InSites 2019

InSites MAGAZINE The Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning

CO N TEN T S Page 02

Page 31

Welcome from the Department Head

Student ASLA Chapter & Community Design Teams

Page 04

Page 33

City of Layton Charrette & Senior Capstone

Speaker Series

Page 07

Page 35

Dean’s Prize

Technology Update

Page 09

Page 37

Recreation & Open Space Studio

Awards Banquet

Page 11

Page 40

Residential Land Planning & Development Studio

LARE Prep Course

Page 13

Page 41

Urban Theory & Design Studio

Advancement Board Summary

Page 15

Page 42

E-Studio

Internship & Placemement Report

Page 17

Page 43

Bioregional Analysis & Planning

Department News Highlights

Page 19

Page 45

Regional Landscape Analysis & Planning

Workshops

Page 21

Page 46

Travel Course: Italy

Incoming Graduate Students

Page 25

Page 47

Study Abroad: Germany

Faculty News

Page 27

Page 51

Study Abroad: Slovenia

Alumni News

Page 29

Page 52

May in Moab

In Memoriam

COVER IMAGE: Villa Farnese water chain, Caprarola, Italy. Palazzo Farnese (c. 1573) embodies Vignola’s iconic style of the Italian Renaissance period. Turn to pages 21-24 to learn more about the travel course visit to this and other Tuscan sites.

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WELCOME! SEAN MICHAEL, DEPARTMENT HEAD Ecotone is a concept familiar to landscape scholars and

program. That flavor is, in part, what distinguishes each of

practitioners alike. Lying at the verge of two generally

such program. For LAEP, our milieu has taken different forms

distinct biomes, these fertile strips rely upon a blend of

over the decades. Now, in 2019 (the 80th year since our

contrasting systems to produce a more diverse place. As

program’s founding), the flavor has resulted from a recipe

shapers of the land, we apply that same formula in creating

conceived and refined for over a decade. This autumn that

meaningful built environments, too. Outdoor living spaces

flavor again shifts as we’ve said farewell to our dear friend

blend garden with architecture. Street cafes are part

and colleague, Prof. Phil Waite (aka, Professor of Grace;

sidewalk, yet part restaurant.

Revelation 21:3-4), and as we welcome into our Logan family many new students and two remarkable faculty members,

Despite the enduring lessons these natural settings (and our

while also applauding the Classes of 2019, now our newest

biomimicry of them) testify of, I’m reminded that in society all

alumni.

such balance is tenuous. Without vigilance, imbalance tends to occur. Budgets are eaten up by architecture, with sites and

Ecotone also aptly describes the interstitial space that

site designers left footing the bill. Students prodded to incur

department heads operate in. Engaging continuously with

no debt will work jobs during school, even to the detriment

diverse and extraordinary colleagues, students, campus

of their academic raison d’etre. Curricula drift towards

leaders, and alumni, we are blessed by having the privilege

an abundance of design, with planning/construction/ horticulture/etc. wilting as a result. Or vice versa. Each such example testifies to our need to consciously choose wise balances, and to then guard them fastidiously.

Entropy may be how we explain these tendencies toward failed systems of balance. Nature—as in ecology or human behavior—may explain it equally well. The balancing acts we design into our sites (and work places) are not self-sustaining.

Unlike the ecotone between pond and meadow, human systems, whether gardens or other social constructs, require constant tending. Left untended, they quietly devolve.

In a university environment this principle most certainly holds true. We develop and then oversee degrees, bodies of faculty, and facilities with an intentional recipe for our mission. A wonderful result of this resource-intensive process is the unique milieu found within each design

43.6453° N, 110.7960° W

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to observe and serve at all levels. That fascinating, never-

prepared and equipped. And so, I am extremely optimistic

the-same-as-yesterday mix of activities is central to why

about the next chapter in our journey. That future, however,

I so enjoy this role. Likewise, with my own teaching

relies upon each of us—you included. LAEP rises and falls on

and scholarship, I’ve been fortunate to meld my lifelong

the contributions of individuals bound by common values;

curiosities with place, design and adventure recreation.

from the most senior alumnus to the most recently arrived

This past May, for instance, a group of us co-taught USU’s

freshman. Each of us has a role. I hope you will ask how

first-ever field course in Moab focusing on public lands and

you, as a member of our community, can contribute to the

America’s outdoor economy. Oriented around dilemmas

mission ahead. Together we can do more.

threatening these special lands and their adjacent gateway communities, our course explored topics ranging from trail development and UTV damage, to outdoor product testing and the saga of Bears Ears National Monument.

What lies ahead? Frankly, the sky is the limit for LAEP. Our remarkable trajectory as a community of problem solvers, buttressed by the strong support we have in Dean White and the College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences, positions us to tackle a litany of the most pressing problems threatening our world. I know of no similar program that is comparably

Class of 2019 and LAEP faculty

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Charrette & Senior Capstone Studio

CITY O F

L AY TO N Last summer Todd Johnson and Dave Anderson met with

The specific learning opportunities that expand traditional

alumnus Tim Watkins (MLA 1997) and Bill White of the

roles in landscape architecture for our students included:

Layton Economic Development and Planning Department.

• Branding the West Davis Business Center by owning

Pressure to develop the remaining 25% of open lands has

an environmentally responsible relationship with the

created classic controversies involving density, uses and

Great Salt Lake Basin. The students recognized that no

transportation/air quality problems for the students to tackle.

jurisdiction has taken claim to this frontage, adjacent to

Joined by Professor Carlos Licon in Spring 2019 for LAEP

one of the top five bird refuges in the world.

4120, Charrette and Capstone focused on activity centers

• The future of the traditional enclosed shopping malls

as a means of diversifying and intensifying the community.

may be limited. Opportunities to intensify development

In addition, the students sought to connect the mountains

of residential, office, and recreation uses immediate to

of the Bear Range to the shore of the Great Salt Lake Basin,

the Layton Hills Mall may add to its resilience.

using open space and public lands to differentiate Layton

• The design of the public and private realms immediate

from surrounding Kaysville and Farmington. Four activity

to regional transit is essential to achieve benefit from

centers identified “drivers for change”. They included West

the State’s investment in transit. Developers must

Davis Business Center (situated on the Shorelands Preserve),

be obligated to supporting walkable and intense

the South and East Gateways to Hill Air Force Base, the

development immediate to transit resources.

historic town center, and the Layton Hills Mall.

• The demand for a variety of specific uses follows the (continued on next page)

“It’s a continuation of Charrette. So you get that excitement and long-term build-up for the project and it gives it additional weight and makes it a bit more exciting to work on.”

Evan Tanasiuk, BLA 2019

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CHAR RE TTE

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gateways to the nation’s military bases. These bases are the greatest economic drivers of the local economy and require a specific look at the needs of its population. • Connectivity between large tracts of public lands (basins and ranges) with municipal open space and with public transportation allows the community to associate their identity and offerings with these irreplaceable assets.

As a consequence of the Charrette’s complexity, upon graduation students look back on their original motives for seeking a degree in the profession of landscape architecture and wonder what its limits might be.

1- Students and professors gather around a large floor map to collaborate. LAEP senior Tommy Smith leads the group.

2- Students use trace paper to create conceptual plans for the City of Layton.

3- Collaborations between students, faculty and professionals elicit new insights to learn and develop innovative ideas.

4- The seven teams came together to present their work to planners and city administrators from Layton City.

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DEAN’S PRIZE Spring Semester 2019 marked the fifth annual Dean’s Prize

consisted of Logan City Council Members Amy Anderson and

competition. The 2019 Dean’s Prize featured two important

Thomas Jensen, Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture

urban projects in Logan. Project One is located directly

and Applied Sciences, Brian Warnick, Logan City Planners

across the street from the Logan Transit Center and is being

Russ Holley and Aaron Smith, Dayton Crites, Cache County

considered for a new public library, and Project Two is the

Trails Coordinator, and Thomas Graham, Architect for USU

redesign of the 6th East corridor between 5th and 10th

Facilities Planning, Design and Construction.

North. The Library Site includes a public park with a direct connection to the 6th East corridor. The corridor project focuses on improved pedestrian and bicycle access and traffic calming in support of student housing and access adjacent to the university.

The Dean’s Prize provides a real-world design competition experience for LAEP students and allows them to receive feedback from high profile jurors, and a well-deserved acknowledgment of their outstanding work. A total of 11 student teams of 4 students each competed. College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Dean Ken White offered

“It was my pleasure to participate. I thought the work overall was exceptional.”

