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Landscape Architect Quarterly

06/ Round Table Playing with Landscape Features 12/ A Brief History of the Urban Playground

16/ Landscape Inspiration Publication # 40026106 # Publication 22/ CSLA/OALA Awards Summer 2013 Issue 22 62177-G22-Insert-A_Layout 1 Jul/15/2013 3:01 PM Page 1

Contents President’s Editorial Board Message Message

03/ Up Front President’s Message Editorial Board Message Information on Play is an essential part of life in order for any individual If you’ve ever watched a two-year-old with a set of the Ground to attain full cognitive, emotional, social, and physical blocks, you know the intrepid business of play: the potential through growth and development. dauntless focus, the furrowed eyebrows. It’s a process we’re all familiar with: problem solving, taking risks, Play: Besides architects, who may design child-oriented trying things out until we find the pleasing click-together buildings such as schools, daycare centres, or hospitals, of masses and ideas. landscape architects are the professionals who specialize 06/ Round Table Playing with Landscape in the design and development of outdoor child-oriented Play is a serious concept. Though we’re apt to approach spaces that provide challenging and safe opportunities our work with a sense of order and intention, the design MODERATED BY NETAMI STUART, OALA for learning through fun exploration. process is necessarily messy, and requires exploration, failure, trial, error, and naiveté to produce creative 12/ A Brief History of the “Play” may be used in many different contexts: fun thought. “The way we work does not always happen in Urban Playground pretense, children’s games, theatrical and musical a planned way. We can be… quite childish actually, in TEXT BY ADRIENNE HALL performances. Play is always associated with creativity order to avoid the seriousness that doesn’t allow one to and innocence. develop new ideas,” says Martin Rein Cano in this issue, 16/ All Aboard for Landscape in an intimate interview with Victoria Taylor. Inspiration I would like to share a passage on creativity that touched Distinctive destinations me and which I have carried forward for more than thirty We also explore how play can augment the process of around the world years. It reminds me that, as Association leaders and rep- landscape architecture, as well as what happens when COMPILED BY JOCELYN HIRTES resentatives, we must not be static but rather look for every play is the subject of our work. We dissect the history of opportunity to provide the tools for our members to attain the modern playground, thinking about how the trajectory full professional growth and development. This passage, of child psychology has affected our work on play spaces. 20/ Playing in Public which Professor Bob Scarfo shared with me and fellow stu- We also complement this historical understanding with a Martin Rein Cano in conversation dents in our landscape architecture class at the University look at the details. Which plants are best used to bring light with Victoria Taylor, OALA of Guelph in 1983, was written by Bernard Huebner: and whimsy to a space?

“BY THE TIME I WAS SIX I KNEW MOST EVERYTHING THERE WAS TO KNOW: 22/ CSLA Awards […] On the topic of whimsy, we turn to the great creative THAT AUNT ANNA’S PARROT TALKED EXACTLY LIKE AUNT ANNA,THAT SPOKES muse of our natural world, asking the membership for IN WAGON WHEELS AND WINGS ON HUMMING BIRDS STOOD STILL THEY 26/ OALA Awards WENT SO FAST. ideas on where to travel for inspiration, and we end up […] in an art gallery marveling at the mind of Kim Adams’ I KNEW THAT GOD COULD SEE ME HIDING UNDERNEATH THE PORCH, 28/ Plant Corner OR TIPTOEING INTO THE PANTRY. imagined landscapes. Selected Plants for Playspaces BUT I KNEW WHEN TO CRY AND WHEN TO LAUGH. TEXT BY JOCELYN HIRTES AND TODD SMITH I THANKED GOD EACH NIGHT FOR MAKING ME SO HAPPY AND SO WISE. This special issue also features the CSLA Awards of THEN ONE DAY A LADY TOLD ME HOW A RAINBOW WORKED, AND MADE Excellence—Ontario Region, and the OALA Awards, a ME TELL HER BACK, AGAIN AND THEN AGAIN UNTIL SHE THOUGHT I 30/ Notes UNDERSTOOD; SHE SAID SHE HAD NEVER HEARD OF ANY POT OF GOLD. chance to see the remarkable outcome of risk and A miscellany of AFTER THAT I LEARNED TO WRITE MY NAME, COUNT, TELL TIME AND TALK invention closer to home. OUT LOUD TO THE FLAG. news and events THE LADY SAID I HAD A REAL GOOD MEMORY. I GUESS I DO: So detour with us, and take a seriously light-hearted 42/ Artifact TODAY, FOR NO GOOD REASON, I SAW THOSE SAME SPINNING SPOKES FIXED romp through stories about art, absurdity, and leisure. IN MY MIND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS.” Small Spaces, Many Stories As always, we welcome your ideas for future issues, so get in touch with us via Twitter @GroundMag, or TEXT BY LORRAINE JOHNSON Again, it is my continuous pleasure to serve. email [email protected]. To see what is new and exciting with the Association, DENISE PINTO please see our updated website at www.oala.ca. CHAIR, EDITORIAL BOARD JOANNE MORAN, OALA [email protected]

Summer 2013 Issue 22 62177-G22-Insert-A_Layout 1 Jul/15/2013 3:01 PM Page 2

Masthead .22 OALA OALA .22

Editor 2013 OALA About About the OALA Lorraine Johnson Governing Council Ground: Landscape Architect Quarterly is published The Ontario Association of Landscape Architects works Photo Editor President by the Ontario Association of Landscape Architects to promote and advance the profession of landscape Todd Smith Joanne Moran and provides an open forum for the exchange of architecture and maintain standards of professional prac-

OALA Editorial Board Vice President ideas and information related to the profession of tice consistent with the public interest. The OALA promotes Nancy Chater Morteza Behrooz landscape architecture. Letters to the editor, article public understanding of the profession and the advance- Eric Gordon proposals, and feedback are encouraged. For submission ment of the practice of landscape architecture. In support Adrienne Hall Treasurer guidelines, contact Ground at [email protected]. of the improvement and/or conservation of the natural, Jocelyn Hirtes Sarah Culp Karen May Ground reserves the right to edit all submissions. cultural, social and built environments, the OALA under- Leslie Morton (on leave) Secretary The views expressed in the magazine are those takes activities including promotion to governments, Kate Nelischer Doris Chee of the writers and not necessarily the views of the professionals and developers of the standards and Denise Pinto (chair) Maili Sedore Past President OALA and its Governing Council. benefits of landscape architecture. Lisa Shkut Glenn O’Connor Todd Smith Upcoming Issues of Ground Ground Advisory Panel Brendan Stewart Councillors Ground 23 (Fall) Netami Stuart Alana Evers Andrew B. Anderson, BLA, MSc. World Heritage Victoria Taylor Jonathan Loschmann Site Management Landscape & Heritage Expert, Oman Dalia Todary-Michael Moreen Miller Botanic Garden Ground 24 (Winter) John Danahy, OALA, Associate Professor, Art Direction/Design Associate Councillor—Senior www.typotherapy.com Inna Olchovski Media University of Toronto Deadline for editorial proposals: George Dark, OALA, FCSLA, ASLA, Principal, Advertising Inquiries Associate Councillor—Junior August 14, 2013 Urban Strategies Inc., Toronto [email protected] Katherine Pratt Deadline for advertising space reservations: 416.231.4181 Real Eguchi, OALA, Eguchi Associates Landscape Lay Councillor October 21, 2013 Architects, Toronto Cover Linda Thorne Donna Hinde, OALA, Partner, The Planning Children’s Creative Centre/Play Area, by Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, Appointed Educator Partnership, Toronto Canadian Government Pavilion, University of Toronto 's environmental savings Alissa North, OALA, Assistant Professor, University of with Cascades paper Expo ’67; Cornelia Hahn Oberlander Elise Shelley Toronto, Principal of North Design Office, Toronto Fonds, Canadian Centre for Compared to products in the industry made with Peter North, OALA, Assistant Professor, University Architecture, Montreal/Gift of Appointed Educator 100% virgin fiber, Ground: Landscape Architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, University of Guelph Quarterly's savings are: of Toronto, Principal of North Design Office, Toronto Landscape Architect; drawing by Ken Sean Kelly Nathan Perkins, MLA, PhD, ASLA, Associate Terriss. See page 13. 15 trees Professor, University of Guelph University of Toronto Ground: Landscape Architect Student Representative Jim Vafiades, OALA, Senior Landscape Architect, Quarterly is published four times a Sara Ahadi 55,306 L of water Stantec, London year by the Ontario Association of 158 days of water consumption Landscape Architects. University of Guelph Student Representative 838 kg of waste Ontario Association of Sarah Taslimi 17 waste containers Landscape Architects 2,178 kg CO2 3 Church Street, Suite 407 OALA Staff Toronto, Ontario M5E 1M2 14,566 km driven 416.231.4181 www.oala.ca Registrar 25 GJ [email protected] Linda MacLeod 113,860 60W light bulbs for one hour

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Up Front .22 03

TREES boundary trees defined

A courtroom is not the place where one would expect to hear riveting debate about a tree trunk, but that’s exactly what happened at the Ontario Superior Court in May. (Riveting is a relative term, but for a tree nerd, this court hearing was gold. I sat in on the court hearing with rapt attention, particularly when the lawyers used phrases like “straying trees” and “codominant stem union.”) At issue in the case was whether or not a tree growing between two neighbouring properties in Toronto could be cut down unilaterally. But the case wasn’t about just one tree. The judge’s decision has far-reaching impli- cations for municipalities throughout Ontario. For perhaps the first time, a court has clari- fied what counts as a “boundary tree.”

Hilary Cunningham and Stephen Scharper live in a quiet, leafy area of mid-town Toronto. When their neighbour, Katherine Hartley, applied for and received a permit from the Urban Forestry Department to remove a 55-foot-tall Norway maple, Cunningham and Scharper were aghast. “We were shocked,” says Scharper, “that the Urban Forestry Department would grant permission to cut down a perfectly healthy tree.” The permit was provided to Hartley based on a report she commis- sioned from an arborist, who recommend- ed removing the tree. Concerned, Scharper and Cunningham hired their own certified arborist, who concluded that the tree exhib- ited “very good vigour and vitality” and was 01 in “good overall health.” permission for Hartley to access their property for the purpose of cutting down The health of the tree was not the only the maple. Hartley applied to the Ontario disputed issue, however. Scharper and Superior Court for a declaration that she Cunningham considered themselves co- was the sole owner of the tree. owners of the tree, convinced that it strad- dled the property line, and thus withheld The provincial Forestry Act regulates trees and woodlands. The Act states that “every tree whose trunk is growing on the bound- ary between adjoining lands is the com- Up Front: mon property of the owners of the adjoin- ing lands.” While this might sound straight- forward, the act is silent on a crucial ques- Information tion: does the definition of trunk apply to 02 01-02/ This Norway maple, growing between any part of the trunk? What if part of the two Toronto properties, was the subject trunk is growing on one property and part of a recent court case that clarified the on the definition of a “boundary tree.” on another? While the Forestry Act doesn’t IMAGES/ Lorraine Johnson clarify this, the City of Toronto’s 2007 Boundary Line Trees Policy does, stating Ground that “When verifying tree ownership, Up Front .22 04 measurement is taken at ground level, just tree by-law. Most municipalities require her own hands. In May, 2013, she launched above the trunk flare.” Obviously, the trunk specific credentials and don’t accept the Guelph Outdoor Preschool, the first of a tree that begins its life entirely on one reports from just any ‘person with other licensed daycare centre of its kind in the property can grow over time and expand similar qualifications.’ It seems to me that province, whose curriculum will meet all the its girth onto a neighbouring property. Once Hartley should never have gotten her requirements of Ontario Ministry of the trunk reaches this point, does the removal permit in the first place, regard- Education guidelines. tree then become a boundary tree, with less of the whole property line issue.” each neighbour having the rights and TEXT BY LORRAINE JOHNSON, A FORMER BOARD MEMBER The preschool is located at Guelph’s OF LEAF (LOCAL ENHANCEMENT AND APPRECIATION OF responsibilities of joint ownership? FORESTS) AND THE EDITOR OF GROUND. Ignatius Jesuit Centre, a 600-acre ecologi-

Hartley asserted that the base of the trunk, at ground level, was growing entirely on her property and, hence, she was the sole owner of the tree. Scharper and Cunningham, on the other hand, argued that because part of the trunk crossed the property line, the tree was a boundary tree. Further, they argued that even if the judge were to accept Hartley’s (and the City of Toronto’s) trunk-at-ground- level test for determining ownership, the tree did in fact straddle the property line at its base, just above the trunk flare. (Scharper and Cunningham had added 20-30 cm of soil to their yard, in effect rais- ing the “ground”; and if one removed the fill, the place where the trunk ended and the roots began was on the property line.) 03

