2025 TEXAS ASLA CONFERENCE HOUSTON
CHAPTER LEADERSHIP TEXAS ASLA
Landon Bell
Marissa McKinney
V. Eric Perez
Margarita Padilla-Posey
Chris Davis
Jonathan Wagner
Nick Wester
Michelle Davis
Phillip Hammond
Lauren Griffith
Emma Soler
Delaney Zubrick
Matt Stubbs
Bobby Eichholz
Lisa Casey
Alison Pino
Suzanne Sharp
Sandra Chipley
Jennifer Fontana
PRESIDENT
PAST PRESIDENT
TRUSTEE
PRESIDENT-ELECT
TREASURER
VICE CHAIR OF GOV. AFFAIRS
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
SECRETARY
PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR
FELLOWS COMMITTEE CHAIR
2024 CONFERENCE CO-CHAIR
2024 CONFERENCE CO-CHAIR
D.E.I. CHAIR
T.N.L.A. REPRESENTATIVE
CLIMATE ACTION CHAIR
STUDENT ORG./L.A.C.E.S. CHAIR
EMERGING PROFESSIONAL CHAIR
HALS CHAIR
: ASLA TEXAS CHAPTER - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CHAPTER SERVICE AWARD 2025
Robert Chipman
John Troy
LOCAL SECTION LEADERSHIP
WEST SECTION
CHAIR Riley Price
CHAIR-ELECT Megan Abernathy
: Distinguished Member Award
: Kay Tiller Award
CENTRAL SECTION
CHAIR Michael Tsapos
CHAIR-ELECT Michael Averitt
SECRETARY/ TREASURER Andrew Lesmes
SOUTH SECTION
CHAIR Tiffany Price
CHAIR-ELECT Tara Lindberg
SECRETARY Wyatt Marsh
TREASURER Luke Anderson
CHAIR-ELECT Kaylin Slaughter
TREASURER Michael Henn
AWARD LEVELS
MERIT
At the discretion of the jury, any number of Merit Awards may be given in each of the five categories.
CATEGORIES
DESIGN CONSTRUCTED
Recognizes site-specific works of landscape architecture and urban design. This category is for built projects. Subcategories are 1) Residential, 2) Institutional/Corporate/ Commercial, 3) Public Spaces and 4) International. For large incremental projects, at least the first stage of construction must be completed to be eligible for an award.
JURY - WASHINGTON STATE HONOR
Clayton Beaudoin
Phoebe Bogert
Chihiro Shinohara
Ethan Wu
Johanna Collins
Dan Cronan
At the discretion of the jury, a maximum of 20 percent of the entries in each of the five categories may receive this award.
Typical entries may include communities and housing, residences and gardens, urban design, streets, public spaces, parks and recreational facilities; transportation corridors and facilities, private gardens, security features and facilities, resorts, institutions, historic preservation and restoration, reclamation and conservation, ecological restoration, landscape art and earth sculpture, and interior landscapes.
EXCELLENCE
At the discretion of the jury, the Award of Excellence may be given to any entry representing outstanding achievement in landscape architecture. One Award of Excellence may be awarded each year in each of the five categories.
DESIGN UNREALIZED
Recognizes excellence in design thinking and method for projects that have been designed but not constructed. Projects for which implementation will not occur are eligible under this category.
Sub-categories are 1) Residential, 2) Institutional/ Corporate/Commercial, and 3) Public Spaces.
PLANNING + ANALYSIS
Recognizes the wide variety of professional activities that lead to, guide, or evaluate landscape architectural design.
Typical entries may include urban, suburban, rural, or regional planning efforts and/or development guidelines; campus planning: security analysis and planning: government policies (ordinance writing and development guidelines), programs, legislation, or regulations; landscape analysis, such as environmental assessments and natural and visual resources inventories; and natural resources protection, conservation, restoration, and/or reclamation plans.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH
Recognizes research projects that identify, examine, and address challenges and problems that are resolved using solutions of value to the profession.
Typical entries include investigations into methods, techniques, or materials related to landscape architecture practice or education; assessments of social, economic, or environmental impacts of landscape architecture; study of relationships of landscape architecture to law, education, public health and safety, or public policy; and more.
INTERNATIONAL
Recognizes all types of projects complete from the five previous stated categories, but located outside of the United States. These projects are to have been completed by a landscape architect who resides within the state of Texas.
Typical entries may include design constructed, design unrealized, planning and analysis, research & communication projects.
COMMUNICATION
Recognizes achievements in communicating landscape architecture information, technology, theory, or practice to those within or outside the profession.
Typical entries may include published or written documents such as books, articles, videos, and audio recordings of presentations on landscape architecture history, art, or technology; educational material intended for the non-technical consumer; or material that increases awareness of landscape design, environmental, or conservation issues.
GREEN RIBBON AWARD
Green Ribbons will be awarded at the discretion of the Texas ASLA Climate Action Committee, to recognize projects that demonstrate an exceptional effort towards designing for a better future in the areas of climate mitigation, climate resiliency, biodiversity, environmental equity, or environmental advocacy.
AWARD LEVELS
MERIT
At the discretion of the jury, any number of Merit Awards may be given in each of the five categories.
CATEGORIES
GENERAL DESIGN RESIDENTIAL DESIGN RESEARCH
Recognizes: Site specific works of Landscape Architecture or Urban Design.
Recognizes: Site specific works of Landscape Architecture for residential use.
JURY
Brandon Hay, Atkins Realis, Austin
Anna Hoffman, Hoffman & Ospina, San Antonio
Olivia Pinner, SWA, Houston
Claire Hempel, Design Workshop, Austin
Christa McCall, Paper Kites Studio, Dallas
HONOR
At the discretion of the jury, a maximum of 20 percent of the entries in each of the five categories may receive this award.
Typical Entries Include: Single-site public, institutional, or private landscapes of all kinds (except entries qualifying for urban design or residential design categories); projects which include historic preservation, reclamation, or conservation; green roofs, stormwater management, sustainable design; design for transportation or infrastructure; landscape art or installation; interior landscape design; and more.
Typical Entries Include: Sustainable landscape applications, new construction or renovation projects; historical preservation, affordable landscape concepts for single or multi-family residential projects; activity areas for cooking, entertaining, recreation, and relaxing for residential users, and more.
Recognizes: Research which identifies and investigates challenges posed in Landscape Architecture, providing results which advance the body of knowledge for the profession.
Typical Entries Include: Investigations into methods, techniques, or materials related to Landscape Architecture practice; study of relationships of Landscape Architecture to law, education, public health and safety, public policy or creating equitable environments; and more.
EXCELLENCE
At the discretion of the jury, the Award of Excellence may be given to any entry representing outstanding achievement in landscape architecture. One Award of Excellence may be awarded each year in each of the five categories.
ANALYSIS AND PLANNING
URBAN DESIGN AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Recognizes: Projects which activate networks of spaces which mediate between social equity, economic viability, infrastructure, environmental stewardship and beautiful place-making in the public and private realm.
Typical entries include: Urban projects in the realm of public, institutional, or private landscapes; streetscapes, waterfronts, mixed-use developments, neighborhoods, districts, cities, placemaking interventions and civic improvements which may include elements of reclamation, stormwater management, transportation or infrastructure studies, art, and more.
Recognizes: The wide variety of professional activities which lead to, guide, and evaluate Landscape Architecture design.
Typical Entries Include: Urban, suburban, rural, or regional planning efforts; development guidelines; transportation, town, or campus planning; plans for reclamation of brownfield sites; environmental planning in relation to legislative or policy initiatives or regulatory controls; cultural resource reports; natural resources protection; historic preservation planning; and more.
