Sustainable Landscapes

Sustainable landscapes are responsive to the environment, re-generative, and can actively contribute to the development of healthy communities. Sustainable landscapes sequester carbon, clean the air and water, increase energy efficiency, restore habitats, and create value through significant economic, social and, environmental benefits. T

hrough this site, you will learn how landscape architects improve your world through projects ranging from the large-scale sustainable master plans and housing communities to small-scale green streets, parking lots, and private yards. You will also learn how landscape architects, planners, architects, engineers, horticulturalists, and others work in interdisciplinary teams to create innovative models that outline a path to sustainable future practice. 

Once you’ve explored the projects, learn more about the technical details that landscape architects bring to designing and creating sustainable landscapes. Visit the Sustainable Sites Initiative, a new rating system that will help bring these types of projects to all communities.

• http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/

• 20 case studies illustrate the transformative effects of sustainable landscape design.
• High Line Park
  New York City,
  New York, U.S.A.
  
• Nueva School
  Hillsborough, California, U.S.A
  
• The Red Ribbon, Tanghe River Park
  Qinhuangdao City,
  Hebei Province, China
  
• Underwood Family Sonoran Landscape Laboratory
  University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A.
  
• Washington Mutual Center Green Roof
  Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
  
• Kresge Foundation Headquarters
  Troy, Michigan, U.S.A.
  
• The Crack Garden
  San Francisco,
  California, U.S.A.
  
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  Watch animations created with Google Sketchup to learn how sustainable design works.
  
  
• HtO Park
  Toronto, Canada
  
• Viet Village Urban Farm
  New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.
  
• Transformative Water
  Pitkin County, Colorado, U.S.A.
  
• Mount Tabor Middle School Rain Garden
  Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.
  
• Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Master Plan
  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
  
• From Brownfield to Greenfield
  Wellesley, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
  
• Bryant Park
  New York City,
  New York, U.S.A.
  
• Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan
  Greensburg, Kansas, U.S.A.
  
• Rooftop Haven for Urban Agriculture
  Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
  
• NE Siskiyou Green Street
  Portland, Oregon, U.S.A.
  
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• Pacific Cannery Lofts
  Oakland, California, U.S.A.
  
• High Point
  Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
  
• Park 20/20:
  A Cradle to Cradle Inspired Master Plan
  Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands
  

©2011 American Society of Landscape Architects
Contact Us

This Web site has been made possible through a grant by: National Endowment for the Arts

These animations are designed to be a basic introduction to sustainable design concepts, created for the general public and students of all ages.

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  Building a Park Out of Waste

  Watch an animation that explains how to reuse building demolition waste to create a beautiful new park. Learn how to maximize available resources and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
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  Designing for Active Living

  Watch an animation that explains how to transform a car-centric community into one that enables active living. Learn how designing communities for walking, biking, and increased social interaction in open green spaces improves health.
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  Leveraging the Landscape to Manage Water

  Watch an animation that explains how green infrastructure systems effectively manage stormwater. See how green roofs, bioretention systems, and permeable pavements actually work.
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  From Industrial Wasteland to Community Park

  Watch an animation that explains how to turn a toxic industrial wasteland into a vibrant local park. See how damaged landscapes are restored through bioremediation and redesign.
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  Revitalizing Communities with Parks

  Watch an animation that explains how to revitalize an under-served urban community with a new park. See how communities without green space can thrive when provided with valuable space for social interaction.
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