Tricky business for arborists, municipal SCHOOLGROUNDS cally significant property that is home to a forestry departments, and feuding neigh- landscapes of learning retreat centre and a farm, and whose man- bours everywhere. But not so tricky for the date includes education and fostering an courts. Justice Moore ruled that the legisla- Research shows that outdoor environments ecological way of life. Children will spend as tion is clear: any part of the trunk growing on such as forests, meadows, streams, and much time as possible outdoors—two hours the property line—not simply “the arbitrary even mere patches of dirt offer an optimal in the morning and one-and-a-half hours in point at which the trunk emerges from the context for early childhood development. the afternoon—where they’ll play and learn soil”—governs the definition of a boundary Natural areas are more stimulating, less about flora and fauna by exploring forests, tree. Thus, Judge Moore dismissed Hartley’s stressful, safer, and healthier for kids, yet meadows, marshes, orchards, and gar- application and declared the tree a bound- these places are often inaccessible to chil- dens, all on the Ignatius property. “This is ary tree. According to Michael Rosen, dren in urban and suburban environments. not Survivor for preschoolers,” Kazakevich President of Tree Canada, “This is one of Given their limited contact with natural notes. “We have a terrific indoor facility, those decisions that I believe can be called areas, it’s not surprising that up to a third of too. But twice a day, we’ll be outdoors landmark because of the tree protection children feel nervous about playing outside having adventures.” precedent it sets—trees are one step closer for fear of “getting dirty,” despite outdoor to receiving the respect they deserve.” playtime having numerous benefits, includ- While opportunities for spontaneous explo- ing improved physical, mental, and emo- ration are abundant, natural play environ- Unfortunately, one “respect” issue unre- tional ability, and overall well-being. ments at the Guelph Outdoor Preschool are solved in the case relates to professional carefully designed or enhanced to allow for credentials. Unlike some Ontario munici- After a colleague introduced her to an out- safe and enriching learning experiences. palities, Toronto does not require that door school model popular in Norway and Drawing on her years of experience as a reports assessing tree health—reports on the Nordic countries, Masha Kazakevich, a landscape designer, Kazakevich has identi- which tree-removal permits are granted— practising landscape designer and Master fied appropriate locations where learning be written by certified arborists. As Oliver of Landscape Architecture candidate at the will take place—landscapes that with a little K. Reichl, an ISA-certified arborist based in University of Guelph, began researching the tweaking offer rich opportunities for discov- Ottawa, puts it: “Toronto needs to tighten subject. As a parent of a young child, she ery, play, and story-telling. Her goal is to up its definition of ‘arborist’ in the private discovered that there were few daycare help children develop a sense of wonder centres that would provide the kind of out- and respect for their environment. door educational experience she wanted for her son. So Kazakevich took matters into Up Front .22 05

Kazakevich and her team are also planning a number of amenities to be implemented over the next few years. Plans are in the works to build a children’s garden to include an outdoor classroom; eating areas; a veg- etable, fruit, and herb garden; and a water feature. To help develop gross and fine motor skills, other fun play structures will be introduced, such as a sandbox, a bridge, a sunflower or corn maze, and vine-covered teepee-like structures for shade and shel- tered games. Throughout the property there will be places for story-telling, and various opportunities for artistic expression and play, such as willow structures, teeter-tot- ters, and labyrinths.

Special consideration will also be given to keeping the kids comfortable during the cold, windy, and buggy seasons, with windbreaks to manipulate microclimates and create comfortable play spaces and small shelters, or perhaps a yurt, equipped with a wood stove to keep kids warm. Kazakevich plans to have these cold-season activity areas and warming areas in place by fall, 2013.

The preschool’s location at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre is ideal. The setting is magical, and the centre offers many programs and activities for kids and their families to tap into. For example, the preschool will take advantage of the centre’s community shared agriculture program to offer kids healthy meals prepared from organic, local, and seasonal foods. Kazakevich is planning a preschool demonstration farm and teach- ing garden. According to Kazakevich, the garden “must be beautifully designed,” and 04 will include teaching and gathering areas, growing, and harvesting the food they With learning environments occupying and perhaps cooking areas, too. The intent consume, she expects that kids will build a significant portion of a child’s daily life, is that the garden will provide the preschool ecological and food literacy, and set healthy school landscapes offer tremendous poten- with a fair amount of the vegetables used eating patterns for life. tial to enrich educational experiences. to prepare the children’s meals. Through design and understanding of land- The outdoor environment offers children the scape processes, landscape architects are Growing and preparing food on-site will opportunity to try new things—to explore well qualified to lead the charge to create provide opportunities to introduce children and experiment more freely. With fewer outdoor school environments that integrate to concepts such as science, technology, constraints, children are more inclined to formal curriculum with informal discovery of, and arithmetic. Kazakevich and her team take physical, social, and emotional risks and interaction with, landscape. believe that “the culture of food is a natural that help build greater confidence and self- TEXT BY JENNIFER MAHONEY, OALA, A TORONTO-BASED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT. and inviting forum for helping children’s esteem compared to children who spend social, language, and communication the majority of their time indoors. Kazakevich 03/ Design features can enhance the development.” By participating in planting, believes that providing kids with rewarding outdoor learning environment. learning experiences and superior nutrition IMAGE/ Guelph Outdoor Preschool early on will give them the healthiest possi- 04/ Tending the garden. ble start in life and support the entire family. IMAGE/ Guelph Outdoor Preschool Round Table .21 06

In keeping with this issue’s theme, Ground “played” with our Round Table format, holding it as a public forum, part of the Grow Op: Exploring Landscape + Place exhibition at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto in April, 2013. The four panel- lists delighted the audience with presentations that roamed far and wide across a playful landscape.

MODERATED BY NETAMI STUART, OALA Round Table .22 07

Netami Stuart: I work for the City of Toronto’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Division, so my job is making fun places to be! For this panel discussion, I’d like to talk about how we can use play as a design tool. How can we design playfully? And how does that turn into great places to be?

Marc Hallé: One reason adults don’t play as much as they could is because of the fear of being judged and criticized. I’ll give you an example that has to do with play. Consider the glass floor at the CN Tower.

BIOS/ DIANE BORSATO, AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF STUDIO You often see children going crazy on the ART AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH, IS AN ARTIST WHO HAS BEEN WORKING WITH AMATEUR NATURALISTS IN glass floor, with their parents staying very 01 SITE-RESPONSIVE PROJECTS FOR MANY YEARS. cautiously away from it. Adults have been FOR MORE THAN TEN YEARS, HEIDI CAMPBELL, OF THE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION EVERGREEN, HAS WORKED exposed to reality long enough that they WITH COMMUNITIES TO PLAN AND DESIGN NATURAL PLAY-LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS ON SCHOOLGROUNDS have a sense of probability, knowing for AND IN CHILDCARE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE GREATER TORONTO AREA AND BEYOND. SHE ALSO example that glass is fragile, and stepping PROVIDES SUPPORT TO EVERGREEN’S 18 NATIONAL ASSOCIATES, WHO ARE IMPROVING CHILDREN’S OUT- on it can be dangerous. Adults might be DOOR PLAY ENVIRONMENTS IN SEVERAL CITIES ACROSS CANADA. HEIDI IS THE AUTHOR OF LANDSCAPE AND cautious about abandoning themselves to CHILD DEVELOPMENT: A DESIGN GUIDE FOR EARLY YEARS—KINDERGARTEN PLAY—LEARNING play because there is a learned sense that ENVIRONMENTS, PUBLISHED BY EVERGREEN. too much fun can bring about catastophe. MARC HALLÉ, OALA, STUDIED CIVIL ENGINEERING AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, AND HIS CREATIVE AND TECHNICAL BACKGROUND BRINGS AN EXPERTISE THAT TRANSFORMS CONCEPT INTO BUILT FORM. WORKING AND In thinking about landscape and play, I’d STUDYING INTERNATIONALLY, MARC IS INTERESTED IN CROSS-CULTURAL SENSIBILITIES ABOUT MEANING AND like to talk about a photo taken at Hanlan’s INTENTION AND THEIR IMPACT ON DESIGNING FOR THE DIVERSITY IMPLIED IN PUBLIC SPACE. Point, a clothing optional beach in Toronto. CHRISTIE PEARSON IS AN ARCHITECT WHO WORKS I have never seen such a positive experi- FOR LEVITT GOODMAN ARCHITECTS IN TORONTO. HER INSTALLATIONS AND EVENTS IN PUBLIC PLACES DRAW ence of landscape before in my entire life. ON WORLD CULTURES OF PUBLIC BATHING. SHE IS A There was a sense that everybody felt FOUNDING MEMBER OF PERFORMANCE AND INSTALLA- 02 TION GROUPS SUCH AS THEWAVES, URBANVESSEL, THE welcome; you didn’t have to be nude, WADE COLLECTIVE, AND OF THE JOURNAL SCAPEGOAT: space quite reduced—within one space, LANDSCAPE, ARCHITECTURE, POLITICAL ECONOMY. maybe 30 percent of the people were ELISE SHELLEY, OALA, IS THE PRINCIPAL LANDSCAPE so people will be enraptured and too pre- ARCHITECT OF ELISE SHELLEY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT that day. But you had all kinds of people: (ESLA). ESLA DESIGNS ARE SPATIAL AND FUNCTIONAL occupied with their own pleasure to bother WITH ATTENTION TO CRAFT AND TECHNICAL DETAILS. families, swingers, transsexuals, straight STRATEGIC USE OF MATERIALS, BOTH HARD AND SOFT, judging or criticizing each other. This frees AND CREATE TRANSITIONS AND THRESHOLDS BETWEEN people, gay people, and people smoking ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE, FORM EXTERIOR ROOMS people to pursue their own happiness with- THAT ARE SEASONAL AND FLEXIBLE, AND FRAME THE marijuana. And the amazing thing was DYNAMIC ELEMENTS THAT DEFINE THE LANDSCAPE: WIND, out interference. LIGHT, WATER, AND VEGETATION THAT VISIBLY MARK THE that a boat came in, in the afternoon, with PASSAGE OF TIME. SHELLEY'S WORK WITH CHILDREN'S a live Latin band, and everybody on the LANDSCAPES AND PUBLIC SPACES ENGAGES COMMON One of the universal aspects that can trigger MATERIALS IN INNOVATIVE WAYS, INTRODUCING CREATIVE beach got very excited, went into the lake, CONCEPTS OF PLAY AND INTERACTION WITHIN THE PLAY- this playful distraction is water. Others are GROUND CONTEXT started splashing like mad. The thing that sunlight, food, trees, and triangulation, in NETAMI STUART, OALA, IS A MEMBER OF THE GROUND made it so astonishing was not only how EDITORIAL BOARD AND WORKS FOR THE CITY OF which two separate individuals are linked by TORONTO’S PARKS, RECREATION AND FORESTRY DIVISION. inclusive it was—you could go there, feel their gaze towards a third object. Another safe, and nobody was judging you—but phenomenal aspect is a change of texture. also how people’s personal space was so Colour is another. One example is a project 01/ Venice Biennale installation by much reduced. How could so many peo- Norma Jeane, 2011. in San Paulo, where local favela residents ple co-exist on one piece of sand without IMAGE/ Marc Hallé were invited to participate in saturating feeling uncomfortable being so close to 02/ Adults give themselves over to pleasure spaces with paint, as well as specific words one another? at Hanlan’s Point, Toronto. that became legible from specific site lines. IMAGE/ Marc Hallé These types of experiences create a 03/ From Rolling on the Lawn at the This phenomenon is part of the inspiration Canadian Centre for Architecture, moment of de-familiarization that can allow that was the starting point behind the urban by Diane Borsato, 2000. you to realize how special these places are, beaches in Toronto. It is very important to IMAGE/ Diane Borsato bringing a collective zest that allows every- find a device that can encompass every- body—all these different people of different classes, different incomes, different ethnici- ties, all co-existing—again, with personal Round Table .22 08

body to be “in the moment,” out of their self-consciousness, and able to perceive something that is unique to that location. For anyone who wants to make a public space, as long as you can maintain these key ingredients, your place will probably be very successful.

In Montreal, every spring, in the Quartier des Spectacles, there is an installation by a group of artists called Daily Tous Les Jours. They are fantastic. One installation is called “Les Balançoires,” which translates as “The Swings.” When everybody swings, their indi- vidual movements produce harmonic tones; so, when all of the swings are in action, a melodic ambiance is created, resulting from this collective abandon to playfulness. A good art piece can distil the genius of a moment which, when installed on a site, can endow that place with a certain genius as well.