Thomas Graham, USU Facilities Planning, Design & Construction Architect

$2000 in prize money that was split between the first and second place teams for each of the two projects. The jury

Project #2 First Place Team: Alison Gowans, Kenzy Fogle, Connor Rose & Danyel Mezzanatto

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Project #1 First Place Team: Helen Lea, Holley Stringham, Nicholas LeSchofs & Christopher Cutler

Project #1: Logan Library • Site a 40,000 SF, 3-story library building that has three stories above ground • Create vehicular drop-off area adjacent to the main entry of the library • Provide a public plaza adjacent to the library that can host community events • Your team should decide the nature of these events and design the plaza accordingly • Design a water-wise public garden with walking paths, seating areas, and small group pavilions • The garden can also include a small turf area(s) for informal play • Provide pedestrian access to all of the four public streets surrounding the site • Develop some form of buffering adjacent to the existing residential properties that unifies the character of the library site and provides privacy to adjacent residencies.

Project #2: 600 East Corridor • Create a corridor site plan(s) that improve the aesthetic character and the pedestrian and bicycle access of the corridor • Develop cross-sections for key features of your corridor site plans • Prepare a passive open space design along the western edge of the corridor between 6th North and 7th North • Design a mixed-use development plan for the southeast corner of 6th East and 8th North • Create a passive park design for the southwest corner of 6th East and 8th North • Develop a multi-family housing concept with parking for the southeast corner of 6th East and 10th North

Project #1 Second Place Team: Stanley Simrayh, Rachel Gates, Jacob Mortensen & Conner Howard

Project #2 Second Place Team: Derek Jenson, Abby Rodriguez Garcia, Bailey Cross & Justin Jaques

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REC & O P E N S PAC E During fall semester 2018, LAEP Juniors in LAEP 3100

and addressed an array of exciting design challenges along

had a fantastic opportunity to work on several unique

the eastern corridor of Zion National Park jointly with

projects under the direction of Ole Sleipness. For their first

Phil Waite’s planting design studio. Over the last several

project, students redesigned a picnic and day-use area at

years, the western gateway of Springdale has become

Timpanogos Cave National Monument in American Fork

overwhelmed by increased park visitation. In response, the

Canyon. The project was a great opportunity to learn about

Zion Friends group, Kane County, and private landowners

increasing demand for recreation from the Wasatch Front’s

have begun to see Zion’s eastern gateway as an alternative

growing population, and how existing recreation facilities

for some park visitors. Sponsored by Zion Mountain

can be improved to better accommodate a broader range

Ranch and Kevin and Stacey McLaws, students conducted

of users. Students also got to interact with the Timpanogos

preliminary research on issues facing gateway communities

Friends group, specialists in recreation management and

around the West, the interface between public and private

stream restoration, Superintendent Jim Ireland, and LAEP

lands, and strategized ways in which visitors might enjoy the

alumna Betsy Byrne, of the NPS RTCA. The students’ work is

area while protecting its unique qualities. During their site

currently being refined under the stewardship of Jake Powell,

visit, students met with community partners and immersed

LAEP Extension Landscape Architecture Specialist.

themselves in the site, explored the area’s connection to Zion National Park, and stayed at Zion Mountain Ranch for

The semester’s second project focused on the 26-acre

several days. In response to a regional transportation study

Blacksmith Fork Park at the south end of Cache Valley, in

by KFH and design proposals by Design Workshop for Zion

Hyrum. Students worked closely with both Ole and Dave

Mountain Ranch, students focused on an area identified as

Evans in developing a range of recreation design alternatives

the Junction—located at the Intersection of State Highway

to serve Hyrum’s growing population. Following the studio

9 and North Fork County Road in a valley between Juniper

project, Dave Evans guided an ASLA Community Design

and Pine covered hills—and close proximity to activity hubs

Team in selecting and combining key components of

of Zion Mountain Ranch and Zion National Park’s east

students’ work into a single master plan for the city planners

entrance. The area is a potential location for a proposed NPS

to undertake. In a letter dated May 13, 2019, Hyrum city

Visitor Contact Center, shuttle stop and parking area, and

administrator Ron Salvesen stated, “We now have an

hub for visitor activity. Students’ design proposals illustrated

excellent plan to guide our completion of the park in an

alternative visions for the Junction area that incorporated

organized and planned manner. The city council was pleased

agritourism, visitor amenities, and transportation facilities

with the wide range of needs that will be met by this park as

which they developed with input from the McLaws, Jake

planned.”

Powell, Dr. Carlos Licon, Design Workshop’s Jeff Zimmerman, Zion Forever’s Mark Preiss, Zion Ponderosa’s Steve Neelman,

The semester’s largest project was set in southern Utah

and Kane County’s Dirk Clayson.

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Specifically, they illustrated how transit stops and a proposed Visitor Contact Station might be integrated into other agritourism and recreation-oriented gateway community amenities. Their designs also recommended trailhead connections, responded to existing planning/ design documents with particular focus on master planning of orchards, agriculture production and retail, outdoor event space, and vehicular, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation while creating a sense of place based in a local vernacular agricultural identity. According to Jay Aguilar, regional planning director at the Five County Association of Governments, “The work the Studio provided brought ideas and concepts to life and provided a variety of potential ideas and options to the table for consideration. He and his students breathed life into important transportation solutions that will help to address perplexing challenges due to the overwhelming visitor activity in and around the eastern gateway to Zion National Park.”

The studio is a wonderful setting for students to engage in real-world design challenges and develop the collaborative design skills used in contemporary professional practice. Ole looks forward to another exciting year of projects!

“As I worked with the students through the semester I saw them grow in their collaboration and critical thinking. They developed capacity to create experiences rather than just landscape solutions.”

- Cameron Blakely, BLA 2019, Teaching Assistant

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RESIDENTIAL LAND DEVELOPMENT

Students Ethan Balls, Matt Snow, and Natalie Jones build components of a model, which will help make their designs and plans come to life for the client.

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PLANNING & LAEP 3120 is designated as a Community Engaged

The second project focused on a ‘super block’ area

Learning (CEL) course. As such, two projects were

between 200 North and 200 South and 600 West

undertaken by 3120 students who worked for Logan

and 1000 West in Logan. Analysis for this area was

City, addressing future housing and mixed-use

gathered in teams and then collectively used by

opportunities near 200 North and 600 West in Logan.

individuals, producing 22 unique concepts that were shared with Logan City planners.

Led by Professor David Anderson, students were asked to produce concepts for housing, mixed-use,

The opportunity to work with municipalities and non-

circulation, and open space configurations. The

profit groups in a CEL context provides an invaluable

first project was undertaken with Professor Evans’

experience for our students, and provides meaningful

Analysis and Design 2 studio, joining LAEP Juniors,

visioning for the clients as well.

Sophomores and 1st and 2nd year graduate students in vertically-integrated teams. This project addressed housing issues where students were asked to consider housing densities up to 30 units per acre.

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U R BAN T H EO RY & D ES IG N This fall 2018, Professor Caroline Lavoie’s urban design

• Significance of the rivers

studio took on the challenge of planning and designing for

• Reconnecting assets

1300 acres in Ogden, Utah. With the great help of Greg Montgomery (BLA 1980), LAEP students engaged in analysis,

The students presented to the City Council in April. Their

conceptual design and illustrations of selected sites along

vision, plans, ideas and document proved to be very useful

the west sides of Ogden between the Ogden and Weber

and embraced by the City of Ogden. The physical model

Rivers. They investigated how the railyard and the rivers

produced is currently in display at the City Hall and used

related to the City of Ogden, and how these areas have the

by City officials, staff and general population of Ogden to

potential to enrich the city’s identity by improving existing

discuss the ideas proposed by the students. The class-wide

districts and creating new ones.

project won a 2019 Utah ASLA Honor Award in May. Very well deserved!

As a class, the project area was broken into six different districts, each with unique challenges and opportunities.

Throughout the project, four major themes presented themselves for each team to address as they came up a consensus for design. These themes highlight how to reconnect to the city: • Rediscovering history • Reconnecting community

“The students have done an amazing job of imaging the future and what the future can entail and catching some of the things that we’ve had on our minds for a long time.”

Tom Christopulos, Ogden Director of Community and Economic Development

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Though often supplanted with digital versions, traditional models visually communicate with the client, helping them to see the potential in a site.

