[biancaKOENIG]

I recommend against using “fake cameras.” It creates a false sense of security for folks within its view and could create a greater danger. (Referenced from Long Beach Police Dept.) But you do have the right idea of getting more “eyes” out there. Hopefully real and not fake!

[biancaKOENIG]

I’m looking for online sources for high resolution, photo-realistic tropical plants… to cut out and use in elevations and sketchup modeling. Yes, SketchUp is producing some pretty fancy graphics. But need more plants! Any suggestions?

[biancaKOENIG]

thanks for the reply, do you have a company name? or link?

[biancaKOENIG]

USGBC and the LEED rating system are serious about addressing the social, economic and cultural issues and it is not unrealistic to expect this of them. View their Guiding Principles

If Landscape Architects want to be involved during project inception and site selection, then they need to be acting as the developer or develop strong, trusting relationships with developers. Or, get involved in the community development and planning agencies. This can be done without a rating system.

Did you get a chance to review the pilot version of LEED-ND? I believe they are addressing local and regional issues. They are also currently in the process of developing Regional Priority Points to be designated by zipcode. If you are interested in being a part of the task force for your region, I recommend contacting your local USGBC Chapter, becoming a member and submiting an application. Act fast, applications are due by the end of the month.

[biancaKOENIG]

LEED is a continually evolving system of quantifying “green” and sustainable projects. It’s fast become an internationally recognized credidation system and has teamed with a multitude of organizations to achieve and quantify common goals. Keep an eye out for progress on LEED-ND, LEED for Neighborhood Development because having a “green building” out in the middle of nowhere may not necessarily be the most sustainable solution. http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=148

For more inspiration, check out the Cascadia Chapter of USGBC. They are making great steps to push LEED to not just be “sustainable” (doing less bad) but instead to be “regenerative” (doing more good). http://www.cascadiagbc.org/

Also to note and look out for, “greenwash” is now a part of the american dictionary:
green·wash (grēn’wŏsh’, -wôsh’)
n.
1. The dissemination of misleading information by an organization to conceal its abuse of the environment in order to present a positive public image.
2. The information so disseminated.

[biancaKOENIG]

Have you reviewed the LEED ND materials? http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=148
Once in there, they cite all of their references. Also, check out your local USGBC Chapter for more info because sustainability is best accomplished with regionally specific designs.

[biancaKOENIG]

Don’t use Dreamweaver, Try WordPress http://wordpress.org/. It’s blog and template based, but can still be edited to serve as a portfolio web site. It’s also open-source and free. No software needed, just an internet connection. And it can be set up so you can add blog posts from your mobile device, which means easy updates and continued interest in your site.

I do agree with having both a hard copy and web based portfolio– attack all angles! Some folks prefer easy access (fast image loading required) to the web. Others prefer the weight and feel of a hard copy in hand… Good luck!

[biancaKOENIG]

Hey Andrew, Thanks for linking me to this discussion. I do remember seeing it when originally posted. Also to answer your question about liability- I was in a SLO City Council meeting last week to obtain city support for a new skate park. One of the speakers (Founder of Vision Street Wear) mentioned that he helped to pass a law which groups skateboarders with football, basketball and other “extreme sports.” By being in that classification, then property owners cannot be held liable for injuries incurred while participating in those activities. There may be other conditions involved and I haven’t checked validity of the statement, but thought it was interesting. Did you see the two skate-related articles in the LAM January issue? That’s what reminded me to post my bro’s video…

[biancaKOENIG]

This is an excerpt from my 17-year old brother’s second skate film, “Skate of Mind.” I love seeing the urban environment from the user’s perspective. Enjoy!

You can view more of his work at http://deadpixelproductions.com/

[biancaKOENIG]

I would like to nominate “The Pentagon Memorial Story” by Benhamin Forgey, LAM, January 2009.
The article was emotive, informative and intriguing, all the way through to its hopeful conclusion. It contained a comprehensive balance of budget, social and technical issues. Photographs and imagery were also a great support to this well-written piece.

[biancaKOENIG]

Hi Chris, Thanks for the heads up! and thanks again for putting together an awesome resource. I finally had a chance to test it out for an actual project. I was very impressed with the depth of images available, quality! of the images and how easy it was to search, even when I used industry-specific terms! Its like the RushmoreDrive for landscape architects!