Winners may be selected by the jury for each of the following categories:
1.Undergraduate Award of Excellence
2.Undergraduate Honor Award(s)
3Undergraduate Merit Award(s)
4.Graduate Award of Excellence
5.Graduate Honor Award(s)
6.Graduate Merit Award(s)
EXCELLENCE
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
At the discretion of the jury, one may be awarded per each of the categories
THE
The Running Complex at Memorial Park is a vibrant new recreational hub that serves as a gateway to the park’s expansive natural resources. Nestled within the southwestern arm of the Kinder Land Bridge and Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie, this multi-functional complex is thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, offering a unique experience within the heart of Houston. Designed with recreation, social connection, and ecological health in mind, the Running Complex attracts a wide range of audiences — from casual park-goers to serious athletes.
Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architect
RUNNING COMPLEX AT MEMORIAL PARK
Following a years’-long community driven plan to reinvigorate Spring Branch’s “main street,” Haden Park transforms an 1840’s homestead into the community “Green”. Two core strategies drive the plan - socio-economic reinvestment and natural systems uplift. Spring Branch is an ethnically and economically diverse community underserved by equitable park space. The natural system strategies seek to restore key site features, with interactive environmental education. Included are forest / prairie management, storm water management / ground water regeneration, and eco-climate restoration. Key is to build the community’s plan as a destination welcoming all people.
HADEN PARK
COOL LOOP VISION PLAN
Downtown Houston’s lack of shade, cooling centers, and green spaces have intensified public health risks and reduced resilience. Following one of the hottest recorded summers, The Houston Cool Loop Vision Plan aims to mitigate climate vulnerability— “bad heat”— while enhancing Downtown’s appeal for business and recreation— “good heat.” Following analyses of imageability, sociability, ecology, and mobility systems, the plan envisions open space improvements, climate adaptation strategies, and social infrastructure to create a walkable, livable Downtown. The green loop and toolkit envisioned in this plan serve as a model for Southern cities in a warming world.
HOUSTON
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH
PRAIRIE PLOTS
Prairie Plots is an experimental research garden at Rice University that transforms 10,000 square feet of campus lawn into dynamic ecological zone through the cultivation and care of a tall-grass prairie. The project is an ongoing effort to change the paradigm around campus landscapes, demonstrating how open space can be reimagined, not simply as homogenous, resource-intensive lawns, but as living lands that increase biodiversity, improve soil health, and manage stormwater. Prairie Plots engages students, faculty, groundskeepers, and community members in ongoing stewardship and research and establishes a model for alternative sustainable land management.
Dept.
INTERPRETIVE
In the heart of Memorial Park, the 100-acre Land Bridge & Prairie is one of the largest and most ambitious projects of its type in Houston, the state of Texas, and the country. A key element of the project is the interpretive experience—created to connect park visitors with the Coastal Prairie ecology and its many species of flora and fauna and the parallel evolution of culture and technology. The Landscape Architect engaged with stakeholders and researched the park’s deep cultural and ecological histories. These narratives were then articulated in the landscape to stimulate curiosity.
Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architect
At the discretion of the jury, a maximum of 20% of entries in each categories may receive an
HONOR AWARD
HONOR
The design team revitalized a beloved 1950s motel in Rockport, Texas, using thoughtful low budget environmental design interventions. The landscape architect convinced the client to remove the original motor court parking, creating a new tranquil, flood-resilient garden with shaded seating beneath native palms and trees,permeable pathways, and flood-tolerant grasses. Pathways with gravel joints enhance stormwater management. Salt-washed concrete and timber elements reflect the coastal fishing town’s character. The design integrates 37 newly planted trees, 3,000sq.ft. of greenery, and a 53% reduction in impermeable surfaces, blending beauty, resilience, and sustainability along the Gulf Coast.
Campbell Landscape Architecture
THE ACADEMIC QUADRANGLE AT RICE UNIVERSITY
The completely transformed four-acre Academic Quadrangle at Rice University is an ecologically and socially driven design that reimagines the open lawn monoculture and quadrangle typology into a dynamic student-centric landscape. The Quad layers aspects of campus life into three zones: Ceremony, where history and tradition meet contemporary practices; Commons, a place for large casual and formal gatherings, performances, community events, and art; and Community, a welcoming study and collaboration space equipped with outlets, tables, and shading structures. Artfully connected through ADA paths, these zones welcome the modern student while preserving tradition.
Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects
THE SAINT JUNE
The Saint June is a multi-family residential community designed to celebrate the beauty of its location at the gateway to Texas Hill Country. Located on 35.8 acres in southwest Austin, the design team worked collaboratively to integrate the development into the surrounding landscape by orienting buildings along existing slopes to preserve vegetation and provide woodland views, minimizing roadways and parking, and landscaping with native, drought tolerant plants. The site design preserves 70% of the existing natural landscape protecting the Barton Creek watershed and the nesting habitat of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler.
Blacksmith Collaborative
Once an empty parking lot, 1100 Springs Plaza has been reimagined into a vibrant park in the heart of San Antonio’s Pearl district. This revitalized space celebrates Pearl’s history and connection to water while also acting as a vibrant hub for the San Antonio community. It serves as a successful model for other places looking to transform their community by shifting the focus from the car back to the pedestrian.
Word + Carr Design Group
1100 SPRINGS PLAZALABORATORY
This open space project reimagined a sprawling 100-acre residential community built in the early 1990s by transforming underutilized spaces into a vibrant network of ecologically responsible trails and parks. The project embraced mature tree canopies, while removing invasive understory vegetation to make new trail connections, shaded seating nodes, and nature-based park environments. The landscape architect collaborated closely with the community to craft a cohesive vision, followed by strategic interventions creating these new public open spaces. A phased construction effort yielded meaningful new connections over time between the community and natural areas they now call home.
Campbell Landscape Architecture
RIATA OPEN SPACES
San Pedro Creek Culture Park transformed a channelized stream into a vibrant public space, controlling flooding, restoring ecological function, boosting connectivity, and integrating art. The team reimagined the concrete-lined, mostly forgotten creek as a vital resource. Flood mitigation includes bioswales, bioretention, and hydrodynamic separators to improve water quality. Hundreds of trees and acres of native plants provide habitat and reduce urban heat.
Now over a mile of accessible pathways, pedestrian nodes, interpretive signage, and a culvert-turned-park link the creek to the city. Art weaves throughout, from murals to sculptures, celebrating the place, ecosystem, and community.
Rialto Studio, Inc.
SAN PEDRO CREEK CULTURE PARK
Laurel Residence started as a small renovation project in the dense West Hollywood Neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The landscape architecture takes advantage of the site’s topographic opportunities and privacy requirements with a strong application of materiality and texture. A Minimalist approach focusing on natural light was engaged in modifying the home’s former interior spaces; the site’s concept solved functional needs with carefully detailed and beautifully executed solutions.
Hocker
LAUREL
Beaumont’s Downtown comprises some of Texas’s most notable historic buildings but has struggled to attract new investment and job creation. The Downtown Plan envisions connecting the Lake District and Neches River via a Waterway District, featuring a quartermile canal and 3,500 feet of promenade. This vibrant two-level public realm celebrates Beaumont’s architectural heritage while enhancing climate resilience. Guided by a citizen Advisory Council, the design incorporates flood mitigation, ecological restoration, and economic revitalization through adaptive reuse of historic structures, strategic green infrastructure, and an expanded civic center.
WATERFRONT
DESIGN UNREALIZED |
EAST BLOCKS
East Blocks reimagines ten historic warehouses in Houston’s EaDo district, transforming them into a walkable mixed-use destination that honors the area’s multicultural heritage and industrial character. Through thoughtful adaptive reuse, the project converts 227,230 square feet of existing buildings into 320,000 square feet of retail and office space, delivering an authentic urban experience. The design integrates a network of new streetscapes, public gathering spaces, and greenery while preserving the neighborhood’s eclectic spirit. By repurposing the former railway hub, East Blocks creates a new civic heart for Houston’s future art and entertainment district.