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Photo taken by Mark Heywood of Signum Studios

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UREC team members Madison Pong, Survier Castillo, Zach Swenson, Houston Hyde, & Braden Miskin Plans for the Bear River Massacre Interpretation Center project

Computer rendering of the Salt Tower

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E-ST U D IO Beebreeders Skyhive Competition, Bear River Massacre Interpretation Center, and Utah Real Estate Challenge

LAEP 4040, E Studio/Entrepreneurship in Planning and

Shoshone Indians who lost 300+ men, women, and children

Design, gives students a unique opportunity to find

in this tragic event. Senior Jennifer Coats said, “Working

the transformative power of planning and design. This

on the Bear River Massacre Interpretation Center project,

communications intensive course positions students for

along with GSBS Darren Perry and the Shoshone tribe, has

professional practice by competing in state and national

been a phenomenal opportunity. Being able to visit the

competitions. Competitions require an extra level of clarity

Commemoration in January allowed us to immerse ourselves

of concept and communication.

in a culture that we were unfamiliar with.” LAEP students were able to construct a design that both told the story of

Spring 2019 brought exciting opportunities for those

the Shoshone tribe, and led visitors through an immersion

enrolled. Associate Professor Todd Johnson led students

experience. David Garce (BLA 1980), current principal with

in a variety of competitive entries. A new competition was

GSBS in Salt Lake City, assisted in mentoring the students.

found this year, the Beebreeders Skyhive competition. This competition called for ideas that change the way we think

The Utah Real Estate Challenge was once again a focus

of skyscrapers. Students Emily Daybell and Connor Hillman

of the E-Studio course. The Utah Real Estate Challenge

created a 400’ tall “Salt Tower located on Antelope Island,”

competition is an intercollegiate real estate development

aimed at creating a Center for Global Water Research. Emily

competition, where students have the opportunity to

and Connor focused on ways to reduce consumption of

prepare and present a real estate development plan to a

water in the West. Their Salt Tower would provide a center

panel of expert judges. Todd Johnson promoted this year’s

for researchers, scientists, and visitors from around the

competition to focus on a project in Logan, Utah. Kurt

world who are on the forefront of water research. It would

Altvater (BLA 1981) provided mentorship advice to a strong

also create a place for the public to learn about how water

team consisting of Madison Pong, Braden Miskin, and Survier

is being used/misused and how they can make a positive

Castillo. USU’s team presented an amazing plan for the

impact.

Emporium property in downtown Logan. These E-Studio students took home a third place prize and $5,000 prize for

Another team focused on the tragic historical events of the Bear River Massacre. The Bear River Massacre Interpretation Center project was to tell the story of the

their efforts.

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BIOREGIONAL AN ALYS IS & PLAN N IN G

The fall Bioregional Planning course saw its largest cohort ever in the history of the program. Twelve students from the BRP and MLA programs partnered with the Office of Sustainability and Park City to develop a longrange plan for addressing climate change and mitigating emissions to meet the City’s new goal of carbon neutrality by 2032. This effort engaged students, under the direction of Professors Brent Chamberlain and Todd Johnson, in researching geospatial methods for impact analysis from future development, understanding water cycle predictions and identifying areas in the community and county for potential ways to increase carbon sequestration to offset emissions.

Additionally, the BRP students continued this work into the spring by focusing on another city initiative to plant thousands of trees within the city limits. Using concepts derived from defensible space, identifying available water sources, and combining knowledge of plant physiology, soils and geology, students created new models for future scenario planning and impact modelling.

Students engaged with a variety of partners in the city and county for the project.

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1. Drone footage of Park City 2. Time lapse photo of downtown Park City 3. Erin Mann, Tiffany Woods, & Aaron Bliesner at the Student Research Symposium

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R EGIONAL

Students visited the surrounding areas to better understand the ecological diversity , public lands issues, and regional context

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L ANDS CAPE A NA LYSIS & P LA N NING It is not often that a new city is created in Utah. Even less

future.

often is a town created in a more dynamic region than San

The class built upon a Southeast Utah Corridor plan

Juan County. San Juan County is located in the Southeastern

completed by USU LAEP Extension and a previous LAEP

corner of Utah and is home to the newly established Bears

6100 course taught in the spring of 2013. Students traveled

Ears National Monument. This quiet, remote, rural area

to Bluff to conduct a site visit, host a community workshop,

is experiencing expansive growth in tourism as attention

meet and gather insights from the new city council and

from the public lands debate has placed a spotlight on this

planning commission, and experience the stunning physical

once relatively unknown region. In the fall of 2018 the City

and cultural landscapes of Southern San Juan County.

of Bluff was incorporated and became Utah’s newest city.

The nine MLA graduate students in the course started by

The new city of Bluff was born into a region with cultural,

analyzing the biophysical and social landscapes of the region

ecological, economic, and political dynamics that exert

using GIS data, survey information, personal interviews, and

tremendous pressures, and present unique opportunities for

open access data. Based on the findings from the analysis,

this new town.

the class then selected a suite of design and planning interventions to propose to the town of Bluff. The students

Leaders from the town of Bluff approached LAEP Extension

work identified the regional scale physical and social

in the fall of 2018 looking for assistance in identifying

influences on the town of Bluff and established a vision that

regional pressures and planning for the community’s future.

encourages Bluff to embrace its unique identity.

This effort evolved into students in the LAEP 6100 Regional Analysis and Planning studio, led by Extension Specialist

This course was a partnership between the town of Bluff, the

Jake Powell, working with the city of Bluff to analyze the

LAEP Department, LAEP Extension, and DesignBuildBLUFF.

surrounding Southern San Juan County, Utah region to identify regional challenges that are impacting the city of Bluff, and identify and plan opportunities for the area’s

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TR AV E L COUR SE : I TA LY May 2019

Colosseum

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In May of 2019, the day after the spring semester graduation,

around 125AD. There followed two days visiting the hill

Professor Phillip Waite and LAEP staff member Tanya Rice,

towns of Tuscany including Caprarola, Bagnala, Bomarzo,

led a group of students to Rome, Italy for the start of the

Orvieto, and Siena. These days were jam-packed with visits

2019 Travel Course.

to Villa Farnese (Caprarola), Villa Lante (Bagnala), and Mostri Park (Bomarzo).

Their Italian adventure started with two days of sightseeing in Rome where they explored historic architecture as well as

In Orvieto, one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval hill towns,

Renaissance and modern public urban spaces. The following

the students visited the Italian Gothic masterpiece of the

day they spent in Tivioli, 30 kilometers east of Rome, where

14th century, Duomo (cathedral) of Orvieto. Also when in

they experienced the exemplary 16th Italian garden at the

Orvieto the students took in an underground catacomb tour

Villa d’Este as well as the ruins of Hadrian’s villa constructed

as well as a tour of Saint Patrick’s Well (16thc.), a nearly 200’

“The interstitial moments were definitely one of my favorite parts of the trip, which surprised me. I like to get from point A to point B, but in Italy there was so much to take in between destinations.

From architecture to music or people interacting on the street, there were a lot of small moments that stood out to me as we walked by.”

Helen Lea, BLA 2020

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“One of the most eye-opening lessons I learned was just the history and age of these landscapes. None of our typical landscapes in America even come close to the age of those we saw in Rome and Florence.

Our historic districts date back to the 1700s, but in Rome it goes all the way to back to BC. That’s an unfathomable amount of time, and it really impressed me.”

Helen Lea, BLA 2020

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Being swallowed at Mostri Park, Bomarzo

Group photo at Villa d’Este

Villa Farnese in the fog

Helen Lea sketches the Campidoglio

Students at Castel St. Angelo

deep well with a stepped ramp in the shape of a double helix

Vecchio, Brunelleschi’s Duomo, and the Palazzo Vecchio,

that allowed donkeys to carry barrels of water up to the

not to mention the world-famous art by Leonardo Da Vinci,

surface without interacting with the donkeys carrying empty

Michelangelo, and Ghiberti and eating world-famous Italian

barrels down to the water level.

cuisine! After taking a high-speed (150 MPH+) train back to Rome, the class visited the Vatican, taking in the Sistine

In Siena, the students had dinner on the Campo, one of the

Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square.

quintessential urban plazas of the world, and explored the winding streets and alleys of this medieval town.

The 2019 LAEP Travel Course was a success by any measure, providing our students with not only an education but also

Students then traveled by train to Florence where for three days they explored the Boboli Gardens, the Ponte

the memories of a lifetime!

