Search Results for 'sections'

[Thomas J. Johnson]

As Jason eluded to below, Europe is leap years ahead of us in terms of bicycle oriented transportation design. There are a number of reasons for this but the main one is necessity, driven by the expense of gasoline ($8-$9/Gal. v.s. $3-$4 in the US) and cities that were built before the automobile that are more conducive to pedestrian and bicycle traffic and actually prohibit automobile use with narrow streets and a lack of parking.

When I was bicycle touring around the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech, Austria and Switzerland, the general consensus was that Europeans don’t ride bikes because it’s cool or “green”. They ride bikes because they don’t have a choice. They ride year around, rain, sleet or snow. They carry groceries, laundry (I even saw a guy hauling a huge log).

Unfortunately, I have little faith in the ability to convert Americans to a cycling culture, until we are forced to change, like the Europeans. Americans love their cars. Americans are lazy. Also, America is a big place and not everywhere is conducive to cycling. Super hilly areas stink for commuting, super cold is not realistic for most people and neither is super hot/humid. I’ve commuted year around in Chicago and it takes a lot of gumption to gear up when it’s below zero, likewise in the summer when it’s 90* with 100% humidity, you’re drenched in sweat after a block…

I’ve also lived in cycling utopia and have seen cycling work very well on a massive scale, year around (flat, not too hot, not too cold). There is some very good work being done in the United States in cities such as NY, Chicago, San Diego, Minneapolis, Seattle, Portland and Austin, to name a few.

Chicago used to have the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation – Now the more inclusive “Active Transportation Alliance”
http://www.activetrans.org/

Alta Planning has done some major bicycle / pedestrian plans
http://www.altaplanning.com/

Seattle used Alta to create the most comprehensive bicycle transportation plan in the U.S. Very thourough…
http://www.cityofseattle.net/transportation/bikemaster.htm

As far as getting more people to USE bicycles… the bicycle is just as fast as the automobile within a 5 mile radius (design urban “cells” that contain everything you need in a 5mile radius. Connect those cells with bicycle friendly public transportation. The bicycle reduces the number of stops necessary and increases the speed of bus/ lightrail routes).

A lot of people don’t ride because they don’t feel safe. Make bike lanes wider and/or separate them from the roads. It is a real design challenge to have a bicycle lane that is separate and parallel to a road that is safe because intersections / entryways become very interesting. Combining bicycle commuting and pedestrians is also a bad idea because cyclist going 20mph and pedestrians walking dogs/ roller-blading/ generally not paying attention, doesn’t mix well. Also, I find curvy, meandering “bicycle paths” insulting, (unless it’s for purely recreational purposes) as if we don’t want to get from point A to B as fast as possible…

And finally, people need a place to lock their bikes when they arrive at their destination. It’s not convenient to have to walk 2 blocks to park your bike. Put bike racks where you can and encourage employers to have “bike rooms”.

Oh, one last thing… there is an additional financial component. If I own my own business or operate as a consultant I can write off my gas usage and/or 75 cents/mi. commuting to and from work. If I ride my bike I don’t get squat. Driving my car to work, I can write off several hundred dollars a month which more than covers gas and maintenance. It would be great if bicycle commuters could have the same tax write offs as cars, i.e. 75 cents/mile. As cyclists, we reduce traffic, reduce carbon production, preserve oil reserves and improve our health, all opposite effects of automobiles, yet WE are viewed as second class citizens. As of right now, riding your bike gets you nothing except health and happiness… then again, maybe that’s all the reward we need…

[Thomas J. Johnson]

I don’t mind the “idea” of lounges, it’s just the execution of the lounge that was poorly done, in my opinion. It bears little resemblance/reference to the human form that’s intended to use it. They appear to not be used much, and when they are, you see people in weird positions, looking uncomfortable. You’ll see people using backpacks to create lumbar support/fill the void created by the angle of the backrest. People also have to stick their heels behind their butts, extreme knee articulation, to prevent themselves from sliding down the backrest.

