by ArchitectureWeek

The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has announced the recipients of its 2007 Professional Awards. As in past years, the selected projects reflect the breadth of a profession that concerns itself with residential gardens, municipal parks, and regional master plans.

In the "General Design" category, the Award of Excellence went to the M. Victor and Frances Leventritt Garden at The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Boston. Landscape architect Reed Hilderbrand Associates developed the 3.5-acre (1.4-hectare) site as a venue for both researchers and visitors. It is a demonstration garden for over 150 species and cultivars of shrubs and vines, arrayed for both scientific study and public enjoyment.

Challenging the design were the site's irregular outline and its 30 vertical feet (9 meters) of grade change. Planting beds and terraces were built into the hillside along with public walks, a gathering space, and an outdoor classroom pavilion. A parterre contains a central lawn that arcs down the slope toward the adjacent historic collections areas of the existing 200-acre (81-hectare) arboretum.   >>>

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The M. Victor and Frances Leventritt Garden at The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, by Reed Hilderbrand Associates, received an Award of Excellence from the ASLA. Photo: Andrea Jones Traditional garden ramps provide accessibility between terraces of the Leventritt Garden. Photo: Alan Ward   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.