HYDROLOGICAL INTERVENTION AND THE REVITALIZATION OF HEATH TOWNE CENTER PARK
Heath Towne Center Park has been the heart of the community for more than 30 years. As the vicinity expanded, the park fell into disrepair. Despite periods of deluge, the community and nearby elementary school continued to use the park for events, field days, and sports practices. The park’s revitalization aimed to preserve its cultural significance while addressing site conditions and incorporating new features like a performance pavilion, pickleball courts, and a butterfly playground. Environmental education was a priority, with the selection of plant materials and a recirculating water system to demonstrate water-efficient sustainable development.
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH: UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES AS LEARNING LABORATORY
Innovative Approaches in Green Infrastructure (GI) Research systematically investigates stormwater issues, explores GI innovation and fosters actionable research and transdisciplinary dialogue about water management, climate adaptation, and nature-based solutions through planning and design to establish a learning lab and model for other university campuses, and their communities and watersheds. The U.S. EPA provided pilot builds on the Campus RainWorks Challenge, a design competition promoting GI at colleges and universities nationwide. University of Texas at Arlington was selected for technical assistance for on-site research to advance GI strategies and implementation, including a day-long charrette and research report.
Submitted by Taner R. Ozdil, Ph.D., ASLA, On behalf of UT Arlington RainWorks Research Team: University of Texas at Arlington, One Architecture & Urbanism, Sherwood Design Engineers, & Climate Resilience Consulting Owner / Client: Office of Wastewater Management, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Poly VITA residential community, located in Foshan’s emerging art district, reimagines high-density living through thoughtful integration of traditional Lingnan garden aesthetics and contemporary design. The project creates a sequence of art-infused spaces from public to private realms and establishes a central “Green Heart” for community gatherings. Inspired by local culture, the courtyards feature branded gardens, highlighting cultural heritage while promoting sustainability. The project transforms fire lanes into a recreational loop zone, addressing urban challenges creatively. The development attracts young professionals, and positions Foshan as a forward-thinking city that values culture, innovation, and resident well-being.
MERIT AWARDS At the discretion of the jury, any number of may be awarded.
MERIT
The Agnew Campus, located in Silicon Valley, transforms a 55-acre former mental hospital site into a vibrant educational hub. It houses elementary, middle, and high schools, each with distinct identities but a cohesive design. The campus includes themed quads inspired by natural landscapes and features shared facilities, outdoor learning spaces, and preserved heritage trees. High school athletic facilities are strategically placed near a future city park, while academic buildings are in quiete areas. The design emphasizes sustainability, with native landscaping, stormwater management, and low-water plantings to support environmental and community well-being.
LPA Design Studio
AGNEWS K-12 CAMPUS
Ecosystem Restoration and Biodiversity
Canard Brake is a model forest carbon conservation project in the Louisiana Delta. The project demonstrates the role marginal farmland can play in mitigating climate change while also contributing to a regional conservation plan. The goal of optimizing carbon storage while maximizing biodiversity in a way that is economically sustainable required unconventional design thinking and partnership with the USDA Wetlands Reserve Easement Program. The design includes a trail system, camps for recreation and research, shallow water areas for migratory birds, a green-tree reservoir, food plots for wildlife, an herbaceous nurse crop, and 240,000 trees.
CITYSCAPE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER : ADAPTIVE CATALYST FOR OUTDOOR LEARNING + COMMUNITY
The Cityscape Early Childhood Center repurposes a disused parking lot from a closed thrift store within a historic Dallas neighborhood to create a varied, sensory-rich and welcoming landscape for educating and entertaining small children and engaging the community. The design uses the grade change across the existing site to create a series of dynamic spaces, scaled and defined for the three and four-year-old students to create a sense of protection and encourage curiosity and play. Additionally, the new landscape significantly reduces stormwater runoff, radiant heat, and cost through thoughtful organization and material reuse.
Delineator
Parmer Sector 8 redefines the traditional corporate campus landscape by integrating principles of low-impact development (LID) with a design that celebrates the natural beauty and ecological character of Central Texas. Through thoughtful planning, this project creates a harmonious relationship between functionality, sustainability, and employee experience.
Campbell Landscape Architecture
PARMER SECTOR 8
TRAMMELL CROW CENTER (TCC)
The transformation of TCC is more than a reimagining of an iconic 1980’s office tower, but a successful design that introduces a dynamic public realm into a previously underutilized portion of the district. The project scope reenvisioned the first two levels of the tower as well as the entire exterior plaza into a carefully curated design that transformed the plaza into a vibrant and integral part of the Dallas Art Districts’ fabric. Today, the space is a vibrant and desirable destination, serving visitors from morning coffee all the way through evening dinners.
As the flagship elementary Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VAPA) for Santa Ana Unified School District, this project prioritized understanding the unique needs of arts programs and the community. Through engagement with stakeholders, the design team developed a site masterplan that reflects Santa Ana’s Memorial Park neighborhood and supports curriculum ideals. Key goals of connection and creativity were achieved through a central Community Promenade linking campus and community and by transforming campus buildings into canvases for local art. Integrated design blurs indoor and outdoor spaces, creating an environment that celebrates education, play, and the arts.
LPA Design Studio
BALCONES TRAIL
The Balcones Trail is a story of a bold vision, perseverance and collaboration between multiple agencies that has resulted in a spectacular new landmark for residents of Cedar Hill and many of the more than eight million that live in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. The bold design blends a visible structure and native grasses to climb above the surrounding terrain, allowing visitors of all abilities to connect to the surrounding Balcones Escarpment and panoramic views and sunsets. It has become a prime destination for trail enthusiasts, residents, tourists and individuals of all abilities.
Halff
Once a vacant parking lot, Charis Park is now home to a variety of unique spaces, from a custom designed pavilion used for outdoor weddings, worship services, and the weekly regenerative ag farmer’s market, to a food truck and gaming court with a large sinuous community table under heritage Oaks. Sustainable practices were an essential part of the park from the start of design and the project was able to incorporate existing asphalt from the parking lot into its new landforms, while adding a bioswale with native plants that now filter stormwater runoff.
Coral Studio
Zero Haul-Off, Material Re-Use
CHARIS PARK GREEN RIBBON AWARD
DEEP ROOTS PRAIRIE AND WATER: HOLISTIC REVITALIZATION EXPANDS RHEUDASIL PARK TO COMMUNITY
Located half a mile from the original prairie mound and namesake of Flower Mound, Rheudasil Park recaptures the spirit of prairie remembrance with an elevated prairie mound and sweeping retaining wall and walk leading to a sheltered pavilion and restroom building. The dynamic grade changes and retaining wall introduce a unique interpretive experience of Corten root panels illustrating prairie root depths of up to eight feet and opens to views of the park’s playground and stocked pond. Engagement with the water’s edge included bioswales, shore stabilization, native water plants, expansive boardwalks and a fishing pier.
Studio Outside
The redevelopment of Garland Downtown Square has created an urban destination for residents and visitors to the heart of the city – directly adjacent to City Hall. Two for lunch or 10,000 for a concert – the square now welcomes all from across the Garland community and beyond. The promenade encircles a sloped event lawn while welcoming guests and propelling them through the series of outdoor rooms. Destinations include the art gateway, event lawn, playground, lookout tower, reading rooms, and pavilion. Program and design directly respond to feedback from local merchants and downtown residents.
Studio Outside
GARLAND DOWNTOWN SQUARE
THE DIDACTIC DITCH: PROMOTING CONSERVATION THROUGH DEMONSTRATION
The Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (MTGCD) was established to sustain the vital resources of the Trinity Aquifer, serving Bosque, Comanche, Coryell, and Erath counties in North Texas. Recognizing the importance of both the quantity and quality of groundwater, the District plays an vital role in ensuring long term groundwater resilience for local communities. The project, located at the origin of a stormwater channel referred to as ‘The Ditch’ by Stephenville residents, has been reimagined as a dynamic, living classroom designed to inspire stewards of the environment, and preserve invaluable natural resources through hands-on education.
