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  • 1.  Landscape architecture

    Posted 08-26-2019 01:55 PM
    Looking for recommended books, manuals, literature, etc to read up more about landscape architecture as it relates to engineers for green infrastructure and low impact development.

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    Christopher Dzidek P.E., M.ASCE
    Project Director
    Boston MA
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  • 2.  RE: Landscape architecture

    Posted 09-06-2019 02:03 PM
    Hi Christopher,
    Here is a couple that I am aware of. Philadelphia Water Department has some resources on green infrastructure, including design manuals. It's not specifically on landscape architecture, but it may have relevant portions. 
    http://philadelphiawater.org/gsi/planning-design/

    Villanova University Urban Stormwater Partnership also publishes research results and presentations focusing on various aspects of GSI and details of the on-campus systems
    https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/engineering/research/resilient-water-systems/vusp.html

    Good luck! It would be interesting to hear more about your project if you'd like to share.

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    Natalya Sokolovskaya P.E., M.ASCE
    Wynnewood PA
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  • 3.  RE: Landscape architecture

    Posted 09-17-2019 09:08 PM
      |   view attached
    Hi Christopher,

    I have found a lot of useful information in the attached manual.  The later sections have information on planting best practices and compatible growing conditions for different plants.  Hope this helps!

    Cheers,
    DC

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    Daniel Clasby EIT, A.M.ASCE
    Whitinsville MA
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  • 4.  RE: Landscape architecture

    Posted 09-18-2019 10:02 AM
    This is a complicated topic and requirements vary substantially by region, local conditions, and the intent of the project.  Most of the commonly available literature is very general in its recommendations.  Can you provide a little more context for your request? 

    I strongly recommend seeking out a qualified local ecologist or ecological restoration expert to consult.

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    John Zollers EIT, A.M.ASCE
    Engineer
    AECOM
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 5.  RE: Landscape architecture

    Posted 09-18-2019 02:05 PM
    As others have noted, landscape design is a complex problem.  For example, here in Austin we need be sure to address drought tolerance, water use, pest management, habitat, freeze tolerance and maintainability while discouraging the use of invasive and noxious species.  The critical considerations vary with geography and climate thus, Austin literature would be of little use in Boston.  Nonetheless, we have several Registered Landscape Architects and Ecologists in our Watershed Protection Department and I'd like to point the community to some of the documents they have produced for our Grow Green Program (http://www.austintexas.gov/department/grow-green) and Voluntary Rain Garden Program (http://www.austintexas.gov/department/rain-gardens-keeping-water-land).  These documents illustrate the complexity and competing interests in landscape design which is why I always leave it up to the professionals

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    Eric Loucks Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, M.ASCE
    Austin TX
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