I do like how they cut out sections of the leg support to create benches for those who want to sit upright. It’s a neat idea but the overall execution seems to place a priority on the design (form) instead of the function (people using them and enjoying themselves)

Don’t even get me started on the Pentagon memorial. That design is all about reinforcing the story, the mythology, behind the event. “See, look, this is where the ‘plane’ came from”. It would be a far more interesting design if it addressed how an airliner, with a 211 foot wingspan, made it through a field of light poles without knocking them down or how an aluminum plane penetrated 6 feet of steel reinforced concrete, leaving only an 8 foot hole, no wings, no engine, no luggage, no bodies, no contact with the ground, even though the hole was at ground level. So neat, so tidy! Amazing! I just wish we could see the videos over and over again like we do with the towers… but those videos were all immediately confiscated and are being withheld due to “national security”. Uh huh…

[Cody Thurman]

Another good book is residential landscape architecture ( by booth and hiss) which walks you through the design process but also has sections on color rendering and drawing perspectives from photos. The three listed by Thomas are currently on my coffee on my table and are pretty much standard books for designers/la’s.

[Andrew Garulay, RLA]

There are all kinds of things that can accurately describe what landscape architects do. My point is that these do not define the licensed profession of landscape architecture in 46 states and a couple provinces. Only LARE defines the common criteria between all of those licensed LAs, thus it defines the root profession of landscape architecture even though many states tack on ancillary sections as mentioned. Everything else can be part of landscape architecture, but only the common criteria of licensure that gets you licensed (LARE) is the common denominator of the profession in the US. It is pretty much the only thing that can follow the phrase “All landscape architects ……”.

[Jason T. Radice]

The legal definition is not someone who passes the exam, as the exam is only a metric. The legal definition, which actually varies by state, is that a Landscape Architect is LICENSED to perform specific duties by said state. Yes, you do need to take the exam to get a license, but those rules set by a state. They do not specifically need to require and exam, but there is obviously some value in making that a requirement. The exam can vary, as some states have ancillary sections relating to local issues and local knowledge requirements.

The same hold true for most professions which one practices, compared to a job which one performs. Driving requires an exam and license. Your dog generally requires a license. Contractors require licenses as well. If you want to play the game, you have to jump through the hoops…right or wrong, thats the way it is.

[ann gilkey]

Chris,
Have you already passed all of these? I still need all of these sections and am in Saint Augustine. I would love to study with someone.

[ann gilkey]

Laura,
I just passed A after being out of school and away from a firm for 13 years. I studied all the available tests, read all of the books (five of them, I think. available on interlibrary loan) on the reading list and researched everything on the ppi that i did not know all about. (even the wrong answers). I also looked at project manuals. I passed and I have not been so fortunate with other sections so I must have been doing something right.

[Elizabeth Renton]

I appreciate your words of encouragement Marc. Since you have successfully passed the test and are licensed, please tell me about your experience. Did you pass all the sections on the first try? What did you do to prepare that was most helpful? What tips or tricks did you pick up that would be good to know?

After reading all the comments on this post, I’ve decided I will go ahead and purchase the redline review. I am making every effort humanly possible to do whatever it takes to pass this test. I don’t want to look back after failing it a second time and think ‘Man I wish I had taken the redline reivew; maybe I would have learned something.’

The thing I’m most afraid of is failing this test over and over and over, like I’ve heard from some people on the forum. There’s no way I will be willing to take this damn section 4 times in order to pass. I don’t have the luxury of time or money to drag this process out for years….

[Tanya Olson]

You probably don’t get it because you are already licensed….here is the part in question……keep scrolling…..

Tuesday, 9/7, is the Deadline to Purchase a Redline Review

The deadline to purchase a Redline Review from the June 2010 Graphic Administration is Tuesday, September 7. CLARB recently sent information via email to candidates on how to purchase a Redline Review. If you did not receive this information and would like to purchase a Redline Review, please contact Allen Read at CLARB via email or phone (571-432-0332).