Studio Outside
The landscape design prioritizes preservation and shared spaces, reflecting the character of Austin’s Zilker neighborhood. A network of outdoor rooms balances shared play areas with private retreats, addressing homeowners’ needs while respecting site constraints. Now a neighborhood landmark, the project showcases how adaptive, sustainable design fosters connections within a property and the wider community. It highlights how sitesensitive landscape architecture has the power to spark conversation, admiration, and meaningful revitalization.
Shademaker Studio
1821 & 1823 ASHBY
The Deepdale Residence is a 1-acre property located in the Fort Worth neighborhood of Westover Hills. The landscape design endeavors to blend edges into the existing hillside through native, vigorous planting & site claimed boulders. This allows for dramatic moments viewed from the more contained courtyard spaces that are influenced by architectural alignments. The Owner, an avid gardener, has been a great collaborator through-out by committing to a robust perennial garden to stabilize the steep slopes present. The continued communication with the landscape architect, post construction, allows for continued stewardship of the maturing garden.
Hocker
The Verano remodel garden project is small and strategic with two key interventions that reimagine the front entry garden and central courtyard of this existing hill country residence. The design thoughtfully blends existing modern architecture with vibrant natural elements. Key enhancements include a reconfigured entry sequence, floating limestone steps, and lush native plantings. The courtyard, inspired by Japanese Zen gardens, features a water basin, karst limestone boulders, and a striking accent maple. Sensitive to local ecology, the design prioritizes sustainability, using native and adaptive plants, and infiltration gardens to seamlessly integrate nature and modern living.
Campbell Landscape Architecture
VERANO REMODEL GARDEN
Austin, Texas, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful parks, will set a new standard in playground design with the All Abilities Playground at Onion Creek Metropolitan Park. This project, driven by public feedback, expands inclusivity beyond accessible design by involving the community in every planning and design step. The nature-inspired plan features sensory-friendly zones, adaptive equipment, and accessible pathways, ensuring children and families of all abilities can play, explore, and connect. Located in one of Austin’s historically underserved neighborhoods, this park strengthens community bonds and provides a welcoming space for all.
BEYOND BOUNDARIES: EL PASO’S ALL-ABILITIES PLAYGROUND PLANNING
The Beyond Boundaries: El Paso’s All Abilities Playground Planning Project emphasized a robust community engagement process to guide the vision, theme, amenities, and location of a future inclusive playground. This foundational effort gathered input from the public, stakeholders, and experts through 15 bilingual events, including Community Playshops for youth, Accessibility Advocate Focus Groups, Caregiver Meetings, District-Wide Workshops, and two surveys hosted on El Paso’s transparent ElevateEP project website. This effort reflects the community’s desires and sets the stage for the next phases of planning, ensuring the playground meets the needs of all users and caregivers.
Mend Collaborative
THE FREEDMEN’S TOWN FOURTH WARD MASTER PLAN
The Freedmen’s Town/4th Ward vision looks forward to transformation and stabilization that is just, equitable, diverse and inclusive grounded in the unique history of the ancestors and 4th Ward Freedmen who figuratively and literally paved the way. The vision of the Freedmen’s Town/4th Ward catalyzes prosperity and environmental health through an inspiring history that nurtures partnerships, policies, job creation and equitable economic development.
DesignJones LLC
The Haihao International Tower Plaza transforms a vital urban node in Guangzhou’s Pazhou West district into a climate-responsive public realm that celebrates the connection between the city and nature. The design’s “Green Islands in the Ocean of Life” concept creates seven verdant islands surrounding a crescent-shaped water feature, demonstrating how corporate headquarters can simultaneously serve as ecological engines and vibrant public spaces. The project’s vertical landscape system spans 52,420 square feet across ground-level and terraced gardens, sequestering 2 tons of carbon annually while serving 1,500 daily users.
HAIHAO INTERNATIONAL TOWER
EXCELLENCE
AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
At the discretion of the jury, one may be awarded per each of the categories
The entire landscape is located in Brooklyn, New York City, facing the river, and is a brownfield on the edge of the city. It originally existed as an industrial area on the edge of the city and retained the previous oil tanks. With the expansion of the city, the industrial area gradually withdrew, forming an urban brownfield. At the same time, due to climate change,the sea level is rising year by year. The entire plot is sandwiched between the city and the water body, and it is urgent to find a way to deal with the problems on both sides. While solving the contradiction between urban development and rising sea levels, it also increases the activity space of residents, enriches daily activities and the connection between residents and the surrounding environment. At the same time, as a historical legacy and a mark of the times, the oil tank retains its original form and adds new functions, forming a new landmark structure and activity space, and forming a link between the water body and the city, so that the city can cope with rising sea levels in the future.
Jiayuan Liu
(Texas A&M)
The project is studying the basin of the Pengwu River in Mozambique near the estuary. It aims to study and analyze the original agricultural ecology of the area, design for the local situation, and reintegrate the floodplain into a plain with plants, fish, and farmland to create an eco-friendly and economically developed residential landscape.The Pengwu River has a significant flood season every year, during which agriculture is severely affected, making the relatively primitive agricultural production situation, which has not yet developed into a systematic system, even worse. In addition, the mangroves that could have consolidated the ecology are gradually occupied by farmland and houses,forming a vicious cycle under the imbalance of the ecological environment. Now it is necessary to return farmland to forest, relocate agriculture, and increase fish farming
to improve economic benefits, increase environmental stability, and achieve long-term development.In this regard, the design focuses on changing the original terrain, leaving open space to form a flood buffer zone, and piling up excess earth to form a terraced design. Three majorareas, namely fish ponds, farmland, and buildings, are set up according to height, and ecological mangroves are planted outside the fish ponds. At the same time, a reservoir is set up in the middle of the site to achieve the goal of stabilizing soil erosion in the rainy season and still having water available in the dry season. At the same time, residents are allowed to move into this site in an orderly manner to engage in farming or fish farming, so that agriculture and fisheries combined with hydrological conditions gradually form a self-sufficient ecological three-dimensional agricultural site.
Jiayuan Liu (Texas A&M)
At the discretion of the jury, a maximum of 20% of entries in each categories may receive an
HONOR AWARD
HONOR
GENERAL DESIGN | UNDERGRADUATE
EOS: TERRAFORMING WITH NATURE TO POWER LIFE
Eos is a visionary project that redefines sustainability by integrating ecological restoration while creating new design fashions. Developed as my final 3rd year studio project, Eos embodies a bold approach to environmental healing through the ABC’s of sustainability— Alta, Bria, and Circa—each playing a crucial role in revitalizing the Brazos River and its surroundings.
Alta is a terracing green roof atop a key urban building, designed to capture, filter, and redirect runoff back into the environment. By utilizing native vegetation and engineered filtration, this system reduces stormwater impact while enhancing urban biodiversity.
Bria is a natural pavilion, embracing the power of native plant communities and structured by reusable materials naturally made by our Earth. By creating a mosaic of plants and
flowers, Bria transforms an open space into a vibrant ecological sanctuary while using sustainable materials to strengthen the connection between people and nature.
Circa is a phytoremediation system that leverages the river’s current to cleanse pollutants. Water is naturally filtered before being reintroduced into the Brazos River or directed to a cove featuring a sandy beach, activating the space for community engagement.
By merging ecological function with human interaction, Eos envisions a future where carefully curated landscapes and architecture actively repair and sustain the environment.
It stands as a testament to the power of landscape architecture, demonstrating how we can terraform with nature to power life and restore our most vital ecosystems.