[biancaKOENIG]

Agreed! As soon as “famous landscape architect” does not sound like an oxymoron, we’ll be in good shape! We need to raise the bar in regards to quality and public awareness, and to live the definition through action, not a two page description.

I haven’t written an article, but I did once send a letter to the editor of LAM July 2005– “Landscape Architecture Needs a Hero”

Damian Holmes said:

I think that all points are valid and we need to promote landscape architecture to the public. This is often left to associations and institutes with volunteers(usually working professionals with little time as is) looking after promotion of landscape architecture.

Who we are, what we do and our perceived role varies from country to country and how old and how respected the profession is by the public and other professions.

As for the title landscape architect as from what I understand is more respected in European countries whereas it seems in North America, Asia and Australia we lost the fight when anyone with a shovel or a pen started calling themselves a landscape architect or reality garden homemaker shows started using the term loosely to describe anyone who designed a garden. Also the word architect has lost some of its gloss when IT people grabbed hold of it and started calling themselves System or Information Architects.

On the other hand the word Architect is held onto by some due to the legal protection that it gives Landscape Architects, Such as in some states in Australia were the word is protected by law and we come under this protection. Also Insurance companies differentiate landscape architects and landscape designers based upon qualification. The misuse of the term landscape architect in some states is the reason that Australian Institute Landscape Architect qualified members are now called Registered Landscape Architect.

However, some Australian states see protecting the term of Landscape Architect as anti-competitive and against the law – yes stupid, I know, wonder how a Plastic Surgeon or Dentist would feel if I hang board on my office with Dentist and Plastic Surgeon M.D. under Landscape Architect. Don’t think it would last long.

OK Seriously I can’t see many universities giving our Land architect degrees to me it sounds a little too close to an engineering profession(not that there is anything wrong with engineers). I think on the whole it will always vary from country to country based upon the age of the profession and how powerful the association/society is and how outspoken its members are about protecting the term Landscape Architect or whatever term they choose.

My arguments are a little off tangent but I think you get the general message that its up to you in you state or country to promote landscape architecture and the profession of landscape architecture. I think that a title change is like syaing Land Architect (profession/consultant formerly known as Landscape Architect) . Name changes are the things that government departments or car companies do when there in the sh1t. Remember how great it was when Price Waterhouse Coopers changed their name to Monday – exactly.

I think that that promoting the great work we do and getting more publicity through local, state and country wide news will do far more for the profession, however we are often too shy or self-effacing to promote our work.
Architects and their associations (love or loath them) do a great job at promoting the profession, I bet most of your family or friends could name at least one or two starchitects or well known past architects but no great landscape architects.

Land Architects or Landscape Architects you decide – just promote your work as best you can.

[biancaKOENIG]

— Why did you join this network?
With limited resources in my current area of work (population of 45,000), I was very excited for the opportunity to connect with other LA’s. My nearest ASLA chapter meetings are 200 miles away; Land8Lounge could immediately connect me with people, ideas and enthusiasm for landscape architecture, without even leaving my office chair.
— What specific benefits have you seen in your career since you joined?
A knowledge of current news, technologies and culture of the profession. Gained confidence in my own experience and enjoy the opportunity to share personal experiences for others to learn from.
— What intangible benefits do you get from membership?
ENERGY– a two-way, positive environment, where LA’s can connect with, and be inspired by activities around the world.
— What do you hope this network will bring to your career? A well-connected, well-resourced community to help change the world through landscape architecture.

[biancaKOENIG]

Well, after years of trying to design their own naming conventions in the company, they finally resorted to a national reference: http://www.nationalcadstandard.org/story_013005.php

And now that I look at it, it looks more comprehensive than I was being told. In addition to layers I was also looking for input on folder/file organization in multi-disciplinary companies, details formatting (reference note leaders vs. just leaders and text only), and even tips on communicating with engineers (sometimes I think, that they think I’m just crazy). Thanks again for all the input!

[biancaKOENIG]

My sister’s been traveling since she graduated in 2005 and she has a great blog with photos from the places you’ve listed- http://www.crazyboopsie.com/index.php .. though her experience was primarily from the “meet new people” point of view with some epic landscapes for a backdrop…

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