Working With The Rain
And based on this recent seminar, the engineers will not just ask for that planting plan, but will dictate to us the what, where, and how many plants are needed for “their” garden. If we are passive in serving this industry and opportunity, we are at risk of becoming nothing more than a drafting service with a seal to our esteemed engineering professionals.
So rest assured, I am not starting an engineering conspiracy theory against the landscape architects with this post. Most of my engineering associates have no interest in taking my job…I think.
No better time than now to start planning our role in responding to the next rain event on each of our professional horizons. Let’s rain garden; let’s bioretain!
Have a great weekend, everyone.
Tim May is a professional landscape architect and LEED AP for TNP in Forth Worth, Texas. He can be reached via email at tmay@tnpinc.com or by twitter at @TMay82
Page 2 of 2 | Previous page
Related posts:
I have done many presentations to LA’s and the public about this issue for over 20 years and have seen only token movement by the profession. Some LA’s incorporate LID into their design but it is not a primary goal because most do not understand the details and documentation required to meet permitting criteria or to design such that the construction costs are less than traditional storm drainage costs. Until LA’s either learn how to do the detailed analysis or work with an engineer who can, they will be marginalized and their designs will not include innovative sustainable stormwater solutions.
Scott, You are spot on. Unless the Landscape Architect is dealing with the mechanics on a regular basis like yourself. Then only a few will be able to back up the knowledge on how nature works to a formula. Which is what the engineers want to see for the construction or approval of bio retention.