Another example of how you can engage “play” at an adult level is to give people the freedom to express their views and inject their own meaning. The artists Daily Tous Les Jours collaborated with us last year for the installation of “Pink Balls” in the gay village of Montreal; people were encouraged to position themselves in certain locations, push a button, and have their photo taken, which was automatically 03 uploaded to the Internet. Visitors could Diane Borsato: I considered various mean- a different way of traversing that space. It then search to find their moment and ings for the word “play” in preparation for was a kind of research exercise that pro- download their photo. If you look through this event. I tried to think of how it was rele- duced a new perspective, quite literally, the website, you go through tens of thou- vant to my way of working, and some of the on the city. I couldn’t resist in the winter sands of photos—an amazing archive!— ways in which play is described is that it is doing it again, and then I thought I might which brings about the phenomenon of spontaneous and unstructured—a free as well do it in the spring and in the sum- seeing yourself in public space. thing that you would do. I made a piece mer. It was about a new relationship of my when I was in Montreal as a student, where body with the landscape of the city, and it Another example is an art installation by I had been studying sculpture mostly, and was certainly “playful.” the artist Norma Jeane that was exhibited my practice was very focused on materials at the Venice Biennale in 2011. The instal- and the bodily experience of materials. I Another definition of play is that it is about lation started as a huge block of plasticine, used to walk past the Canadian Centre for attunement with your body, with other composed in three layers of red, white, Architecture every day. It has the most people, with objects, with things, and with and black. People were invited to express famous lawn in Montreal—immaculate a place; and so making it an artwork, to themselves, and impose whatever they and green and irresistible in some ways, some extent, gives it that structure that wanted on the surrounding walls. It was like you just want to spoil it because it is so helps you to do such shameless, embar- open-ended, it was chaotic, and it estab- perfect. It has a barrier as well; it is rassing things like this in the landscape. lished a common denominator to unite a “framed” and separated from the world diverse group of individuals by allowing with a strict boundary. This was a perfect Another project of mine was called Moving them to be free and carry out their heart’s place to “play” in. I walked by it every sin- the Weeds Around. I was invited to do a wishes. This kind of experience of diversity gle day—vertically—and I decided to piece of public community art in Halifax. If liberates people to reveal that they are experience it horizontally. So, sponta- you think about “play,” there is no material united by their differences. neously, I just rolled along the length of goal or useful, tangible, practical outcome. I the lawn. To some extent, I wrapped the whole city block around my body and had Round Table .22 09

took the notion of community gardening In another piece, I coordinated an and I made it as useless and ineffective as exchange between mushroomers and humanly possible. What we did was we astronomers. What we did was exchange dug up weeds, I had about twenty volun- terrestrial knowledge for celestial knowl- teers who were game to travel around the edge. So the mushroomers in the morn- city all day digging up weeds from random ing—this was just outside of Vancouver— places, trading them at the gallery, and then hosted the astronomers, and we did a foray travelling around the city replanting them in in the forest. Then, in the evening, we got random places. We literally just moved the out all the telescopes and the astronomers 04 weeds around for an entire day. The project hosted the mushroomers. It was about was beyond a minimalist activity; I wanted to those two really different ways of knowing. accomplish nothing—as hard as I possibly Mushrooming is sensorial in a visceral, could. And all that is left is meaning. There intimate way, with smelly, slimy fungi that was a particular moment when I was mak- decompose in hours, affected by seasons ing it when I was thinking a lot about gentri- and weather. Astronomy is much more con- fication in cities and how we address prob- ceptual. You have to imagine you are see- lems simply by moving them around. ing back in time, making intellectual leaps. So it was these two dramatically different

If you want to create a playful scenario, an ways of knowing in one day, as well as this 05 easy trick is to invite snakes. The Art Gallery gesture of looking down all morning and forming, with a new set every hour for of York University has a fantastic initiative then looking up all night, and ideally learn- twelve hours. We turned up the heat of the where, to get people to the gallery, they ing everything in one day. water in the children’s pool, and we tried have performance artists do projects on a to make it like a Roman caldarium; we bus that takes people up to York. I was invit- I think that what’s important about “play” in switched all the lights to red bulbs. Then ed to do a performance on the bus. I hired terms of artworks is that it’s never just play, things got really out of hand...basically, ten a reptile educator to do a live reptile display it’s not just fun. Many of these pieces have a thousand people showed up. The five life- and everyone was encouraged to touch, critical dimension and a symbolic possibility. guards who came to work for the evening and handle, and get up close and personal More than just for fun—I would hope—they freaked out; people started busting in all with a skink, an anteater, and various are provocations and raise questions. of the doors around the swimming pool to snakes and other reptiles. It was a some- get in…. People on the bleachers started what familiar situation, but also a really sur- Christie Pearson: I’d like to talk about a taking their clothes off and jumping into prising scenario. You could experience the few projects that I’ve done that relate to the pool. It was truly mayhem, and we tiny, narrow, enclosed space of a moving play and landscape, starting with two proj- were all overwhelmed—it was great. bus in a uniquely intense way. Adults ects by thewaves, a collective including became like children, asking questions, myself and my partner, Marcus Boon. We Sunnyside: Fire on the Water is a project the- squealing, etc. are interested in the vibrations of water waves did at Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion in and sound, and space. The first project Toronto this past August. As a public bathing In the past couple of years especially, I have we did was for the inaugural Nuit Blanche, freak, I have wanted to do something at been working a lot with naturalists, naturalist held in Toronto. The idea was to do some- Sunnyside for a long time. What really organizations, mushroomers, beekeepers, thing inside of the Trinity Bellwoods swim- upsets me when I am at Sunnyside is that and astronomers. I did a project in both ming pool. I am very interested in expand- the big logia on the second floor, built for Toronto and New York City in which I worked ing possible uses of public spaces that are people to watch people swimming, is now with the local mycological society. I’ve been heavily underused. For example, a swim- an expensive rental venue for weddings part of it for many years, and every week- ming pool. How many hours of the week is rather than a public space. The courtyard end in the fall, you go out to collect fungi in a public swimming pool in use? What could doors are often locked. Many people have the woods and you lay them out on the we do in a swimming pool at night, for never even been up in this beautiful logia table and someone helps identify them all. I example? Nobody is swimming at night. built by the city. proposed to the mycological society that we So our idea was to transform the Trinity do a foray in stores in Chinatown. Many of Bellwoods pool into a Roman bath situation. 04/ Sunnyside: Fire on the Water, the members are Chinese and so we had a We expected maybe twenty of our friends to a project by thewaves. big Sunday morning foray in Markham in show up to this. On the mural at the pool’s IMAGE/ Giulio Muratori medicinal shops, grocery stores. The whole end, we had a projection of the changing 05/ Inhabiting the Sunnyside logia through art and performance. group went to a section of canned food, phases of the moon. We brought in a lot of IMAGE/ Christie Pearson and we identified all these species with our swimming toys and lounging equipment, field guides and our magnifying glasses in and hung a mylar ceiling so you could see the produce section. yourself reflected while swimming. We had some fantastic sound artists and DJs per- Round Table .22 10

So the project was, for one day, to take childhood, a lot of people built and played In the document that Evergreen has just over that building and make it what it used in forts, looked for bugs, roamed through published [see Notes item on page 31], we to be, and what it could be: just opening backyards, ate fruit from people’s trees, got came up with a design framework based up all the spaces to the public. The whole dirty, explored ravines and climbed trees, on children’s developmental needs: emo- Toronto waterfront wasn’t always cut off made boats or played in the creek, climbed tional, physical, cognitive, social. We worked from the city by the Gardiner Expressway. up and down hills, and grew things in the with people from school boards, parents How could we make those connections garden. But childhood today is changing. and teachers, educators and administrators, again? Why can’t we make Toronto like a Children no longer freely explore the world who all came to the table to look at how to beach city? We have beaches; we have around them, or they do so in extremely reshape children’s landscapes in their Sugar Beach. I think that trying to re-imag- limited ranges. Fear over child safety, over- schoolyards or childcare centres. People just ine ourselves creatively could transform structured routines, and time spent on elec- need a few ideas to get them going and so how the environment actually is. tronic media are some of the main inhibitors we gave them in the book, things that of outdoor discovery. What will the impact of relate to child development, both fixed So that is what we tried to do. A number of these changes be for future generations? components and moveable components, different events were going on all through and we built on these ideas. the day by different artists. There was a live Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods: music and dance performance (created by Saving our Children from Nature Deficit When Evergreen works on schoolyards, Aimee Dawn Robinson and Juliet Palmer), Disorder has stimulated an international we speak with all the community mem- with singers out on a canoe and performers conversation about the relationship bers, including children. Children are very that led the audience through the pavilion, between children and nature. Louv links involved in the design process, very partic- down to the lake, and back again. This kind the lack of nature in children’s lives today ipatory, and they create these drawings. of occupation of a space in a playful way is to some of the most concerning child- We do interviews with them and they have really exciting. We tried to create different lit- hood trends, such as the rise in obesity, an incredible knack for coming up with a tle spaces that you could explore, and make attention deficit disorder, and depression. really creative vision. Then we try to manifest up your own possible games. Louv’s research, along with other health that in some of the design results. practitioners and social scientists and edu- You can just bring things into a place and cators, compels us to take action in our Topography is a compelling feature suddenly people start using it differently. cities and in our schools to bring the out- for children. And, of course, shade is one And, of course, music changes everything. door experience back into children’s lives. of our guiding principles. At a school in The Afro-Brazilian dance troupe Marcatu The challenge for us is to negotiate space Durham, which basically had just an Mar Aberto brought everybody out as part for young people in the larger urban fabric asphalt area with a large mature tree, we of a participatory ritual that brought people of parks and streetscapes, and neighbour- removed a lot of tarmac, and then created down to the beach with the dancers, hoods, and begin to create networks of lots of soft surfacing using a palette of nat- around the building, and then back up into vibrant safe places for children to do what ural materials. We were trying to get some the building with this glowing canoe as a comes naturally, to play. graduated risk in there, and this is very fire remnant from out of the lake. It was sup- challenging for school boards to accept. posed to be a fire offering to the lake to say Play helps promote healthy brain develop- It’s less of a challenge for them to choose that we are sorry for treating it so badly, and ment. Play allows children to explore the a play structure out of a catalogue. We are that we are going to do better. world, conquer their fears, and practise trying to get away from the catalogue play adult roles. Play helps children to develop structure idea, although we still retrofit lots Space-making, landscape-making, and play their imagination, dexterity, and physical, of playgrounds with natural features are so important. Through events, we create cognitive, and emotional strength. We are around those structures. the temporal memory of the city. I think learning all the time from the built environ- events and celebrations can encourage the ment. Play is so important to optimal child Kids like to use stumps as little pathways. kind of affection and imagination of the city development that it has been recognized Sand is huge, and if you can mix sand and that we need more of...more affection for by the United Nations High Commission water, that is just like magic! Kids sweep our public spaces. for Human Rights. It is a right for every sand off the walkway and create these child to have play in his or her daily life. imaginary worlds where they work things Heidi Campbell: Take a minute to reflect Children love the natural world and from out, so it’s an enhanced social environment. back on when you were a child. Think about a very early age, they are curious about where you played, how that affected you, nature. By closely exploring their own The YMCA has got a new vision for their what you did when you played. Current outdoor spaces, they begin to develop a childcare centres and they recently re- research is saying that the way we play and broader sense of connection to the world vamped two of them. They’ve started bring- learn and interact with the world around us beyond their playgrounds. ing in trees, and soft surfacing, and lots of as young children has a profound and form- pathways, and interesting little nooks and ative effect on our health and our thinking places for children to play. And they planted and behaviour throughout our lives. In their the very first bush I think in any childcare Round Table .22 11

