Apache Junction is a young city, incorporated in 1978. It is still in the process of forming its identity and long-term growth strategy. At the same time, the city is figuring out how to stimulate its economy and improve the quality of life of its residents. Landscape architecture can help with this, as it connects physical contexts and community priorities to create cohesive visions for its land use. Its design process integrates the physical context of space so that buildings, landscapes, and the things that connect them make the most of their environments while meeting the needs of urban communities.
To help the city envision how to maximize resources, enrich its community, and attract interest, the fall 2017 course LDE 361/590 focused on landscape architecture inventoried the natural and human characteristics of Apache Junction, visited the city for onsite fieldwork and community engagement, and conducted case studies. Student teams then identified opportunities and constraints. From this research emerged strategic themes for Apache Junction such as tourism and recreation, culture and history, and healthy communities. Students built upon these to produce multiple conceptual land-use plans. While these plans are specific to an area of Apache Junction, the most promising ideas from the plans can be extracted and considered for the entire city or other similar areas. Ideas students generated include creating an intricate chain of trails and parks that will give residents the ability to explore the outdoors, as well as creating an arts district that will highlight the city’s culture and setting. Both concepts are intended to improve the quality of life of current residents while attracting visitors and new residents.
Professor Ken Brooks and Faculty AssociateKevin Kellogg led this combined undergraduate and graduate course that teaches the principles of site analysis and the basics of zoning, master planning, and community design. First, students were guided through a series of research methods including community participation, observation, case studies, inventorying, and analysis. After learning the basics of land-use planning and urban design, the students applied their imaginations and creativity to develop ideas for Apache Junction.