Graduate students in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning (LARP) and one alum recently won merit awards from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects.
Master's of Landscape Architecture (MLA) students Allyson Fairweather, Tor Gagnon, Tianyi Guan, James Mealey, Gwendolyn Stoll, Peter Wachernagel won the BSLA Merit Award for "Healthy Place-Making for the Medical District."
According to the jury, a large amount of work went into this project to create healthy landscapes in Springfield, MA. The submission provided a nice range of analysis, planning, and detail, all grounded in research, and with graphics that get you into the place. The jury appreciated the good continuity in representation styles by multiple authors.
In addition, Reif Larson won a BSLA Merit Award for "Where the Emerald Necklace Meets the Sea."
Larson's project, examining an alternate approach to rethinking Moakley Park in Boston, was supported by a very clear presentation setting up context and analysis well before leading to the design solution. The design presented an exciting use of landform in this mostly flat site.
The jury has determined that the awarded projects merit recognition in one or more of the following areas:
- Exemplary social, cultural, educational, or environmental significance
- Outstanding quality, craftsmanship, creativity, or artistry
- Unique and innovative technologies, techniques, or concepts
- Advancement of the public’s awareness and perception of the field of landscape architecture
Ninety-nine submissions were received, from 35 different firms and three different schools. Submitted projects are sited in 61 different cities and towns in 15 different US states and eight different countries across the world.
