Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Alton A. Barnes Jr / A study was performed comparing the results of two different Smart Growth Scorecards against a land development project, Southlake Town Square, which the Smart Growth Network claims to be Smart Growth. Southlake Town Square was chosen from a list of projects published by the Smart Growth Network entitled “This Is Smart Growth: A List of Featured Communities”. The purpose of this study was to determine if Smart Growth Scorecards support what the Smart Growth Network claims to be Smart Growth. The Ten Principles of Smart Growth, published by the Smart Growth Network, served as a measurable set of definitions which cumulatively define Smart Growth. The New Jersey Smart Growth Scorecard for Proposed Developments published by New Jersey Future and the Austin, Texas Smart Growth Criteria Matrix by the City of Austin Transportation, Planning and Design Department were selected from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) website on Smart Growth. This investigation revealed that the two scorecards yielded similar results suggesting that Southlake Town Square failed to score better than 60% of the total possible points on either scorecard. Southlake Town Square failed to produce convincing results when the scorecards were analyzed in terms of the Ten Principles of Smart Growth. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the measuring techniques of both Smart Growth Scorecards. The results of this study sufficiently conclude that significant inconsistencies exist between what the Smart Growth Network claims to be Smart Growth and what currently available Smart Growth measuring tools, Smart Growth Scorecards, say about a Smart Growth project. Consequently, the contemporary movement called Smart Growth maybe drastically weakened by unsupported claims, a lack of consistent, standardized measuring techniques, and differing definitions of Smart Growth.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Stephanie A. Rolley / The Urban Land Institute / Gerald D. Hines Student Urban Design Competition offers teams of multi-disciplinary graduate students the opportunity to address a large scale site that presents complex challenges requiring practicable, innovative solutions reflecting responsible land use. Solutions must incorporate design, planning, market potential, market feasibility, and development. Some of the brightest students from universities across the United States and Canada compete annually, incorporating bold ideas, outstanding graphics, and great presentations in order to win the competition. The scale of the competition and the quality of entries makes it difficult to advance from the initial submission round to the final four entries selected for the final phase of the competition. Entering the competition is a complex process requiring adherence to a multitude of rules and regulations about team formation, design solutions, financial information, presentation materials, and deadlines. This study documents the process of one student team entering the 2009 competition. Analysis of previous competition responses and principles of urban design theory informed an innovative design solution that incorporates sustainability, livability, and connectivity. This project analyzes previous project entries, looking for patterns and indicators to guide the competition response. Combining the analysis and design philosophy, which utilizes specific sustainable landscape architectural principles, forms the framework of the design solution. The response focuses on process-driven design implementing sustainable frameworks that account for existing an emergent ecologies, historical and cultural relevance, energy efficiency, hydrological patterns, and public transportation. Results of the study led to conclusions regarding team organization, teamwork, graphic composition, and presentation that will be beneficial for future competition entrants.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Stephanie A. Rolley / Economically insecure times require reduction of energy and land consumption, enhancement of socio-economic and environmental quality of life, and reutilization of neglected existing structures and sites. Traditional planning and design dictates through top-down policy and ordered master planning. In contrast, interactive smart technology simulating human cognitive reactions offers an alternative design framework - an intelligent, adaptive environment – capable of redefining contemporary public open space design. Traversing through the neglected Fifth Ward north of downtown St. Louis, the adaptive reutilization of the abandoned Iron Horse Trestle interurban elevated railroad and subway applies the Sense Respond Adapt Mutate Emerge conceptual framework (the S.R.A.M.E. Strategy) by utilizing existing resources to create an interconnected, emergent open space network. Ten unique sites along the Iron Horse Trestle are initially embedded with sensory devices capable of gathering and synthesizing learned information. The real-time actions translate into physical structural responses. The site specifi c reactions extend outwards as structural adaptations to indeterminate changes from trail users. The evolving structural form connects and mutates the existing structure. Similar to a Choose your own adventure gamebook, the Trestle’s open-ended and reactive programmatic strategies emerge as a series of potential options for future inclusionary, interactive designs. By selectively enhancing, creating, or enabling an open space system reacting to real-time actual user needs over time directly along the Trestle line, the S.R.A.M.E. Strategy offers a potential alternative framework for the indirect revitalization of neglected infrastructural and economic conditions, a residential rejuvenation catalyst, and future socio-economic and ecological sustainable living patterns education tool. The Trestle’s revitalization serves as an education tool critiquing contemporary landscape architecture and general design practice - the static, dictated, and consumptive. Intelligent adaptive environments offer an alternative framework enabling interactive design decision making capabilities to the users as options evolving over time.