A Redline Review of your graphic exams provides you with an opportunity to learn more about the areas where you need improvement and provides feedback on the areas where you performed well. Purchasing a Redline Review can be a useful tool for success on the graphic sections of the L.A.R.E. In a survey conducted by CLARB following the December 2009 Graphic Administration Redline Review, participants felt that the Review was a valuable process (overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 with 5 being the highest level of satisfaction) and that it helped them pass the exams.

“I just found I passed (Section) E after taking it the fourth time! … I think the Redline Review that I finally did helped a lot.” — Lessa M. on Land8Lounge.com

“It (Redline Review) was a big help because I was repeating a graphical error which was killing me. I passed the exam the next time.” — Andrew G. on Land8Lounge.com

“I was not positive what mistakes I made, and was actually very surprised when I saw why I failed. … They caught small mistakes that I would not have noticed if I had all the time in the world.” — Sarah F. on Land8Lounge.com

“I found what CLARB provided to be what I needed to prep for the next exam.” — James E. from the December 2009 Graphic Administration Redline Review survey

“Having taken the Redline Review prior to the recent changes, I can say the process is much better. The positive comments are helpful.” — Chad S. from the December 2009 Graphic Administration Redline Review survey
For more information about Redline Reviews, please visit the CLARB website.

[Boilerplater]

At no point in this testing process have i ever believed that CLARB was really interested in seeing landscape architects succeed.
Exactly. They are not there to help landscape architects succeed, unless you think of it from the perspective of those who are licensed. They, of course, want to minimize competition. If you were a landscape architect with 20 years of experience, would you want to be pestered by competition from people just out of college calling themselves landscape architects? CLARB is a regulatory organization. They will tell you that they protect the health, safety and welfare of the public with the LARE. If it is made easier, there is that much less protection. Still, I think they should allow more time for the grading and drainage sections since so few LAs do that and don’t get the practice needed to be able to do it quickly. That’s kind of an economic viability thing that I don’t think they have any business enforcing. So what if you can’t do grading plans fast enough to make a profit for your employer? That doesn’t affect health safety and welfare. What if you work for a public agency where speed isn’t as much of an issue?

I am loathe to admit it, but red-line reviews were helpful to me in a kind of “I can’t believe I did that!” sort of way. Note the common mistakes they list and check if you are in the habit of making them. Spot elevations labeled? No grades exceeding maximum or minimum? Elevations on step treads? Did you get the CD with the marked up problems? I have a copy somewhere…er not really. I found those to be helpful.

But hey, you’re employed and I’m not, so you must be doing something right!

[Elizabeth Renton]

I did use the entire PPI set for all the exam sections, and they were indeed very helpful for A, B, and D. I passed those first time around. Then I moved on to E and studied those PPI books religiously….an hour a day every day for a month, working through every single vignette I could get my hands on. By the end of the month I felt like I had gotten the hang of it…had practically memorized all the stupid setback requirements and radius requirements, etc. I felt pretty prepared and thought the PPI books were a really good study tool.

Then I took the exam and failed. Big fat failed. Have no idea why, and thus the curiousity is killing me. I’ve heard that the redline reviews have supposedly gotten better, but i’m just curious to know if they were really that helpful, to the point that you’re able to pass the test next time.

I think if they’re going to charge you to just look at your failed test, they should at least give you a discount when you sign up to take the same section again. But no. It’s just another dollar in their pockets. At no point in this testing process have i ever believed that CLARB was really interested in seeing landscape architects succeed. The whole process has felt like one big completely biased money making cash cow. I don’t know how CLARB has continued to exist in this fashion. Why has this gone on for so long?? And how can we change it??

[Ray Freeman]

I will be teaching a 3 day Section E review at NC State University in Raleigh, NC on October 1-3.
There are still seats available in the class. Details, and the link to the registration web site are below. This is a great chance to get some serious insights and practice on section E generally not available to those folks East of the Mississippi!

