SITELINES Bimonthly Publication of The Society of Landscape Architects

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS Students • Interns • Private and Public Sector Practitioners • Educators

December 2007

2 British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects SITELINES

CELEBRATING Our People BY JANE GREEN was in my first year back at UBC since the 70’s, first year MLA, when I went to my first I BCSLA AGM. I was standing by myself at the evening reception and remember thinking how lucky I was to be in a room full of such nice people. It was a year of firsts for me. My husband of 24 years had died a few months before, and I was taking on new challenges every day. I had been to lots of business functions in the past but never had this feeling of belonging and ease in what could have been a somewhat intimidating social situation. My 110 - 355 Burrard Street first impressions of landscape architects in this setting were positive, and in all my encoun- , BC V6C 2G8 ters with landscape architects, whether they were hired by me to design the hardscape of my Tel: 604.682.5610 Fax: 604.681.3394 home in the past, or whether they taught me at UBC, or since I began working as an intern Email: [email protected] landscape architect, they have remained the same. I still feel fortunate, and pleased to be www.bcsla.org Website: part of BCSLA and a community of people I admire and who make a difference in the President David Thompson 604.922.3217 lives of many people in the work they do designing places. It is with great pleasure that I President Elect Blair Guppy 604.736.5168 introduce some of our members in this issue. We chose a random selection of people from Pawel Gradowski 604.684.4611 Past President various stages of careers and locales and asked them why they decided to pursue landscape Registrar Mark Vaughan 604.922.1885 architecture as a career, and where those decisions have taken them. Thanks to all who Treasurer Kate Davis-Johnson 604.257.8471 have contributed their stories. Our unique cover image shows Mike Teed, BCSLA Intern, Directors Dylan Chernoff 604.684.4611 Joe Daly 250.361.0368 ‘celebrating’ his choice to pursue landscape architecture as a career, after receiving an ASLA Dave Hutch 604.983.7394 award in San Francisco. Enjoy! Carolyn Kennedy 604.738.4118 David Rose 604.904.9803 Chris Sterry 604.688.6111 CORRECTIONS: CSLA BoG Rep. Liane McKenna 604.257.8616 In the October 2007 issue of Sitelines, the UBC Liaison Cynthia Girling 604.822.0438 (non-voting). cover photo was taken by Tilo Driessen. Intern & On page 5, Drawing 1 was by Reza M Associate Rep Teri Cantin 604.681.3303 (non-voting). Davani and Drawing 2 was by Sara Kasaei. UBC Student Rep. Gemma McLintock 778.558.3000 (non-voting). Exec.Admin. Tara Culham 604.682.5610 (non-voting). Mike Teed in front of the ‘Painted Ladies’ in Sitelines is published six times per year; February, San Francisco, photo by Peter Christian Grønfeldt April, June, August, October, and December by the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects and is mailed to all BCSLA members, registered IN THIS ISSUE: landscape architects, associates and affiliates. the Celebrating Our People ______3 editorial deadline is the 8th and advertising is the 16th day of the intervening months. Advertising Welcome From the Desk of the BCSLA Registrar ______5 rate information is available on request. Inquiries regarding editorial, advertising, or other issues should Cecilia Achiam ______6 be addressed to the Sitelines Editor, c/o the BSCLA Robert T. Evans ______7 at the above address. Shira Golden ______8 Sitelines Group Ray Visser______10 Editor Jane Green 604.682.5610 Advertising Tara Culham 604.682.5610 Randy Sharp ______11 Editor fax 604.681.3394 Gemma McLintock ______12 Odette Hidalgo 604.738.2768 Graphic Design Fiona Chamberlain ______12 Printing McCallum Printing 604.253.2252 David Reid ______13 The purpose of Sitelines is to provide an open forum for the exchange of ideas and information pertaining to the Cam Campbell ______15 profession of Landscape Architecture. Individual opinions Cheryl Bouwmeester ______16 expressed are those of the writers and not necessarily of those of the BCSLA. Mike Teed______16

3 December 2007

4 British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects SITELINES

FromWelcome the Desk of the BCSLA Registrar RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY: MARK VAUGHAN, REGISTRAR

n behalf of the BCSLA Board of Directors and the Credentials OCommittee we are pleased to welcome the following new Registered Landscape Architects. These Members have worked hard to pass the LARE or have successfully applied through reciprocity or as a senior practitioner:

Dean Gregory Lin Lin Daniel Roehr Sarah Howie Cara MacDonald Dimitri Samaridis Terry Klassen Elaine Naisby Alex Kurnicki Andrew Robertson

Murray Kopp has passed the oral exams and his name has been added to the Landscape Architect Membership category. All Members who became Registered Landscape Architects or Landscape Architects in 2007 will be formally recognized at the New Members Luncheon on May 1, 2008 at the Plaza 500 Hotel and Convention Centre. Clive Justice will be on hand to continue the tradition of honouring New Members with the New Member Book Awards that are sponsored by Cedar Crest Lands (B.C.) Ltd. In October 2007 BCSLA welcomed twenty-three new Intern/Associate Members:

Interns:

Peter Buckley Liz Nguyen Xenia Semeniuk Marie-Laurence Chureau Colin O’Byrne Niki Strutynski Cecilia Crondahl Cooper Lisa Parker Elizabeth Towsley David Flanders Heidi Redman Tenille Thompson Phyllis Carol Hejl Maria Rommel Jamie Vala Yukata Ikeuchi Gabe Ross Benjamin Walker Qin Liu Gregory Roleau Kezia Wong

Associates

Richard Fortin Mariel Swann

We wish you good luck in the profession A big thanks to the Credentials Committee for dedicating their time and expertise to BCSLA.

