#75 - Nandor Gortva - Resilient Form: Urban Design in a Dynamic Context

"Resilient Form: Urban Design in a Dynamic Context"

Nandor Gortva, Master's, U of Calgary

Abstract:

#73 - Cynthia L. Girling - elementsDB: +20 Contemporary Open Spaces

“elementsDB: +20 Contemporary Open Spaces.” 
Cynthia L. Girling, CSLA, Professor and Chair Landscape Architecture Program, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of British Columbia 

Visit Website >>
elementsDB is a database of field-measured components of urban development including parks, urban plazas, waterfronts, open spaces, streets, residential, commercial, civic and industrial sites that catalogues and compares good urban design examples. Under development since 1995, it has recently been converted to a web-based application. Currently open spaces are under-represented in the elementsDB. The LACF funding will assist with the addition of 20 CSLA award-winning public spaces crucial in the sustainable development of Canadian cities. In addition to giving planning, design and illustrative information, open space cases provide environmental performance indicators for such factors as rainwater management, impervious vs. pervious area and protected habitat. Soon to be launched as a broadly accessible web application for academic, professional and community reference in planning and urban design, elementsDB is a proven educational tool for public decision-making applications. As the database moves to its final stage of development collaborators and research partners will be able to nominate and add cases remotely.

#72 - Hope Gunn - Climate Change Mitigation Strategies

“Climate Change Mitigation Strategies” 
Hope Gunn, Master’s Candidate in Landscape Architecture, University of Manitoba 

The purpose of the proposed research is to assess the affects of sea level rise on the coastal landscapes of Prince Edward Island and to explore methods of adaptation through planning and design. The intent of the research is to provide communities of PEI with the information needed to increase their adaptive capacity and decrease their current vulnerability to sea level rise. The City of Summerside will be used as a case study to propose a method for assessing the vulnerability of individual properties, by combining the potential impact risk with the property’s adaptive capacity into a single index variable. The resulting maps can be used to influence future development and planning projects within the community.This research project will address the role landscape architects could have when planning future projects within areas vulnerable to sea level rise. Adaptation strategies which are often categorized by either, protection, accommodation or retreat techniques will be examined, and protocols for when each should be applied will be recommended.

#71, 64 - Pierre Belanger - Landscapes Infrastructures

“Landscapes Infrastructures: Emerging Paradigms, practices and technologies re-shaping the contemporary landscape.”

Pierre Belanger, CSLA, Associate Professor, Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, University of Toronto 

Recipient of an Honor Award in the 2010 ASLA Professional Awards, the Landscape Infrastructures DVD is recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects in the Communications Category of this year's competition. Sponsored by the Landscape Architecture Canada Foundation, the DVD collects the proceedings of a symposium held at the University of Toronto Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design in 2008.

According to the 2010 ASLA jury, "Usually a conference is there and people go home and forget about it. This is something that captures that knowledge and spreads the word to the profession. Communicating anything of value from a symposium is almost impossible and this does it really well. An important resource and example of how to capture and distribute information from industry events.”

Gathering a series of influential thinkers and practitioners from around the world, the symposium foregrounds the reciprocity between landscape and infrastructure by discuss emerging practices, paradigms and technologies that are reshaping the contemporary urban landscape. Reexamining the inertia of urban planning and the overexertion of civil engineering, the symposium reformulates a more synthetic vision of urban infrastructure as a landscape that conflates ecological and economic imperatives of urban regions. The penultimate objective of the symposium repositions the agency of landscape architects, urban designers and architects vis-àvis the design of urban infrastructures for the new economy of the 21st century.

The Landscape Infrastructures DVD was edited by Pierre Bélanger, Associate Professor at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, and designed by OPSYS in collaboration with Master2DVD. Support for the symposium proceedings was made possible with generous support from the University of Toronto Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, the Landscape Architecture Canada Foundation, the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects, the Canadian Institute of Planners, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council, the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council and National Research Council Canada. Pierre Bélanger may be reached at belanger@harvard.edu.

The DVD disc-set is available online through the University of Toronto Bookstore and the Harvard University COOP.

For more information: http://www.asla.org/2010awards/623.html andhttp://www.daniels.utoronto.ca/events/symposia/2008/09/2986

#70 - Alissa North - Transforming Landscapes

“Transforming Landscapes: Four generations of Established and Emerging Landscape Architecture Practices”

Alissa North  Assistant Professor, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, University of Toronto

Gathering and exhibiting the exemplary work of four generations of established and emerging Canadian landscape architects will be an opportunity to publicly honour the 40 years of teaching that retiring University of Toronto Professor Ed Fife, FCSLA has had on the profession. Through a two week exhibit and one day symposium to be held at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, 230 College Street, U.of T. students, professionals and the public will be invited to view an exhibit that celebrates generations of Canadian landscape architects. LACF funding will assist with the collection, printing and mounting of the exhibit such that it could become a travelling or permanent exhibit for future generations of landscape architects.