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ST UDY ABROAD: G E R MANY ANNA FARB, LAEP GRAD STUDENT Just a few years back, I was unaware of the existence of

USA?” I always laugh and think in my head, “Why not?” But

landscape architecture. Now, from studying at Hochschule

the other part of the answer is a bit more complicated. In fact,

Anhalt in eastern Germany, I see that this field has the

one reason I chose USU was to be able to take advantage of

power to break down borders. My peers in Germany come

this study abroad option. I studied abroad for two semesters

from various fields. An interior architect from Bangladesh.

during my bachelor’s degree as well, so this wanderlust is

A real estate agent from Ghana. A production designer

part of my bones. Moreover, Wolfram Kircher, my planting

from Texas care of Hong Kong. A horticulturalist from India.

design professor in Germany, was a huge draw. He wrote the

Architects from El Salvador, Nigeria, Syria, Iran, Panama, India,

book on natural swimming pools (which use plantings and

Bangladesh, Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey and Armenia. Two other

other strategies to clean swimming pools in lieu of chemicals),

landscape designers from South Korea and China. And I am

and now we are developing my thesis on this topic. My trials

an environmental scientist turned landscape designer from

are starting this summer of 2019, and I could not be more

Maryland now of Utah. My peers have moved me so much

enthusiastic for this unique opportunity.

and some will be lifelong friends. Each class that comes to this international program is special—you have to dig around

The proverbial cherry on top of studying in Germany is

a little to find this place, so you end up with a group that is

the chance to travel even more, since we are so centrally

unafraid to take risks, and open to new people and ideas.

located. Class excursions have included Dessau (a center of the Bauhaus movement), Leipzig (residence of Bach),

Coming out of my first year in Utah State’s MLA First

Harz National Park (an ecologically complex natural forest)

Professional program, I had big expectations in terms of

and more. Upcoming trips are to Armenia and Georgia for

faculty quality and dedication. But just as with the students, I

a botanical adventure and to Barcelona for history class. I

was blown away by my professors in Germany. The teaching

am continually inspired by the German people’s dedication

style and course structure is quite different than at USU (for

to sustainable development, even if it is through the typical

example, our submissions are a bit more open-ended), but I

German bureaucracy and regulations.

am grateful to be exposed to both and I can see the value in each approach. One commonality is group work, which is a

Just like with landscape architecture, I would have never

staple of this field. Adding an international component to this

known about this small university of Anhalt in this small

is challenging at times, with some comical language issues, but

German town of Bernburg if it weren’t for a set of lucky

incredibly rewarding at the end.

decisions that I made on my winding path. I absolutely cannot wait to reunite and share with my USU LAEP friends, but who

The question I get asked most often is, “Why did you come

knows—I may make my way back to Europe. Let’s keep this

here to Bernburg?—in the middle of nowhere—from the

partnership going!

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ST U DY A B ROA D : SLOV E N IA ASHLEY CASPERSON POTOČNIK, BLA 2019 In February 2018, I left Logan to spend four months studying

led me to learn even more about the local culture and most

landscape architecture in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Slovenian

importantly the field of landscape architecture. Before moving,

exchange program completely changed my life, and I would

I spent a lot of time researching, networking, and planning out

recommend it to anyone. I learned about design, architecture,

my profession in Slovenia. With the help of Mateja Krugar,

diverse landscapes, and Balkan culture through observation and

a former professor from the University of Ljubljana, I was

personal experience. It was a struggle some days but a complete

connected with the architecture firm OFIS. We corresponded

joy most. I made friends from all over Europe, traveled to nine

via email before graduation, and they offered me a job. After

countries, and fell in love with a local Slovene.

my arrival in Ljubljana, I learned that entry level employment as a landscape architect here is significantly different than in the

Fast forward to May 2019, when I graduated with a group

States. I worked at OFIS as an unpaid intern for a time, and was

of people who had very quickly become family. I know I’m

connected with three other possible jobs. I’m currently waiting

biased, but I think the class of 2019 has a unique type of charm

for a permanent position to open up. Through OFIS I made

and a plethora of stupid jokes that I think I will always miss.

connections that will help me in my job search, such as with a

Immediately following graduation, I left Logan again, but this

non-profit group that works with public open spaces. I am also

time to move to Slovenia for good. I’ve been here now for a

spending my days working at a local plant nursery, where I’m

month, that local who I fell in love with last year now being my

gaining experience with the local plant varieties.

husband. And I couldn’t be happier.

I have also recently been reminded about how small Slovenia It is so fun to be back in Ljubljana, riding my bike through the

and the world really is. Through all of the paperwork that I’ve

charming old streets and enjoying the beautiful landscapes and

completely to legally live and work here, I was forced to find

architecture. The opportunity to be here in Slovenia again has

a court-certified Slovene to be my English translator. All of

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my legal documents from the US had to be translated, and I had to have a translator with me at the administration unit when we were married. After corresponding with one online, she brought up landscape architecture. It turned out that her father was the founder of the landscape architecture program at the University of Ljubljana, and he had worked closely with Professor Dick Toth in the early years of the Slovenia exchange program. It was such a pleasure to meet the family of someone who helped set up the exchange program that led me to meeting my husband.

Looking back on each project in LAEP, we tried to give the site and the local people an identity. Slovenia itself has done just that by coining the catchphrase “I feel Slovenia.” I dare you to find another country that has “love” in the name. If that hasn’t convinced you, Ljubljana comes from the root “ljub,” which actually means love. So, come to the city of love in the country of love. I guarantee that you’ll fall in love with the country, and even more in love with landscape architecture.

For any students at USU who are even slightly interested in coming to Slovenia, please get in touch with me. I’d love to answer all of your questions and be your local contact when you arrive.

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New LAEP/OPDD Field Course

MAY IN M OA B If Utah is rich in public lands, it is equally rich in conflicts

is inextricably tied to this economy. And what the state’s

over them. These fights have been made manifest since

economy cares about, designers care about, too.

the 60’s, stretching from the writings of eco-anarchist/ author/sage Edward Abbey to the speeches of Pres. Ronald

This past May, Professors Sean Michale and Jake Powell

Reagan to the bombast of Bureau of Reclamation chief

joined with colleagues from across USU to teach a new

Floyd Dominy. Of late, modern inheritors of the Sagebrush

3-week field course in Moab focused on the complex

Rebellion, as captured by media coverage of Nevada rancher

dynamic surrounding public lands, gateway communities

Cliven Bundy’s exploits, have brought the nation’s attention

and the role of design in solving their dilemmas. A dozen

back to western public lands. Loggerheads over the same

students left Logan after Commencement, taking up

issues reached new proportions with the redrawing of Bears

residence in tents beneath the looming Wingate Sandstone

Ears National Monument’s boundaries by Pres. Trump’s

cliffs of Spanish Valley. Based at ACT Campground, a

administration.

sustainable facility featuring straw-bale construction, geothermal heating, rainwater harvesting and solar power

The quandary that public lands present for the outdoor

generation, the group resided not a ¼ mile from USU’s future

economy is felt in Utah as profoundly as any state, perhaps

Moab campus.

with the exception of Alaska. From the fight over Salt Lake City hosting the Outdoor Retailer Show, to the mass seasonal arrival/exodus of tourists, our state’s well-being

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Hydration, and Klymit, the group was constantly in the mode Perhaps unique in the world, Moab offers a laboratory for

of assessing and recording performance feedback to inform

studying the history of public lands and their impacts on

R&D teams in each company.

communities. From national parks to uranium mining to the rise of adventure recreation, those who have studied, written

For design students, immersive learning holds a special

about, and labored in Moab have tales to share. Our class

opportunity that studio environments can’t replicate.

set out to immerse students in the challenges that come with

Field trips and field-based classes as learning tools have

immense popularity, rapid growth and the boom-bust cycles

a profound impact on how we grasp what is at stake

of tourism and extractive use.

when clashes arise between communities, cultures and ecosystems. In Moab we have a condensation of powerful

Highlights from the course were many and memorable.

forces, not the least of which are beauty, greed, poverty,

Prof. Mark Larese-Casanova (Dept. of Watershed Sciences)

race, tribalism, escapism and resource scarcity. In your

helped the students earn their Utah Master Naturalist

face, tinged with adrenalin and desert dust, this slice of the

“Deserts Certificate”, a program he developed. Prof. Jake

canyon country is a teacher with more lessons to share than

Powell (LAEP, Extension) and Prof. Nate Trauntvein (Dept.

a lifetime of classes can cover. Of those lessons Wallace

of Kinesiology & Health Science) brought students face-to-

Stegner spoke often, and he speaks for us and many others

face with trails planning and construction, challenges and

when, in The Geography of Hope, he opined:

mandates of the NPS, BLM and USFS, and what the Bears Ears debate has meant for the newly incorporated town of

“Even when I can’t get to the back country, the thought of

Bluff. Outdoor Product Design & Development (OPDD)

the colored deserts of southern Utah, or the reassurance

instructor Julie Lamara and Sean Michael coordinated

that there are still stretches of prairie where the world can

interviews and tours with designers, artists, guides and non-

be instantaneously perceived as disk and bowl, and where

profits whose work supports the community and region.

the little but intensely important human being is exposed to the five directions and the thirty-six winds, is a positive

In addition to canyoneering, hiking and mountain biking, the

consolation. The idea alone can sustain me. But as the

group took part in daily field testing of designs for outdoor

wilderness areas are progressively exploited or ‘improved’, as

products. Thanks to gear donations by a litany of brands,

the jeeps and bulldozers of uranium prospectors scar up the

including Oboz Footwear, Mountain Khakis, Cotopaxi,

deserts and the roads are cut into the alpine timberlands,

Coalatree, Western Aloha, Nite Ize, Goal Zero, Infuze

and as the remnants of unspoiled and natural world are progressively eroded, every such loss is a little death in me.