5 December 2007

inspiration and challenged us to “dig deeper” for more creative solutions, I was Cecilia Achiam BCSLA, CSLA, MCIP blessed with having a group of talented and Acting Director of Development inquisitive peers who pushed my thinking City of Richmond forward and provide emotional and spiri- tual support. The academic experience was Richmond BC so positive that I subsequently completed spent my childhood in Hong Kong where the setting for an ever-changing array of the master degree in community planning I vertical concrete towers dominated the activities and the ephemeral influence of and became a city planner. skyline and nature did not play a prominent nature on that human experience. Only Today, I regard myself as a planning practi- role in the public realm. It was an acciden- years later did I realize place making was not tioner with the heart of a landscape archi- tal discovery of ’s roof accidental but a rather deliberate act, and tect who applies design thinking to solve garden at the Law Courts on Robson Street that the profession of landscape architecture problems and promotes sustainability as a that sparked my appreciation of the role holds the key to the “magic” of space. guiding principle in all aspects of my life. of a landscape architect in place making My personal journey towards landscape I use three dimensional visualization and and planted the seed for me to become architecture was convoluted. That snowy graphic skills to communicate ideas and a Landscape Architect. night happened during my college years to illustrate the impact of planning policies It was during a rare pre-Christmas snowfall studying Building Technologies at the on urban design and the public realm. in Vancouver, on a December night, that British Columbia Institute of Technology. I “discovered” the garden. I graduated during the recession and was Congratulations! To add to our Robson Street was filled with shoppers fin- fortunate to begin a career of over a decade celebration, on November 14, 2007 at ishing their Christmas shopping and the in the public sector as a Municipal Plan the University of Victoria, Don Vaughan smell of hotdogs and roasting chestnuts Reviewer. The notion of exploring place MBCSLA, FCSLA, FASLA, was awarded from the street vendors filled the air. People making magic took a back seat to job secu- an Honorary Doctor of Laws. Honorary were skating to festive Christmas music rity and starting a family. However, I felt degrees are awarded on the basis of beneath the dome under Robson Street. restless and continued a haphazard quest exceptional distinction and achievement Yet, up above the grand “stramps”,the for self-improvement and career develop- in scholarship, research, teaching, the stairs/ramp combination designed by ment by delving into various undergradu- creative arts, or public service, and was , I encountered an enchant- ate courses as well as completing a diploma conferred in part because Don worked ed snow-draped oasis. Sharing this other in urban land economics. on the initial landscape plan for the world apart from the hustle and bustle of As often happened with motherhood, I came campus and served as its landscape city life were a couple snuggled up beneath to a crossroad and began to contemplate my consultant for more than 40 years. the branches of a Maple tree and a joyous life’s purpose. What legacy would I want to red-cheeked toddler giggling at the falling leave to my child? Do I want to set an snow and marvelling at the snow angel he example of a life lived with passion or play 9G¶TGOQTGVJCPLWUV created on the ground. I smiled at a hobo, it safe? Should I remain on a career path VTGGUYG¶TGOWEJ with his hands cupped around a cup of hot OWEJOQTG that offered security but did not provide beverage, who, under the glistening snow, intellectual stimulation? What were my seemed like a grand literary figure stepping contributions to bettering the world out of a novel. It was magical. around me? I returned to the garden in late spring the Eventually, I returned to school full time following year in hope to recapture the and entered the Landscape Architect 18598 Advent Road magic. It was sunny, and the downtown Program at UBC as a mature student. The Pitt Meadows, BC workers were out having their lunches on the program expanded my appreciation far Canada, V3Y 2G8 benches, pedestrians and bicycles were cutting Toll Free 1-800-471-4448 beyond an education in landscape architec- through the square, and the café clientele Phone: 604-465-7122 ture. I learned the importance of good spilled out onto the skating rink that was Fax: 604-465-8100 urban design, the need to consider ecologi- [email protected] not in use. The place was lively but the magic cal needs of all species, the fragility of of that wondrous evening spent exploring natural systems and the role sustainability specimen my “secret garden” was no longer apparent. trees must play in securing our common future. WHOLESALE NURSERIES LTD. It was then that I understood the impor- In addition to the devoted professors and www.specimentrees.com tance of creating public places to provide teaching assistants who provided constant