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Timothy D. Keane / Camp Adventure, a summer camp for the physically disabled, has obtained a site for the future Camp Adventure Conference and Retreat Center at Perry Lake, Ozawkie, Kansas. The camp serves youth and adults with cerebral palsy and spina bifida. Past rental facilities have been far from adequate for the camp’s basic needs of accessibility and has led the camp to seek a specially designed permanent home. As a counselor for 9 years, I have experienced firsthand the barriers and frustrations with inadequate facilities. Seeking to find solutions to the camp’s specific needs, I found William H. Whyte’s research methods and environmental psychology studies fitting to discover human preference and experiential qualities. To understand the best methods of adaptation, a series of user based research methods have been conducted to gather user input. The campers understand, from daily experience, what it takes to make an element or activity accessible, and their guidance will inform the design of select program elements. User input is not only being gathered from the camp, but from educational sources at Kansas State University, practicing professionals at Ochsner Hare and Hare, and local government representatives. Collaboratively molding the site’s existing form, the campers accessibility needs, and a complex program has created an exciting and challenging project. The program consists of 24 elements and activities, many of which are not traditionally handicap friendly. In-depth design studies and application of the user input has created the form and experience of seven program elements. This book contains literature and precedent studies, user based research results, the master plan for the entire site, and design details of seven program elements. It is to be used by Camp Adventure as a guide to implementation of the camp design. It is the path for Camp Adventure to achieve their dream: a barrier free, fully accessible, adventure; Camp Adventure.

Ce mémoire s’inscrit dans le domaine de l’architecture du paysage et du design urbain. La recherche se construit autour d’un questionnement sur le sens pouvant être attribué au parc La Fontaine par ses usagers en tant que cadre de vie urbain montréalais. Ce parc est un lieu emblématique de la ville par le caractère historique de son aménagement. Il est aussi un lieu populaire par sa situation géographique centrale au sein de l’arrondissement du Plateau-Mont-Royal. Par l’analyse de ce parc, nous cherchons à porter un regard sur la manière dont se construit l’expérience d’un parc urbain dans les particularités de son aménagement, de son contexte social et culturel. Notre étude semble pertinente dans la mesure où cet espace n’a jamais été abordé selon l’analyse de l’expérience paysagère. Notre réflexion se construit à partir d’un modèle socioculturel soutenu par une revue de littérature en architecture de paysage. Les travaux menés à la Chaire en paysage et environnement de l’Université de Montréal ont particulièrement été sollicités. Ce modèle considère le paysage comme une qualification sociale et culturelle d’un territoire. Il engage l’analyse vers des perspectives pluridimensionnelle, expérientielle et polysensorielle, tout en considérant le caractère formel (attributs physiques) du paysage. Nous avons également joint à ce cadre théorique les recherches menées en design et en anthropologie des sens. Ces axes de recherche éclairent les notions de l’expérience esthétique et sensorielle particulièrement en regard de la compréhension du vécu d’un espace ordinaire et quotidien. Selon ce cadre conceptuel, notre recherche fait appel à une approche compréhensive. Ainsi, nous abordons l’expérience du parc par un modèle d’analyse mettant l’emphase sur les usages, l’interprétation et la représentation de l’aménagement du parc La Fontaine. La méthodologie s’appuie sur une démarche de recherche qualitative. Elle se fonde sur une observation non participante des usagers du parc, sur des entretiens semi-dirigés et sur une étude physico-spatiale du lieu. Ce mémoire a pour finalité de conduire une première lecture du parc La Fontaine en abordant les dimensions composant le vécu de ses usagers. Nous espérons pouvoir contribuer à notre échelle à l’avancée des connaissances de cet espace du point de vue expérientiel et de la perspective paysagère sur la compréhension des parcs urbains. / This thesis involves the fields of landscaping architecture and urban design. The research questions the meaning that can be attributed to the La Fontaine park by its users within the framework of urban life in Montreal. This park is a symbolic place in this city by its historic character. It is also a popular location due to its central geographical placement within the district of the Plateau-Mont-Royal. We attempt to explain the way the experience of an urban park relates to the peculiarities of its design, as well as to its social and cultural context, such as that represented by the city of Montreal. Our study seems relevant as this space was never approached with respect to the experience of its landscape. Our reflection builds on a socio-cultural model supported by a literature review in landscaping architecture. In particular, the works led by the Chair in landscaping and Environment of Montreal University were referenced. The employed model considers the landscape a social and cultural qualification of a territory. The analysis is thus directed towards a multi-dimensional reading of everyday experience, all while considering the landscape in its formal qualifications (physical attributes). We have also accompanied this theoretical support by research in design and in anthropology of the senses. These research areas help clarify the role of aesthetic and sensory experiences in the everyday lives of people. According to this conceptual framework, our research develops a comprehensive approach. We thus treat the experience of the landscape with an analytical model emphasizing the use, the interpretation and the representation of the La Fontaine Park landscape. Methodologically, the study uses a qualitative approach compiling a spatial and experiential analysis of the landscape. The study therefore builds on an in situ investigation through non-participatory observation, semi-directed interviews and a physical analysis of the space. This research may offer a first reading of the dimensions at play in the everyday experience of the La Fontaine Park by its users. We hope to contribute to the advancement of the knowledge of this space from an experiential perspective and of the research in urban park design.

