An individual treasure hunt: students are to locate, visually document and orally defend their treasured finds. The finds are experiences of places and need to be documented and understood for their specific qualities of place affecting experience. Each treasure is an interpretation, which must be clear in the documentation. (in essence, what makes each treasure a treasure?)
For the last several years, the ASLA-VT developed a DIY parklet to demonstrate the value of small urban parks to the social and environmental health of an urban area. The VT parklet is also a valued opportunity to bring visibility to landscape architecture. But things are different on campus this year. There’s a stronger need for rethinking the design of public open spaces for socializing and community building. This in a time of physical distancing while trying to continue and to build community relationships and a sense of belonging to the larger society.
Community-based design principles used to develop landscape site plans for Yaupon Place through interactive community meetings. While this privately-held, publicly accessible park provides needed green space and sanctuary to the Ginter Neighborhood, the community saw more possibilities.
Creation of a new environmental center at Virginia Tech. This center is for the study and education of environmental issues by K-12 visitors and local guests. Each student will define a mission for an environmental center proposal set this particular location. The environmental center is to host study, independent exploration, and relaxation. Final proposals will integrate an overarching vision and intentions for this site planning and design project with a landform and stormwater management strategies that are technically feasible and results in a compelling landscape design.