In us.”

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STUDENTASLA The Student Chapter of the ASLA made important advancements under the leadership of the 2018-2019 student officers. This year, the chapter produced an outstanding ASLA Student Handbook that is being used as a model by the national ASLA. A successful Student ASLA CREATE 2020 differential tuition proposal allowed the department to send 14 students to the National ASLA Conference in Philadelphia. During the conference, the LAEP students won third place in the School Spirit Award Competition, which earned five free student registrations to the 2019 conference in San Diego. Building on that success, the student chapter applied for and was awarded funding via CREATE 2020 (differential tuition) that will pay for registration, travel and housing for fifteen students attending the San Diego conference.

The newly elected 2019-2020 Student ASLA officers include: President-Anthony Manzione, President Elect-Kalie Clarke, VP of Public Relations-Natalie Jones, VP of Professional Development-Josh Quigley, Treasurer-Madison Pong, VP of Outreach-Nicholas Leschofs, and VP of Events-Sarah Tooley.

Many of the successful programs initiated by the Student ASLA, such as ‘Genius Hour’ luncheon presentations in the Common Studio and the LAEP Christmas Party in addition to their collaboration with ASLA Utah through the mentorship program, Winter Social and portfolio review night, will be continued and expanded. David Anderson’s service on the ASLA Utah Executive Committee has significantly enhanced the Student ASLA connection to the professional community and added to the collaborative spirit of both groups.

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COMMUN I T Y DES I G N TE AM S During the 2018-2019 academic year, LAEP students volunteered to design and plan an array of projects for public agencies and non-profit organizations. The Community Design Team (CDT) program generates cost-recovery fees that support the Student Chapter of the ASLA. These fees fund extra-curricular social and educational programs within the department and connect the students to the professional chapter through the mentorship program and key social events.

The CDT projects are service-learning experiences that advance leadership and management skills, enrich portfolios, and provide exposure to clientinitiated planning and design experiences. During the past academic year, some of the completed projects include: the concept design for a 26-acre community park in Hyrum City, which was produced collaboratively with Ole’s Recreation and Open Space studio; a play area and permaculture garden design for the Center for Creativity, Innovation and Discovery, a K-8 in Providence; the design of a water-wise garden located around the entire site of the historic Carnegie Library in downtown Smithfield; and a downtown identity and design plan for Riverton.

Professional Practice Associate Professor David Evans is the faculty advisor to the CDT with project support from faculty colleagues. During 2018-19, Travis Lindberg served as the student program manager and will serve in that capacity again in 2019-20.

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SPE A KER SERIES Anna Cawrse

Shifting Scales Anna is a Senior Associate at Sasaki. She has worked on and managed complex built projects and master plans across North America. Anna brings an expertise on how to transition master planning of the public realm into realized space.

Greg Walker

Designing Purposeful Interactions As a founding member of WOW Atelier, Greg is an architect who has a passion for creating meaningful work that makes a difference, including everything from running desing competitions to developing environmental installations.

He believes that you must take action to make a difference in the world.

Stacy Harwood

Planning, Diversity & Inclusion Stacy Harwood is the Chair of the Department of City & Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah.

She is an urban planning scholar and educator on immigration, community development, racial justice, and local public policy.

Larry Kirkland

Journey: Art, Discovery, Environment

Larry is an artist with a background in environmental design. Through collaboration with other professionals, he has created many large-scale, multidimensional public artworks. These works are site-specific and pay tribute to the area’s history, helping to create a sense of pride amongst residents.

Kurt Culbertson

Toward an Ecology of the City Kurt Culbertson is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Design Workshop. He’s an experienced CEO with a demonstrated history of working globally in landscape architecture, urban design, planning and real estate.

Shalae Larsen & Sharen Hauri

Reclaiming the Post-Industrial City Larsen is the Principal Landscape Architect for IO Design Collaborative.

She focuses on the sustainability and vibrancy of urban landscapes. Hauri is the Urban Design Director for the city of South Salt Lake. She’s a dynamic professional who has participated in LAEP’s Urban Design Studio in the past.

Andrew Sargeant

The Aesthetic of Proof Andrew Sargeant is a landscape designer for Lionheart Places. He is keenly interested in developing innovative ways to visualize the design work of landscape architects, to immerse both the designer and client in a virtual recreation of the site.

Jamie Maslyn Larson Second Act

Jamie is the Director of Landscape at BIG in New York City. Jamie Maslyn has practiced landscape architecture for over 23 years with a focus on creating transformative public space design in urban settings.

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PARTNER WITH US The LAEP Speaker Series provides an opportunity for our students and faculty to foster relationships and make connections with industry professionals. Through hosting this event, we strive to cover a wide array of topics that help us remain relevant in our approach and expose our students to the diversity of the industry.

There are many costs associated with hosting the Speaker Series, such as travel and lodging for the guest speaker. We hope to gain industry support in carrying out these lectures.

We have developed four tiers of sponsorship in which individuals and firms can support the Speaker Series: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Each level provides different benefits to donors.

TIER 1: Platinum Sponsor

$1,000 Contribution Advertised as sponsor’s lecture, may provide suggestions for topic/speaker

TIER 2: Gold Sponsor $750 Contribution

Company representative may introduce speaker

TIER 3: Silver Sponsor $500 Contribution

Introduction of firm during lecture

TIER 4: Bronze Sponsor $250 Contribution

Recognition at lecture, Sponsorship noted on promotional materials

TO HEL P IN SPONSORI NG THE SPE A K E R S E R IES , V IS IT: L A EP.US U. EDU/SS-SPONSOR. CONTACT TO DD AT TODD.JOHNSO N @U S U.E D U WITH A NY QU ESTIO NS .

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TECHNOLOGY

New Monitors

Rendering Stations

Graphic representation is of critical importance for landscape

rendering stations. The mobile stations possess expanded

research, planning, and design as the language for thinking

RAM, high-end graphics processors, and are equipped with

and communicating throughout the design process. The

Adobe, AutoDesk, Sketchup, ArcGIS, and Lumion software.

ability to develop, document, and communicate ideas to

Students may check out one of these stations for use at

others is essential for the success of our future practitioners.

their desk, where they already have a department provided

LAEP’s students are faced with developing both hand and

monitor and peripherals. This improved access to digital

digital graphic ability, the continuing proliferation of digital

media tools continues LAEP’s commitment to our students’

media tools, and often limited access to the tools of digital

proficiency in the development and communication of design

media.

ideas.

LAEP continues to support students’ graphic development

Additionally, with funding from course fees, each desk in

and their access to digital media tools. Part of our strategy is

our studios is now equipped with a 27” LED high resolution

to increase students’ access to equipment with the necessary

monitor for student convenience.

capability and software. Beyond USU’s computer labs, our studios now have dedicated rendering stations made available with the support of CREATE 2020, will soon have Virtual Reality capability, and will next be equipped with mobile

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GRAND OPENING: VIVID LAB The Visualization, Instrumentation and Virtual Interaction

Visualization of the Environment (AGAVE) course brought

Design (VIVID) Laboratory is the new research home of

together an interdisciplinary group of students who used the

faculty and students in LAEP. The 500 sq. ft. laboratory was

lab to conduct design and scientific research.

completed after a remodel of offices and storage rooms in the University Reserve Building (just outside Fine Arts).

We look forward to the VIVID Lab becoming a hub of exciting LAEP research!

