Citizens find it hard to appreciate the ecological qualities of an unorganized forest landscape because they prefer a neat and orderly appearance even though it may not offer ecological benefits (Tyrväinen et al 2013). Lifeless downed wood or logs give the impression of untidiness and chaos. What the public should understand is the importance of […]
Read More… from Dead Wood Is Not Dead: The Ecological Functions and Management of Dead Wood
We aim to create a waterfront destination park that: introduces opportunities for economic growth as Downtown Columbia becomes increasingly urbanized and developed; connects to the greater plan for Columbia; restores Jim Rouse’s original vision for Columbia by incorporating historical elements; increases pedestrian access; introduces greater handicap access; allows for social gathering on many different scales, […]
The Guilford Gateway Trail project presented here proposes to transform 3.5 miles of unused CSX railroad right-of-way into a shared use path system to serve the Southeast Howard County area. The section of right-of-way extends from Washington Boulevard (Route 1) in Jessup northwest to the intersection of Broken Land Parkway and Snowden Parkway passing residential, […]
This document aims to address the topics involved in the creation and management of meadows as well as provide informational supplementary sources. In this case, we are examining the potential of meadows to be used as alternatives to open grass spaces that require frequent mowing. These mowed open spaces are maintained as a buffers that […]
In the urban landscape, ecosystems are being fragmented into smaller and smaller pieces that lack the connectivity and resources to function properly. Riparian zones are ecosystems that act as an ecotone, or interface, between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. A properly functioning riparian ecosystem provides a multitude of ecosystem services that help keep the surrounding area […]
The Elkhorn Promenade project revitalizes the Owen Brown Village Center in Columbia, Maryland into a competitive and locally sourced mixed use residential and retail destination. The Elkhorn Promenade will give residents a strong desire to walk, bike or even take a short drive to a destination with a tailored experience. Don’t go downtown; go next […]
821-825 Druid Park Lake Drive is a one-acre greyfield site in Baltimore City’s Reservoir Hill neighborhood. Our redevelopment proposal, The Olmsted, is to construct a 205,890-square foot structure with 218 mixed-income residential units. Reservoir Hill is a historic neighborhood known for its Victorian mansions and architectural character. The site is bounded to the north by […]
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Our aim with this project was to enhance the synergy and connectivity of this site, while increasing previous surfaces to catch and filter site runoff before entering the lake. Increasing the seating for event spaces/ social gatherings was also a critical aspect of the design. We used a geometric site layout to carry out our […]
Read More… from Reflect & Connect: Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia
Sitting along the edge of Lake Kittamaqundi, the Columbia Lakefront serves as one of the much broader open spaces in Columbia Town Center. The site sits to the East of the Columbia Mall and has served for the town of Columbia for outdoor events since the 1990s. Each year Columbia Lakefront holds events such as […]
The Montgomery County Department of Parks has asked our team of Environmental Science and Policy majors at the University of Maryland, to assist in developing creative ways to effectively message sustainability as a way to protect the health of County citizens. This paper highlights suggestions for ways to effectively do so. It focuses on the […]
Read More… from Messaging Sustainability for Environmental Health