by ArchitectureWeek

Before world attention became riveted on the devastated landscapes of the Gulf Coast of the United States, a happier announcement celebrated design excellence in other landscapes, both public and private.

In July 2005, the American Society of Landscape Architects selected the recipients of its 2005 Professional Awards. Top honors went to a city park in Houston, Texas, a public promenade in Seattle, Washington, a residential garden near Chilmark, Massachusetts, and an urban analysis for Charleston, South Carolina.

Jury chair Gary Hilderbrand, FASLA, principal at Reed Hilderbrand Associates Inc., reported: "by bringing forward a compelling set of diverse projects, this jury showcased some of the successes landscape architects are having with the complex issues that arise for thoughtful design practices today, including the drive for clarity, expressiveness, rigor, and durability in design."

In the general design category, one of two awards of excellence went to The Heart of the Park at Hermann Park in Houston, designed by SWA Group and Olin Partnership, Ltd.

A framework for Hermann Park planned by George Kessler and by Hare & Hare in the early 1900s had never been fully realized. A reflecting pool had been only partially conceived and was in poor condition. The redesign of the "The Heart of the Park" set out to restore and complete the once delightful civic space as originally envisioned.   >>>

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The Heart of the Park at Hermann Park in Houston, designed by SWA Group and Olin Partnership, Ltd., was one of two ASLA Award of Excellence recipients. Photo: Tom Fox/ SWA Group Heroic measures were taken to protect the roots of heritage oak trees during excavations. Photo: Tom Fox/ SWA Group   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.