Jonathan Gomez (Texas Tech)
GENERAL DESIGN | UNDERGRADUATE
NEXUS
Nexus embodies a transformative vision for post-industrial landscapes, utilizing the core principles of Repurpose, Restructure, and Resilience. Located in Peoria, Illinois, this revitalization project redefines an abandoned industrial site as a thriving cultural and ecological hub, seamlessly integrating nature with the built environment to enhance human experience and wildlife habitat. The project’s foundation, Repurpose, breathes new life into dormant structures, converting old factory buildings into dynamic art installations and communal spaces. Existing silos are reimagined as vertical green walls, merging history with sustainability. Restructure establishes a cohesive, interconnected framework through strategic spatial planning, blending industrial aesthetics with modern functionality. Elevated walkways, open plazas, and green corridors create an inviting, accessible urban fabric that encourages social interaction and connectivity. Resilience is achieved through an environmentally responsive approach that addresses stormwater management, soil contamination, and ecosystem revitalization while ensuring long-term site adaptability. Rain gardens and phytoremediation filter pollutants while promoting biodiversity. Vegetated rooftops, reclaimed materials, and
filtration systems transform the site into a model of ecological regeneration, ensuring its viability for future generations. The sustainability approach and design typologies shape every element, blending eco friendly materials with green spaces for a seamless, functional and innovative experience. At its core, Nexus signifies connection, linking history, sustainability, and innovation into a cohesive vision. The design harbors deep relationships between people, their environment, and the site’s cultural significance. A cultural complex featuring a museum and library with a vegetated roof serves as the project’s cornerstone, seamlessly blending architecture and landscape. Open green spaces, community gathering areas, and interactive installations encourage public engagement and environmental stewardship. More than a revitalization project, Nexus is a shared space for education, relaxation, and interaction with nature. By prioritizing human experience and ecological health, it serves as a model for reimagining post-industrial landscapes into sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rich destinations.
Josue Guerrero (Texas Tech)
IRRAWADDY RIVER ADAPTING TO NATURE
Han Mon Khaing (Texas Tech)
The adapting-to-nature solutions for the Irrawaddy River preserve the river’s natural processes, support biodiversity, and reduce the risk of flooding. Over the past 15 years, the river’s pattern has changed significantly, prompting the creation of designated areas to store excess water during peak flows, which mitigates flood risks and provides valuable resources. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of flooding, mangrove restoration and innovative floating houses offer resilient solutions for communities in flood-prone areas.
The Irrawaddy River, often referred to as Myanmar’s lifeline, is sustained by the melting glaciers of Tibet and swells with the monsoon rains. However, seasonal flooding often causes severe destruction, resulting in loss of life, displacing tens of thousands, and damaging important cultural and historical sites along its banks. To address these challenges, the design proposal includes:
1) Rooms for the River
2) Mangrove Restoration in the Delta Region
3) Affordable Floating Houses Design
URBAN DESIGN | GRADUATE
HARVEST HUB: SCHOOLYARDS AS PILLARS OF FOOD SECURITY
Surya Kolla
(University of Texas at Austin)
Harvest Hub was developed in response to Austin’s food deserts. Centered on transforming schools into hubs for fresh food, the project establishes a network of produce spaces between schools, civic spaces, and vacant lots. This network facilitates access to healthy food through localized grocery pickup points, community garden plots, and the activation of underutilized spaces such as churchyards, cemeteries, and vacant lots, all while providing learning opportunities for children and strengthening neighborhood connections.
Schools serve as central hubs for grocery deliveries from local farms and far-away grocery stores, ensuring convenient access to fresh food for communities in food deserts decreasing the reliance on long-shelf-life processed foods, and promoting healthier lifestyles. Additionally, schoolyards function as interactive learning spaces where children engage with agricultural practices, explore sustainable food systems, and bring knowledge back to their homes, fostering education among parents and the broader community. Beyond the school, the project emphasizes pedestrian-friendly streets designed to slow
vehicle speeds, creating controlled foraging zones where children can safely interact with nature and food. These spaces strike a balance between safety and discovery, nurturing curiosity and healthy habits. At a larger scale, the Agri Trail network connects vacant lots, parks, and other civic spaces, transforming them into productive landscapes for growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
These interconnected green spaces promote sustainability, food accessibility, and community engagement. Additionally, localized community plots allow residents to cultivate culturally significant produce, reinforcing a sense of identity and self-sufficiency.
By integrating foraging, growing, and sharing into the urban fabric, this project fosters a culture of resilience, sustainability, and community. Its emphasis on children’s engagement with food, nature, and the environment equips future generations with the knowledge to make healthy food choices, ensuring fresh food becomes a fundamental part of daily life and ultimately working toward eliminating food deserts in the city.
URBAN DESIGN | GRADUATE
ORTEGA TRACKWAY
(University of Texas at Austin)
Marks left on the land by industry, controversial city policies, and environmental activism inform opportunities to create pathways that connect communities and reveal the rich history that shaped the Ortega neighborhood. Ortega Trackway is a network of pathways that connects separated neighborhoods across an infrastructural barrier, activates green space, and creates educational opportunities.
Analysis of the Ortega elementary attendance boundary highlights a barrier of railroads, high voltage power lines, and a solar farm that separates adjacent neighborhoods. The experience of infrastructure is pervasive, however there are moments of wonder to be discovered including the historic rail bridge, city views, and the sense of community reflected in signs of stewardship. Rather than these utilities being hidden and exclusionary, Ortega Trackway leverages the existing infrastructure to enrich connection of the surrounding communities. Proposed pathways reduce walk and bike times between the neighborhood school and amenities, and invite the neighborhood to engage infrastructural, ecological, and historical interfaces as places of learning and moments of wonder.
Existing infrastructure features are highlighted through curated views, moments of reveal, and points of comparison at different scales to spark curiosity and invite exploration. The history of industry is evident through railroad berms that altered the land. Their elevation is marked on the Trackland trail, highlighting the change in topography. Elevation markers extend into the neighborhood along the Elevation Walk, reinforcing changes in topography and serve as wayfinding. The Ghost Rail trail sparks discovery by revealing the abandoned rail in contrast to the active rail line. The Un-Channel pathway sets up a point of comparison between the channelized and non-channelized potions of the creek and serves as an opportunity for future riparian restoration. The proposed series of walks create opportunities for exploration and discovery of the neighborhood’s history, its entanglement with industry, and the resilience of the community.
Kristen Juen
ANALYSIS AND PLANNING | GRADUATE
FROM FENCELINE TO DEFENSE LINES
Martin
Guerra, Jiang Zheng (Texas A&M)
This project provides a framework to transform the condition of fenceline communities, a global phenomenon of marginalized neighborhoods exposed to both flooding and contamination, by emphasizing nature-based strategies to mitigate these impacts. Conducted in Beaumont, TX, an under-resourced community at risk of heavy flooding and surrounded by adjacent industrial land uses, the project presents a system of design infrastructure aimed at improving livelihoods and resilience to environmental hazards. Fenceline communities face “acute-on-chronic” hazards, where short-term disasters like hurricanes and oil spills exacerbate long-term issues such as toxic air pollution, subsidence, and sea-level rise. Traditional engineering solutions often intensify flooding and contaminant mixtures during storms. This project addresses these challenges by creating “lines of defense” that intercept, catch, contain, and mitigate transferred pollutants and floodwaters.
Design strategies include basins planted with native species for bioremediation, multifunctional green infrastructure to manage runoff, and expansion of human foot traffic areas to encourage active living and placemaking. The integration of these elements not only mitigates contamination and flooding but also transforms neglected areas into thriving community assets.
As a result of the design, there is an overall 20% decrease in runoff annually as well as a 47% decrease in annual pollutant load, according to outputs from the Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment Model. Specifically, fecal matter decreases by 17%, waste in water decreases by 23%, non-metals reduce by 22%, and metals decrease by 21%, annually. These measurable results showcase the effectiveness of the design in improving environmental quality and community resilience. By addressing systemic inequities and environmental risks, this project redefines the role of design in promoting equity and sustainability, offering a scalable framework for similar communities worldwide.