space in Canada. I don’t see these kinds standards that are in place. Anytime you of things in childcare centres, but this one want to do something atypical, anytime passed CSA. We had to put a maintenance you want to use non-traditional elements, schedule with this, because it’s natural or do something that might be considered materials and things deteriorate, but we natural, you still have to comply with all the were very excited and the children were standards. So, we can have boulders in really excited about this piece. When we the landscape, but they have to be spaced ask children what they’d like in their play either close together or two metres apart, areas, they draw huts and forts, those because at least if somebody falls off the kinds of things. boulder, they won’t hit their head. So there is this kind of funny dilemma where we Children can shape their environments; want to design like nature would allow us to that’s really the most important thing. They in spaces that we perceive as natural, but want to have an effect on their environment. we have to do it aligned with these regu- So designing right to the edges of a play lations and rules that don’t always seem space is not always successful with chil- to facilitate that way of working. dren. At Evergreen’s children’s garden in Chimney Court at Evergreen Brick Works, I recently had the opportunity to work on a we’ve created an anarchy space basically; project at Evergreen Brick Works, where we 06 the kids shape it, they move stuff around, were able to use a variety of recycled mate- dealing with smaller spaces. One of the real working with dimensional wood, building rials to abstract these ideas about the land- temptations to use this stuff out of the equip- shelters, and having large activity walls. It’s scape. One of the critical things here is that ment catalogues is because it comes with a place for them to just express themselves. this isn’t a playground. So even though it is the certification—the paperwork that says, completely compliant with all codes that “yes, this is compliant.” Elise Shelley: Landscapes should foster apply in this particular scenario, it is not imagination. They should be focused on going to be inspected on an annual basis Some incredible companies are doing really creating spaces for play, places that by the CSA inspectors. So it doesn’t have the interesting things—of course, many of them engage the special aspects of the outdoor same level of scrutiny. That label of a “play- from Europe. But, still, a lot of what we see environment. We know that when we think ground” is a really important thing to con- and a lot of what is expected is the stuff that about the places where we played as chil- sider when one is designing a space for looks like a pirate ship, or that has all the dren, usually they are connected with being play. Obviously there is still lots of oppor- plastic parts, because that is what, unfortu- outside or being in nature, in the woods, or tunity for play even though we do not call nately, we have come to think of as the at a creek, or rolling on a dirt mound; some- it such a thing; and there are lots of ways norm and the standard. We really need to thing that didn’t necessarily involve a piece to spark the imagination if we can be educate the client to the fact that you can of equipment that had a lot of metal and smart about it. think of it as a pirate ship even though it plastic parts. does not look like one, so then it can also The CSA actually defines “play space.” In be a spaceship, or it can be whatever the So why don’t we see that in our parks their terminology, it’s “an area containing child’s imagination takes them to that day. and playgrounds? It unfortunately has a equipment, a play structure, or structures, lot to do with the role of the Canadian protective surfacing etc., that is intended for It’s important to acknowledge that chil- Standards Association (CSA) in our ideas the use of children between 18 months and dren’s playspaces are not just places for about playgrounds, in our images of 12 years.” Eighteen months and 12 years is creativity and imagination, but also playgrounds. They have only been a pretty broad range in terms of abilities, places for learning. involved in the oversight of playgrounds interests, and yet that is the framework WITH THANKS TO DALIA TODARY-MICHAEL FOR over the past thirty years, but they have that the CSA sets up. It talks about technical TRANSCRIBING THIS DISCUSSION. completely transformed the ideas about and structural integrity, and issues of ongo- what a playground is. ing maintenance, but it really is not at all concerned with children’s needs or desires. 06/ Recycled materials are often very stimulating for kids. Anyone who has spent time with children IMAGE/ Elise Shelley Landscape Architect knows that they will figure out how to make With CSA standards, we’ve really started a game out of anything. We need to design to see the image of playgrounds being pre- places that allow kids to play, that aren’t dominated and defined—at least in a public prescriptive, that don’t say you have to play context—by equipment that is out-of-the- this way. Unfortunately, that is not what we box and often quite prescriptive. And it is see in most of our public parks and play- not just the equipment; it is also the area grounds. Again, it has a lot to do with the around the equipment that is a huge factor and a challenge, especially when you are A Brief History of the .22 12 Urban Playground

children’s leisure soon becomes an issue of public welfare, championed by municipal reform movements rising across the U.S. and Canada. Civic groups demand dedi- cated places of play as a haven from the physical and moral dangers of the street. In response, city parks departments as well as school boards initiate public recreation programs at city-run sites and schools. The focus of many early city playgrounds are fields designated for organized recreation such as baseball, folk dancing, and com- petitive games led by paid “play leaders.” Play equipment mostly consists of vandal- TEXT BY ADRIENNE HALL proof iron pipe structures such as swings, “gymnasium”-style climbers, and see saws, along with informal sand pits. While they are now an Advertisements for play equipment reflect essential part of our urban worried classist attitudes, with an ad from fabric, playgrounds only A.G. Spalding & Bros. proclaiming “All Steel emerged as a discrete vs. All-Steal.” In subsequent years, city entity—specific, public recreation departments also organize sites dedicated to play— activities such as skating and tobogganing in the late 19th century. in the winter, and public bathing sites with Since then, the evolution slides in the summer. of public playgrounds has reflected the politics and social issues of their times. 02 Public playground War and devastation are the setting for designs in Ontario have significant playground innovation in often followed on the European countries. In Denmark, “junk play- heels of American and grounds,” or “adventure playgrounds,” are European trends, but introduced by landscape architect Carl there have been notable Theodor Sorenson; children are given con- moments of innovation struction debris along with hammers and closer to home, many nails to build their own worlds of play in contributed by the work of an enclosed area under the eye of a landscape architects. The play supervisor. The concept is extremely following is a chronology successful and adventure playgrounds 03 become popular in Britain in the 1950s, that attempts to summa- Urban areas undergo dramatic population rize where we have come championed in particular by landscape growth, mostly concentrated in already architect Lady Allan Hurtwood. In addition, from and where we densely crowded and squalid neighbour- are heading. children and recreational spaces are put at hoods. Inner-city districts such as Toronto’s the centre of new housing policy and urban Ward, near Dundas and Bay Streets, lack renewal plans in many European cities, with organized recreation facilities, and children designers such as Dutch architect Aldo van are forced to amuse themselves, unsuper- Eyck pioneering new spaces for play. (The vised, in places such as vacant lots and the influence of van Eyck’s equipment such as street. There is growing unease among the sand play tables and “jumping stones” can middle class. In addition to physical dangers, be seen in popular structures today.) unsupervised play in city streets is thought to foster juvenile delinquency and provide few In 1940s North America, a number of land- opportunities for young newcomers to inte- scape architects such as Garrett Eckbo, Dan grate into Canadian society. There is grow- Kiley, and James Rose begin to advocate for ing unease among the middle class, and the reconsideration and reinvention of play-

01 A Brief History of the .22 13 Urban Playground

grounds. In addition, many psychologists begin discussing the link between play and cognitive and social development. Artists such as Isamu Noguchi explore alternative, sculptural forms for playgrounds including earthworks and pathways to form a com- plete play experience. However, most of these ideas are not realized in the average public playground. Public park administra- tors focus more on recreational program- ming rather than design, with recreation leaders and activity schedules forming the majority of park improvements.

Precast concrete-formed structures and themed equipment become popular in the 1950s, with space-themed climbers being 06 especially common in a Cold War culture. renaissance. Designers, artists, architects, The production of modular equipment and landscape architects collaborate to begins, with designers and artists collabo- create new worlds of play heavily influ- rating with manufacturers. enced by psychology research and design innovation in Europe. Landscape architects M. Paul Friedberg, Robert Nichols, Robert Royston, Hideo Sasaki, and Cornelia Hahn Oberlander all create exceptional play- grounds and write on the subject during this time.

Despite the flurry of interest among 07 designers, adventure playgrounds remain a hard sell in North America, with a few playgrounds created in the same spirit 01/ Playground on Gerrard Street East, Toronto, 1913 being exceptions, many of them short- IMAGE/ City of Toronto Archives lived. Instead, the evolution of the physical 02/ Regent Street playground, Toronto, 1913 form of the public playground is focused IMAGE/ City of Toronto Archives on equipment, with the concept of linked platforms being a widespread model. 03/ High Park toboggan runs, Toronto, 1913 IMAGE/ City of Toronto Archives 04 By the mid-1970s, the increasingly liability- 04-05/ Children’s Creative Centre/Play Area, by Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, adverse attitudes of American society lead Canadian Government Pavilion, Expo ‘67

to an approach of risk aversion and hazard IMAGES/ Cornelia Hahn Oberlander Fonds, Canadian Centre for Architecture, reduction in playground design. As the Montreal/Gift of Cornelia Hahn attitude begins to spread to Ontario, many Oberlander 06/ Children’s Creative Centre/Play Area, landscape architects step back from custom by Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, playground design because of increasing Canadian Government Pavilion, Expo ‘67 IMAGE/ Cornelia Hahn Oberlander Fonds, constraints on creativity due to the risk of Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montreal/Gift of Cornelia Hahn legal exposure. Physical structures Oberlander, Landscape Architect; designed by equipment manufacturers drawing by Ken Terriss begin to dominate, and safety surfacing is 07/ 1970s playground equipment introduced. Wood is also introduced as a IMAGE/ Froschmann significant material.

05 Safety concerns, combined with the elimi- The ideas explored in the past decade nation of park supervisors in many cities begin to gain more ground and, by 1967, due to budget shortfalls, make playground academics declare a public playground design by catalogue a common choice. A Brief History of the .22 14 Urban Playground

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09 Large, connected wooden structures with platforms and turrets are popu- 08-09/ Children’s Village by Zeidler Partnership Architects with Eric McMillan, Ontario Place, 1972 larized in parks and schoolgrounds by playground suppliers, with a IMAGES/ Zeidler Partnership Architects select few of these structures being 10/ 1990s Miami exercise playground built by communities themselves. IMAGE/ Todd Smith However, numerous municipalities’ 11-12/ Playground at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, designed by Isamu preference shifts away from wood Noguchi, 1976, restored 2009 structures in subsequent years IMAGES/ Chris Brooks because of maintenance require- 13/ Playground at Willowdale Park, Toronto, by JSW+Associates, 1997 ments and increasing instances of IMAGE/ Ron Bernasch, JSW+Associates arson. Powder-coated steel and 14/ The Jamie Bell Adventure aluminum superstructures with plastic Playground, High Park, Toronto, designed by Robert Leathers and elements flood the market and built with community members in 1999; rebuilt 2012 quickly become preferred for safety IMAGE/ Grant MacDonald and reduced maintenance costs. 12 A Brief History of the .22 15 Urban Playground

The safety and liability concerns that surfaced in the 1950s come to the fore in Ontario in the 1990s, with strong influence from the United States. The Canadian Standards Association releases the “Guideline on Children’s Playspaces and Equipment,” first as a guideline and later as a standard for all public parks, school- grounds, childcare facilities, and other public institutions. Inspection agencies are retained by public bodies to ensure compliance with the standard, and in the process of review, hundreds of play- grounds across Ontario are deemed non-compliant and demolished. 16 Complicated standards discourage custom a renewed interest in the concepts of designs by landscape architects and in- adventure playgrounds and the sculptural house design staff at school boards. As a earth forms of the 1960s. Organizations result, a select few locally- and interna- such as Evergreen are integral in introduc- tionally-owned playground manufacturers ing new design guidelines for schools, come to dominate the Ontario market, which take into account the whole land- offering entire CSA-approved catalogues scape as a site of play. Natural elements and design services. The plastic platform- become a major element of new school and-post super-structure becomes a playgrounds in Ontario. Custom designs standardized model. by landscape architects and artists incor- porate sensory planting and natural mate- 17 rials. Designers and public bodies estab- lish a new relationship with inspection agencies, designing custom features that still meet CSA standards.

Concerns over access to nature are paral- leled by concerns over rising obesity rates. As a result, more active elements requir- ing upper-body strength as well as free- standing exercise equipment are offered by manufacturers. Significant improve- ments in accessibility are also made in the 2000s. Following on the growing aware- ness of access for those with disabilities in 18

the 1990s, the Annex H accessibility guide- 15/ The 2000s see a renewal of interest in playgrounds with line is implemented in Canada in 2007. natural themes and elements.

Accessible playground designs being IMAGE/ Mirari Erdoiza

15 implemented include ramps, rubberized 16/ Adventure playgrounds, popular in the 1960s, make a comeback Playgrounds experience a revival in inter- surfacing, sensory stimulation, and equip- in the 2000s. est from early education and child psy- ment focusing on upper-body strength. IMAGE/ Nilson Menezes 17/ Chimney Court at Evergreen Brick chology experts. Research on the positive Works, Toronto, completed 2010 relationship between play and cognitive IMAGE/ Heidi Campbell, Evergreen development from previous decades 18/ Playground at Sibelius Park, resurfaces and is proven through clinical Toronto, by PMA Landscape Send your thoughts to [email protected]. Architects, 2012 trials. In addition, publications from WITH THANKS TO RON BERNASCH, HEIDI CAMPBELL, IMAGE/ PMA Landscape Architects researchers such as Richard Louv on AND TODD SMITH. “nature deficit disorder” spark an interna- BIO/ ADRIENNE HALL IS A DESIGNER AT NAK DESIGN tional conversation on the importance of STRATEGIES IN TORONTO AND IS A MEMBER OF THE GROUND EDITORIAL BOARD. access to nature for children. The result is All Aboard for .22 16 Landscape Inspiration

Distinctive destinations around the world

COMPILED BY JOCELYN HIRTES

Where in the world do you find inspiration? What landscapes fire your imagination, soothe your spirit, or feed your creativity? From tiny urban oases to spectacular natural formations—some are well known and others are hidden gems—what follows are travel destinations recommended by 01 OALA members and students in response to our call to roam.

We invite you to take an imaginative trip to these special landscapes, near and far.