#65 - Alexander Reford - International Garden Festival...

“International Garden Festival – Student Design Competition.”

Alexander Reford, Director, Jardins de Metis, Reford Gardens in Grand-Metis, Quebec.

The International Garden Festival is the leading venue for the public exhibition of contemporary gardens and landscapes in Canada. Fore the past eight years the Festival has provided over 100 professionals working in the fields of landscape architecture, architecture and visual arts in Canada and abroad with a unique opportunity to create avant-garde ephemeral gardens and exhibit them to the public at large.

The LACF funding will assist with a new endeavour for the International Garden Festival a student design competition for 2009, the 10th anniversary of the festival. Students enrolled in landscape architecture and environmental design programs at universities across Canada will be invited to participate through a design competition. Providing there is sufficient sponsorship one to three winning teams will be selected to prepare detailed plans and drawings and to participate in the construction of the garden (by a professional crew).

#63 - Alexandre Man-Bourdon - Old Gas Stations, New Fuel...

Old Gas Stations, New Fuel for Environmental Awareness

Alexandre Man-Bourdon, Master’s Thesis in Landscape Architecture at University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.

This research project addressed the role landscape architects can play as interpreter of the process and function on sites that are undergoing bioremediation and brownfield clean-up. The creative abilities of landscape architects to engage the public and help to educate/inform the public of the negative impacts that our lifestyles have. The research sought to link, in residents, the abandoned and derelict sites within neighbourhoods with the day to day actions we participate in such as filling our cars with gas, garbage disposal, stormwater treatment, etc.

Special 75th CSLA Anniversary Project - Ron Williams...

“Landscapes and Landscape Architecture in Canada: An Illustrated History”

Ron Williams, FCSLA, FRAIC, Professor Emeritus, University of Montreal

LACF has funded the early research and more recently the finalization of the French and English versions of “Landscapes and Landscape Architecture in Canada: An Illustrated History”. The principal objective for this book is to provide the Canadian landscape architect and interested members of related professions as well as the public with a single-volume overview of the development of the “designed landscape” in Canada. There is a great wealth of published materials covering various aspects and periods within the field, but as of yet no book recounts in an orderly fashion the full range of projects, ideas and people that animate and have created the landscape architecture of Canada. The landscape has powerfully affected Canadian life and thought; this book will explore the art and science of modifying the natural landscape to accommodate the life of human beings, from the extensive but little-known interventions of the First Nations to the complex creations of the many cultural currents that characterize today’s Canada.

#57 - Kathy Stinson - Cornelia Hahn Oberlander & the Art of the Possible

“Cornelia Hahn Oberlander & the Art of the Possible”
Kathy Stinson, Researcher and Author

Funding contributed towards the research of Cornelia Hahn Oberlander & the Art of the Possible. This book when completed will be a narrative of Cornelia’s life, starting with her childhood in Germany and including the moment she articulated her life’s dream, at the age of eleven, to become a landscape architect. It will describe her escape from Germany as a teenager during the Holocaust, the pursuit of her dream at a time when Harvard was just beginning to accept women into their School of Design, and the work she has done since that has earned her the descriptor “Canada’s premier landscape architect”. A number of her projects will be used to illustrate her process and philosophies. Playgrounds and green roofs will receive special attention, as will the concepts of sustainable development and least intervention, and the extensive research and collaboration behind every project.

#56 - Patrick Condon, Centre for Sustainability

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Professor Patrick M. Condon, University of British Columbia

Sustainability by Design: A Vision for a region of 4 Million addresses the challenge of maintaining livability while accommodating population and demographic change in a stakeholder-driven, effective and implementable way – a vision key to building a sustainable Greater Vancouver region.

http://www.dcs.sala.ubc.ca/projects_publications.html

#52 - James R. Taylor - The Practice of Landscape Architecture in Canada

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"The Practice of Landscape Architecture in Canada"

James R. Taylor, FCSLA, FASLA, Professor Emeritus, University of Guelph

#51 - Tracy Penner - A post occupancy evaluation of school...

"A post occupancy evaluation of school ground naturalization projects" 

Tracy Penner, BLA, Environmental Landscape Design Consultant
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A post occupancy evaluation of school ground naturalization projects measured the viability and long-term success of these landscapes. The study found that where landscape architects had been involved in the design the longevity of the garden had a better chance for survival. One of the most important aspect for continued success of the garden as a learning environment is the long-term commitment by the school administration and staff. The results of this study have been shared with Evergreen Foundation who fund many school ground naturalization projects.

