by John W. Olson | Sep 26, 2011 | Landscape Architecture, Streetscapes, Sustainability, Urbanism
There are many parallels between the disciplines of Civil Engineering and Landscape Architecture. The two fields of land development expertise are in many instances dependent upon the success or failure of each industry. The relationships are most often interrelated...
by John W. Olson | May 29, 2011 | Comprehensive Planning and Codes, Landscape Architecture, Streetscapes, Town Planning, Urban Planning and Design
Almost every city has the same thing in common. That is the love/hate relationship with water… specifically storm water. We all love water because it is such a precious resource that we are dependent upon. However, it is storm water that our civilization has grown...
by John W. Olson | May 23, 2011 | Landscape Architecture, Streetscapes, Sustainability, Town Planning, Urban Planning and Design, Urbanism
The New York Times published an article yesterday, With Eye on Climate Change, Chicago Prepares for a Warmer Future, about adaptations to climate change. I was particularly interested in the infrastructure portion of the article as we need to consider infiltration...
by John W. Olson | Jan 16, 2011 | Landscape Architecture, Streetscapes, Sustainability
Parking lots are a primary contributor to stormwater runoff in our cities due to their scale and impervious character. Parking lots, unless they are low-frequency use parking lots, must have a certain level of imperviousness to them for the functional aspect of...
by John W. Olson | Jan 5, 2011 | Landscape Architecture, Streetscapes
We can always tell if a plant is in need of water based on its appearance. Specifically, we see the need in the color of the plant’s foliage. However, not all plants are created equally in this respect. Trees in particular do not show their need for water...