FROM KELLIE SPENCE, MLA STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH 03 The Limestone Caves at Unicamp, FROM SHAN TENNYSON, OALA, ISA, Shelburne, Ontario: BEACON ENVIRONMENTAL “Ontario is ours to discover and we should! 02 Muscat, Oman—the Corniche area During my graduate research at the FROM LEILA F. TODD, MLA CANDIDATE 2013, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH adjacent to the harbour: University of Guelph, I came upon limestone “Tiled marble sidewalk, benches and caves near Shelburne, Ontario, at Unicamp, Barcelona’s waterfront: retaining walls, ornamental light standards, a Unitarian-Universalist Camp & Retreat “A variety of play opportunities are provided irrigated annual flowers in medians. Centre. Along the Bruce Trail and part of the in a long, revitalized strip of waterfront.” Beautiful and well done.” Niagara Escarpment, the caves are found amidst steep and rocky limestone cliffs and are a natural wonder that can be FROM JUDE GABOURY, BLA STUDENT, 01-02/ Barcelona waterfront UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH appreciated by landscape architects and IMAGES/ Leila F. Todd nature enthusiasts alike.” Promenade Samuel de Champlain, 03/ Muscat corniche, Oman Québec: “I finally had the chance to visit this site IMAGE/ Andrew B. Anderson over the summer. Extremely well executed in terms of approach and detailing. Additionally, it’s incredibly sympathetic to the landscape and viewscape (waterfront and mountains).” All Aboard for .22 17 Landscape Inspiration

Gardens at Chateau de Versailles, France: FROM DENNIS WINTERS, OALA, TALES OF THE EARTH “The Musical Gardens at Chateau de Mt. Kailas, Western Tibet: Versailles are spectacular! Classical music “Mt. Kailas is the holiest landscape for plays throughout the garden and in some Buddhist, Hindu, Bon-po, and Jain pilgrim- parts the music is synchronized with the age: invested with the power of Mt. Meru, water fountains. The modern sculptures at centre of the universal lotus, navel of the Chateau de Versailles are a great addition world, axis connecting heaven and earth, to this Renaissance garden.” its essence contained the spirit of the entire globe.”

FROM CHRISTOPHER BROWN, OALA, SENIOR PLANNER, TOWN OF HUNTSVILLE Lake Manasarovar, Western Tibet: Hyde Park Square, Cincinnati, Ohio: “Most sacred lake. It is said the first stones “Erie Avenue makes a brief bifurcation, to be set upright in the landscape were resulting in this little green galleon in a here, where 8,631 stones were erected and 04 river of traffic, where people play chess, guarded by the Eight Great Naga Kings. eat lunch, and even have their wedding Also known as Anavatapta, the lake without photos taken. Lively yet bucolic thanks to heat or difficulty, from which the four great simple devices that set the space apart waters flow to the four cardinal directions.” from traffic.” Rajgir, Bihar, India: “Site of the first monastic woodland garden FROM ALANA EVERS, OALA, DILLON CONSULTING and first cloistered monastic garden 2,500 years ago.” Cape Spear, Newfoundland: “The easternmost point in continental North Torres de Paines, Chile: America. It’s a great place to watch a sun- “Patagonia, the end of the world, the begin- rise, knowing that of the millions of people ning of everything. Indescribable granite 05 on the continent, you’ll be the first to catch mountains soaring 10,000 feet.” a glimpse of daylight. The lighthouse on site is designated a National Historic Site of Canada, and is accessed by a wooden FROM KAREN ANDERSON, OALA, CITY OF WATERLOO boardwalk that winds its way alongside Blue Mountain Village in the Town the rugged cliffs and crashing waves. This of Blue Mountain: dramatic landscape also provides an entry “This place showcases a broad range of point to the East Coast Trail.” landscape architecture—from landscape preservation and sustainability to urban FROM CHRIS CLAYTON, OALA design to unique action sport facilities. The Hiking into Machuu Pichu: project planning and design detailing is “Hiking on the Inca trail amid spectacular worth checking out. The village has been mountains hardly prepares you for this planned, designed, and built with fun in World Heritage Site. Built in complete har- mind and, while hosting numerous festivals mony with its surroundings, it’s a marvel of throughout the year, the plan continues to human skill. The stone work is unsurpassed unfold with more new and exciting exam- by any other place in the world; the astro- ples. The mountain setting on Georgian Bay is breathtaking.” 06 nomical connections are amazing…the FROM KAARI KITAWI, MLA CANDIDATE, beauty is breathtaking.” UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO 04/ Apartheid Museum, Apartheid Museum, Johannesburg, Walking the streets of old Johannesburg, South Africa South Africa: Amsterdam and Jerusalem: IMAGE/ Kaari Kitawi “The museum layout guides visitors on a “The narrow streets of these two ancient 05-06/ Chateau de Versailles journey through the horrors of apartheid cities give you a new appreciation for space IMAGES/ Kaari Kitawi and the subsequent triumph of democracy and community. Life is real here, and the marked by the reflective, open grassland mix of old and new is inspirational.” landscape. It is an emotional journey that creates an urgency to end injustice and concludes with a feeling of liberation as you emerge in the landscape—Free At Last!” All Aboard for .22 18 Landscape Inspiration

the “borrowed scenery” typical to Chinese and Japanese garden design. You will also witness the rigorous maintenance and pride in upkeep (i.e., do you comb your pine trees for yellow or dead needles?). Well worth it to sign up for a tour of the Imperial Villa of Katsura, and research the smaller, less- touristy gardens—equally breathtaking.”

07 11

09 FROM H.T. LAM, OALA, CITY OF HAMILTON

Alaksa: “My most memorable experience in life, thus far—to see, experience, touch, and smell true unadulterated nature along the 08 Alaskan coast. Trekking through restricted 12 FROM FUNG LEE, OALA FROM ALANA DE HAAN, BLA STUDENT, paths as we traverse mature forest growth UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH Sutro Baths, San Francisco: consisting of native flora and fauna species Parc del Centre del Poblenou, “Sutro Baths is about history, natural ecology and feeling the balance of biodiversity Barcelona, Spain: (it’s on the northwest coast of San Francisco), around you—an experience of a lifetime!” “Parc del Centre del Poblenou in Barcelona and design. The ruins themselves are spec- is an inspiring urban park and playground tacular and the slopes are covered in wild designed by the French architect Jean flora that take a beating by the elements Nouvel. It is comprised of architectural and (winds and saltwater). The interpretive sculptural elements that form an intricate centre and its parking lot use a very modern shadow play in the summer.” yet appropriate material palette.”

Superkilen, Copenhagen, Denmark: Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco: “Superkilen is an innovative urban “The two most lovely spots within this com- park, a linear playground comprised of plex are: the great lawn complete with 10 street furniture, objects, and play equipment designed waterfall, large trees, and a drink- FROM DAVID DUHAN, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL from all over the world, with a goal of repre- ing fountain to fill up your water bottle; and INTERN, CITY OF MILTON senting and uniting the diverse cultures of the coolest playground ever with two long the neighbourhood. Its unique concept and metal slides, rubber slopes, a Noguchi- Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, colourful details provide a pleasant surprise esque water play feature, and interactive Patagonian Chile: within the city of Copenhagen.” railing. It was a great relief to find the play- “Easily one of the most amazing places I have ever been, and consistently rated one ground when travelling with small children!” 07-08/ Sutro Baths, San Francisco of the top national parks in the world, this IMAGES/ Fung Lee landscape reminded me just how much Any garden or park in Kyoto, Japan: 09/ Alaska there is to see and how incredible the natu- “In my humble opinion, Kyoto is a must-visit IMAGE/ H.T. Lam ral world is. In our profession we aim to cre- for landscape architects and craftspeople. 10/ Parque Nacional Torres del While westerners conventionally revere Zen ate places that can stimulate, comfort, and Paine, Patagonian Chile Gardens, Kyoto offers endless types of gar- intrigue; I think that landscapes like Torres IMAGE/ David Duhan del Paine can be the perfect inspiration.” 11/ Parc del Centre del dens and is the perfect location to witness Poblenou, Barcelona

IMAGE/ Alana de Haan

12/ Superkilen, Copenhagen

IMAGE/ Alana de Haan All Aboard for .22 19 Landscape Inspiration:

interpretation of a memorial site. The gar- dens and various memorials—in particular the Children's Memorial—integrate plant- ing, rock, and other textural form to create 15 spaces that are truly contemplative and emotional.”

Petra, Jordan: “Another magnificent example of buildings integrated with landscape. Massive build- ings dating from the 2nd century BC carved into red sandstone cliffs make for a 13 pretty stunning sensory experience.” FROM VICTORIA LISTER CARLEY, OALA 16 Vaux le Vicomte, France: FROM NATHAN PERKINS, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH “I first visited it on a hot summer evening and saw the garden full of people and lit with Dan Kiley's sunken garden plaza at the hundreds of candles. It was extraordinarily Art Institute of Chicago: beautiful and exuded the atmosphere of “Arguably this is Kiley's greatest design the original parties. Seeing it on a cold day (I would say so). The courtyard is a masterful with very few other visitors, it is a much dif- composition of Modernist design. Looks like ferent garden and one which tells a differ- blah in plan but is a beautifully subtle piece ent story of court life. It is a landscape to see of art to experience.” 14 as much as to think about the original pur- FROM LINDA LAFLAMME, OALA, NIAGARA pose of chateau gardens within the culture ESCARPMENT COMMISSION The Walls of China at Lake Mungo, of the time.” New South Wales, Australia: Bruce Peninsula, Ontario: “The Walls of China along the ancient shore Villandry, France: “The eastern shores of the Bruce Peninsula of Lake Mungo in New South Wales, “A must-see not only for the beauty of the form part of the larger protected land- Australia, are somewhat remote and stun- garden but also for the actual gardening. scape of the Niagara Escarpment Plan ningly beautiful—within a classic Outback The pruning of the topiary, espaliers, and Area, designated as a UNESCO World landscape.” pollards is a great example of the pruning Biosphere Reserve. The Niagara art. It is now a fully organic garden.” Escarpment is a prominent topographical Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa: feature in Southern Ontario and is one of “Table Mountain is said to have 30 percent Stowe, U.K.: Canada's most magnificent landforms. of the floral diversity of South Africa. The “The best-known extant example of Travel to the beautiful Bruce Peninsula and experience of being in such a biologically Capability Brown’s landscapes. To truly enjoy the rugged and natural landscape diverse habitat with clouds rushing in understand his genius you must take the rising above the crystal-clear waters of every ten minutes is worth the crowds on tour of the house, now a school but they Georgian Bay. Lion's Head, the magnifi- the way up.” provide tours. It is only from this point of cent cliffs of White Bluff, Cabot Head, and Wingfield Basin are all spectacular.” view that you see the genius of his com- BIO/ JOCELYN HIRTES IS A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER AND ARBORIST WITH VICTOR FORD AND position.” ASSOCIATES INC. FROM PAULA BERKETO, OALA, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION FROM NINA PULVER, OALA, THE LANDPLAN COLLABORATIVE LTD. 13/ Villandry, France Oakes Garden Theatre and Rainbow IMAGE/ John Carley Gardens, Niagara Falls: Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, Israel: 14/ Bruce Peninsula “Overlooks Niagara Falls. Built in 1938 and “It is Israel's official memorial site for the IMAGE/ Linda Laflamme 1942, designed by H.B. Dunnington Grubb Holocaust, and encompasses a massive 15/ Dan Kiley’s sunken garden, and William Lyon Sommerville, the Oakes complex of museums, archives, memori- Art Institute of Chicago Garden Theatre and Rainbow Gardens als, and gardens on Mount Herzl, backing IMAGE/ Nathan Perkins replaced the Clifton Hotel. This is a historic onto the Jerusalem Forest. The main 16/ Lake Mungo, Australia landscape in Beaux Art and Art Deco style. museum, with Moshe Safdie as architect IMAGE/ Nathan Perkins Owned by the Niagara Parks Commission, and Shlomo Aronson as landscape archi- the landscape remains almost entirely tect, is an astonishing integration of build- original!” ing with landscape, and quite a beautiful Playing in Public .22 20

Victoria Taylor, OALA, met with Martin Rein Cano, of the Berlin- based design firm Topotek 1, when he was in Toronto to present his Copenhagen park project, Superkilen, at the University of Toronto’s Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. They met at the Royal Ontario Museum and, surrounded by ancient artifacts and the sounds of school children, Rein Cano reflected on a new image of the city.

Victoria Taylor (VT): Could you talk about your Superkilen project in Copenhagen? This public park has received a lot of international attention.

Martin Rein Cano (MRC): Superkilen is in a very difficult neigh- bourhood of Copenhagen where 99 percent of the residents are from different countries. There is a very low economic standard, a low level of education, and a poor knowledge of Danish. In a cer- tain sense it’s a ”sick” area of the city. Here, to develop the park was not just a matter of beautification; the context required a dif- ferent solution and a different set of tools.

Many times, landscape architects don’t have an interest in exploring different methodologies to approach different situations. With Superkilen we tried to apply a more aggressive and provocative approach because the situation was calling for it; it needed immediate attention. Sometimes you have to push in certain areas. Sometimes it is important to push things, otherwise they wouldn’t happen.

