2021 BSLA Design Awards
We are grateful to have three projects recognized in the 2021 Boston Society of Landscape Architects Design Awards. Congratulations to our friends and peers whose amazing works are also recognized this year. We are so proud to be part of a community whose efforts are both advancing the design capacities of our discipline and making real impacts in the lives of the underserved and disadvantaged communities around the U.S. and abroad.
Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA) seeks to recognize excellence in the diverse practices of landscape architecture. Projects should demonstrate excellence and reflect the careful stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of our cultural and natural environment. The jury determines that awarded projects merit recognition in one or more of the following areas:
- Exemplary social, cultural, educational, or environmental significance
- Outstanding quality, craftsmanship, creativity, or artistry
- Unique and innovative technologies, techniques, or concepts
- Advancement of the public’s awareness and perception of the field of landscape architecture
Analysis and Planning Excellence Award:
Cambridge Urban Forest Master Plan, Cambridge, MA
Jury Comments: “This plan is an impressive body of work in terms of the depth and focus of scientific analysis that also shows masterful storytelling. It demonstrates a comprehensive and compelling thought process, while providing a readable, accessible handbook for both public authorities and private citizens—a public works manual in the making that would benefit many communities with its policy recommendations. It is the kind of document that changes the way people think about landscape architecture and can make fundamental changes to the city. On a personal level, I see this plan in action as a new member of Cambridge’s public planting committee and the tangible action items are already successful.”
Design Merit Award
New Orleans Museum of Art Besthoff Sculpture Garden, New Orleans, LA
Jury Comments: “The jury is impressed with this very lovely landscape that is at its heart an amazing asset and investment for the benefit of the public. The jury liked the moments of grounding renderings within the finer context and were intrigued by the role of the landscape architect in siting art pieces in the landscape. The story of water tying the place together in this low lying area is particularly compelling, and the over, under, and through water is a powerful idea.”
Design Merit Award:
Foothill Road, Beverly Hills, CA
Jury Comments: “This is a strong example of how adaptive design can meet contemporary needs and create an attractive and beautiful landscape. The Jury appreciated the use of native and drought-tolerant plantings in a place with big challenges and lauded the plan for capturing water in extreme rain events to be used during times of drought.”