In the spring of 2019, Drs. Brent Chamberlain, Ben George, and Keun Park, along with their graduate students, began moving a wide range of state-of-the art technology into the laboratory. Equipment included a suite of drones, the latest in gaming and rendering computers, high definition TVs (up to 86”) and several virtual reality devices. The space is used to conduct primary research on a range of topics from site design, transportation, environmental psychology, environmental planning and much more.

In the first six months of use, the space has provided a premier research experience for graduate students from multiple disciplines. The new Advanced Geospatial and

“Students are introduced to emerging technologies and learn ways to incorporate them into their research projects.”

Tiffany Woods (Grad Student)

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201 0 19 2 9 AWARDS BA NQUET SCHOLARSHIPS Kenneth G. Volkman Scholarship

Jim Anglesey

Kenji Shiozawa Scholarship

Ethan Balls & Rob Lazanoff (not pictured)

Diversity in Landscape Architecture Scholarship

Patricia Beckert

David Bell Scholarship

Helen Lea

GAIA Scholarship

Lindsie Smith

LAEP Faculty Scholarship

Travis Lindberg

LAEP Faculty Scholarship in honor of Madison Dean

Josh Quigley

Craig Johnson Scholarship

Madison Pong

Utah ASLA Memorial Scholarship

Survier Castillo Gonzalez

MLA Class of 1981 Scholarship

Elizabeth Braithwaite

David Jensen Scholarship

Amelia Theobald

75th Anniversary Scholarship

Nicholas LeSchofs

Josephine Beach Travel Grant

Anna Farb (not pictured)

The 2019 LAEP Awards Banquet also marked the first time for two new scholarships to be awarded: The Jackson Family Scholarship and the Huculak Aggie Scholarship. We are grateful to have had the scholarship donors in attendance to present those scholarships.

Jackson Family Scholarship

Kenzy Fogle

Randy Jackson, Kenzy Fogle, & Sean Michael

Huculak Aggie Scholarship

Danyel Mezzanatto

Brian Huculak & Danyel Mezzanatto

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We are very fortunate to have many alumni, industry professionals, and other friends Jim Anglesey, Ethan Balls, Patricia Beckert, Helen Lea, & David Anderson

who choose to give back to LAEP, making many of these scholarships possible. Thank you for your generous support!

Lindsie Smith & Caroline Lavoie

Travis Lindberg & Sean Michael

Joshua Quigley & Sean Michael

Madison Pong & Sean Michael

Colin Olson, Survier Castillo Gonzalez, & Lauren Smith

Sean Michael, Elizabeth Braithwaite, Amelia Theobald, Nicholas LeSchofs, & Jake Powell

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ASLA Awards: Jaren Hope, Ashley Casperson, Cameron Blakely, Matt Starley, Tommy Smith, Alyson Hill, Josh Bayon, Drew Hill

ASLA AWARDS

Undergrad Student Award Recipients: Cameron Blakely, Tim Henderson, & Madison Pong Grad Student Award Recipients: Sean Michael, Lindsie Smith, Jim Anglesey, Matt Starley.& Keith Christensen

Undergraduate Merit Awards

Josh Bayon, Alyson Hill, & Tommy Smith

Undergraduate Honor Awards

Cameron Blakely, Ashley Casperson, & Jaren Hope

Graduate Merit Award

Matt Starley

Graduate Honor Award

Drew Hill

STUDENT AWARDS Outstanding Sophomore

Helen Lea

Outstanding Junior

Madison Pong

Most Valued Senior Award

Tim Henderson

Senior Faculty Medal

Cameron Blakely

Undergrad USU Olmsted Scholar

Cameron Blakely

Outstanding 1st Year Grad

Tiffany Woods (not pictured)

Outstanding 2nd Year Grad

Jim Anglesey

Faculty Research Support Award

Lindsie Smith

Graduate Faculty Medal

Matt Starley

Graduate USU Olmsted Scholar

Matt Starley

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LA R E PRE P CO U RS E We are pleased to announce the offering of LAEP’s Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) Prep course to alumni and practitioners. The class will be offered

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR: KRIS KVARFORDT, PLA

online each semester beginning this Fall. Those who are interested can sign up for specific sections (one credit per section) or receive a bundled price when registering for all five sections.

Work: Landscape Architect, Cache Landmark

The course is structured around CLARB’s exams and includes these five sections: 1) Protecting the Public Health, Safety & Welfare, 2) Project & Construction Management for Landscape Architects, 3) Site Inventory & Site Analysis, 4) Landscape Architectural Design, and 5) Site Grading, Drainage & Construction Documents.

“I am passionate about the landscape and how we interact with it. I believe the best projects are those that successfully combine functionality, aesthetics and sensible life cycle maintenance.

I eagerly approach every project and strive to be someone who understands the needs of my clients and can successfully integrate all the complexities of a project into one cohesive

To learn more or to register for the LARE Prep course, visit laep.usu.edu/lare-prep.

Education: BLA, 2002; MLA, 2009

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whole.”

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LA E P A DVAN C EM EN T B OAR D 2 0 19 SUM MA RY Throughout the past year, the LAEP Advancement Board has

By reaching out to USU Advancement, the Development

sought opportunities to support the LAEP Department in a

Committee has identified ways to better track gifts to the

variety of ways that provide opportunity for both individual

Department. Doing so helps to maintain donor relations and

students and the department as a whole.

foster support for the Department. Additionally, the Board’s Recruitment Committee continues to work with Faculty

The LAEP Careers Coordinator, Tanya Rice, helps students

to develop materials and encourage recruitment efforts

to prepare for and secure internships and jobs following

amongst Board members. Increases in LAEP enrollments are

graduation. During this past year, the Advancement Board

one result of these collaborations.

has committed funding, alongside CREATE 2020, to provide 25-percent of the salary to support this position.

We are always looking for ways to advocate for LAEP. This

Additionally, the Placement Committee has been working

year we were had the opportunity to sit down with USU’s

with Tanya to identify internship and career opportunities for

new Provost, Dr. Frank Galey, to discuss the landscape

students. This year, Tanya’s work has provided an internship

architecture profession and the accomplishments of the

for every student (sophomores and juniors) that wanted one

Department.

this Summer. Thank you, Tanya.

Thank you to all who serve on the Advancement Board. We The Advancement Board has also pledged a contribution of

recognize the individual commitment that is required to

$5,000 for both FY20 and FY21 to be put toward named

serve. We are grateful for the Advancement Board members

chairs. This is done with the intent to give LAEP a leg-up

that take the time to work alongside students and provide

in the hiring process. This serves as the first step toward

mentorship in competitions, studio projects, and many other

establishing endowments for the same purpose. Through

ways. It’s incredible the impact we can have when we work

these efforts we hope to reach the most qualified candidates

together.

promoting diversity amongst LAEP faculty.

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IN TERNSHIP & PLACEMENT The LAEP Careers Placement Program continues to provide critical opportunities and experiences for our students. The charts shown here summarize the 2019 Spring Placement Survey, which was distributed to all students enrolled in the 2018-2019 school year. The charts illustrate student placement and type of employment of our 2019, 2020, and 2021 classes.

Thanks to many alumni and friends, 42 students were placed in internships and full-time jobs. Nearly half of those placements were hired by our alumni and represent 9 US states, Canada and Slovenia. We work diligently to prepare students for the workforce and are so grateful for the connections we have maintained over the years. Thank you, alumni, for your commitment to the department and our students. If you are interested in ways to support or hire our students, please send an email to tanya.rice@usu.edu.

STUDE N T E X P E RIE N C ES “My internship this summer has provided me with both the

“Working as a student intern for an LA firm last summer

technical experience needed in the design-build profession

and currently with a public agency this summer, has given

and a leadership role in working with other interns. My team

me great insight to the variety of practice types in our

and I have gained hands-on experience in design layout

profession. The experience I am gaining is helping me

and refinement during the building stages. I have had the

to focus my interests for the future. This summer I have

opportunity to work very closely with the client and have

participated in several community out reach events, giving

improved my presentation skills.”

me new insight on how important communication is in how

- Travis Lindberg

we express our designs to local communities.”

- Madison Pong

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DEPARTMENT N EWS H I G H L I G H TS Class of 1981 Endowment We are pleased to share that the Class of 1981 Scholarship has become an endowment! As an endowment, the account is interest earning and able to sustain itself for years to come. As an endowment, this scholarship will impact the lives of students for many years to come.

Thank you to the supporters who have contributed to this and other scholarships through the years.