Superkilen has become a kind of cultural “coming out” for Copenhagen. Superkilen makes public the mix of cultures that has typically been foreign to most Danes by developing a familiarity and 01 building a curiosity towards other cultures. A neighbourhood that was perhaps before seen as something dangerous and scary now becomes the reality of public space and the everyday life of Copenhagen.

VT: How were the residents of the Nørrebro district involved in the process of creating Superkilen? I understand that you developed various web tools that allowed residents to propose design features that related to their various cultural backgrounds, so that the park became a kind of multi-ethnic celebration…

MRC: We created a website with a home page where people went on line to propose things. We needed this tool to bring people into the process—people who didn’t have a lot of spare time to talk about landscape architecture. And many do not speak Danish. We tried to give them an easy way to contribute and we worked a little like curators with these ideas. The home page was necessary to 02 effectively galvanize community participation and to give people the Victoria Taylor, OALA, joy of seeing their ideas come to life and to be a proud part of the in discussion with Martin Rein city. This was such an enjoyable part of the work.

Cano about his firm’s VT: You also developed a software app? Copenhagen park, Superkilen—a place where MRC: For the residents who proposed the unique features for the city’s multi-ethnic the site, the app plays a role in their pride of having their object cho- sen to be there in the park. With the app, the information is always residents are invited to play available. It is multi-layered; an experience of a place can happen with ideas of identity immediately on site or can happen independently off the site. Playing in Public .22 21

The Superkilen app allows for the possibility MRC: I didn’t work on that project but I’m a of experiencing the site on a second level. very big fan of Martha’s work and she is Projects have a kind of second life that very important for us as the next generation might be as important as their first; some- of landscape architects. Many landscape times even more important. It really architects still think that beautifying is what depends. But now we have a choice we should do. Many times it’s okay. But and we should really try to work with these many times it’s not. It’s not enough just to tools. If you’re interested in the design, live have one weapon—the beautification far away, or are a professional and want weapon and nothing else. Martha was one to engage in the discussion, you might be of the first to apply a kind of angry interested in the app. woman approach to design—no longer the nice girl planting gardens and flowers, but VT: There is criticism about the project being being angry. It was a kind of emancipation a park of asphalt. 05 for the profession through her work. We did- conscious. The way we work does not n’t have all those movements that architects MRC: Maybe Superkilen is not going to always happen in a planned way. We can and artists had, such as the Bauhaus, to age as nicely as if we’d done a granite be pretty naïve, quite childish actually, in help us break with tradition. She was proba- square…but it needed to be there imme- order to avoid the seriousness that doesn’t bly one of the first to play differently… diately because the problems were imme- allow one to develop new ideas. At the diate. It needed immediate treatment. beginning of projects we need to lose a VT: And to address the artificiality of certain amount of knowledge…be empty design… somehow, a little like a child. It’s an exercise because when you learn something it’s really hard to forget about it again. Designing has a lot to do with this. For every new project you have to try to forget what you actually know, otherwise you repeat. Repetition is sometimes all right, but in many cases repetition is not the best, appropriate, or unique thing to do. When it comes to landscape architecture, places depend a lot on myths. It’s not actually what you see but the expectations that you have about a place created through information, through things that you read, pictures you 06 03 see. They contribute not only for the people MRC: Artificiality has always been a tradition VT: Tell us about how communication who visit from elsewhere but also for the for us. What we do is artificial and has factors into your work at Topotek 1. people who live there. This information always been, but it’s been covered over in becomes part of the myth of the place and the idea of Romanticism to look natural. Our MRC: When we consider a city, we real- creates the identity of a place. traditional landscapes were as artificial as a ize that the image of a city is as impor- plastic bottle. But the real point is not about tant as people’s perception of that city. Places, parks, and squares—all the things these formal aspects. More important is the Communication is a very important part of its we do as landscape architects—have a lot idea about being a bit mean…not being story. How do we tell that story? For Topotek to do with identity. Today the design of infor- nice. To no longer have to behave by a set 1, telling a story is an essential part of our mation is as crucial and as important as the code. We are still going through this eman- work but our design process is not always actual design of the place itself. cipation…it’s not finished. BIO/ VICTORIA TAYLOR, OALA, LAUNCHED VTLA/VICTORIA TAYLOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT VT: I’d like to ask for your thoughts on a IN 2012 TO PURSUE PROJECTS THAT EXPOSE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AS AN ARTISTIC Toronto park—Yorkville Park. This park was AND CULTURAL PRACTICE. built in one of the wealthiest areas of the city but, like Superkilen, has inspired a new level 01-06/ Superkilen, Copenhagen, Denmark of discussion in Canada about conceptual IMAGES/ Iwan Baan playfulness for park design. I know you worked with Martha Schwartz, Yorkville Park’s designer, in the early part of your career. Were you involved in Yorkville Park and what impressions could you share?

04 CSLA .22 22 Awards

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CSLA AWARDS 02 Canadian Society of Landscape Architects Awards of Excellence— Ontario Region 06

The Canadian Society of CSLA REGIONAL CITATION AWARD Landscape Architects Awards Project Name: of Excellence are given for out- Devonian Gardens Consultant: standing accomplishment in 03 Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc. landscape architecture. Client: Congratulations to the following City of Calgary Regional Award winners. Location: Calgary Category: CSLA REGIONAL CITATION AWARD Design Project Name: Edwards Gardens Sustainable Project Summary: Parking Lot Retrofit 04 The Devonian Gardens, originally built in Consultant: 1972 on the 4th floor of a downtown shop- Schollen & Company Inc. CSLA REGIONAL CITATION AWARD ping mall, is a 2.5-acre year-round indoor Client: Project Name: tropical park, and is recognized as the only City of Toronto Rideau Canal Muti-use Crossing indoor city park in North America. The facili- Location: Environmental Assessment ties were in desperate need of an overhaul. Toronto Consultant: Category: DTAH The completely redesigned Devonian New Directions Client: Gardens is now home to a botanical collec- City of Ottawa tion of tropical plants, which includes 215 Project Summary: Location: trees, 284 broadleaf palms, and more than This project transformed a deteriorated Rideau Canal at Fifth and Clegg, Ottawa 11,000 groundcovers. A green living wall asphalt parking lot that serves Edwards Category: adjacent to the events terrace lends stun- Gardens and the Toronto Botanical Garden Planning & Analysis ning visual effect and mechanically reduces into a new model of sustainable design. It ambient temperatures by 10 degrees. was designed to enhance the quality and Project Summary: moderate the quantity of stormwater dis- This environmental assessment study deals charged into Wilket Creek. 01/ Edwards Gardens Sustainable with the integration of a contemporary new Parking Lot Retrofit IMAGE/ Courtesy of Schollen bridge structure into a highly valued cultural & Company Inc. heritage landscape. Landscape architects worked with architects and engineers to 02-04/ Rideau Canal Multi-use Crossing Environmental Assessment create a solution that received wide public IMAGES/ Courtesy of DTAH acceptance as well as the strong support of design review panels at the national level. 05-06/ Devonian Gardens IMAGES/ Courtesy of Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc.

01 CSLA .22 23 Awards

CSLA REGIONAL CITATION AWARD CSLA REGIONAL HONOUR AWARD Project Name: Project Name: Mary & Al Schneider Healing Garden, West Toronto Railpath Seidman Cancer Center Consultant: 09 Consultant: Scott Torrance Landscape Architect Inc. Visionscapes Landscape Architects, Inc. Client: Client: City of Toronto University Hospitals Location: Location: Toronto Cleveland, Ohio Category: Category: Design Design Project Summary:

Project Summary: 10 The West Toronto Railpath is a multi-use The Schneider Healing Garden is an integral public trail and linear park located along- component of the new Seidman Cancer CSLA REGIONAL HONOUR AWARD side an active rail line in Toronto's Junction Center at University Hospitals Case Medical Project Name: neighbourhood. The design has successfully Center. Patients and cancer survivors, staff, Market Square addressed the two natures of the city—the volunteers, and family engage in the quiet Consultant: wildness of the rail lines and the normalcy confines of this whimsical garden, where a Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc. of the Toronto neighbourhood—and canopy of plane trees stands guard over an Client: brought them together in a symbiotic com- accessible granite labyrinth, diverse plant- City of Guelph position of landscape, movement, and ings, erratic boulders, and a gathering Location: urbanity. The West Toronto Railpath has space with moveable tables and chairs. The Guelph turned an impassable brownfield corridor garden walls and fountain are illuminated Category: into a well-loved neighbourhood connector, with the soothing colours of the seven Design creating urban value and ecological habitat chakras, extending the garden's appeal at the same time. during long winter evenings. Project Summary: Market Square, the new civic plaza at Guelph's City Hall, is an important gathering space for the community and host to many events such as music concerts, movie nights, markets, Canada Day celebrations, ice skating in winter, and water play in sum- mer. The project was developed to rejuve- nate the downtown core, encouraging resi- dents to rediscover their city and return to shop, play, and enjoy.

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07-08/ Mary & Al Schneider 07 Healing Garden

IMAGES/ Courtesy of Visionscapes Landscape Architects, Inc.

09-10/ Market Square

IMAGES/ Courtesy of Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc.

11-12/ West Toronto Railpath

IMAGES/ Courtesy of Scott Torrance Landscape Architect Inc.

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08 CSLA .22 24 Awards

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16

CSLA REGIONAL MERIT AWARD Project Name:

13 Joel Weeks Park Consultant: CSLA REGIONAL MERIT AWARD Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc. Project Name: Client: Riverwalk Commons City of Toronto Consultant: Location: Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc. Toronto Client: Category: Town of Newmarket Design Location: Newmarket 14 Project Summary: Category: Joel Weeks Park has become the centre- CSLA REGIONAL MERIT AWARD Design piece of the regeneration of a neigh- Project Name: bourhood, and exemplifies excellence in Project Summary: Goderich—Downtown Core Area design team collaboration, community Riverwalk Commons is a unique effort to Master Plan consultation, and community building. provide the growing Newmarket commu- Consultant: The park design pays homage to the his- nity with an innovative destination and The Planning Partnership Ltd. tory and geography of the area and the event space; one that links the old with the Client: Don River, and provides critical open and new and positions the town as a propo- Town of Goderich flexible greenspace for the vibrant nent of design excellence. The project Location: mixed-income Rivertowne community. transformed an 8-acre downtown parking Goderich Though small (1 hectare), the facility has lot and brownfield site adjacent to Holland Category: a powerful civilizing effect. River Park and Fairy Lake into a multi-use, Planning & Analysis adaptable, and seasonally functional icon- 13/ Riverwalk Commons ic destination for town-wide and regional Project Summary: IMAGE/ Courtesy of Janet Rosenberg events, and connects a broad network of Faced with the devastation left by the torna- & Studio Inc. recreation trails. do of August, 2011, the Town of Goderich 14/ Goderich—Downtown Core Area retained The Planning Partnership to pre- Master Plan

pare a Downtown Core Area Master Plan IMAGE/ Courtesy of The Planning as a first step in the rebuilding and revital- Partnership Ltd. ization of the beloved downtown. 15-16/ Joel Weeks Park IMAGES/ Courtesy of Janet Rosenberg & Studio Inc. CSLA .22 25 Awards

CSLA REGIONAL MERIT AWARD Project Name: East Hamilton Recreational Trail Hub and Waterfront Link Consultant: Steve Barnhart, City of Hamilton Client: City of Hamilton Location: Hamilton Category: Design

Project Summary: The East Hamilton Recreational Trail Hub and Waterfront Link project created a strategic connection between regional trail facilities, and created a haven of nature in a highly urbanized area of Hamilton. Surrounded by two highways (QEW and Red Hill Valley Parkway) and residential and industrial land uses, the area was 17 deficient in non-motorized connections 17/ Rouge Park Trails Master Plan CSLA REGIONAL MERIT AWARD across these barriers. This project created IMAGE/ Courtesy of Schollen & Company Inc. that link, restored a provincially significant Project Name: 18/ East Hamilton Recreational Trail wetland, and remediated two closed land- Rouge Park Trails Master Plan Hub and Waterfront Link fills. A collaborative effort, the city of Consultant: IMAGE/ Courtesy of City of Hamilton Hamilton worked with DuToit Allsopp Hillier Schollen & Company Inc. architects for the award-winning bridge Client: design, as well as the restoration experts Rouge Park Alliance at St. Williams Nursery and Ecology Centre Location: and Dougan & Associates to create a visu- Toronto/Markham ally stunning project. Category: Planning & Analysis

Project Summary: The project team was retained by the Rouge Park Alliance to develop a Trails Master Plan for the 4,050-ha Rouge Park. The plan was conceived as a blueprint to direct the process of future trail develop- ment and management within the park for the next 25 years. Seven million people reside within an hour's drive of the park. A well-planned trail system was envisioned to afford visitors an experience of the park with a minimum of impact on the environ- ment and to plan for an anticipated increase in the use of this significant urban wilderness and future national park.

