Category: Urban Systems

Why Landscape Architects Should Implement Carbon Skins Into Their Work

Why Landscape Architects Should Implement Carbon Skins Into Their Work

Why Landscape Architects Should Implement Carbon Skins Into Their Work

02/22/25

“Why should landscape architects implement carbon sinks into their work?”

Landscape Architects are tasked with creating landscapes to serve functional purposes. One of the most important tasks in the new climate paradigm is to decrease carbon emissions and carbon from the atmosphere. An important step is to create carbon sinks when appropriate. This can range from planting small trees to massive wetland restoration works. This is Why Landscape Architects Should Implement Carbon Skins Into Their Work.

Surface Water

Surface Water

Surface Water

02/21/25

“How do we classify water that’s exposed to the surface?”

Water comes in all shapes and sizes. Water that exists on the surface is known as Surface Water. Rivers, oceans, seas, lakes, and more make up the Earth’s surface water. 

Overlay Zoning

Overlay Zoning

Overlay Zoning

02/16/25

“How can we superimpose new regulations over an existing zoning district?”

Zoning in municipal plans defines what city portions can and cannot do. Sometimes, a city desires to add additional regulations without going through a complex rezoning process. This can be accomplished through Overlay Zoning, where new roles are imposed over an already existing city district. Overlay zoning can be used to designate a minimum amount of affordable housing, label a neighborhood portion as safe for transit-oriented development, and more.

Excavation for Construction

Excavation for Construction

Excavation for Construction

02/15/25

“Why is excavation an essential part of the construction process?”

A solid foundation and physical utility connections are essential to any new building. However, the ground itself may not be level to support this without modification. This is typically solved through Excavation for Construction, where soil and rock are removed to prepare for the insertion of building material. Excavation is essential for many construction processes.

Double Loaded Corridors

Double Loaded Corridors

Double Loaded Corridors

02/10/25

“What is the most common apartment floor plan in the US and Canada?”

Apartments in the US and Canada typically require at least two different staircases. The most common arrangement to accommodate this is the Double Loaded Corridor. Double-loaded corridors have a long hallway with two different staircases on both ends and units on each side. This layout forces apartment units to have unequal amounts of sunlight. Large family-friendly units are only available to be built on corners.

Point Access Blocks

Point Access Blocks

Point Access Blocks

02/08/25

“How can we improve American and Canadian apartments with one simple design rule?”

Most places in Canada and the US require two staircases per 3+ or 4+ story apartment (respectively) to meet fire safety regulations. This forces the floor layout into a double-loaded corridor with small apartments on each side of the central hallway. However, if we were to allow apartments to carry only one staircase, we would have much more flexibility with floor geometries. This small action enables the creation of Point Access Blocks. Point access blocks maximize the usable floor area, allow daylight to hit multiple sides of a building, increase ventilation, and lower cost. The US and Canada can greatly expand affordable multifamily housing by making point access blocks easier to build.

Building Point of Access

Building Point of Access

Building Point of Access

02/06/25

“How do we define the access point to a building?”

Buildings come in all shapes and sizes. But something almost all of them have in common is that they have a main entrance. This defines the Building Point of Access that people may use to enter and exit.

Waste Management

Waste Management

Waste Management

02/05/25

“How do we classify the processes for managing waste?”

People produce waste every day. Methods for collecting, transporting, treating, and disposing of waste must be developed. These actions are grouped under the umbrella of Waste Management. If proper waste management is not undertaken, major public health issues can ensue.