not a narrowly focused scientific study such as the green roof research at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas or the ongoing studies at The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas. The test roof at UT-Arlington is 100 …

Growing Greener In The City: Open Space Advocacy For Environmental Justice In Jackson Heights, Donovan Finn

School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences Faculty Publications

Local residents in the Jackson Heights neighborhood of Queens, New York City, develop a do it yourself solution to the community's lack of park space. The case study shows how civic advocacy can address issues of environmental justice and open space access in urban communities. by harnessing local social capital and building coalitions with city agencies and non-governmental partners.