#50 - Edith Normandeau - Plants as Soundscape Elements

Edith Normandeau, University of Montreal

LES VÉGÉTAUX COMME ÉLÉMENTS DU PAYSAGE SONORE :

Relations qualitatives entre conditions environnementales, morphologie et organisation dans la production d’ambiances sonores

RÉSUMÉ

Le paysage sonore est une forme de perception de notre environnement qui nous permet d’identifier les composantes sonores de notre quotidien. Ce projet de recherche porte sur une thématique particulière, les sons produits par les végétaux et leurs rôles dans les ambiances sonores paysagères. C’est la perspective que nous avons explorée in situ, en comparant les différentes espèces végétales; cette collection d’informations nous permet de proposer une typologie d’ambiances sonores des végétaux. Dans la première partie, des notions rattachées au « monde sonore » telles que l’objet sonore, le paysage sonore et les effets sonores justifient d’établir, dans la méthodologie, une grille d’analyse comportant différentes échelles d’écoute. Une lecture multidisciplinaire propose, d’une part, de réunir de l’information sur le son et les végétaux, la morphologie de ces derniers, l’aménagement au site, les conditions climatiques et, d’autre part, de retrouver ce qui a trait au son dans l’histoire des jardins, dont les jardins sensoriels, thérapeutiques, technologiques, et des sentiers d’interprétation sonore, sous l’angle du son comme projet. De plus, une liste de végétaux recevant les chants et cris de la faune vient introduire la notion de biodiversité sonore. Une enquête sociale de terrain, par la méthode des parcours commentés, et une enquête « experte » ont été réalisées au Jardin botanique de Montréal. Ces deux enquêtes nous ont permis de constituer une grille d’analyse croisée comprenant plusieurs échelles d’écoute : textures, actions sonores, effets sonores… De là, des générateurs d’ambiance (morphologie, organisation, climat) ont été relevés pour déterminer les aspects de récurrences et de différenciations d’un type d’ambiance sonore à l’autre. Des associations se sont formées en fonction de onze types de végétaux, chacun comprenant plusieurs sous-catégories. Celles-ci proposent des ambiances sonores spécifiques, des échelles d’écoute à considérer pour chaque type d’ambiance et l’énumération d’espèces à utiliser. Cette recherche ouvre la voie à un autre type de lecture sonore, par thématique d’ambiance (les sons du végétal dans notre cas), afin d’offrir de nouveaux outils de conception pour les professionnels, en profonde relation avec les perceptions sonores d’usagers sur le terrain et l’agencement spécifique d’un site.

SUMMARY

The soundscape is a new way of perceiving our environment which allows us to identify the sound elements of our daily life. This research project is based on a specific theme, sounds produced by the plants and their role in the sound ambiances in the landscape. This is the perspective that we have explored in situ by comparing different plant species. This data collection has enabled us to propose a typology of plants soundscapes. In the first part, concepts related to the world of sound such as soundscape, sound object, and sound effect are at the origin of a framework that considers different scales measuring perceptions of sound. A literature review has focused on three complementary subject matters: first, we gathered different pieces of information related to sound and plants, on such topics as morphology, development, and weather conditions; second, we realized a rapid venture through the history of gardens, paying attention, on the one hand, to sensorial, therapeutic and technological gardens, and on the other hand, to sound trails through the perspective which defines sound as a project; third, we examined a list of plants receiving the songs and cries of wildlife, thus introducing the concept of biodiversity in the study of sound. An empirical data collection was performed at the Montreal Botanical Garden. Two complementary research methods were used: the first consisted of a soundwalks with participants during an hour in the Arboretum; the second consisted in an investigation conducted with an expert. These two sources of information lead to the elaboration of a framework composed of many listening scales targeting aspects such as textures and sound effects. This phase was completed by two others: first, the identification of various criteria (morphology, organization, weather); second, the determination of different atmospheres linked to them. We were then able to identify associations formed between eleven types of plants, each including various subscales. These sub-scales take into account specific sound atmospheres, listening scales designed to measure these atmospheres and a list of species to consider. This research opens the path to the perception of specific sounds with a thematic angle and in our case, the sounds of plants. It offers a new design tool to professionals, based upon the measurement of user’s perceptions regarding sound and the organization of a site.

For the full-text (in french) see the attached file below.

Also visit http://hdl.handle.net/1866/2712 for the document with full appendices.

#49 - Yvonne Cardoso - Socio-Cultural Influences on Urban Ecosystems

"Socio-Cultural Influences on Urban Ecosystems: A Case Study of Tommy Thompson Park"

Yvonne Cardoso, University of Guelph, Master’s Thesis
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To raise environmental awareness of Tommy Thompson Park among three target audiences through the use of landscape narratives. The audiences, being children and school groups and park users were included in the study. The results were presented to the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) Board for use in future planning of the park.

#45 - Jennifer Foster - Ecological aesthetics...

