October 25, 2010

By: Josaine R. from Ozone Park, NY
Comments: 22

Posted By: Josaine Richards
On: 12/10/2007 4:06:27 PM

Is Landscape architecture a big career path?

Posted By: kathleen aacosta
On: 12/21/2007 5:36:59 PM

Here in New Orleans many people are on waiting list to get someone to landscape their yards. More and more people want to have their lawns and gardens done really nice.

Posted By: Barbara Nikoomanesh
On: 1/3/2008 11:51:32 AM

Wouldn't it be exciting to have students participate in a real-world problem solving experience, doing the landscape design for residents of New Orleans? It is so rewarding for students to see their designs implemented. Students would start with research on native plants, existing landscape designs, mature sizes of plants and plant needs. They would also need to research safety concerns and element exposure and pedestrian movement patterns. Interviewing the owners would also help develop a list of needs and preferences. Students would then do drawings and take photos of the existing landscaping to determine what changes need to be made. Students can use technology such as Photoshop or CAD if available to create new designs. If the technology is not available, they can do colored pencil perspective drawings as well as colored pencil aerial views. Our students did a redesign that was implemented, of the landscaping at a local elementary school. The students worked hard on this project and were very proud to see their designs implemented. Babs

Posted By: Kelly McCartney
On: 1/16/2008 2:43:40 PM

I think this sounds great! What a great opportunity for our students! At Chalmette High we are doing a courtyard project, that is being professionally done, with the students help and ideas. It is already looking great!

Posted By: Jacalyn Moss
On: 1/23/2008 11:52:47 PM

We will be starting our last of four design projects at the Alternative Learning Institute. This project also involves a courtyard, which is 40' x 80' with 20' walls. At present the walls are made of plain cinder block topped with razor wire for security. Since our school is located inside a prison, the razor wire is a requirement. The paved foundation of the courtyard was ruined by Katrina's floodwaters, so it will require extensive work. Our goal is to design a New Orleans park within these courtyard walls. We will begin right after Mardi Gras by painting murals on the walls that depict traditional New Orleans scenery. We also hope to partner with Longue View Gardens to create plans for completely replacing the pavement with a garden. We hope that the participation in the revitalization of the courtyard will encourage our students to extend their learning experiences to help in the rebuilding of their neighborhoods.

Posted By: Frances Brown
On: 1/28/2008 12:41:42 PM

Alternative Learning - I recently saw an article on the news about your program. The students interviewed were extremely excited and pleased with the services your program provides. Keep up the good work in making a difference in their lives.

Posted By: Jacalyn Moss
On: 1/29/2008 11:54:57 PM

The three design projects our students have completed have not only transformed our school in a physical sense, but in an emotional sense as well. The learning environment created by these projects has given our students such a wonderful sense of self-worth. It has given them hope where very little existed prior to these projects. This was evident in the interviews given by our students to the news media. As a result of bringing design into their lives, two of our students are planning to go into business together,creating murals for children's rooms. Another student, who has just been released, has been hired to head up some design projects (murals) in the community. We are so incredibly proud of them.

Posted By: Cecile Jenevein
On: 3/14/2008 12:11:31 PM

Yes Kathleen and I was one of those people LOL. But first I had to have the yard dug up to add the new top soil. It was interesting going through each step with the landscaper. I also told the students as the project progressed. Some actually live in my neighborhood and would stop during the process to see how it was progressing. It is definitely a community effort. Prior to the storm I knew a few horticulturists that worked for the New Orleans Museum of Art and they said the job market is booming now in the metropolitan area of New Orleans. At school we are in the process of making a conversational courtyard area for our students that is landscaped. I cannot wait to see the final project that will be finished late spring. We talk about science career opportunities and I have added this to our list!!!