6 British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects SITELINES

Robert T. Evans MBCSLA, CSLA Principal, Site360 Consulting Inc. Kelowna BC

< Photo by LA Evans

t was a crisp New Year’s Day morning in happily agreed to cook us something even Architecture, Planning, Urban Design and I 1993 when we crossed the U.S. border at though they were just closing... as long Engineering, while presenting the usual Osoyoos into our new home Province of as we didn’t mind that there was no heat communication challenges, has enabled British Columbia. We were on the final leg in the restaurant that day. all sides to learn and grow stronger of a 4000 km journey that had begun in professionally. My Engineering partner The next fifteen years brought challenges, downtown Toronto a little over a week finally understands why we get so excited victories, readjustments, and major life earlier. The coffee shop owner told us that about design. changes, but it has ultimately been a it was unusually cold for the Interior at completely fulfilling experience. I’ve I am very thankful for and passionate -20C, and it had been a long time since I seldom looked back. about my adopted community Kelowna, remembered driving on tires that felt more and have volunteered my time to a variety square than round. Few cars were evident I became registered in British Columbia, of City Committees including the Planning along Highway 97, and the snow encrusted and in 1996 I established a Landscape Commission and Arts Foundation as well landscape was stark but beautiful. Architecture practice in Kelowna that has as a local church and School Board. evolved into Site360 Consulting Inc. “Welcome to British Columbia”,I said to Partnering with a Civil Engineer, we employ British Columbia has been very good to my wife in a brave and excited tone. On over twenty people, including eight with the Evans family. We have grown to a the inside I thought to myself, what I have degrees in Landscape Architecture. Our family of five and we are firmly planted done? I had just transplanted my wife, five firm has enjoyed success on many projects here, God willing, for the rest our lives. months pregnant with our first child, from including City Planning mandates, Resort We have replaced our urban Toronto our comfortable home and secure jobs in Masterplans, and numerous park spaces lifestyle with a western philosophy that Ontario. We had lived and worked in and housing developments around the includes time for water-skiing, soccer, downtown Toronto; two young professional province. The collaboration between our hiking, golfing, skiing and, oh yeah, the Landscape Architects with decidedly urban in-house disciplines of Landscape occasional trip to the office. lifestyles. Both graduates from the B.L.A. program at the University of Guelph, we had enjoyed many years of working for large successful design firms. Now we were driving along a road that was deserted, to a town that seemed small and isolated within the Interior, and a completely new professional frontier. What had we done? Our enthusiasm rekindled somewhat when we arrived in Kelowna and anticipat- ed settling into our home in a few days. We caught glimpses again of the town we had fallen in love with several months prior. We checked into our hotel and rested awhile before preparing to go out for dinner. It was 8 pm.; a time that we would regularly eat in Toronto. To our surprise we were greeted with “closed” signs at every restaurant downtown. Then we stumbled upon a small second floor Thai place that

7 December 2007

involved in projects including the transfor- mation of an old landfill site to an active Shira Golden park, development of playgrounds, master BCSLA Intern Landscape Architect plans and park site plans, coordination of community open houses, as well as Park Designer planning access and circulation enhance- City of Burnaby ments to parks. It has been challenging Burnaby BC and interesting to try to incorporate as many sustainability and accessibility principles as possible into each project. In addition to my work at the City, I am on Photo provided by Shira Golden a playground advisory committee for Let’s y interest in landscape architecture was Since graduating from UBC in 2001, I have Play, a joint initiative between the Rick M sparked in 1997 while taking an intro- worked both in the public and private sectors, Hansen Foundation and the Province. ductory course in urban design with Professor and currently as a park designer with the The initiative encourages the creation of Moura Quayle at UBC. At the time, I was City of Burnaby. My work at the City is accessible public play spaces for children completing a Masters degree in Resource focussed on designing public parks, play- under six in BC, and builds awareness and Environmental Management at SFU and grounds and open spaces, and I am interested about accessible play and related best prac- chose to take an elective at UBC on a whim. in designing spaces that are inherently acces- tices. I am excited about the opportunity Moura’s course helped me appreciate how sible to all visitors. As an experienced wheel- to promote the use of natural elements to designed spaces influence people’s interac- chair user, I am keenly aware of designed encourage play, while at the same time tions with their environment and commu- spaces which are inaccessible, “visibly” provide access to all children, parents and nity. With a background in environmental accessible, or inherently accessible. In my caregivers. Again, this type of initiative management, I was now keen to add a work, I try to design playgrounds and parks focuses on “inherent” design principles design component to my education as with all users in mind, and attempt to mini- to embed sustainability and accessibility, my interest in landscape evolved from mize using obviously accessible playground creating good public spaces. environmental policy to on the ground equipment or circulation routes. I am always As an outdoor enthusiast and traveller, I am design. I found that my science background looking for unique solutions for addressing always interested in finding new campsites, provided a good framework for under- grade changes, for example, without awkward good kayak launching spots, ski hills and standing the processes behind sustainable transitions, ramps, railings and signage. hiking trails that are either accessible or site design and I enjoyed combining my Through my work at the City, I have been nearly accessible. As a professional, I have skills as I completed my MLA degree at UBC. consulted with other municipalities and organizations to help enhance accessibility in public open spaces. I would like to con- tinue working in this area to assist outdoor travel and tourism businesses improve accessibility at their sites. The challenge of course is to provide access to wilderness or semi wilderness areas without altering the experience for the user. As the population ages, the demand for accessible outdoor recreation and facilities will only increase, and municipalities, parks agencies and tourism operators should be encouraged to work with design professionals to seamless- ly and thoughtfully enhance their sites. I look forward to being involved with designing, as well as experiencing great outdoor spaces.

