b'FIVE WAYS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS ENHANCE COMMUNITIESThese areas experience elevated tem- down-stream sedimentation. Erosionwork in the public realm. The goal is to peratures as compared to outer ruraland water quality issues like Lake Eriescreate spaces that are safe, welcoming areas due to greater heat absorptionalgae blooms can be reduced. and accommodating for everyone. and lower water penetration levels.By using diverse plant pallets that areOutside of urban areas, we are simi-This leads to harmful health impacts.suited to each sites location, moisturelarly working to design accessible trail Studies show that respiratory andregime, soil conditions and exposure,options and visitor centres to responsi-digestive systems of the public arewe can support high levels of biodiver- bly introduce visitors to our provincial impacted by rising temperatures. Nu- sity in both plant communities as welland national parks and conservation merous climate models suggest thatas the insects and animals that rely onzones. In these biodiverse areas, con-Canada will see a dramatic increase inthese areas for food and habitat. siderations for safety and well-being the number of hot days in the future. Landscape architecture has multi-ple solutions to reducing urban heat.URBAN BRAILLE HELPS THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED Solutions include the use of light and reflective material selections ratherNAVIGATE THE STREETS BY USE OF CONTRASTING than dark options that absorb heat, green parking lots made from environ- PAVEMENT COLOURS, TEXTURES AND IMPRESSED mentally friendly products to improve land permeability, planting trees toSYMBOLS ADDED TO CONCRETE SIDEWALKS.filter radiation and rainwater harvest-ing to improve water storage to create a cooling effect.Another solution is buffering hu- extend to both the human visitors and Planting trees and large areas of vege- man uses from open waterways andprotection of the flora and fauna that tation including green roofs, parks andvulnerable ground water sources withare the main attraction. restored natural areas all contributenaturalized vegetation. We can preventWhen we celebrate World Landscape to carbon sequestration and improvedwater contamination with nutrients,Architecture month in April of each year, air quality.sediments, salt and chemical runoffevery Canadian needs to think more Numerous studies have documentedcommon to our roadways, walkwaysbroadly of how these issues impact the health benefits of people interact- and agricultural areas.their community. Landscape architec-ing with nature. A view of nature from aDesign solutions work towards theture provides solutions that make our hospital window alone can substantial- protection and enhancement of ourcommunities safer, resilient to climate ly improve recovery time, and peopleenvironment, in a sustainable manner. change, healthier, environmentally report feeling calmer and happier aftersustainable and accessible for all.being immersed in nature. 5.Improving equity and accessibility As the built form of cities increase inJane Welsh, BLA, OALA, FCSLA is the Parks, recreation, trails, playgrounds anddensity while access to natural areasPresident of the Ontario Association of sports fields provide opportunities forand private outdoor spaces becomeLandscape Architects (OALA), a Fellow people of all ages to participate in activethe rarity, our public plazas, parks andof the Canadian Society of Landscape living, resulting in further health benefitsconservation areas grow more ecologi- Architects (CSLA) and is a member of the to those living in our communities. cally important for the resilience of ourCSLA Committee on Climate Adaptation. 4. Restoring damaged land cities. Public spaces have become moreShe is also a Project Manager in Environ-significant to the well-being of the in- mental Planning with the City of Toronto. After centuries of neglect and de- creasing populations and diverse demo- She can be reached at president@oala.ca struction of the natural environment,graphics of people who rely on them.we stand at a point where we cantRobert Norman, BLA, OALA, FCSLA is an overlook the increasing incidents ofThe 8 80 Cities model highlights theOALA Emeritus Member and a Fellow of distressed landscapes and resultingneed to create cities that are easilythe CSLA. He is also a former President implications for human well-being.navigable by citizens of all ages andof both the OALA and CSLA, and he has The solutions lie in creating landscapeslevels of mobility. Its concept is that ifdirect experience working in five Ontario that are aesthetically pleasing but alsoa system can work for an eight-year- municipalities.highly ecologically functional. By incor- old as well as an 80-year-old, then itThis article was originally published porating green infrastructure princi- should work for everyone. in Municipal World magazine, March ples, vegetation infiltration opportuni- Universal accessibility is a concept be- 2019. The article has been since updated ties are created that can improve theing embraced across every level of gov- to include reference to awards won for quality of rain water runoff and preventernment and by the professionals whoBerczy Park. 12 2019 PRODUCT DIRECTORY'