Rob Halpern

If “nerds” are preferring to sit inside enjoying digital experiences, then what foolishness is it to think that if only the outdoors were more accommodating to them then they would stream outside?
They are not inside because LA has neglected their digital needs. Although perhaps they are inside because LA has neglected their needs for real…[Read more]

It all rather depends, for me, on why we are designing and for whom. (Which is, after all, the most important lesson we designers ever learn).
So, some possible rationales for landscape design with nerds in mind:
1. Because we need work and if this is what is popular then by all means. It doesn’t have to make sense
2. We want to be noticed as The…[Read more]

So much depends on the details: what is the winter like there? (Where?)
Is the spot particularly windy?
Are the containers large enough to include insulation (if temperatures get especially low)?
Can the containers be moved easily so they may be clustered together as part of a protection protocol?
Are the perennials especially hardy species (and…[Read more]

I believe that, in general, wildlife crossings work better as underpasses than as overpasses. Depends. The design that works for elk would not be used by Florida panther (yes, they are not in the same region…but designs are not interchangeable)
The natural behaviors of the wildlife in question need to be studied and a crossing designed to…[Read more]

In what way would this be a public nuisance?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracaena_cinnabari

I did assume from the Subject that this was about working on a government project.

But I enjoyed the post and the insights you offered into designing for so specific a situation as a reality TV show. Thanks!

Which (once again) calls into question the buzz-word concept “sustainability.” What can an unsustainable species do that can in any way be “sustainable”?

Timing will be important, the plant is a spring ephemeral.

Sara,
I would be very careful in selecting what groundcovers to use if the future stabilization is to be left to them. Many groundcovers lack deep roots and with enough rain they will take the slope down with them. Others root deeply and can withstand more stress

So let me understand this:
A park that cannot easily be seen from outside, so at night things can get interesting
A landscape of birches (what is it with the birches all the time????) located not in the cool environment they prefer, but in a stone bed surrounded by mirrors. Good times in July
A new and extensive vehicle for graffitti
This is like…[Read more]

the point of public spaces is to avoid strangers..   

?!?!?!?
I thought that was the point of non-public spaces

I didn’t have to fight for a seat, there was hardly anybody soaking up the rays. I found a nice bench all to myself

The system works! Another successful design

If it is a straight out bid or RFP process, then you are submitting a concept at most, not a design, and only the selected firm gets the job and gets paid.
If you are invited to bid, then read the invitation carefully to be clear on what is required. If it is a full executable design then consider whether you are willing to give yourself away in…[Read more]

I think your position of what if they do or don’t like the design is part of the problem. You need to work with the client to produce the design they want. There need to be interim presentations and review so that before you get heavily into final details the client has given you the green light to complete the design they have approved. Your fee…[Read more]

There are any number of web sites, subscription based, where state, federal and municipal rfp’s are listed. I have not found one that has everything… I usually check three or four different ones when I’m in the…[Read more]

It is astounding the level of emotion, fear mongering, and hype that this has generated.
Look at some of the language used in these posts!

This doesn’t seem to be a post to move the discussion forward. I expect Craig is referring to China’s current growth rather than its failed attempts of 35 years ago. Perhaps you’d respond to his point about China’s current growth policies? There can be no denying that that country has made great strides in the past decade while we have slipped…[Read more]

I am skeptical of polls but here is news of a new poll on how NYC residents feel about the protests and their aims:
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1302.xml?ReleaseID=1662

I wouldn’t overlook the input of the teachers and perhaps the students. How could you possibly be the one (and only) to best determine how the prairie might engage elementary through high school students in learning experiences? This is not simply a landscape design problem, this is an education and perhaps social challenge. Bring in the people…[Read more]