Sustainable Systems Course Growing Foundations of Sustainable Systems offers an introduction to sustainable systems and methodologies.

Understanding sustainable development efforts through a systems perspective is critical to address current complex and interrelated development challenges. This introductory course is a requirement for students in the Sustainable Systems Minor.

Diversity in Landscape Architecture Endowment

This course has steadily grown in enrollment and is now being taught by Professors Licon and Anderson.

For the first time, LAEP 2039 was also offered online in the fall of 2018. Face-to-face and online surpassed 120 students.

The Diversity in Landscape Architecture scholarship was established to support diversity in our profession.

It is awarded to a student from an under-represented population who is pursuing a degree in landscape architecture. The scholarship has been funded by gifts from alumni and industry partners who recognize the significance on diversity.

We are happy to announce that the fund has reached endowment status! It will now be self-sustaining and, as such, will impact students for many years to come.

Thank you to those who support the students in our department from diverse backgrounds.

Helen Lea, LAEP 2039 audit project

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LAEP Provides High Percentage of General Education Credits During the 2018-19 academic year, LAEP taught 19% of USU’s total enrollment in Breadth Creative Arts (BCA) courses. BCA credits are a university general education requirement. LAEP 1030, Introduction to Landscape Architecture, has provided BCA credit for many years. Approximately 1,000 Aggies enrolled in LAEP 1030 in 2018-19. Many who may have never had the chance to learn about landscape architecture are able to explore the degree while still taking credits that will count toward their degree.

Of 304 students who completed course evaluations from the Spring 2019 course, 98% indicated that the course had an impact on their understanding of the natural world. Additionally, 86% shared that it caused them to make either some or significant adjustment in their interaction with the environment.

National Stormwater Challenge A team of USU students, including several from the LAEP Department, placed 3rd in the annual Campus RainWorks Challenge hosted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The group’s faculty advisor was LAEP Assistant Professor Jake Powell.

The team competed against 39 other teams from across the country. Their submission, “A New Heart,” was entered in the Demonstration Project category.

The project consisted of a concept plan which would make Aggie Boulevard the new heart of campus, by implementing storm water treatment cells in a permeable plaza.

LAEP Recognized as a Community-Engaged Department We are excited to announce that LAEP is one of two departments that have been recognized as a “Community-Engaged Department” by the USU Center for Community Engagement. Among other factors, this distinction is earned as a result of studio work, ASLA activities, and Extension outreach.

“The power of engagement is incredible,” said Professor Dave Anderson, who was recently invited to attend a retreat for engaged faculty. “The goal of community engaged learning is to create true partnerships that are transformative for both groups.”

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WORKSHOPS VectorWorks LAEP members gathered to learn how to better utilize VectorWorks, a software designed to handle all components of the project from planning to presentation.

Jim Richards During the Spring of 2019, LAEP hosted international sketching artist Jim Richards for a workshop with LAEP students and area professionals. The workshop was funded by a CREATE 2020 proposal submitted by Assistant Professor Ole Sleipness and voted on by students in the department.

Ole was motivated to submit the CREATE 2020 proposal to assist students in developing in more depth, the valuable skill of sketching, which few have the opportunity to truly cultivate in our digital age.

The workshop consisted of three different components: 1) a public forum, 2) an all-day sketch workshop, and 3) a sketch crawl. Participants were provided an opportunity to sketch alongside Jim and learn skills for sketching on site. The workshop was a great success and we thoroughly enjoyed learning from Jim!

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I N COMIN G GRADS Patricia Beckert (B+MLA) Patricia was born and raised in Lima, Peru, but lived in Japan for 15 years before coming to Utah with her family. These experiences helped to expand her curiosity about human nature, and how culture, needs, and environment play an important role in our approach to the landscapes in different societies.

Courtney Cooper (MLA) Courtney Cooper graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Horticulture and minors in sustainability and ag business. She has a passion for sustainable design, landscape that encourages mental and physical wellbeing.

Jessica Clements (B+MLA) Jessica has been studying at USU since 2014. Having been exposed to a variety of living environments across the world, she has concluded that the atmosphere of a place induces deep psychological and emotional effects. She aspires to create peaceful and comfortable spaces that will benefit individuals and communities.

Danyel Mezzanatto (MLA) Danyel received her bachelor’s degree in International Ecotourism from Oregon State University. She also led the design and installation of educational gardens and heritage orchards. Danyel is looking forward to refining her design techniques while continuing to explore projects that prioritize community involvement.

Landis Wenger (MLA Advanced) Landis grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and attended West Virginia University, where he received his B.S. in landscape architecture. He has a passion for stream and trail restoration and teaching others about the wonders of nature. Landis is excited to further his education in this new environment.

Julie Coleman (MLA) Julie is an Ohio native who graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and minors in Sustainability and Urban Studies. Julie is interested in urban landscapes, food producing landscapes and adapting spaces for climate change.

Sean Crow (MLA) Sean has an undergraduate degree in construction management and has been a project manager for a design-build firm. Some of his favorite projects have included wetland restoration, trail design/ renovation, and public parks. He especially enjoys seeing sustainable plans and designs brought to fruition in communities.

Saul Karamesines (MsBRP) Saul earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at USU. Growing up in the shadow of Bears Ears National Monument, he had a front row seat to witness both the necessity and difficulty of land conservation and sustainable development. He hopes to focus his studies on climate change adaptation.

Lloyd Sutton (MLA) Lloyd graduated from Brigham Young University with bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. He interned for the Scotts Miracle Gro Company and worked for an Idaho based agriculture company and Tesla. He is excited to pursue a career in landscape architecture.

Averie Wheeler (MLA) Averie grew up in Layton, Utah and graduated with a degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2017. She and her husband welcomed three children to their family during that time, with a fourth arriving shortly after.

She currently works as a designer for Landscape Expressions in Logan.

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FACU LTY N E WS

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Chamberlain, B., (2019). Konza Studio: A pedagogical retrospective. Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture Chen, S., Christensen, K.M., & Li, S. (2019) A Comparison of Park Access with Park Need for Children: Case Study in Cache County, Utah. Landscape and Urban Planning, 187(2019): 119-128.

Ewing, R., Tian, G., Park, K., Sabouri, S., Stinger, P. & Profitt, D. (2019). Comparative Case Studies: Trip and Parking Generation at Orenco Station TOD, Portland Region and Station Park TAD, Salt Lake City Region, Cities 87: 48-59.

Gaire, N., Song, Z., Christensen, K.M., Sharifi, M.S., & Chen, A. (2018 online ahead of print) Exit Choice Behavior of Pedestrians Involving Individuals with Disabilities During Building Evacuations. Transportation Research Record Park, K. (2019). Park and neighborhood attributes associated with park use: An observational study using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Environment & Behavior Park, K., Choi, D., Tian, G., & Ewing, R. (2019). Not parking lots but parks: Joint association of parks and transit stations with travel behavior, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 16(4): 547.

Park, K. & Ewing, R. (2019). The usability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for pedestrian observation, Journal of Planning Education and Research.

Faculty Publications

Park, K., Ewing, R. Sabouri, S., & Larsen, J. (2019). Street life and the built environment in an auto-oriented US region, Cities 88: 243-251.

Park, K., Sabouri, S., Lyons, T., Tian, G., Worthen, C., & Ewing, R. (2019). Intrazonal or Interzonal? Improving Intrazonal Travel Forecast in a Four-Step Travel Demand Model, Transportation. Physica A 514(2019): 244-258.

Sharifi, M.S., Christensen, K.M., Chen, A., & Song, Z. (in press) Exploring effects of environment density on heterogeneous populations’ level of service perceptions.

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice.

Sleipness, O.R., Christensen, K.M., Chen, S. (2018) Research Methods within the MLA: Implications for Scholarly Inquiry in Landscape Architecture. Landscape Research Record, (7): 42-47.

Stevens, M., Park, K., Tian, G., Kim, K. & Ewing, R. (2019).

Why Do Some Articles in Planning Journals Get Cited More than Others?, Journal of Planning Education and Research.

Stuart, D., Sharifi, M.S., Christensen, K.M., Chen, A., Kim, Y.S., & Chen, Y. (2018 online ahead of print) Crowds involving Individuals with Disabilities: Modeling Heterogeneity using Fractional Order Potential Fields and the Social Force Model.

Zandiatashbar, A., Hamidi, S., Foster. N., & Park, K. (2019) The missing link between place and productivity? The impact of Transit-Oriented Development on the knowledge and creativity economy, Journal of Planning Education and Research.

