Landscape Design 2
Site Design
This course introduces the landscape architectural design process. Emphasizing process and concept development, students identify a problem and then use site inventory, analysis, program development, and exploration to test solutions. Projects are small-scale sites—preferably actual and visitable, such as intimate courtyards, street plazas, and pocket parks—and/or physically built (i.e., limited use of computer drafting, rendering, and 3D modeling).
Instructor
Jim Smith + Nicholas Decker
Project Location
UCLA Campus
judges
Tyler Banken – Tyler Banken Design
Steve Poe – Tropic Land Design
Mike Singleton – KTU+A
Nahal Sohbati – Topophyla
Project 2: Melnitz Stairs
SCASLA Excellence Award
The judges appreciated the clear communication and powerful layout that effectively showed the evolution of the design. The simple yet thoughtful design was praised, particularly the activation of the upper patio with a café. The clean graphics and well-labeled plan view, along with strong sections and the addition of lighting, contributed to a well-executed and visually appealing project.
Melnitz Stairs
Student: Joan Grasser
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SCASLA Honorable Mention
The judges appreciated the strong design idea conveyed through the sections, particularly the stairway with space for contemplation and gathering. The curved elements were noted for softening elevation changes and creating a comfortable space. The overall design offered an efficient solution for managing pedestrian traffic, and Section A provided clearer visual alignment.
Melnitz Stairs
Student: Charlie Leazer
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SCASLA Achievement Award
The judges appreciated the strong site analysis, particularly the clear depiction of contours and elevation changes. The simple use of color and linework in the plan was praised for its readability, and the sections effectively showcased the dynamic nature of the site, with a great emphasis on vertical changes. The perspectives tied in well with the site plan, and the inclusion of people and other elements added to the clarity. Overall, the project’s strong visuals, particularly in the sections and perspectives, communicated the design intent effectively.
Melnitz Stairs
Student: Zoë Marans
Melnitz Stairs Redesign
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SCASLA Achievement Award
The judges appreciated the project’s ability to tell a story through the analysis, particularly the clear depiction of access points and topography. The juxtaposition of the soft water feature against the sharp lines in the site plan was praised, and the perspectives were noted for their clean, contemporary feel. The observation deck and water feature added a soft, inviting element to the design, while the sections and perspectives effectively conveyed the overall vision with simplicity and clarity.
Melnitz Stairs
Student: Mitch Miller
Inspired by Bismuth
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Melnitz Stairs Redesign
Student: Nikki Rinehart
Redevelopment of Murphy Sculpture Garden and Melnitz Stairs at UCLA. further developed our skills to focus on being “process driven rather than product oriented,” how to do things more quickly and efficiently. My designs utilize native plants and ecosystems as inspiration to join nature and human activity.
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SCASLA Honorable Mention
The judges appreciated the effective use of gray to highlight negative space and the inclusion of concept plan thumbnails, which helped to clearly communicate the design direction. The design was praised for spanning the space from left to right, and the section/elevation effectively demonstrated how the spaces were not constrained by the old layout. The perspectives, particularly the garden-scale space and offset bridges, created a welcoming environment where visitors could escape the rush of the urban setting.
Melnitz Stairs
Student: Mia Skolnik
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SCASLA Honorable Mention
The judges appreciated the strong thought process behind the design, particularly the thoughtful use of grade changes for the amphitheater and the balance of direct and meandering pathways. The plan effectively communicated movement through the space with clear labels and playful transitions. The sections were well-developed, offering a strong sense of how the space feels, and the design showed growth and thoughtful development throughout.
Melnitz Stairs
Student: Victoria Stover
Reimagining the Melnitz Stairs on the UCLA campus
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