18 OALA .22 26 Awards

OALA CARL BORGSTROM AWARD FOR park and open space design and construc- SERVICE TO THE ENVIRONMENT: tion in Ottawa. He and his team now devel- This award is given to individual landscape op an average of 18 new parks per season architects or a landscape architectural and complete an additional 25 related park group to recognize and encourage special projects per year. As Manager of Design or unusual contribution to the sensitive, sus- and Construction (Buildings and Parks), Jeff tainable design for human use of the envi- not only oversees all municipal park projects ronment. This award is named in honour of in Ottawa but also all of the many municipal Carl Borgstrom who, of all OALA’s founders, architectural projects. was the most actively in tune with the natu- ral landscape. This year, two Carl Borgstrom DAVID ERB MEMORIAL AWARD: OALA Awards Awards for Service to the Environment are The award is named after David Erb, who being presented. was an outstanding volunteer in furthering The 2013 OALA Recognition the goals of the OALA, and his example set Awards were presented in March 01. Victoria Lister Carley, OALA a truly high standard. The award is the best at the OALA Conference and Victoria Lister Carley weaves her skills as a way to acknowledge the one outstanding AGM Ceremony in Ottawa. visual artist with her passionate interest in OALA member each year whose volunteer Congratulations to all those hon- the environment to create landscapes that contributions over a number of years have oured with awards, and a special combine the evocative and emotional quali- made a real difference. This year, two David thanks to the Honours, Awards ties of art with sensitivity to the environment. Erb Memorial Awards are being presented. and Protocol Committee: Glenn She is a long-time member of the Friends of O’Connor (Chair), Jane Welsh, Jim the Leslie Street Spit Steering Committee, 01. Marianne Mokrycke, OALA Melvin, Nelson Edwards, Joanne a former Board member of the Toronto Marianne has given tireless dedication to and Region Conservation Authority and the OALA, contributing to many successful Moran, and Linda Thorne. the Ontario Field Ornithologists, participant events, including several annual general in various citizen science projects, meetings, continuing education seminars, OALA AWARD FOR SERVICE and a founding member of the Ground workshops, industry tours, and as co-chair TO THE ENVIRONMENT: Editorial Board. of the OALA Continuing Education This award is given to a non-landscape Committee (CEC). Her enthusiasm, strong architectural individual, group, organization, 02. Glenn Gilbert, OALA determination, perseverance, and motiva- or agency in the Province of Ontario to rec- Glenn Gilbert’s interest in working with tion in putting together programs for the ognize and encourage a special or unusual First Nations and the environment brought CEC have been, quite simply, exceptional. contribution to the sensitive, sustainable him to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Her sense of humour and frankness have design for human use of the environment. Development Canada, Ontario Region, had a positive impact on the entire com- This year, two Awards for Service to the where, in the mid-1990s, he was appointed mittee, and on the OALA in general. Environment are being presented. Regional Manager, Environment Unit. He has worked with many diverse groups, 02. Diane Emmerson, OALA 01. The Beaver River Watershed Initiative often at odds, to bring environmental princi- For the past five years, Diane has taken Dedicated to the restoration and rehabilita- ples to the forefront of the management a leading role in guiding the activities of tion of the Beaver River Watershed, in Grey of a multi-million-dollar capital program Landscape Architecture Ottawa. As chair County, Ontario, this initiative has involved affecting 127 First Nation communities. of this group, Diane has worked tirelessly the community-at-large, government agen- to organize and chair monthly meetings, cies, individual stakeholders, service clubs, OALA PUBLIC PRACTICE AWARD: professional events, and social gatherings. member municipalities, landowners, and Jeff Silverthorn, OALA Her involvement has re-invigorated what sports clubs in their efforts. This award recognizes the outstanding was an essentially dormant chapter into a leadership of a member of the profession vibrant group of more than 75 professionals. 02. Citizens for Safe Cycling, Ottawa in public practice who promotes and Diane has served as the communications In Ottawa, there are no greater champions enhances landscape architecture by work- conduit through which Ottawa-area mem- of cycling than Citizens for Safe Cycling and ing for improved understanding and appre- bers are able to exchange information, stay the group’s president, Hans Moor. Along ciation of the work of landscape architects informed on continuing education sessions, with inspiring new cyclists and building in both public and private practice. and form positions on local issues, such as consensus among advocacy groups, Hans the re-development of Lansdowne Park and has been a reliable and invaluable Jeff Silverthorn has been in public service for Ottawa Street Tree Planting policies. resource, providing input on many City of 25 years. He started his career in the public Ottawa policies and projects that involve sector, at the City of Kanata, where he cycling issues, and has made a substan- worked for 13 years. With the 2001 amalga- tial impact on the community. mation of Kanata with the City of Ottawa, Jeff became the program manager for all OALA .22 27 Awards

OALA RESEARCH AND In the 1980s, he became one of the first Steve Sunderland has been a principal of INNOVATION AWARD: landscape architects to build a substantial CSW since 1979 and has brought strong Professor Robert D. Brown practice as an expert witness at boards and administrative, organizational, and techni- This award recognizes the outstanding tribunals. As his career evolved, he became cal capabilities to a diversity of projects. leadership, research and/or academic progressively more design-focused, estab- His extensive portfolio of work includes achievements of a member(s), or non- lishing an award-winning portfolio in public residential, recreational, urban design, member(s), who, through scholarly activities, open space and urban design. Throughout urban planning, and transportation plan- including academic papers, research, publi- his career, Alexander has been an active ning projects. Of particular note is his spe- cations, books, e-applications, or public pre- OALA volunteer, serving on the Examining cial interest and proficiency in detail sentations, contributes to the knowledge Board as one of the group that successfully design and construction, which he has base that furthers the advancement of the advocated for the LARE. He is also active applied to projects across Canada. art, the science, and the practice of land- with the CSLA, assisting with various task scape architecture. forces and as a member of the Landscape Steve has worked on more than twenty Architecture Accreditation Council. major urban design projects, including Dr. Robert Brown, who teaches at the street malls, parks, plazas, markets, and University of Guelph, has a distinguished OALA HONORARY MEMBER AWARD: multi-use projects. Through his tireless record of academic scholarship. He is Alex Munter enthusiasm, leadership, and passion for among the leading landscape architectur- The Honorary category of membership is for landscape architecture, Steve has made an al scholars in North America, ranking in non-landscape architects whom Council invaluable contribution to the profession. the top ten percent for research productivi- wishes to recognize for outstanding contri- ty. In Canada his record is even more strik- butions in their own fields to improving the OALA PRESIDENT’S AWARD: ing: he is the most-published scholar in quality of natural and human environments. Glenn O’Connor, OALA the country (59 academic journal papers). The President’s Award is given in recogni- The global reach of Dr. Brown's research Alex Munter is the President and Chief tion of the contributions by an OALA Full is notable. He has lectured and presented Executive Officer of the Children’s Hospital of Member who supports and advances initia- his research in seven countries, yet most Eastern Ontario, home to some of Canada’s tives and actions of the association and pro- of his work is based in Ontario, especially leading researchers in the area of child- motes the profession of landscape architec- in his role as advisor to undergraduate hood obesity. Alex encourages landscape ture in Ontario. It is given in recognition of and graduate students. architects to continue to build stronger com- dedicated volunteerism, generous service to munities and, in particular, to: the association, and for leadership in the OALA EMERITUS MEMBER: field of landscape architecture. Alexander Topps, OALA • Recognize the needs of children/youth Emeritus members are full members of the in land-use/transportation planning; Glenn O’Connor has brought strength, OALA who have ceased full-time practice • Promote partnerships among policy energy, and leadership to the OALA and, and who are nominated by another full makers, governments, researchers, more recently, the CSLA on many initiatives member in recognition of their years of communities, and specialists to develop that further the profession of landscape service to the profession. child-/youth-friendly planning guidelines; architecture in Ontario. Glenn has served • Involve young people in land-use on many professional committees since Alexander Topps’ early career focused on planning and transportation decisions; 2003 and, in particular, since 2007 on regional planning, preparing background • Encourage and facilitate active forms OALA committees, OALA Council, Council environmental studies for numerous urban of transportation; Executive Committee, and, most recently, expansion areas. As a persistent environ- • Use mixed-use land planning to allow the CSLA Board of Directors. mental advocate, he persuaded clients to people easier access to essential goods construct artificial wetlands and restore and services. On the OALA Council and Executive degraded watercourses well before these Committee, Glenn has held positions of became common practices; devised a We are pleased to award Alex Munter an Treasurer for three years, President for two unique root-zone recharge system to sus- Honorary Membership in the OALA. years, and Past-President for a year. tain a provincially significant woodlot; Through his leadership he has facilitated designed a golf course maintained entirely OALA PINNACLE AWARD FOR LANDSCAPE the OALA in becoming a more sustainable by recycled urban runoff; and, as the envi- ARCHITECTURAL EXCELLENCE: association. His vision, enthusiasm, and ronmental planner on the winning team in Steve Sunderland, OALA belief in landscape architecture have the 1994 Seaton design competition, illus- This award recognizes an OALA member attracted membership involvement in the trated the value of terrestrial tableland habi- and his or her professional work. It singles association. Glenn has left his signature on tat linkages between sub-watersheds, a out specific projects to draw attention to a the OALA and the CSLA, and all members concept that is now a routine principle of body of work which demonstrates outstand- have benefited from his contributions. sustainable urban planning. ing professional accomplishment. Plant .22 28 Corner

TREES TEXT BY JOCELYN HIRTES AND TODD SMITH POPULUS TREMULOIDES The following trees, shrubs, grasses, and COMMON NAME: Quaking Aspen perennials are wonderful plants to enhance HARDINESS ZONES: 1-7 play value, and make dynamic counter- MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 40 to 50 feet points to static hard surfaces and play struc- DESCRIPTION: This tree spreads vegetatively tures. Elements to consider in choosing and forms clonal colonies, so give it some plants for playspaces include sensory stimu- room in a big play area. Its fast growth rate 02 lation, play value (props), seasonal charac- means that it is quick to provide shade—it is TSUGA CANADENSIS teristics, and, of course, hardiness, adapt- one genus recommended by the Canadian COMMON NAME: Eastern Hemlock ability, maintenance requirements, and tol- Cancer Society. HARDINESS ZONES: 3b-6 erance of compacted soils from romping MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 40 to 70 feet and stomping during recess! Inclusivity DESCRIPTION: This slow-growing conifer has should also be incorporated into designs to soft, feathery branches that encourage make playgrounds accessible for those with interaction and provide good screening. disabilities—for example, consider the Tolerant of shade and moist soil; especially sound of wind rushing through leaves, the useful for planting at the bottom of a slope. scent of flowers, or leaves that are aromatic when crushed. LARIX LARICINA COMMON NAME: Tamarack Trees are especially important in playspaces HARDINESS ZONES: 1-5 for the shade they provide. The Canadian MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 40 to 80 feet Cancer Society suggests considering growth DESCRIPTION: This fast-growing deciduous rates (moderate to fast) and canopy density 01 evergreen turns lovely shades of orange in (medium to dense) in selecting species. CERCIDIPHYLLUM JAPONICUM the fall. Interesting needle attachment to the COMMON NAME: Katsura branch and small cones provide some play Daycare facilities, schoolgrounds, public HARDINESS ZONES: 4-7 value. It is salt- and soil-compaction resist- parks, and private gardens present different MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 40 to 60 feet ant, and can grow in poorly drained soils. challenges to the designer, and may dictate DESCRIPTION: Katsura grows to a beautiful, Intolerant of shade and pollution. plant choices to a certain extent. Highlight multi-stemmed specimen. Senescing seasonal characteristics of plants, especially leaves have a spicy scent. Mature speci- CARPINUS CAROLINIANA in locations where children will not regularly mens have a shaggy bark for touch- COMMON NAME: Blue-beech use the space during the summer. Plant appeal and interaction. HARDINESS ZONES: 3b-9 selection should be carefully considered MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 20 to 30 feet against each unique set of conditions. TILIA AMERICANA DESCRIPTION: This fine, small, understorey tree COMMON NAME: Basswood is adaptable to a wide range of soils and In public places, community involvement or HARDINESS ZONES: 3b-9 light conditions. The smooth bark is reminis- stewardship may be key to maintaining a MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 60 to 80 feet cent of a beech, but is distinctively “ropey” or successful play area. Fence off plantings DESCRIPTION: This native, shade-tolerant “muscled,” which provides great touch- where possible to allow time for plants to species becomes a multi-stemmed tree appeal. Provides dense shade. become established. Involving children in over time, and provides dense shade. care and upkeep of the plantings will help Medium growth rate. Requires well-drained LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERA foster a sense of ownership. soil. The June blooms have a subtle and COMMON NAME: Tulip Tree lovely scent. Since this species is not espe- HARDINESS ZONES: 4b-9 Be sure to check your plant selection against cially resistant to compaction or urban pollu- MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 80 to 90 feet the latest edition of the Canadian Standards tion, it is more appropriate for edges of DESCRIPTION: Extremely fast growing, tulip tree Association Publication Z614 – Children’s playspaces, where foot traffic can be provides relatively dense shade and, hence, Playspaces and Equipment. Table G.1 reduced, or in areas away from main roads. is good for playground spaces. Plant in (Appendix G, Section 8.4) lists toxic plants open areas in well-drained to moderately that should be avoided in children’s areas. well-drained soil. Plant .22 29 Corner