THE GREENBELT OPPORTUNITY - A CHANCE TO PRESERVE, EDUCATE, AND CONNECT ALL WALKS OF LIFE
Lantz Engstrom, Sean Robinson, Hannah Stalb, Jacob Marek, Adam Pavlicek, Thomas ‘Tino’ Dean, Zachary Ashley (Texas A&M)
Located in Katy, TX, Bridgeland is an award winning and rapidly growing master planned community encompassing over 11,000 acres. While being a development packed with a vast array of entertaining amenities, educational institutions, businesses, and housing options, Bridgeland also aims to set a precedent in ecological development. Allocating 28% of land to open space, with footprints ranging from neighborhood parks to an expansive 250 mile trail network, Bridgeland seeks to create a place where both its residents and the native wildlife can thrive. Bridgeland’s largest greenspace is a 5.4 mile stretch of woodland, lake, and prairie located along the Cypress Creek corridor. The site is a complex of environmental precautions, hosting multiple endangered species and being 58% located within a FEMA-designated floodplain, prompting flood-sensitive and non-intrusive design strategies.
The intent when approaching this site was to assist in preservation, foster education and promote recreation. Specific zones are designated to limit human access for the benefit
of native species, incorporating multi-level interaction zones. Ground-level trails offer immersive and tactile experiences, while canopy walks and birding towers enable indirect observation of wildlife. In addition, pathway design ensures stormwater flow is not obstructed and runoff is not a major pollutant. Intricate paths and engaging amenities connect the site to various areas of Bridgeland for ease of access by community members. Physical wayfinding features are introduced that include themed navigational signage, public safety infrastructure, and ecological centers for educational engagement. Through the curation of the user experience within the Cypress Creek Greenway, this planning approach seeks to foster and encourage environmental stewardship, exploration and imagination, and community interaction, all with the objective of prioritizing low-impact, non-invasive features intended to preserve the natural ecosystems of the site, creating a cohesive environment in which the important relationship between people and nature can be maintained thoughtfully.
MERIT AWARDS At the discretion of the jury, any number of may be awarded.
MERIT
FLOW AND FILTER : HIGHLANDS PARK
Ella Gielstra (Texas Tech)
In order to revitalize the historic Buddy Holly recreation area Highlands park focuses on transforming a neglected public park along the first dam of the Canyon Lake system in Lubbock, Texas. The Canyon Lakes, part of one of the largest water reclamation projects in the U.S., act as a crucial chain of reservoirs for severe droughts. Once a dumping ground in the 1970s, the area has since evolved into a popular park, with notable features like prairie dog watching.
A primary design element of the park is its interconnected trail system, with a hierarchy of paths including a promenade, sidewalks, and trails, offering accessibility while preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. Play structures and berms for a high activity space for children, integrated along the main promenade for ease of access. In contrast, peaceful quiet pockets of space are created along trails, including a hammock grove, overlooks, and picnic zones near the waterfront. Varying levels of activity create dynamic spaces, offering a wide variety of amenities for visitors while enhancing the park’s aesthetic.
Highland park also emphasizes green infrastructure and water management. Shallow vegetated floodplains manage runoff from nearby industrial facilities, while recycled perches provide resting spots for migratory birds from the Central Flyway. A reinforced shoreline, supported by riparian planting and recycled rock, combats erosion. Thick filter strips will follow the shoreline to address eutrophication, using a variety of native aquatic plants to target excess nutrients and increase biodiversity.
Added retaining walls will stabilize the trails, further preventing erosion and ensuring their durability helping to preserve a historic Lubbock park. These measures are integral to sustaining the park’s beauty and future ecological health, ensuring its long-term viability.
GENERAL DESIGN | UNDERGRADUATE
GALVESTON TRAILS
(Texas Tech)
Galveston Trails, located on the eastern edge of Galveston, serves as a sanctuary for migratory birds while blending history with sustainability. The project addresses sealevel rise, land loss, and environmental change, creating a resilient landscape where nature and history coexist. Amid rising waters that threaten both ecology and heritage, Galveston Trails offers a dynamic solution, preserving history within a sustainable environment.
The project aims to create an accessible landscape that narrates Galveston’s past while promoting ecological stewardship. WWII-era forts, especially Fort San Jacinto, are transformed into educational spaces. Boardwalk trails guide visitors through coastal prairies, saltwater marshes, and restored dunes, celebrating the island’s heritage and biodiversity. Sustainable design strategies, such as green roofs, stormwater management, and habitat restoration, reduce environmental impact while fortifying the site against climate change and natural hazards.
Galveston Trails goes beyond historical preservation by creating ecological renewal.
Oyster reefs, coastal prairies, saltwater wetlands, and ripple breakwaters form a buffer against rising seas, protecting the shoreline and supporting vital habitats.
This strengthens the site’s role as a refuge for migratory birds during the Great Bird Migration, emphasizing the project’s commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
A proposed visitor center will anchor the landscape, offering interactive exhibits and programs that engage visitors and promote community involvement, encouraging collective action toward environmental resilience. Ultimately, Galveston Trails is more than a landscape; it is a testament to the enduring relationship between history, nature, and community. By blending ecological restoration with historical preservation, the project addresses sea-level rise while promoting resilience and environmental awareness. In this vision, history is not merely remembered, but becomes a living force, shaping a sustainable sanctuary for generations to come.
Jonathan Mata
GENERAL DESIGN | UNDERGRADUATE
LANDSCAPES, HEALTH, AND HEALING
Colleen Dawson (Texas Tech)
Landscapes, Health, and Healing is a research-based design project that merges landscape architecture with pediatric healthcare, creating a therapeutic landscape designed to support the emotional and physical well-being of patients, families, and healthcare staff. By focusing on the stakeholders of the design, this project streamlines important decisions which focus on promoting healing through the landscape.
One of the central features is the accessible rainbow pathway, featuring two distinct nodes of circulation: an ADA-compliant ramp and a set of steps. This pathway, carefully designed for accessibility, encourages movement and engagement, providing both a calming and stimulating experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. The design also includes several interactive play pods that contribute to the hospital’s healing environment. Butterfly Blossom, a whimsical space designed to mimic the delicate beauty of butterflies, features a unique shade and seating element which adds of wash of
color as sunlight filters through. Honeybee Hive provides an interactive educational space where children can play on the honeycomb inspired elements. Caterpillar Corner offers a variety of physical mobility focused elements including a caterpillar tunnel and steppers.
This project includes intentionally crafted spaces that weave through pollinator gardens with sensory friendly plant material and soft aromatics, creating a relaxing space for all users. Extensive research on the therapeutic effect of plant material in healthcare environments indicates that over half of patients experience enhanced feelings of calm, contentment, and relaxation. These benefits are observed when patients engage with hospital gardens, whether through direct interaction or views from a window. Alongside, there are several seating nodes for healthcare workers to take lunch or work on completing patient charts and documentation - providing a calming space beyond the sterile, fluorescent-lit hospital rooms.
GENERAL DESIGN | GRADUATE
TX ASLA PAPER SOLUTION FOR A FLOODABLE PARK
Zhen-hang Cai (Texas A&M)
Paper consumption in the US has increased by 126% in the last 20 years; in the last decade, the average person consumed as much paper as 6 people in Asia. However, advancing paper material construction technology enable to repurpose a 7-acre vacant lot on the northeastern coast of Galveston Island, TX. This design reuses paper waste and educates the public about waste issues and reuse possibilities, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing public park which is easily and cheaply rebuilt if effected by storm surge, sea level rise, or stormwater flooding.The goal of the design is to create a coastal public park where individuals can assemble to learn about the severity of U.S waste and excess consumption, the possible impacts of excessive waste, and innovative ways to repurpose trash and paper byproducts. And it tells the story of from four aspects, microclimate, environment, education and tourism.