8 British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects SITELINES

9 December 2007

my own business and proud to be a Ray Visser landscape architect. MBCSLA , CSLA Growing older with Kamloops over the last quarter century has strengthened my belief in fostering a strong sense of community, Principal, L.A.West Associates Inc. both in the day-to-day operations of my small Kamloops BC design practice and as a volunteer for various committees and community organizations.

10 British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects SITELINES

Randy Sharp MBCSLA, CSLA Fellow-Elect,ASLA, LEED® Professional

Sharp & Diamond Landscape Architecture Inc. Vancouver BC

< Photo by Steve Whysall at Vancouver Aquarium Living Wall

y name is Randy Sharp, I am a practic- in many cases, required, as the focus on Today our practice is becoming more M ing landscape architect in Vancouver, green development becomes mainstream. international in scope with several projects with Sharp & Diamond Landscape in design and under construction in At Sharp & Diamond, we see design as a Architecture. Our firm is committed to California, and with requests coming from collaborative process; we prefer to sit down ecological based solutions for buildings Japan, India and the East Coast, although with the client, architect, engineers and and site development, and when possible, our core clientele is still in British Columbia. building operators to set objectives at the our aesthetic is based on a concept of beginning an integrated design process. It is an exciting time to be part of ‘pushing a working, self-sustaining landscape. My role is often to educate the team about the envelope’ and to put ‘architecture’ In addition to project work, I enjoy reducing the environmental footprint, back into ‘landscape architecture’. participating with the Cascadia Chapter through innovative land- of the US and Canada Green Building scape and architectural Council, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, strategies. Design mentor- and the BCIT Centre for the Advancement ing at Sharp & Diamond of Green Roof Technology. I also teach Landscape Architecture Green Walls 101, an introduction to the is part of a program to design and installation of green facades, empower staff to build living walls and vertical gardens in cities confidence in their own across North America. ability to generate creative yet practical solutions. I graduated in Landscape Architecture in the Design sessions, project mid 1970’s from the University of Oregon. At field trips and industry- that time hot topics in landscape architecture sponsored events are were permiculture, terratecture, and living conducted on a regular roofs – including designing structures into basis. We often work with hillsides and planting the ‘edible landscape’. local manufacturers and We were very good at hiding buildings! suppliers to introduce new An ecological approach to design has sustainable products to always been a cornerstone of Sharp & the marketplace. Diamond, and 30 years later, urban agricul- Landscape Architecture is ture and environmental solutions for build- one of fastest growing pro- ings are again in the forefront of design. fessions in Canada. The Using the landscape as a filter for air pollu- prospects for continued tants, storm-water management, noise growth and innovation in attenuation and mitigation of the urban the professional are great. heat island are now being considered and

11 December 2007

Gemma McLintock BCSLA Student Representative 2nd.Year UBC MLA 2007-2008 Vice-President External Landscape Architecture Student Association (LASA)

want an interdisciplinary education. Like many in our design of the landscape and the emergence I of my classmates, I entered Landscape Architecture of a sense of place. Public infrastructure and the after studying in the Social Sciences. Specifically, programming and design of cultural institutions my undergraduate work was in the field of were of great interest to me upon entering the pro- Communication Studies, focusing on the theory gram. Currently at UBC, my focus is on urban design of Cultural Studies, which culminated in a B.A. and the complex problem of sustainability. Urban from Concordia University. I was concerned with design presents numerous challenges at a variety of studying different forms of visual communication, scales, and encourages me to consider the assump- while at the same time conducting studio work in tions and core values of urbanization. I will endeav- photography. During this time an interest in land- our to understand these in a cross-cultural context scape architecture emerged and articulated itself in and seek an understanding of what they mean and my research and studio arts projects. Where pieces how they occur in different parts of the world. of contemporary art engage landscape in the form I am presently working in an integrated studio, with of installation is of particular interest to me. 2nd and 3rd architecture and planning students, to The world around us always demonstrates a strong propose a new scheme for the public realm in the

Photo taken at UBC Botanical potential to engage us and be communicative. I am Arts Precinct of the UBC campus. Garden intrigued by the way that cultural ideologies emerge

experience of landscape architecture in a Fiona Chamberlain few different settings. I currently practice as a landscape architect MA (Hons), MBCSLA, CSLA in the Interior of British Columbia. After five years with the Regional District of OutLand Design Landscape Architects Central Okanagan under the brilliant Kelowna BC mentorship of the Assistant Director of the Parks and Recreation Department,