North Carolina Section E

Date/Time: October 1-3, 2010 (25 hours)

Description:
Through lecture, group discussion, and practice exercises, this intensive three day course focuses on preparing students to take Section E: Grading & Drainage of the Landscape Architects Registration Examination. The course includes a look at how the performance sections of the LARE are organized, what material is typically covered on the exam, strategy tips on attacking the vignettes and how the vignettes are evaluated by the licensing boards. The course covers the fundamentals of grading and drainage, intermediate-level concepts for grading and problem solving techniques applied to example exercises. Exercises of increasing difficulty will be given and reviewed during the course, ultimately reaching the level of the actual exam vignettes. Each student will receive a course syllabus containing approximately 130 pages of information pertinent to Section E and a minimum of 20 exercises and vignettes. Desk crits while working are part of the class.

The program includes:
• Overview of the Exam and Section E
• Basic Exam Preparation Techniques
• An Introduction to Grading & Drainage
• Solving Watershed Planning Problems
• Grading Platforms
• Foundation Systems and Setting Finish Floors
• Accessibility Requirements
• Roadway Grading
• Grading Processes and Procedures
• Effects of Urbanization on Watersheds
• Storm Drainage and Stormwater Management
• Pond and dam components, functions and design
• Sizing Stormwater Basins
• Vision Cone Problem Solving
• Practical Techniques for Solving Vignettes
• Accessibility Requirements
• Grading Processes and Procedures
• Grading as a Design Process
• Interpretation of soils maps and reports

Students will complete timed vignettes typical of those on Section E of the LARE. The class takes a programmed approach to Section E, with lectures covering concepts and techniques applicable to specific vignette types, followed by a timed vignette which tests the skills taught. Individual feedback will be given to students as they work. Each vignette will then be reviewed by the class as a whole. The instructor will provide tips on how to break problems down and conceptualize a plan of attack for developing solutions. All three days will generally follow this format.

Location: NC State College of Design, Raleigh, NC.
Nearby hotel has block of rooms at discounted rates.

Instructor: Ray Freeman, ASLA, RLA, CPESC

Cost: $425.00. Refreshments, continental breakfast and lunch included each day.

Contact: http://design.ncsu.edu/alumni-friends/continuing-education/upcoming-events?page=2

Questions: Course content: rayfreeman3@comcast.net
Administrative: jm_livaudais@ncsu.edu

[Mark Miller]

I
became a victim of the recession July ’09 and haven’t been able to
find work in an LA office since. I had begun taking the LARE while still
employed but only passed sections A and B. I now fear that I’ll never
be able to work in Landscape Architecture again until I become fully
licensed. 

Does anyone have any tips on how I might prepare
myself to pass the remaining exams without having the daily on the job
experience, or the office resource library?

Anyone know of any LARE review classes in MD?

[Eric Gilbey]

Noah brings up a great point about mixed media in our 3D models. Having photorealistic textures on your proposed features is essential to make the photorealistic props look like they belong, and vice versa…you would not want to bring photorealistic props into a model you are purposely trying to look sketchy.

One program that imports and exports DWG files, and allows you to design interactively in 3D with the ability to still show typical 2D plans and cut sections is Vectorworks Landmark. Jonathan asked about many 3D image props that could be used and modified and Vectorworks’ Renderworks does already contain these, but you can easily make props from cutouts too. The best part of these objects are that they are represented in 2D and 3D…if the symbol is modified to be 12′ wide so would the 3D prop.

If you choose to do a sketch rendered model, you’ll need to use artistic or sketchy images for your plants to be consistent.

[Anonymous]

I have no idea if this place is still there, but I loved the Beach bar. It’s about .5 a mile from the Ostbanhof, along one of the remaining sections of the Berlin Wall, between the wall and the River Spree. To get to it take the train to the Ostbanhof, exit the station and walk along the Berlin Wall, within a couple minutes you will find a large hole in the wall, literally!!! The place is behind the wall.

The place has a couple floating barges on the river spree that you can hang out on, some sand volleyball courts and was a wonderful place to people watch and really enjoy the River Spree in a more naturalistic setting versus the Spree around the Reichstag which is fully developed.

Good luck,

Gerrit