Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
based problem-solving process, and this approach has its parallel in
grading and drainage education. If the students are to believe the mes-
sage on my “It's Time for Design” badge, then it seems a visual approach
to learning site grading would be appropriate. At least the students
would see the parallels between design and grading more readily. That
is my hope and was the basis of developing the textbook Landscape Site
Grading Principles.
The three images in Figures 1.6 through 1.8 were selected to present
the range of public park spaces where site grading and design are inte-
gral to the projects. In all three projects, site grading was the generative
force of these projects' success. They have become popular urban recre-
ation and passive open space retreats in dense urban areas.
Site grading has become increasingly important, particularly in many
specialized and emerging areas of site design. For instance, Figure 1.9, a
skateboard park located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, represents a project
type that has become very popular. Site grading is the foundation in the
design of this kind of recreation venue. In golf course design, the more suc-
cessful projects—those that challenge the golfer—are the result of carefully
considered grading design. Athletic fields for all sports require the applica-
tion of sound grading principles that not only contribute to the success of
play but also facilitate successful ground maintenance.
Figure 1.6
Brooklyn Bridge Park, New York City
MiChAel VAn VAlkenburG AssoCiAtes
Figure 1.7
Water Works Park, Phoenix, AZ
Christy ten eyCk, lAndsCApe ArChiteCts