PERENNIALS ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA COMMON NAME: Butterfly Weed HARDINESS ZONES: 3-8 MAXIMUM HEIGHT GENERALLY: 2 feet DESCRIPTION: Butterfly weed is a host plant for the monarch butterfly, so kids can look for eggs and chrysalides. Slow to emerge in spring, it might need protection 03 from trampling. ULMUS AMERICANA ‘VALLEY FORGE’ IMPATIENS CAPENSIS COMMON NAME: ‘Valley Forge’ Elm 04 COMMON NAME: Common Jewelweed HARDINESS ZONES: 3b-9 HARDINESS ZONES: 4-8 MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 60 to 80 feet CERCIS CANADENSIS MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 3 feet DESCRIPTION: This fast-growing tree has a wide COMMON NAME: Eastern Redbud spread that will provide quick shade, and an HARDINESS ZONES: 4-9 DESCRIPTION: This bottomland denizen is elegant vase shape. It showed the highest MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 20 to 30 feet a self-seeding annual; projectile seeds resistance to Dutch elm disease in con- DESCRIPTION: This elegant native is available explode out of the pods when lightly trolled trials by the US National Arboretum. in single stem or multi-stemmed habit and touched—good fun for kids in September! produces gorgeous pink flowers that open Seed in a large, moist area suitable SHRUBS before the leaves. Requires almost no for naturalizing. AMELANCHIER SPP maintenance, except pruning for form ECHINACEA PURPUREA AND E. PALLIDA when young. It is shade tolerant, and COMMON NAME: Serviceberry COMMON NAME: Coneflower works well as an understorey planting. HARDINESS ZONES: 3-8 HARDINESS ZONES: 3-8 Adaptable to a variety of soils. MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 15 to 25 feet MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 3 feet DESCRIPTION: This native shrub grows in sun GRASSES DESCRIPTION: Large sturdy purple flowers look to shade and is adaptable to a wide great as a mass planting. The spiky central DESCHAMPSIA CAESPITOSA range of soils. Edible berries attract kids discs are fun to touch and flowers can be COMMON NAME: Tufted Hairgrass and birds. Low maintenance—needs little cut and used as a prop. HARDINESS ZONES: 4-8 pruning. MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 2 feet LIATRIS SPICATA PHYSOCARPUS OPULIFOLIUS DESCRIPTION: For schoolgrounds, ‘Goldschleier’ COMMON NAME: Rough Blazing Star COMMON NAME: Ninebark works well because it flowers early, in June, HARDINESS ZONES: 4-8 HARDINESS ZONES: 2-7 while children are still in school. In the fall, MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 3 feet MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 6 to 10 feet flower spikes and leaves change to a gold- DESCRIPTION: This prairie meadow plant has DESCRIPTION: This is an underused and tough en/buff colour and persist throughout the pinkish flower spikes that provide a non- shrub perfect for playgrounds. It is adapt- winter. Panicles can be broken off and used stereotypical flower structure for kids. able to a wide range of soils, drought tol- as play props. erant once established, and forms a good HELIANTHUS DIVARICATUS PANICUM VIRGATUM low screen with attractive flowers in June. COMMON NAME: Woodland Sunflower COMMON NAME: Switchgrass HARDINESS ZONES: 4-8 HARDINESS ZONES: 4-8 RHUS TYPHINA MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 3 feet MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 5 feet COMMON NAME: Staghorn Sumac DESCRIPTION: A tall native perennial with yellow DESCRIPTION: Mostly a full sun plant, but some HARDINESS ZONES: 4-8 flowers that brighten up a shady play area. varieties grow well in part shade (notably MAXIMUM HEIGHT: generally 15 to 25 feet This tough plant works well around the ‘Cloud Nine’ and ‘Heavy Metal’). Makes a DESCRIPTION: This shrub, suitable for natural- edges of a playground. izing, grows tall quickly, but is fairly open, nice rushing sound when the wind ripples so visibility can be maintained in a play- through the plant. Looks great in a mass. SOURCES ground. Fuzzy fruit/seed heads persist into DIRR, MICHAEL. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TREES & SHRUBS. CHASMANTHIUM LATIFOLIUM PORTLAND, OR: TIMBER PRESS, 2011. the winter and are of interest to children. HIGHTSHOE, GARY L. NATIVE TREES, SHRUBS AND COMMON NAME: Northern Sea Oats VINES FOR URBAN AND RURAL AMERICA: A PLANTING DESIGN MANUAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGNERS. HARDINESS ZONES: 01/ Katsura 4-8 TORONTO: JOHN WILEY & SONS, 1988. MOORE, ROBIN C. PLANTS FOR PLAY: A PLANT MAXIMUM HEIGHT: IMAGE/ Jean Pol Grandmont generally 4 feet SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHILDREN’S OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS. BERKLEY, CA: MIG DESCRIPTION: 02/ Eastern hemlock This interesting grass has a thick- COMMUNICATIONS, 2007. CANADIAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION, Z614 - IMAGE/ Chris Breeze er leaf blade than many other ornamental CHILDREN’S PLAYSPACES AND EQUIPMENT, SECTION grasses, and produces dangling jewel-like G8.4, TABLE G.1. LATEST EDITION. 03/ ‘Valley Forge’ elm seedheads in mid-summer that persist IMAGE/ North Carolina Native Plant Society BIOS/ JOCELYN HIRTES IS A LANDSCAPE DESIGNER throughout the winter. The sound of wind AND CERTIFIED ARBORIST WITH VICTOR FORD 04/ Redbud flowers AND ASSOCIATES INC. blowing through the grass is reminiscent of IMAGE/ Greg Hune TODD SMITH IS A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL INTERN AND CERTIFIED ARBORIST AT IBI GROUP the beach. Tolerant of partial shade. IN TORONTO. Notes .22 30

Notes: A Miscellany of News

and 02 Building on a Bachelor of Environmental awards Studies from the University of Waterloo Events and a decade as a draftsperson with the The Ground Editorial Board selected City of Kitchener’s Planning Department, GeoGarden (A Subterranean Symphony in Mark earned a Masters of Landscape C) by Karen Abel, with a soundscape by Architecture from the University of Guelph Rose Bolton, as the winner of the in 1988. For the next 24 years he was a Gladstone Grow Op 2013 OALA/Ground passionate advocate for his profession Prize, part of the April exhibition Grow Op: and worked on many urban open-space Exploring Landscape + Place that took projects in Waterloo Region. He was a place at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto in dedicated member of the team that devel- April. [See Ground 20, page 33, for more oped the Walter Bean Grand River Trail, information on Grow Op.] from its inception. He also found great sat- isfaction in helping to plan the revegeta- tion of the Erb Street Landfill and working 01 to transform the former Victoria Street North gravel pits into the Stanley Park plants Optimist Natural Area and Kolb Park.

The University of Guelph Arboretum As is the OALA’s custom, a book will be Auxiliary Plant Sale will be held Saturday, added to the OALA’s library and a memo- September 14, 2013, from 9am to 2pm at rial tree will be planted at the Guelph the R. J. Hilton Centre on College Avenue Arboretum Wall-Custance Memorial Forest East, Guelph. A large selection of unique in Mark’s name. plants will be available, including rare natives such as blue ash, pawpaw, leatherwood, and dwarf chinquapin oak, conferences and outstanding exotics, such as ginkgo, sweetgum, and Siberian spindle tree. As On September 23-25, 2013, Evergreen well, a diverse selection of native wildflow- 03 and the International School Ground ers, ferns, grasses, and high-quality orna- Alliance (ISGA) are hosting, in Toronto, the mental perennials will be for sale. All pro- in memoriam 2013 International Green School Ground ceeds aid with the continued maintenance Conference, the first significant gathering and development of the arboretum, a The OALA is saddened to announce that of the ISGA since its founding less than two 408-acre living museum of plant collec- Mark Peterson, a long-standing full mem- years ago. Along with presentations, there tions, gardens, forests, conservation and ber of the OALA, passed away on May 17, will be sessions with hands-on training research projects, and public outreach 2013, at the age of 62, after a courageous and skill building, and tours of outstanding programs tucked amidst the University of fight against a chronic illness. Mark’s schoolgrounds in the GTA. For more infor- Guelph campus. For more information, dogged determination to live a full life in mation, visit www.evergreen.ca. see www.uoguelph.ca/arboretum. the face of daunting ongoing health chal- lenges earned him the awe and respect of all who knew him well. Notes .22 31

04 schools

The University of Toronto’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design is on the move. In June, plans were unveiled to renew and transform an historic building at One Spadina Crescent into the new home of the Daniels Faculty. Along with renovations to the 19th-century Gothic Revival building, a new addition, designed by Nader Tehrani and collabora- tor Katie Faulkner, will be built. The faculty 05 will move into the renovated building in the summer of 2014 and the addition will in memoriam 06 be completed in 2015. The ambitious proj- OALA member Katherine Dugmore ect represents the largest architecture green roofs passed away peacefully at home with her school expansion in Canada’s history, family by her side, after a courageous fight In 2010, the University of Toronto’s John H. according to the Daniels Faculty. against cancer, on March 24, 2013. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, Katherine worked for more than twenty and Design created a state-of-the-art years in both land development and in the green roof research facility on top of its publications public sector as a planner and landscape building at 230 College Street. Now, the architect. She was appointed project man- interdisciplinary research team behind the For more than a decade and a half, the ager for Thunder Bay’s waterfront redevel- Green Roof Innovation Testing Laboratory, non-profit organization Evergreen has opment in 2007. Katherine also helped on or GRIT Lab, has launched a new website been transforming Canadian school- numerous projects, including the Terry Fox —grit.daniels.utoronto.ca—which will grounds into diverse, nature-filled learning monument, and was a Ground Editorial allow it to share the results of its work with environments. The wealth of knowledge Board Advisory Panel member. The OALA a much broader community. Led by amassed during these years of effort and and the Ground Editorial Board extend Assistant Professor Liat Margolis, the Lab is innovation has recently been published by condolences to Katherine’s family, friends, a platform for multi-disciplinary research Evergreen, in a manual written by Heidi and colleagues. and education, linking the fields of land- Campbell. This comprehensive, 154-page scape architecture, biology, hydrology, book, A Design Guide for Early Years— 01/ University of Guelph Arboretum plant sale and building science. Kindergarten Play—Learning Environments, IMAGE/ Courtesy of University of is filled with design ideas that incorporate Guelph Arboretum 04/ The new home of the Daniels Faculty at the University of Toronto includes an green design principles and is centred on 02/ GeoGarden, by Karen Abel, historic building and addition. with Rose Bolton meeting children’s development needs— IMAGE/ Courtesy of John H. Daniels Faculty IMAGE/ Courtesy of Karen Abel physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. 05/ Katherine Dugmore 03/ Mark Peterson To order or download a copy, visit IMAGE/ Courtesy of OALA IMAGE/ Courtesy of Peterson family www.evergreen.ca. 06/ GRIT Lab, Daniels Faculty rooftop

IMAGE/ Courtesy of John H. Daniels Faculty dig deep

Architecture Keynote: CHARLES RENFRO Principal, Diller Scofi dio + Renfro FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 11:00AM–12:00PM

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01 04 TEXT BY LORRAINE JOHNSON

What is it about worlds in miniature that seems to invite playful engagement? Perhaps it’s their inevitable evocation of childhood games. Or maybe it’s the absurdity of scale—a hint or wink towards a less complicated world that somehow feels kinder, more benign. In Canadian artist Kim Adams’ recent exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario, an entire world in miniature, under glass, is on display. Artist Colony (Gardens) presents a bustling imaginary landscape populat- ed by urban and rural figures and features in which the quotidian mixes with the exotic. For the young at heart, there’s even a giraffe escaping from a zoo. 02 03 Agriculture, consumption, and land use are issues explored in Adams’ fictional landscapes, and the stories they tell resonate through the real, sometimes less playful, world we all inhabit. KIM ADAMS’ ARTIST COLONY (GARDENS) IS ON VIEW AT THE ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO UNTIL AUGUST 11, 2013.

01-04/ Details of Kim Adams’ Artist Colony (Gardens), 2012-2013

IMAGES/ Toni Hafkenscheid Kim Adams’ sculptures