Melanie Reber, RLA

So, if we go back to the video… and listen to what was actually said by Will that generated this whole debate…

“No LAs should EVER get a hold of ANY of these commissions (landscape commissions), because they have completely institutionalized the idea of public space. LAs should learn what lives and what dies… you walk around the city with…[Read more]

“As far as I know, the attempt to rebuild in an environmentally friendly way got absolutely nowhere. Same with Galveston…If ever there was a chance to create setbacks from low-ling areas, those are it! What do you know about New Orleans?”

I’m from New Orleans. My family is mostly Cajun French… so yes, I am well aware of NO’s peculiarities.…[Read more]

Trace One, can you provide links to the specific New Orleans projects you are referring to? Thanks.

“First, I must say that while OFTEN hand graphics are better received by clients, but that is not always the case. Often, the problem with computer drawn plans is that they look to cold, where the problem is really not that it is rendered by a computer, or in photoshop, but the methods used to make the drawings are not up to par. Also there is a…[Read more]

“The goal of all visualization is to effectively communicate your idea with an image reflective of your drawing identity and thrills the viewer about your design concept.”

Well… speak of the devil. 🙂
It is really nice to know that the thought of ‘Imitation being the most sincere form of flattery’ hasn’t stopped you from pushing the profession…[Read more]

“I would argue that we all should have the traits of patience and adaptability to thrive as landscape architects. If you worry too much about who gets to do what, it probably is not the best profession to be in. Not because you should roll over, but that you need way more patience and adaptability to deal with those other things (water, weather,…[Read more]

“I’m not sure how to respond to your point, because it is not exactly clear to me what that point is.”

Hmmm, then let me attempt to rephrase my original point.
Isn’t it time and isn’t it important enough to utilize our unique design skills across the board including our representations of figures (people) within our designs? Alright, granted that…[Read more]

“I’ve always wondered why there is such a standardized look to LA graphics, from the text to the Leggitt marker style. Not to say that the style isn’t effective. But especially in school, divergence from this style was highly discouraged or even penalized.”

Agreed completely… Leggit is highly stylized, and it works… for Leggitt. But do we…[Read more]

All successful design is a collaborative effort which includes the client, the land, the programming and the designer. All great design utilizes the existing landscape to capture a unique vision of each of these elements in the most creative and functional manner.

“Having majored in architecture for a few years in college before switching to planning, I think architects and engineers still have the upper hand, but the next few decades will see more of these professionals recognizing, and eventually deferring, various skills and responsibilities to landscape architects. One of the biggest flaws in each…[Read more]

Some successful examples… in my…[Read more]

“Paris and other big cities in europe have a huge amount of traditional art in every corner and in almost every street. For me it’s a great influence and really big bag of ideas.”

Absolutely! Paris is an amazing city to spend time in and to learn how to dwell with public art. The notion of art as an ‘after thought’ or as only a centerpiece to…[Read more]

I think to call it a debate was rather interesting. Certainly they were both set for verbal battle. However, this is a really masterful example of how an intermediary can help to reframe questions and viewpoints in order to buffer the ‘us against them’ mentality that we all seem to fall into at times. It was a pleasant surprise to find that both…[Read more]

I like…. LOVE it!

Finally! SF and other municipalities are embracing the whole concept of ‘landscape as ever changing space’. Bravo!

Martha said it all! Thank Heavens we have her voice, vision and passion as part of our profession. Thank you for sharing this.

But is there a way to incorporate traditional art into the open spaces we design? Even if it is not traditional medium but traditional subjects.

In order to really answer this, one must define ‘Traditional’… as this concept varies and evolves with time, geography, culture, trends, etc.

A huge group wants the city to move that statue elsewhere…[Read more]

Mack, this is an interesting question and conversation…

It is my opinion that all Landscape designers/ architects ARE Environmental Artists in a general sense. The site is the blank canvas and we create an experience for the user by applying our design skills with a practical understanding of building skills. This is an amazing opportunity to…[Read more]