Photo by Zargon Studios I recently made the leap from public practice back into the private sector to y earliest inkling of what it meant in Edinburgh, Scotland, asking us what grow a company called Outland Design M to be a designer came when my type of architectural column the building Landscape Architects. Wow! What a ride. grandfather, then a practicing architect, had – Doric, Ionic or Corinthian? It It’s been seven months now, and it was described and drew for my sister and me, certainly didn’t occur to us at the time, only the night before last that I actually the vanishing point in a perspective sketch. but what a blessing to have such a mentor. slept through the night. Nobody truly tells Nothing unusual about that, but for you about that part of running a landscape Scotland is where I originally hail from. the fact that we were eight years old at architecture practice, do they? I’m a graduate of the school of landscape the time. architecture at the Edinburgh College I’m not sure precisely how I would define Something must have stuck; both Karen of Art, and also had the opportunity to myself as a landscape architect, other than and I became registered professionals in hang my hat for a while at Guelph to say, like everyone else, really busy and the field of architecture, Karen an architect, University at their landscape architecture engaged in the job at hand. But that’s myself a landscape architect. I can still school. Those ventures, coupled with an probably a cop-out answer. I believe recall my grandfather to this day, standing exchange to the Rhode Island School of strongly that it is the responsibility of the in front of the National Gallery of Scotland Design, rounded out my schooling and Continued on page 14

12 British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects SITELINES

David Reid MBCSLA , FCSLA Principal Lanarc Consultants Ltd. Nanaimo BC

During recent travels to a water management conference in Australia, I was amazed to hear knowledgeable discussion about the water crisis at Walkerton, Ontario Canada. I never knew my birthplace (or at least a town close by) would be world famous. Photo: Lanarc Consultants

s a small town boy, landscape architec- One of the great opportunities on My passion is to ‘make sustainable develop- A ture was attractive as a career that Vancouver Island was that there was ment standard practice’. Our clients are combined environmental ethics with design, limited knowledge of what a ‘Landscape proceeding rapidly towards that goal. The that included both indoor and outdoor Architect’ should do. So, in effect, we following is a summary of recent progress aspects, and that looked creative and always were able to tell our clients what we towards the mission by Lanarc Consultants. interesting. I had no idea at the time how thought we should do, and then proceed varied and exciting the career would be. to do that. Although it didn’t happen overnight, I am very surprised at the In fact, my future was in music. Like many Making Sustainable Development breadth and depth of the services we in their youth, my passion was performing Standard Practice have offered, and at our success in building in a live rock band, and I went into landscape Local governments and the development an extremely rewarding practice. architecture to get qualifications to fall back community will almost universally express upon if my music future failed. Strangely, Many projects have included waterfront support for sustainable development. Each a music career is still in the future. improvements or watercourse conservation may place a different emphasis on one of or restoration. Lanarc is also heavily economic, social or environmental goals, My 32 years in landscape architecture involved in Community Planning and but they all support the principle. started with graduation from the University Environmental Design – with a specialty of Guelph in 1975. At the old age of 22, Most are also frustrated by the barriers that in incorporating environmental policies I agreed to man Landplan’s Vancouver delay implementation of sustainable devel- into community plans, and in integrating office for three months in 1976. The three opment. The barriers may be economic. environmental solutions into development. months grew to five years in Vancouver They may be time or effort. They may be Current clients include Simon Fraser and a practice of ten professionals, with lack of understanding. They are, far too UniverCity, Malaspina University/College, Brian Guzzi and Don Wuori key colleagues. often, regulatory barriers. and many local governments in the In 1981 I convinced Landplan to let me Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, Lanarc Consultants have been working start a branch office on Vancouver Island. including Coquitlam, Burnaby, Esquimalt, for a good part of their 25-year history There were no landscape architects north Nanaimo, and Campbell River, and to not just talk about, but to implement, of Victoria at the time, and I moved to more recently, Kelowna. sustainable development. The effort has Nanaimo to fill that niche. ranged through: With Lanarc, I practice as both a land use When Landplan pulled back to Ontario, planner and a landscape architect, and am • ‘Smart Growth’ neighbourhood plans I stayed on the Island, by that time happily also heavily involved in site and stormwater for up to 10,000 people. married. The descendant firm, Lanarc engineering. Among several awards, I was Consultants, is now a diversified consultan- • A myriad of ambitious park, trail and nominated ‘Fellow’ of the Canadian Society cy of fifteen, with partners Doug habitat restoration projects – both of Landscape Architects’ in 2003 – an hon- Backhouse and Don Crockett, and offices strategies and those that have been our that is still a surprise today. in Nanaimo and the Lower Mainland BC. constructed. Continued on page 14