Design Solutions and Impacts
1. Microclimate: The site was originally exposed to excessive sun year-round. Elevated structures and tree canopies create 68% more shaded area. Also, intense coastal winds are utilized through acoustic installations which compose sound. The highlight of the Park will is hurricane-shaped fountain creating an interactive water feature.
2. Environment: Increased urbanization creates various global environmental issues. To counteract some of these issues, edible gardens are installed to decrease urban food shortages. 38% of the structures are completely made from by recycled paper. Humaninteractive installations also decrease site runoff volume.
3. Education: We not only provide people with a joyful public park, but also increase their understanding better about hurricane risks, local ecosystems, waste reuse, and stormwater management.
4. Tourism: Once the Park is established, it will be an attractive venue integrating local culture and nature, expecting nearly double its current visitors by 2028.
URBAN DESIGN | UNDERGRADUATE
BEYOND THE SHORE: THE GREEN ISLE OF ADVENTURE
During the fall of 2024, our studio class had the opportunity to design for a real project located in Port Arthur, Texas. Our team was responsible for designing a revitalization of the city’s Pleasure Island, a place once frequently used that fell to the wayside after sustaining significant hurricane damages years ago. After a site visit and meetings with local city officials, we decided a fitting design goal for our team would be to emphasize environmental equity while empowering the local economy. This vision shaped and became our project statement, guiding our design process throughout. The four pillars we outlined to support our goals were social and environmental equity, connectivity, economic empowerment, and attractions. This led us to designing a space full of accessible greenery and activities, intended to balance out the various wishes of Pleasure Island residents. From our proposed Wildlife Education Center to our civic
park design, our vision of a revitalized Pleasure Island holds something for everyone.
Those craving adventure can fulfill it through our exciting zipline and ropes course, while someone wanting to support local restaurants and businesses can visit our proposed central island shopping center. What truly makes our team’s project unique is that not only does it create opportunities for the city to generate revenue, but it also nurtures spaces for everyone to rejoice in regardless of economic status. This ties back into our goal of environmental equity as we were able to strive forward and create a place for all residents to enjoy high quality recreational and educational amenities. This balance between profit and accessibility makes it so Port Arthur can enjoy more of the benefits of an asset like Pleasure Island. The residents deserve an abundant space like this, and our team was beyond lucky to design it for them.
Trinity Phan, Madison Hesser, Ashlyn Hawk (Texas A&M)
URBAN DESIGN | UNDERGRADUATE
RIPPLE is a vision for revitalizing the South Platte River in the heart of Denver, transforming it into a catalyst for environmental equity, economic vitality, and public engagement. By focusing on the river’s flow and connectivity, our design enhances the relationship between nature and the urban community. We activate networks of spaces that seamlessly bridge ecological restoration with social vibrancy, ensuring that every intervention speaks to the needs of both the environment and the people who inhabit it. Anchored by the legacies of community leaders, the project integrates their missions to create a cohesive strategy for collective impact within our site. The design combines themes of wellness, preservation, education, community, and environmentalism, reflecting Denver’s collective values and inspiring visitors to contribute to the city’s future. The project ensures that public spaces are inclusive and accessible, offering opportunities for education, recreation, and cultural celebration.
Our project embraces sustainable green infrastructure, such as bioswales and constructed wetlands, to enhance water quality and restore habitats, while providing flood resilience for the urban core. Alongside these ecological interventions, we create vibrant, multi-use public spaces that invite the community to reconnect with the river. Walking paths, gathering spaces, and interactive installations bring people to the water’s edge, facilitating stewardship and a deeper appreciation of the environment.
At its core, RIPPLE is about creating a place that balances environmentalism with economic viability and beautiful placemaking. It transforms the South Platte River into a resilient, thriving corridor that supports ecological health while serving as a vibrant community space for the city. This effort not only strengthens Denver’s identity but sets the stage for lasting change, where a healthier environment leads to a healthier community. RIPPLE is a testament to the power of small, meaningful changes to inspire collective action and build a brighter future.
Anissa Cantu, Jonathan Mata, Marilyn Bargainer, Rachel Moreno, Lauren Pardo, Raven Breaux (Texas Tech)
RIPPLE
At the heart of the project is the concept of the “West Texas Jungle”, an ecosystem that embraces native plant species, biodiversity enhancement, and water-conscious design. The park incorporates sustainable stormwater management systems, including bioswales and rain gardens, to mitigate runoff, prevent flooding, and promote ecological resilience. These elements serve as both functional infrastructure and educational tools, encouraging public awareness of water conservation and environmental stewardship. In alignment with the project category’s emphasis on community engagement and Rachel Moreno (Texas Tech)
Sunset Park + Art District Connection is a visionary project that transforms an underutilized urban space into a vibrant, ecologically rich park that fosters connectivity, sustainability, and cultural celebration. By weaving together green infrastructure, public art, and dynamic social spaces, the project strengthens the relationship between Lubbock’s downtown and arts district, creating an inviting, pedestrian-friendly environment.
inclusive programming, the park integrates diverse elements that reflect Lubbock’s unique identity.
A Sunset Stage and event spaces provide a venue for local musicians and artists, fostering a dynamic cultural exchange. Educational initiatives focus on native flora and conservation, strengthening visitors’ connection to the natural landscape. Furthermore, complete streets and pedestrian infrastructure ensure accessibility, safety, and seamless mobility between key urban nodes.
By combining ecological resilience with artistic and social vibrancy, Sunset Park exemplifies the principles of sustainable urbanism. This project is not just a park—it is a living, evolving space that honors local heritage, enhances biodiversity, and creates community well-being, setting a precedent for environmentally and culturally conscious urban design.
SUNSET PARK
SUNSET STAGE + WEST EVENT GREEN
SUNSET PARK
SUNSET PARK
SUNSET PARK
URBAN DESIGN | GRADUATE
CITY ARTery reimagines a former industrial site as a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community, blending cultural heritage, ecological innovation, and urban connectivity. The project is guided by three core principles: adaptation, revitalization, and transformation. Adaptation: Resilience for a Changing World.
The design prioritizes environmental health, inclusivity, and flexibility. Pollution mitigation strategies, such as rainwater collection, air quality buffers, and advanced stormwater systems, create a healthier environment for residents and wildlife. Diverse spaces, including affordable housing (23%) and adaptable maker spaces (84,000+ sq. ft.), cater to a range of users, from traditional workers to entrepreneurs. Community support programs, like job training and a healthcare center, ensure long-term resilience and equity.
Revitalization: Creating Connections and Active Lifestyles
The project enhances connectivity and promotes active living. Bike routes, kayak rentals, and boat services link the site to surrounding neighborhoods, downtown Cleveland, and a planned
recreational island. Trails, gardens, and fitness areas encourage health and recreation, while events like glass art festivals and craft markets drive economic vibrancy. Flexible cultural and industrial hubs adapt to future needs, fostering social and economic growth.
Transformation: Honoring the Past, Building the Future
CITY ARTery embraces its industrial legacy while creating a human-centered community. A cultural hub on the west side features street art, performances, and exhibitions, using renewable glass and repurposed materials to connect past and future. An industrial craft center showcases glassmaking and crafts through live demonstrations and workshops, fostering innovation. The eastern area is transformed into an ecological park with native plants, bird habitats, and water features, offering a sanctuary for people and wildlife.
CITY ARTery is a model for sustainable urban development, balancing history, ecology, and community needs.
