The Artists’ Backyard: Phase 1 | Raleigh USA | NC State Department of Landscape Architecture Design+Build Studio

The Artists’ Backyard: Phase 1 | Raleigh USA | NC State Department of Landscape Architecture Design+Build Studio |
The NC State Department of Landscape Architecture Design+Build Studio recently transformed an otherwise anonymous stretch of mulch between two campus residence halls into a high-­‐performance landscape, rich with social and environmental affordances. This landscape, called the Artists’ Backyard (derived from the adjacent Arts Village living/learning community), uses a holistic approach to educate students, staff, and visitors about the value of landscape architecture; the ability of green infrastructure to conserve resources; and how small spaces can make big moves toward creating community value and protecting the environment.

Continue reading The Artists’ Backyard: Phase 1 | Raleigh USA | NC State Department of Landscape Architecture Design+Build Studio

A Prison interacting with the landscape

cf-moller-prison
C. F. Møller Architects recently won the competition to build a new state prison on the island of Falster, Denmark. The new state prison for approximately 250 inmates is designed as a low, urban structure, centred round the various leisure and working facilities, which are connected via several streets and a central square.

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$2.2 billion for Great Lakes Restoration: EPA

The Environmental Protection Agency will spend $2.2 billion over five years on the Great Lakes to clean up polluted water and beaches, restore wetlands and fight invasive species such as Asian carp in a revitalization effort.
In 2010 $475 million is budgeted under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan.

The Initiative builds upon 5 years of work of the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force (IATF) and stakeholders, guided by the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy. The IATF includes 16 cabinet and agency organizations, including: EPA, State, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, HUD, Transportation, Homeland Security, Army, CEQ, and Health and Human Services.

Chicago Breaking News reports
Billing the effort as light on study and heavy on action, environmental leaders say they’re seeking to heal the Great Lakes ecosystem from “150 years of abuse” and to ensure that “fish are safe to eat; the water is safe to drink; the beaches and waters are safe for swimming, surfing, boating and recreating; native species and habitats are protected and thriving; no community suffers disproportionately from the impacts of pollution; and the Great Lakes are a healthy place for people and wildlife to live.”

[Vancouver Sun - U.S. looks for help in battling Asian carp invasion]

[M.live - Asian carp may swallow federal Great Lakes Cleanup funding]