13 December 2007

David Reid Fiona Chamberlain – Continued from page 13 – Continued from page 12

• Regional scale transportation strategies • Writing new and flexible design stan- community of landscape architects to for rail, rails with trails, and related real dards and specifications for local gov- promote the development of the profes- estate assets (the Island Corridor ernment engineers – that appeal to sion through sharing of information and Foundation). both small and large developers, and the mentorship of the generations of that integrate planning, engineering, landscape architects coming up behind • Financing and fund-raising strategies parks and environmental objectives. us. I’d like to think that through the to support sustainable projects. work I do, I’m contributing towards the • Installation auditing and Contractor • ‘Environmental Programs’ for local mentorship of other individuals in the training. governments that integrate habitat, profession, in much the same way that stormwater, energy and other initiatives Who’d have ever expected to write an my grandfather shared his knowledge into a cohesive and affordable strategy. engineering standard in a landscape archi- with my sister and me. Drinking Water Protection programs. tecture career? Is the list above a landscape I’m also an advocate of sustainable design, Stewardship programs. Water architecture practice? To me, it doesn’t particularly in the hot and dry Okanagan Conservation strategies. matter – it’s where our skills and our Valley (regardless of what my co-worker colleagues have taken us. • Visualizations, life cycle analysis Dale thinks..!). The work of retired and other techniques that increase I was asked when presenting at University of University of Georgia Professor Darrel understanding of alternatives. Guelph last winter – what advice could you Morrison and his long time promotion of give to future graduates. I had two insights. the use of native vegetation in landscape • Web and special event outreach to design and restoration inspire me daily to public and stakeholders – including First, if you judge your career based on the incorporate environmentally sound design lighthearted approaches. I remember first year, you will be disappointed – but if in my design work. As a reminder to live making up large question marks on you review your career after a decade, you will and breathe the words of sustainability coat hangers to hang in parks around be amazed at what you have accomplished. and not just to ‘talk-the-talk’, I’ve hung the City of North Vancouver – as a Second, if you want an area for research the following quotation from Professor way of getting the public to attend and action – focus on climate change – the Morrison above my desk: ‘urban, subur- open house events concerning a parks adaptations triggered by it could occupy ban’ and rural landscapes can be designed strategic plan. On the web side, Lanarc entire careers over the next 40 years. to integrate and connect with the greater has three full-time web programmers biological community and contribute to As far as my own future, I am fully engaged working on what we call ‘Information ecosystem services – such as wildlife habi- and energized, most days, by progress Architecture’. tat and water retention – as well as provide towards sustainable development. And • Design and technical guidelines in human enjoyment of natural spaces that I am still getting back to my music future. magazine, video, and web formats – fit a regional ‘sense of place’.Words to live Actually, even at 55 I still have a four-piece including educational posters that we by in my field of landscape architecture! band – we do soft rock with strong vocals think of as ‘bathroom art’ for planning – playing out about once a month. and engineering offices. My wife and I look back and say ‘We never • Many ‘get it built’ projects that include expected our lives to be this good’. Maybe real innovation and monitoring of our expectations were low. But they have BMPs. been exceeded beyond our wildest dreams. • Worldwide research on current Thanks, in large part, to being patient, practices in water conservation persistent, daring sometimes – and sur- and in stormwater management. rounding ourselves with talented and trustworthy people.

14 British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects SITELINES

Cam Campbell MBCSLA, CSLA, P.Ag.

Research Assistant / Ph.D. Candidate Collaborative for Advanced Landscape Planning Faculty of Forestry, UBC

Photo by Karen Jarvis

am a Landscape Architect and Professional physical design and planning, and helped of the BC Ministry of Forests, preparation I Agrologist and hold a Bachelor of me learn to appreciate landscape from of an Integrated Visual Design planning Landscape Architecture from UBC and a perceptual and political perspectives. While course syllabus and developing a townscape MSC in Forestry from the University of operational forestry was fascinating, its / landscape character mapping and visual Oxford. It is difficult to identify precisely scope (at that time) was not broad enough preference survey method for Smart what influenced my decision to choose to allow me to follow these interests. Growth on the Ground’s community Landscape Architecture as a profession over Some limited exposure to Pem Van Heek’s engagement process for the town of others, as multiple factors including chance (Honourary Member of the BCSLA, now Oliver project. encounters with people familiar with the deceased) pioneering work in Landscape I have returned to University as a Research profession, and the nature of my experiences Forestry in BC as well as a passing acquain- Assistant with the Collaborative for in the working world all played a role. tance with the landscape planning work Advanced Landscape Planning at UBC, of Jones and Jones and the Integrated My interest in landscape in general, and and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Resource Management Branch of BC, among landscape character and the cultural land- the Faculty of Forestry with Dr. Stephen others, suggested Landscape Architecture scape in particular, were shaped, in part, Sheppard. My research explores methods to might make a good fit, leading me to by growing up in Richmond B.C. at a time help identify and sustain critical landscape explore how I might enter the profession. when the community was undergoing values such as character and sense of place rapid growth and change. There I experi- I was accepted to the UBC Landscape in small towns and rural communities enced first hand the transformation of my Architecture programme in 1984 where, experiencing rapid growth and change. community from a semi-rural / suburban thanks to a wonderful faculty, I broadened Until key dimensions of these values can environment to a predominately suburban my understanding of landscape and place, be expressed in physical terms amenable to setting embracing many of the worst fostered an interest in research and teach- physical design, the extent to which they excesses of the auto age. While young, the ing, and set in motion a process of learning can be meaningfully addressed in land impacts were profound enough that I that continues to this day. In the two and resource planning will remain limited. viewed the changes critically, questioning decades subsequent to graduation I have Employing visual preference testing, com- whether the rate, extent and nature of had the good fortune to continue to munity mapping and cognitive mapping change had to occur as it did, and wonder- explore my interests through a very diverse methods in combination with 3D visualisa- ing why Richmond did not seem quite as practice. At different points in time I have tions of incremental landscape change, the diverse and rich an environment as before. served as a planner with local government study explores this issue by developing and and in private practice with firms such as testing an approach for: My interest in the larger landscape and the Civitas and Ekistics, a Visual Landscape relationship people have with their physical 1. Defining character and place in terms design specialist and Landscape forester environment developed during my time of the physical attributes and conditions with the BC Ministry of Forests, a working in the forest industry at various supporting these values, as grounded in Landscape Planning Consultant and locations along BC’s coast during the the perceptions of local residents and; Sessional lecturer. Representative projects 1970’s through early 1980’s. During this include landscape inventories and character 2. Using this knowledge to explore how period I worked first as a coastal logger and assessments for First Nations and other incremental change in key aspects of later, as an engineering crewman engaged clients, physical design and master plans landscape influence resident perceptions in the field design and layout of forest for new residential development in various about the local character and their roads and harvest areas. The nature of the locations throughout B.C., delivery of sense of place. work combined with a life in remote coastal Visual Landscape Design training on behalf communities fostered a keen interest in

