Landscape Architecture Foundation

The deadline for LAF scholarships is in 2 weeks! #LandscapeArchitecture students – it's time to get serious about finalizing your materials. More than $150,000 total is available through 17 different scholarships, each with their own eligibility and application requirements. All application materials — including any required letters of recommendation, essays, and/or work samples — are due by 11:59 EST on Sat, Feb 1. Don't miss out! https://lnkd.in/e_AqPa9

This issue includes an article on "Visualizing Thermal Disparities" the work supported by our 2023 LAF Research Grant in Honor of Deb Mitchell. Researchers Keenan Gibbons and Salvador Lindquist, ASLA used drones and an equity lens to map how we can adapt our communities to reduce heat impacts. Watch the video and download their Thermal Toolkit at: https://lnkd.in/eZR2aj7E

New case study! Muscota Marsh This marsh restoration on a creek connecting the Hudson and Harlem Rivers in upper Manhattan was a joint effort by Columbia University Facilities & Operations and NYC Department of Parks & Recreation to create public access to the waterfront, expand habitat, and improve stormwater management. Our Case Study Investigation (CSI) team evaluated the site, documenting many landscape performance benefits. They found that the site has provided habitat for at least 142 observed bird species in the 10 years since the restoration was completed. The park supports well-being – when visitors were asked how they felt upon arriving at and leaving the marsh, after visiting there was a 20% increase in those who felt "great". Of the surveyed visitors, 73% said they visit at least once a week. View the full case study at: https://lnkd.in/ei4qNFV4 This case study was produced for the Landscape Performance Series by our 2024 CSI team from the UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources in partnership with Field Operations. It is part of the searchable library of more than 200 case studies of designed landscape projects available on LandscapePerformance.org.

Here's another clip from June when we brought the LAF Ignite students to Washington, DC, to meet in-person and attend various LAF events. We asked the students about their experience in the program so far. Anaya Marshall, a BLA candidate at Ball State University, joined Ignite in the fall 2023 as part of our second cohort. LAF Ignite is a multi-year program for BIPOC landscape architecture students, providing an annual scholarship, paid summer internships, and access to mentors. Students accepted into Ignite participate until they have completed their landscape architecture degree. To learn more about how you can get involved as a student participant, internship provider, or mentor, visit: https://lnkd.in/eNs3V54s Applications for mentors and the next cohort of students will open in the spring.

These 3 scholarships are for landscape architecture students who are from or studying in specific schools or regions in New York, Hawaii, and California. They are among the 17 different scholarships offered through LAF this year, with applications due Feb 1. The $5,000 ASLA-NY Equitable Public Urban Space Scholarship is for CCNY MLA students, as well as students who are permanent residents of or graduated from a high school within the ASLA-NY chapter (NYC, Long Island, and up through Orange and Duchess counties). https://lnkd.in/eM-gVYuU The $3,000 Hawaii Chapter ASLA/David T. Woolsey Scholarship is for MLA students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa or students from Hawaii studying landscape architecture elsewhere. https://lnkd.in/ed86MyTa The $5,000 Peridian International, Inc./Rae L. Price, FASLA Scholarship is for landscape architecture students at Cal Poly Pomona or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, or pursuing a Landscape Architecture Certificate at UCLA Extension. https://lnkd.in/gqhu8bqE

New case study! South Oak Cliff Renaissance Park This 1.8-acre park in the heart of Dallas, Texas, was created in response to a call to action initiated by students at nearby South Oak Cliff High School, who organized a walkout to draw attention to the disinvestment in their neighborhood. Through a public-private partnership among For Oak Cliff, Trust for Public Land, and Dallas Park and Recreation with extensive community engagement, the overgrown, littered site was purchased and remade with enhanced ecological function and amenities like a playground, basketball court, and picnic area. Our Case Study Investigation (CSI) team evaluated the site, documenting many landscape performance benefits. They found that the park is accessible to 6,900 residents who live within a 10-minute walk. The site hosts various events and supports community cohesion, with 88% of surveyed users agreeing that Renaissance Park is valued as a gathering space. The park also contributed to a 58% reduction in crime incidents since its construction. View the full case study at: https://lnkd.in/exeM4Sbp This case study was produced for the Landscape Performance Series by our 2024 CSI team from the University of Texas at Arlington College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs in partnership with Studio Outside Landscape Architects. It is part of the searchable library of more than 200 case studies of designed landscape projects available on LandscapePerformance.org.

How can a view change annoyance from noise? High-quality visible vegetation, such as that seen through a window at home or work, can provide relief from feelings of displeasure with unwanted noise. The effect is similar to reducing noise by an estimated 10 decibels, according to a literature review of research on perception of traffic noise and vegetation views. This perceived reduction is in addition to any physical sound level reduction provided by vegetation screening. For the full citation and link to access the study, visit: https://lnkd.in/e8uBzbq8 This is just one of 200 entries in our Landscape Performance Series Fast Fact Library, a searchable collection of landscape benefits derived from published research. Browse the entire library at: https://lnkd.in/e4WDkUpB #LandscapePerformance #GreenInfrastructure #UrbanNature #NatureTherapy #NoisePollution

The new year means the deadline for LAF scholarships is less than a month away! Students – If you want to be considered for one of the 17 scholarships, there's still time to get started. Our eligibility table can help you find where to begin, and the recording from our Dec 11 Office Hours gives an overview and tips. More than $150,000 total is available, with awards ranging from $3,000 to $20,000. Full application materials – including any required letters of recommendation, essays, or work samples – must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on Saturday, February 1. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/eUADgfu

Video from NC State College of Design featuring one of our 2024 National Olmsted Scholar Finalists

New case study! Mission Creek Stormwater Park Bounded by China Basin Channel (Mission Creek) in San Francisco, California, this multi-use promenade treats stormwater runoff from 9.6 acres and connects the new Mission Bay neighborhood to existing trails. In addition to stabilizing the shoreline, it serves as a corridor, backyard, gathering space, and baseball tailgating site for nearby Oracle Park. Our Case Study Investigation (CSI) team evaluated the site, documenting many landscape performance benefits. They found that the park attracts approximately 95 users every 30 minutes and that 77% of surveyed visitors use the park to travel to nearby amenities. The 23,280 sf of new habitat is actively used by at least 10 observed bird species. Property values for condos overlooking the park were significantly higher per sf when compared to similar units overlooking the interior courtyard. View the full case study at: https://lnkd.in/eaRGR8u8 This case study was produced for the Landscape Performance Series by our 2024 CSI team from the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design in partnership with CMG Landscape Architecture. It is part of the searchable library of more than 200 case studies of designed landscape projects available on LandscapePerformance.org.