Les forêts occidentales sont aujourd’hui de plus en plus prisées pour la pratique d’activités récréatives en milieu naturel. Dès lors, la mise en place d’une gestion intégrée des forêts est plus que jamais indispensable au maintien des conditions nécessaires à la pratique de l’ensemble des activités sur le territoire. Le Québec s’est doté d’une nouvelle législation pour répondre aux nombreux enjeux qui touchent le milieu forestier, notamment en ce qui a trait à l’harmonisation entre les activités récréatives et la production ligneuse. Dans le cadre de cette recherche, nous nous sommes intéressés au concept d’expérience du visiteur comme moyen de faciliter cette harmonisation. Il s’agissait à la fois de caractériser l’expérience de visite des utilisateurs d’un parc régional et de se questionner sur son opérationnalisation dans l’aménagement forestier. Deux méthodes qualitatives complémentaires ont été utilisées : d’une part, l’analyse de récits inscrits dans des livres d’or placés dans différents hébergements et d’autre part, des entrevues ont été conduites auprès de visiteurs rencontrés sur le site. Les résultats révèlent la pertinence de considérer l’expérience du visiteur pour favoriser une utilisation plurielle et harmonieuse du territoire forestier. Son étude permet une compréhension fine des composantes communes et spécifiques des expériences, en fonction des visiteurs. Par ailleurs, l’étude témoigne de la possibilité de mettre en relation des typologies d’expériences recherchées et les modalités d’harmonisation. Enfin, au-delà de l’expérience, le suivi de la perception de la foresterie et des représentations peut également s’avérer pertinent pour les gestionnaires. / The practice of outdoor recreational activities in western forests is becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, the implementation of integrated management with regards to publicly-owned forests is more important than ever in order to maintain conditions necessary for all activities on the territory. The province of Québec which has recently adopted a new Forestry Act is following this trend by addressing the numerous forest management issues such as harmonizing of various uses which represents a major challenge, particularly with regards to recreation and timber production. Throughout this research, we focused on the concept of visitors’ experience as a means to facilitate harmonization. The objectives were to identify the attributes of visitors’ experiences in a regional park and to assess how it can be useful in forest management. Two complementary qualitative methodologies were applied: on the one hand, we analyzed the comments written by visitors on guest books, and on the other hand, we interviewed visitors we met on the site. Results indicate the relevance of using visitors’ experiences to promote a plural and harmonious use of forest lands. The study allows for an in-depth understanding of experience components, both common and specific, which vary according to visitors. Moreover, the study reveals that it’s possible to connect certain experience profiles with harmonization terms. Finally, beyond the mere experience, it appears that forest managers who are aware of the perception and image of forest management will certainly benefit from this information.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Timothy D. Keane / This thesis documents an exploratory design process that examines the efficacy of a framework for designing dementia gardens based on: theory, Stephen and Rachel Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory (A.R.T.), (Kaplan and Kaplan, 1989) and Roger Ulrich’s Theory of Supportive Gardens (Ulrich, 1999); John Zeisel’s (2007) process for designing dementia gardens; and design details, Claire Cooper Marcus’ Garden Audit Tool (2007) and Moore’s analysis of exemplary dementia gardens (2007). It documents the integration of theory that is not specific to dementia gardens (Kaplans’ A.R.T. and Ulrich’s Theory of Supportive Gardens) with process (Zeisel) and programming elements that are specific to dementia gardens (Cooper Marcus’ Garden Audit Tool Kit and Moore’s exemplary dementia gardens). The framework was developed during an illustrative courtyard design project for a retirement center whose clientele included patients with varying need levels. Throughout the illustrative design project, knowledge of the four A.R.T. characteristics (Being Away, Fascination; Compatibility and Extent) guided design decision-making in an effort to create an engaging environment, where improved health outcomes and restorative person-environment interactions could occur.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Huston Gibson / The issues infested in urban slum communities are many, of which I had no problem indentifying a dilemma specific to my interests in landscape architecture and socially equitable places. However, sustainable solutions specific to these dynamic urban forms and communities are unfamiliar academic territory. Extreme levels of poverty fostered in these communities cause deficiencies in a child’s development, who are often without access to a formal, structured education system (UNDP, 1999). Public spaces are particularly stimulating environments for youth learning and development, but most urban environments in shanty towns host a milieu of violence and crime, making most public streets and vacant lots unsafe. These conditions are ripe for visionary designers to intervene, improving the physical aspects of urban public spaces and specifically bettering the quality of life for children living in these communities. Answering this question required literature research and precedent