15 December 2007

Cheryl Bouwmeester BES (Hons) 2nd.Year UBC MLA 2007-2008 President Landscape Architecture Student Association (LASA)

< Image created by Cheryl Bouwmeester

completed my Bachelor of Environmental try to use wood, brick and metal in almost I believe that my design style will continue I Studies Honours program at the University everything that I have created thus far in to evolve, and my focus narrow, as I contin- of Waterloo, focusing on urban planning the program. Although, not always practi- ue to learn through my education and while specializing in urban design. My atten- cal in the first schematic they always make through interaction with individuals who tion was then lead to the left-over sites and an appearance. This new interest pushes are currently practicing. My interest will undesirable places of the city, mainly focus- me to analyze and understand the site and continue to focus on brownfield and rede- ing on the opportunities to be found in its conditions, to ensure that my design is velopment opportunities that lie within the brownfield development sites, re-claimed land able to withstand the elements, weather existing built fabric, yet, with the under- and infill within existing patterns. One of respectably, and suit the site and its users. standing that the environmental and eco- my fellow classmates mentioned that she logical aspects of each site are paramount Landscape Architecture supports a part of was applying for her Master’s of Landscape in importance, I also hope to develop me that wants to ensure that everyone has Architecture and suggested that if I wanted designs that will regenerate the prosperity a space to enjoy, whether it is a personal to continue my path with design and creating of these sites while maintaining a high backyard, a park space or a public courtyard, space, I should as well. A few short months design style. I am certain my interest will and that every space that is left-over has a later I found myself moving across the continue to grow through adaptation and purpose and a design that suits its users. country to B.C. preparing for the beginning continual education of the topic. of the rest of my life. The program took hold right away and forced us to jump in with both feet, com- pletely unprepared. With my first year Mike Teed completed, and currently working through BLA MLA BCSLA Intern Landscape my first term of second year, I have learned Architect so much. That’s not to say that I always remember many designers’ names with space2place design inc. / LANDinc their acclaimed work, but understanding Vancouver BC their style, space and scale has made a dif- ference in my own work. This current year I < Photo by Tracy Harford was chosen as the president of the Landscape Architecture Student Association (LASA) and have faced many headaches, and have n my grade 7 yearbook I wrote that me imagining what magical worlds existed had to accept the fact that I am only I when I grow up I wanted to be a land- within the steep forested slopes beyond human, and that having a strong team scaper or an architect. So it would be no our property line. I recall the endless hours behind me, working together is more surprise to my grade 7 teacher that now, with my friends that we spent concealed important than stressing as an individual. at 27, I’m an Intern Landscape Architect, under thick arching junipers and dashing Knowing this in principle is one thing, yet building my professional experience and along garden paths living out stories of accomplishing a balance between which working towards my registration. superheroes and making up jokes. team member does what and well is another. For as long as I can remember I’ve found My elementary school was nestled in a During my short time at UBC my interests joy in designing, both in the graphic and temperate forest where we had seemingly have evolved to better understanding problem solving sense, and in my experi- endless freedom to play amongst the thick sustainability, and creating a true definition ence with the curiosities of the physical understorey and climb up into hollowed for what my work will be and how my and sociological world. Early memories of old stumps. We had a traditional wood goals can be accomplished. I have also my parent’s half-acre Coquitlam property playground that was well used as the home discovered a love of materials and tend to that backed onto a wooded ravine had base for the Continued on page 17 16 British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects SITELINES

