LPA Design Studios’ landscape architects earned recognition for their work on a groundbreaking high school STEM campus and a community college student union at the recent American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Sierra Chapter Design Awards. In addition, LPA Project Designer Andrew Wickham was honored with the Legacy Award for his long-term dedication and contributions to the chapter and the field of landscape architecture.
Landscape Team Earns California Sierra ASLA Design Awards
Menlo-Atherton High School STEM Building.
The landscape design for the Menlo-Atherton High School STEM building earned a Merit Award in General Design, for projects larger than $1 million. The landscape team was part of a holistic approach to developing a new STEM facility to support a next-generation curriculum, as well as larger campus goals. The site development preserved two ancient oak trees and created a variety of outdoor spaces to support different learning styles and activities.
Los Medanos Community College Student Union and PE Building.
The Los Medanos Community College Student Union and PE Building earned a Merit Award in General Design, in the project over $1 million category. The facility combines a gym and student activity center and activates the campus by connecting indoor activities with outdoor spaces programmed to enrich student life. A native plant palette, stormwater biofiltration basins and programed outdoor social spaces help transform the site into the campus’ “living room,” to help keep students on campus throughout the day while reducing the amount of turf grass used on site.
These projects illustrate what’s possible with an integrated design approach, when landscape architects are part of the team from the beginning of the design process. On both campuses, the outdoor spaces support the needs of the students, educators, community and environment.
“These projects illustrate what’s possible with an integrated design approach, when landscape architects are part of the team from the beginning of the design process,” says LPA Director of Landscape architecture Kari Kikuta. “On both campuses, the outdoor spaces support the needs of the students, educators, community and environment.”
Wickham has served many roles in the California Sierra Chapter, helping to lead a variety of advocacy and public outreach efforts, including co-creating the Park-In-A-Box mobile outreach and awareness vehicle.
He first started with the organization in 2011 helping to plan events. He has been a continuous member of the Executive Committee since 2013 when he started as Member-at-Large, eventually becoming Vice President, President, and now is serving his second term as Trustee.
“Andrew is a tireless advocate for the landscape architecture profession and its power to impact projects,” Kikuta says. “The chapter’s honor is well-deserved.”
This marks the 6th consecutive year LPA projects have been recognized by the ASLA Sierra Chapter.