Na Wang, Shiyun Wen, Luming Xiao, Brennan Cooper Dees, Audrey Nolan (Texas A&M)
Kroger (University of Texas at Austin)
Flowscapes address problems such as safety, lack of play, and water management by intervening at the neighborhood street to reactivate these underutilized spaces. By micro-surfacing the topography of the street, Flowscapes create safe places for play, give identity to the neighborhood, and allow kids to interact with natural systems happening in their everyday environment. This design, influenced by my experiences as a child playing in the creek and throughout my neighborhood streets, attempts to give kids the chance to have these opportunities in their own neighborhoods. Flowscapes transform the street into two types of space: spaces for people, and spaces for water. Where pedestrians are prioritized, the street forms a “speedbump” like condition along with bright paving to signal caution to drivers. In this condition, water drains at the edge of the street. In spaces where water is prioritized, water drains inward and collects in rain garden medians, whose typologies of wet, mesic, and xeric are based
on the drainage patterns of the neighborhood. When water is not present, these rain gardens serve as a place for play and learning as arroyos link the gardens together and are used as a trail. However, even when dry, the water’s ephemeral path is highlighted.
This provides chances for kids to learn about the ephemeral system of water, the water cycle, and the difference in plants related to each environmental region. These design principles extend also to the neighborhood’s reimagined schoolyard and adjacent creeks.
The goal of Flowscapes is to elevate a neighborhood’s streets for social and environmental stewardship by managing water and providing safe, equitable places for play. The design strategies employed by Flowscapes address issues of stormwater management, water quality, and impervious surfaces while reimagining previously underutilized spaces and improving them for the wellbeing of the community.
Natalie
Anissa Cantu (Texas Tech)
Mustang Island, located in Corpus Christi, Texas, plays a critical role in protecting the Coastal Bend. As a barrier island, it shields the bayfront from hurricanes, storm surges, and coastal erosion while supporting a rich ecological system. Its wetlands not only enhance the region’s biodiversity and environmental function but also offer unique recreational and educational opportunities for visitors. However, the growing issue of erosion, rise in sea level, and geohazards, threatens the stability of both the wetlands and the barrier island, putting the Coastal Bend at significant risk without intervention. The Vista Del Agua project addresses these challenges by implementing natural conservation methods to protect and restore Mustang Island. Key measures include stabilizing wetland vegetation with coir rolls, incorporating breakwaters along the Gulf
Coast to mitigate erosion, and constructing dune walkovers to provide controlled beach access while preserving fragile dune systems, enabling them to prevent sand loss more effectively without disruption. These methods are designed to naturally fortify the island, ensuring its continued ability to function as a barrier against environmental threats. In addition to conservation efforts, Vista Del Agua emphasizes education as a cornerstone of its mission. Trails with scenic outlooks, eco-hubs, and interpretive signage connect visitors to the wetlands and beachfront, creating a deeper understanding of the vital role barrier islands play in coastal protection. By blending ecological preservation with educational engagement, the project promotes stewardship and ensures the longterm resilience of Mustang Island for future generations.
VISTA DEL AGUA
RECLAIMING THE GARDEN OF EDEN
The Reclaiming the Garden of Eden Comprehensive Plan seeks to restore and revitalize a historically rich but underserved community of Fort Worth/ Haltom City, TX, known for its legacy as an African American freedman’s settlement. The site, once thriving with agricultural production and cultural heritage, has since been threatened by industrial development, environmental pollution, and urban neglect. Our project aims to reclaim the space by promoting sustainability, environmental justice, and community-driven solutions to the area’s unique challenges. We evaluated key factors such as air and water quality, soil health, vegetative cover, and urban connectivity. The findings revealed opportunities for ecological remediation through green infrastructure interventions, including phytoremediation and the enhancement of local vegetation. This analysis, combined with slope, flood risk, and flow assessments, informed our design approach and ensured that the plan addresses environmental, cultural, and socio-economic needs. Our design focuses on restoring pedestrian access, improving transit connectivity, and enhancing food security by integrating sustainable agriculture and community gardens.
The plan also proposes the introduction of a central green corridor, dubbed the “Quanah Parker Pedestrian Corridor”, which serves as a central axis for the site and connects city-wide Trinity Trails network. Ancillary green corridors foster social interaction, health, and resilience, while preserving the cultural heritage of the Garden of Eden community. The “Event District” centers itself at the central axes of the Historic Garden of Eden. It features a variety of medium-density commercial, mixed use, and residential footprints interwoven by a walkable network that links to the overall pedestrian fabric of the site. In collaboration with local residents, the Comprehensive Plan reflects their aspirations for a community that values its legacy. Through inclusive engagement and a careful balance of historic preservation, sustainable development, and environmental remediation, this project establishes a promising model for equitable urban redevelopment.
Johnathan Hampton, Victor Almaraz, Amanda Esparza, James Theiss (University of Texas at Arlington)
RESEARCH | UNDERGRADUATE
RESTORING NATURE IN AN INDUSTRIAL LANDSCAPE
Jocseline Medina (Texas Tech)
The research investigates the impact of industrialization, particularly oil refineries, on the community of Deer Park, Texas, and its surrounding environment. The core issue is the harm caused to public health and local ecosystems, leading to a disconnection between the community and nature. The study explores how landscape architecture can restore ecological balance, reconnect people with their environment, and mitigate the negative effects of industrialization.
The investigation centers on several key relationships. First, it examines the effects of industrial pollution on the mental and physical health of Deer Park residents, particularly those living near the refineries. Second, it looks at the degradation of wildlife habitats and the loss of biodiversity resulting from industrial activities. Third, the study investigates how landscape architecture can create spaces that enhance well-being and promote ecological restoration. Lastly, it explores how sustainable design practices can address the needs of both people and the environment in post-industrial landscapes. Field research, community surveys, and environmental impact assessments were
conducted to gather data. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) helped map the environmental degradation, while public health data and surveys provided insights into the human impact. Comparative analysis of other post-industrial sites that have used landscape architecture for restoration informed the design strategies. The results revealed significant environmental and health degradation. A decline in mental health, particularly among those living near refineries, was evident, as well as a reduction in local biodiversity. However, the data suggested that sustainable strategies like urban greening, wildlife corridors, and rainwater management could mitigate these effects. The proposed design incorporated these approaches to demonstrate how landscape architecture can address such challenges. Ultimately, the research highlights the potential of landscape architecture to drive environmental restoration, improve public health, and promote resilience, offering valuable solutions for other industrialized communities.
THE IMPACT OF NATURE-BASED PLAY AREA ON PLAY AND LEARNING BEHAVIOR OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
Umme Haque (Texas Tech)
Nature plays a vital role in children’s development. Unfortunately, not all children follow the same growth curve. According to a 2023 WHO report, 1 in 100 children worldwide— approximately 20 million—have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These children face sensory integration challenges affecting communication, learning, social skills, motor development, and stress regulation. While numerous design guidelines exist for children with ASD, evidence supporting the benefits of nature-based outdoor play areas is limited. This study explored whether nature-based play areas influence the play and learning behaviors of children with ASD using an evidence-based approach. In collaboration with the TTU Greenhouse, which provided plants with sensory values; XR-Lab, which supplied the equipment; and the Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research at Texas Tech University, the study observed 15 children with ASD in a conventional playground. This was followed by observations in a transformed natural playground incorporating sensory and interactive elements, including sensory plants, water and sand play areas, loose parts, and art walls.
A mixed-methods approach was used for data collection, employing behavior mapping through ArcGIS Field Map, surveys with parents and caregivers via Qualtrics, and focus group discussions to gather qualitative insights.
Results revealed that sensory exploration increased 3.9 times, STEAM-related activities rose by 1.6 times, and group play increased 3.67 times in the nature-based setting. Social interactions and collaborative behaviors improved significantly, while repetitive behaviors declined. Parents and caregivers also reported positive impacts on children’s engagement, communication, and emotional regulation. These findings highlight the potential of nature-based interventions to support children with ASD. Based on findings, a new playground design was proposed, including a planting palette with sensory values, which is currently under fundraise for implementation. Further research (with larger sample sizes, experimental design, and permanent interventions) could enhance insights for designing learning landscapes for children with ASD.
2025 TEXAS ASLA CONFERENCE HOUSTON