In the late spring of 2007, the spirit of commonly understood within North – Continued from page 16 Mike Teed my undergraduate thesis was revived as I America. The suburbs are a prevalent and found myself with the fortunate opportuni- vastly consumptive living typology and, adventures that transpired among the trees, ty of applying my passion for designing judged by the Ecological Footprint Theory boulders, and native shrubbery. One area in for marginalized people in the Downtown of William Rees, clearly unsustainable in our elementary school woods had become a Eastside. The project is an upgrade of their current form. New Urbanists offer a building site where we would stack movable Oppenheimer Park, one of Vancouver’s more practical alternative to new develop- logs between boulders to create lean-tos that oldest and most heavily used public green ment, but what are we to do with our we claimed were castles, houses, or forts. spaces. This park is barely one hectare, existing suburban infrastructure? The As if we were practicing our SAS survival but rich with history, functioning as the hypothesis I explored in my graduate thesis, skills, these structures would be demolished grounds for the first legal public protests ‘Living Lightly: Minimizing Impact and and rebuilt periodically. We used salal leaves in the City and former home to the leg- Maximizing Function of Suburban Yards’ for money, with which we purchased endary Asahi Tigers baseball team. Within a was about offering existing suburban chunks of soft, decomposing wood from community that faces so many challenges, homeowners alternatives that will help fallen trees we called gun powder, a com- Oppenheimer Park is a place where all sustain or improve their existing quality modity that was readily accepted throughout people can come to socialize, relax and of life during a time of population increase our land of recess and lunch. Throughout recreate. The park is staffed daily to create and resource depletion. I created a scoring my years at public school I honed my safety and provide recreational services system that homeowners can use to assess doodling skills, which I must have known that are cherished by people using the park. their current yard’s conformance to best subconsciously would be useful one day. practice guidelines. The same scoring system The approach we are taking with the design can be used as a checklist for landscape In 1999, I packed up and drove to Guelph process is to involve the people of Oppenheimer designers who want to design yards that where I started developing my practical from the start to share their ideas about achieve best-practice goals. ‘Living lightly’ design abilities for Landscape Architecture. the park and what they want to result from showed the installed and annual cost-savings While in Ontario, I longed for home and the upgrades. The ideas that they have for designing with the scorecard over the mountains, evergreens and rich organ- shared set the course for the goals and conventional suburban design, as well as ic air of the West Coast. Whenever I had vision for the park and existing field house annual reductions of maintenance time, fuel, the opportunity, I would relate my studies and will ultimately shape this vital public water, and chemicals typically required to the Lower Mainland. environment. During several occasions by conventional landscape design. My undergraduate thesis entitled, throughout the design process, the people of ‘The Downtown Eastside Dignity Project: Oppenheimer will be called upon to share Not satisfied to let this one collect dust, Nurturing Hope Through Design’ was my their voice and be heard, ensuring that we, I submitted ‘Living Lightly’ to the ASLA first attempt at exploring Landscape the designers, are on the right track. Student Awards competition and won an Honour Award in Research. Attending this Architecture’s role in addressing serious Design has become a collaborative process year’s ASLA conference in San Francisco problems. ‘The DTES Dignity Project’ drew for me. My passion for learning, problem exceeded my expectations. I was impressed the conclusion that by protecting and solving and working with people is contin- with the profile of profession in America embracing the unique eclectic nature of ually fed through landscape architecture. and was inspired by the passionate words the Downtown Eastside community and However, my passion wasn’t clear to me of Lawrence Halprin and Al Gore, who engaging its people in the design of their until recently. own environment, people are empowered addressed the crowd of about 6,000 As I completed my Bachelor of Landscape within their environment. I argued that following the awards presentation. Architecture, I hesitated to jump into a Landscape Architecture’s role in nurturing Back at home in the Lower Mainland, career, concerned that if I didn’t have clarity solutions to the major problems in the I feel privileged to be in a position to around my passion, I might end up work- Downtown Eastside is also dependent do what I love while making a difference ing in a job doing things I didn’t believe on an approach that embraces workable in the world. My vehicle is Landscape in. To buy myself time, I stayed in school solutions to the drug and homelessness Architecture. Through research and until I received a Master of Landscape problems in the area. I really thought I collaborative design I am on course to Architecture from UBC. Inspired by the was onto something with my research back one day be a leader in environmental emphasis on sustainability from my pro- in 2003, but didn’t move to action on and social stewardship. At 27, I am aware fessors and sessional instructors at UBC, what I had learned. I watched silently as that my deep appreciation for the value as well as extracurricular studies of the Vancouver’s homeless numbers surged and of our environment I discovered as a child peak-oil crisis, I refocused on identifying political powers shifted away from support- has remained, while my understanding my passions. My key area of research ing progressive drug policies. of it continues to grow. became the suburbs, as they are most

December 2007 17

18 British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects SITELINES

19 December 2007