studies, which was important for developing a thorough understanding of developmental theory as it relates to socio-economically disadvantaged children. By focusing my studies on public spaces in the neighborhood Vistas del Cerro Grande in Chihuahua, México, I began to understand the cultural idiosyncrasies specific to people living in urban shantytowns. Data collected from the neighborhood via surveys, interviews, community meetings, and an auto-ethnographic video study with fifth and sixth grade students provided an introduction to the community and the larger themes and objectives for future public space design. Visiting comparable communities in México City, México deepened my understanding as I was able to observe the daily lives of México City residents with diverse socio-economic statuses, hear their individual perspectives on the history and cultures, and relate to their frustrations with current political, economic, and societal systems. The methodologies described above culminated in a design typology specific to Vistas del Cerro Grande, consisting of public streets, pedestrian access ways, plazas, and vacant lots. These types form the backbone of my research report, which represents an evidence-based design palette of purpose-oriented amenities for positive childhood development in shanty town public spaces. The typology caters to the specific needs of the Vistas del Cerro Grande community, as identified in the research.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Jason Brody / Some cities target innovation to bolster their economy, because it drives economic growth. An emerging trend is to use urban regeneration to accomplish this desire. However, lack of understanding about land development effects on innovation is a major concern. Such uncertainty makes it difficult to create visions, plans, and designs for these environments. A major dilemma presents itself. In what way do urban designers develop innovation economies and what confidence can they have in those roles considering the lack of evidence about urban sites within larger innovation systems? In response to the dilemma, this research documents projects facilitating innovation in local economies. A catalog was the tool for exploring characteristics of these places and their connections to economic systems. The catalog acts as a decision framework by displaying these relationships through a goal, objective, and tactic hierarchy. This format illustrates how site-level decisions impact specific parts of the economy. By using the catalog, planners and designers may guide innovation through urban development. To accomplish this, developments must draw talented people with creative ideas and organizations willing to invest in those ideas. When synergies form between these groups, new goods and services become available. To build this innovative milieu, planners and designers EXPLORE regional and site-based opportunities to determine the tactics they utilize. Next, they DEVELOP plans for the places desired by and required for people who INNOVATE. These findings collectively instill confidence in the roles of planners and designers in their quest to cultivate innovative environments.

Master of Landscape Architecture / Department of Landscape Architecture/Regional and Community Planning / Hyung Jin Kim / Obesity levels—related to an increase of physical inactivity—are rapidly rising in the United States (CDC 2010; Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion 2008). Reportedly, African-American women have the highest obesity rates when compared to any other demographic in the United States—especially those residing in crime-plagued urban environments (CDC 2010). Yet active living strategies by designers have been least effective amongst this demographic (Day 2006). Researchers report crime-safety perceptions are one of the biggest environmental factors influencing physical activity levels amongst low-income African-American women (Foster and Giles-Corti 2008; Codinhoto 2009). Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) has been the most common practice towards an intervention of criminal activity in the built environment; however, little practice has addressed both CPTED and physical activity. While first and second generation crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) are inclusive of addressing both physical and social aspects of the built environment (Cleveland and Seville 2008; Griffin et al. 2008; Dekeseredy et al. 2009), they have yet to effectively address crime-safety needs and its potential relationship with physical activity behaviors of low-income African-American women and their neighborhoods. Therefore, what built environment changes tailored for this target population—African- American women—are necessary? This study examines 1) what crime safety perceptions of the built environment are affecting low--income African American women’s physical activity levels in Kansas City, Missouri and 2) what design solutions these women suggest could help increase their physical activity levels, through improving their perceptions of neighborhood safety. As a place-specific study on a low income neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, selected through GIS suitability analyses with literature-based criteria, this study used survey and focus group interview methods to identify the target group’s design suggestions. The findings resulted with a connection from research to design solutions—neighborhood and street-level design strategies with CPTED guidelines linking the researched participant’s perceptions of crime in their built environment to the effect of crime on their own physical activity.