O4D Expands the Mind...

...by attending two unique educational opportunities! Dirty, to those thinking otherwise...

The first event, on Friday, November 6, was hosted by the Cultural Landscape Foundation and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, at the Warhol Museum. The event, titled The Hunter and Philosopher: John O. Simonds Pioneer Landscape Architect examined the life, philosophy, and works of Pittsburgh's premier landscape architect.

The event called attention to the likely demise of many "American Landscapes", including Simond's Mellon Square in downtown Pittsburgh. Restoration of Mellon Square, including plans and techniques, was the eventual focus of the event.

Here, O4D listens intently to perspectives on Simonds and the recognized potential of Pittsburgh to remain at the forefront of landscape architecture and public space utilization. Like Simonds, O4D recognizes the unique topographical characteristics of Pittsburgh and her surrounding regions while heeding the call to be masters of environmental design and ushers of collaboration within the profession.


The next day, Saturday November 7, Rebecca and I attended the Nile Mile Run Watershed: State of the Watershed 2009. Held every two years, the event touts the efforts of those involved in improving water quality of the watershed through various remedial efforts.


Held at the Pittsburgh City Schools' Charter School for Environmental Education in Regent Square, the event hosted a panel discussion by the water quality monitoring team. Keynote speaker, Tom Biebighauser, a biologist from the US Fish and Wildlife Foundation, talked to the ease of wetland design and construction. With over 1,000 wetlands constructed from his efforts, Tom related how important wetlands are to biodiversity. Here, Rebecca has the opportunity to meet Tom and purchase his guidebook on restoration and construction.

O4D was excited by this opportunity; as landscape architects we are often asked about inexpensive design opportunities for surface water and runoff in both urban and rural contexts. We were able to witness examples of wetlands in both applications, particularly their success and benefit to the communities they serve. O4D is excited to implement their new perspectives on wetlands with the confidence of their affordability and application.