Ecological aesthetics: Nature and capital at the Niagara Escarpment’s Milton Quarry 
Jennifer Foster, Ph.D. Environmental Studies at York University 
Visit Her Web Site >> 

Jennifer’s work was an investigation of the interplay of different landscape visions and ideals by the participants involved in land use planning disputes for the Niagara Escarpment. The intent of her research was to chronicle the aesthetic sensibilities motivating different preferences for the landscape. The results have been disseminated to the Niagara Escarpment Commission and municipal governments.

#41 - Goya Ngan - Green Roof Policies...

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Grant #41 -  Goya Ngan, Landscape Architect, SALA, CSLA

“Green Roof Policies: Tools for Encouraging Sustainable Design”

This report describes policy used in Germany to encourage the construction of green roofs. The underlying purpose of the report is to offer practical and attainable solutions for sustainable urban development. Specifically, it has assisted Canadian municipalities in incorporating green roofs into their official plans, policies and operating procedures.

Since green roof policy in Germany is widespread and varied, this report gives a general description of the different types of policy and focuses on four examples to demonstrate how the policies may be implemented. The report contained recommendations for Canadian policy makers who want to develop green roof policies.

The report is available at www.gnla.ca and specifically on this page
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#34 - D. James McCarty

“Placing a value on urban forests and alternative suburban landscapes”

D. James McCarty, University of Guelph, MLA Student

LACF funding, as well as funding from other sources, was used to develop and test a system of determining the value of urban trees. CityGreen along with Geographic Information Systems software (ArcView) was employed to test the feasibility of placing a monetary and environmental value on urban trees. The results provided additional information that has since been used in other research studies.

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#33 - N.H. Perkins - Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Therapeutic Gardens...

"A Post-Occupancy Evaluation of Therapeutic Gardens In Ontario Healthcare Settings"

N.H. Perkins, Professor, University of Guelph 

A series of Post Occupancy Evaluations (POE) were conducted at six hospitals in Southern Ontario and the results from these evaluations were disseminated in an international conference, an invited address at a healthcare conference and used to inform a follow-up study at the CAMH psychiatric facility in Toronto. Benefits of the POE’s and results continue to be used in research and design even today. A project utilizing the results has been implemented at the Community Mental Health Clinic in Fergus, Ontario. As well both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Guelph have been presented with the findings in an effort to increase and deepen their understanding of the special needs and requirements for therapeutic garden design. In 2005 a university wide seminar course was offered to students in other disciplines on Human Health and Natural Environments. Much of the information obtained from POE’s of Ontario hospitals was incorporated into the course material.

#20 - Alissa Puhm - Succession: The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture...

"Succession: The Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Programme at the University of Toronto"

Alissa Puhm

 Purchase >>

http://search2.library.utoronto.ca/UTL/index?N=0&Nr=p_catalog_code:2665849&showDetail=first

Publisher: Landscape Architecture Student Society/Univ Toronto. 1999
ISBN Number: 0772788022 / 9780772788023

#11 - Beverly A. Sandalack - Continuity of History and Form...

“Continuity of History and Form: the Canadian Prairie Town”

Beverly Sandalack, PhD FCSLA MCIP, Professor | Director, The Urban Lab

Canadian Prairie towns were a historic response to regional processes, and were originally similar in form and function. However, the shift in transportation emphasis from rail to highway, along with other changes in technology, economy and culture, and in planning and design practice, produced morphological changes and new typologies. This often corresponded to a loss of historical continuity and identity, and to a decline in quality of urban form, particularly in the public realm.

The intent of this PhD research was to develop and test a methodology for town analysis, planning and design, using the modern Canadian Prairie town as a case study example, which builds on existing techniques and incorporates an understanding of morphological, historical, social and cultural processes of the town as a whole. The methodology brings forward into the Canadian context theories and methods of urban morphology, and synthesises them in a new way with other analytical methods.

Here is a web link to a journal article that came out of the research. Prairie Forum article (fall 2002) http://www.cprc.ca/text/abs27-2.pdf

#8 - Colette Parsons - Healing and Therapeutic Garden Design Research

HEALING GARDENS: A HISTORICAL PERPSECTIVE

Since the beginning of western civilization, gardens and the plants within them, have been used as a healing, therapeutic and revitalizing resource. From the Egyptians, to the Italians of the Renaissance, many societies have cultivated a distinct restorative garden type. In particular, during the era's of the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, garden design reflected both the philosophical foundation and in some cases a prototype for comtemporary healing and restorative garden design. The cloister gardens of the Middle Ages, specifically, offer considerable inspiration from a physical design standpoint.

To continue reading...download the attachment below.

#5, #6 - Linda Le Geyt - Changing the Face of Canada

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"Changing the Face of Canada"

Linda Le Geyt