Ole Sleipness Assistant Professor Ole Sleipness, PLA has been appointed to serve as a member of the Landscape Architects Board of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The Board advises and assists the Division in regulation of the profession, including prescribing professional qualifications, recommending rules, review of applicants, and making licensure recommendations. Ole looks forward to this opportunity to serve the profession and the State of Utah.

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Sean Michael with Forster Ndubisi (left) and Stephanie Rolley (right), former and incoming Chairs of the CELA Academy of Fellows

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Caroline Lavoie with CELA President, Charlene LeBleu

Sean Michael

Caroline Lavoie

LAEP Professor and Department Head Sean Michael

Caroline Lavoie was promoted to the rank of Professor at

was inducted as a Fellow of the Council of Educators in

Utah State University this year. As the longest standing

Landscape Architecture (CELA) in March 2019. As one of five

member of our faculty, she has been part of the LAEP family

professors inducted this year, the honor recognizes those

for 24 years. Over that time, she has had a profound impact

who have made great contributions to the education of

on many students and professors alike.

future landscape architects. Congratulations to Sean on this wonderful recognition of his career. We are grateful for the

Additionally, Caroline received the 2019 Council of

leadership of such a devoted professional.

Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA) Faculty Award of Excellence in Design Studio Teaching at the Senior Level.

Sean was also appointed to the Outdoor Recreation

Received at the 2019 CELA Conference in California, this

Advisory Committee. This committee serves the Utah Office

award recognizes her ability to lead design studio projects

of Outdoor Recreation within the Governor’s Office of

of outstanding quality and which provide opportunity for

Economic Development and has the primary role of advising

critical thinking and to utilize the creative process.

the office on current and future programs. Members of the committee support the office with its mission and purpose.

This award nods to projects completed in recent years with

The committee is made up of stakeholders in the outdoor

the City of Pocatello, Idaho and Hinckley Ranch-Mountain

recreation industry.

Ability Center/Conservation Strategy in Ogden Valley, both of which received awards of excellence.

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NE W FACULTY HI R ES Todd Johnson

Todd Johnson, FASLA holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Utah State University and a Master of Landscape Architecture from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. He also received a fellowship from Harvard in Jerusalem.

Johnson has been an Associate Landscape Architect at Landplan Associates, Co-founder/Principal of Civitas, and Principal/Chief Design Officer for Design Workshop in Denver. He has been a Practitioner in Residence in LAEP since 2013.

Todd has focused his efforts in the planning and design of urban redevelopment and brownfield sites and has worked on redevelopment and urban design projects across the world. He will begin his position as Professional Practice Associate Professor this fall semester.

Daniella Hirschfeld

Daniella Hirschfeld holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College and a Master of Environmental Management from the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. She recently completed her PhD in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning at the University of California Berkeley.

Daniella’s research brings together the fields of urban ecology and environmental planning to investigate resilient systems. She uses spatial analysis, plan content analysis, and survey instruments to assess climate adaptation strategies at various different scales. Her current research is augmented by her experience as a sustainability and climate adaptation planner. Her position as Assistant Professor, begins fall semester and will focus on bioregional/environmental planning issues

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Left: Sean Michael and Phil Waite at the LAEP Awards Banquet Right: Phil gives his last lecture while in Italy for the LAEP travel course

FAREWELL PHIL LAEP lost a great colleague this year as his roots drew him back to

reviews, facilities planning, and preserving the Logan campus’s

the Evergreen State. Since joining our faculty in 2011, Phil Waite

arboretum collection.

brought a blend of quiet strength and core professional skills in design to our program.

All who are acquainted with Phil know of his kind and caring nature. He lives grace in his actions and attitude toward others,

If you ever stepped into Phil’s office or home, you could easily see

students and coworkers alike. We are very fortunate to have

his love for learning through the shelves filled with hundreds of

him as a member of the LAEP family, his leadership having been

books, all of which he had read. A tireless student of all subjects

instrumental in the department’s rebirth and expansion. Among the

related to landscape architecture, philosophy, construction,

most visible reminders of Phil’s dedication is the landscape of the

and faith, Phil’s breadth of study was an inspiration, as well as a

LAEP House. Designed and constructed through his Field Studio

reminder for each of us to partake widely from the literature of

classes, the result stands a tangible reminder of the value of hands-

fields both near and far to our interests.

on learning. Nonetheless, Phil’s instruction--formal and informal, scholastic and personal--will endure as the truly lasting impact of

During his eight years at USU, Phil taught courses focused on

his time with us.

construction, materials, planting design, and sustainable practices.

He led the development of LAEP’s Field Studio course, which

Although we will miss having Phil in our midst, we are excited for

provided a hands-on experience in construction and site design,

him as he and his wife embark on life’s next journey with their kids

and evolved the course to connect students with firms and active

in the Pacific Northwest. We wish him the best in retirement, and

construction sites. His interests include sustainable design and

look forward to the next time we hear his inimitable greeting of,

development, landscapes as communication media, especially

“Duuude(s).”

pertaining to marketing, and campus planning. It was the latter that made Phil a sought-after expert at Utah State for architectural

Thank you, Phil!

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ALUMNI NEWS JAN STRIEFEL: 2018-19 CAAS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Jan earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture at Utah State University in 1978 and is the founding principal and president of Landmark Design. The first female practitioner in Utah to be named a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, she has been an ally of LAEP for many years, serving on the Advancement Board and in many other capacities. Jan and her husband, Craig Hinckley, established the largest endowments in LAEP’s history, which enable our department and students to continue to grow and excel in new ways.

VERN BUDGE: 2018 CAAS ALUMNI HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEE An alumnus of LAEP, Vern earned his bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture at Utah State University in 1965. He continued his studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he completed graduate school. Vern spent 35 years as a faculty member in the LAEP Department. His influence has had a global impact, as his students have designed spaces around the world. Vern is both a Distinguished Alumnus and emeritus faculty member of LAEP.

ON THE RIVER’S EDGE A team including LAEP alumni Michael Budge, David Durfee, and McKenna Drew of Loci in Salt Lake City recently won the On the River’s Edge competition, in which team members developed plans for the Jordan River Park. In addition to receiving the Jury Award, they also received the Connectivity Innovation and Economic Prosperity Innovation awards. The team was a joint-effort between Loci and Blalock & Partners, an architecture firm also located in Salt Lake City.

Make sure to let us know if you’re aware of anything that should be included in this section next year! Email Alyssa at alyssa.stastny@usu.edu.

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IN MEMORIAM From time to time, alumni and other friends on the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning leave this world to begin a new journey. Although we miss having them here, this time is a chance to remember their lives and impact. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these alumni who have passed recently.

Walter S. Grubic B.S. 1961

After completing his BLA, Walt worked as a Land Use Planner for the U.S. Forest Service. His wife, Diane, also worked for the Forest Service. Work took them to many places in the Intermountain West, but Montana was always home to them.

John C. Willie B.S. 1962

Throughout his career, John worked in a variety of capacities, including for government, and private entities. He enjoyed coming back to Northern Utah for vacations at Bear Lake.

Lyle B. Gomm BLA 1966

Lyle worked for the U.S. Forest Service for over 30 years, making significant contributions. One of the most notable was his work on the Great Western Trail, a trail that travels from Canada to Mexico. He was a man of many diverse talents.

Grant Skeen BLA 1971

For 35 years, Grant worked in surveying and engineering for Box Elder County. He was involved in his community, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and had an optimistic outlook on life. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Maureen Einert BLA 1977

Maureen worked as a Landscape Architect for the City of Boulder for over 30 years, and later as a Parks Planner. She enjoyed hiking and art very much. After retiring, she spent much of her time creating pottery pieces.

Janae D. Stephenson BLA 1998

After earning her BLA, Janae spent four years working in the profession before becoming a stay-at-home mom. There were occasional design projects and other service opportunities, but she was grateful to be primarily a mom.

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THANK YOU, CLASS OF 2019 For giving us a good laugh and catchy nicknames for all of our favorite professors. We’ll miss you, but can’t wait to see what you achieve in the years to come.

PA

Vizlab Rat

Maslow’s lunch date

Ben Kenobi

Dr. Drone

5% Slope 5% Hair

Professor Patsi

3rd Dave 4th Budge

Inside Voice

Good Cop

Snake Charmer

Pastor Dude

Money Maker

InSites 2019 The Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Magazine College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences Utah State University 4005 Old Main Hill Logan, UT 84322-4005 laep.usu.edu