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The current state of Lake Winnipeg is a direct result of ninety years of human abuse. Today, this body of water is the most eutrophic lake in the world (Partners for the Saskatchewan River Basin Board, 2009, p. 142). The pollution of Lake Winnipeg has resulted from excessive nutrient loading in the watercourses. Three major contributors to this eutrophic condition include intensive farming, large sewage treatment facilities within the Lake Winnipeg watershed and the inverted drainage pattern of the lake caused by hydroelectric dams. Intensive farming is increasing the nutrient loading into the lake due to the intensified drainage and the methods in which fertilizer is applied to fields. There is potential to mitigate these effects. This design practicum is about water and water management and how cattails can play a key role within it. The primary goal is to explore the possible capacities of landscape design to combine the functional aspects of filtration and energy generation. The outcome of the practicum will be to distill a site within the Lake Winnipeg’s watershed to carry out a physical design. The selected site with all of its facets functions as a test area for the effectiveness and applicability of ecological, economical and aesthetic dimensions through landscape architecture.

The beauty of the natural environment surrounding the town of Golden is subtly miraculous. Surrounded by national and provincial parks the town of Golden exists as a setting for rest and replenishment. The surrounding rugged landscapes, prized for their harsh beauties meets here at Golden with the calm serenity of the Columbia Valley. Along a network of elements threading the town’s existence, the industrious settlement of Golden has become a strategic setting for transportations of goods on rail and road across Canada. The industrious town of Golden today faces challenges between economic and environmental struggles. Golden’s struggle is not unlike many other towns in the mountain west, embracing tourism and growth effectively without damaging the attractive spirit of the town and industrial heritage. This practicum presents the Golden Thread as a balance between the present state of Golden and the future of this community with an exposed respect for environmental and cultural heritage. The ultimate purpose for the Golden Thread is to weave the town of Golden together by fostering a respect for all of what makes Golden extraordinary.

Issues associated with urban development such as the urban heat island effect, loss of habitat, increased areas of impervious surfaces leading to storm water management concerns are well known. Many designers, engineers and policy creators are sensitive to these issues creating positive change by implementing alternatives to traditional development. Although, the concept of green roofs is not new to the prairies, modern development of this technology has not been fully embraced. Surrounded by concerns of efficacy and longevity here in the harsh northern prairie climate, green roof development and implementation has been slow. The objective of this practicum is to determine what green roof system and what vegetation of the short grass / fescue prairie and mix grass prairie would succeed in a green roof setting. Determining the appropriate planting palette and growth medium depth for the Canadian Prairies is essential for the development of the green roof industry locally.

In recent decades, the role of port cities has changed dramatically. In many cases, the port function has been removed from the urban waterfront altogether. For this practicum, the subject is not the post-industrial, but rather an investigation into the role of landscape architecture in a place where industry persists on the shoreline. Halifax, Nova Scotia is the principle location for this exploration wherein the existing port-city interface is re-evaluated. This study includes an examination of the course of worldwide port development and the resulting impacts on port-city interrelationships and a historical comparison of the Port of Halifax to the general evolution. Mapping is the core of the analysis and is the primary means of assessing current conditions and future considerations. The work concludes with a final design proposal. Design drawings demonstrate the conceivability of the working port environment as a place to reconnect citizens with their harbour and the activities that occur within.

Issues associated with urban development such as the urban heat island effect, loss of habitat, increased areas of impervious surfaces leading to storm water management concerns are well known. Many designers, engineers and policy creators are sensitive to these issues creating positive change by implementing alternatives to traditional development. Although, the concept of green roofs is not new to the prairies, modern development of this technology has not been fully embraced. Surrounded by concerns of efficacy and longevity here in the harsh northern prairie climate, green roof development and implementation has been slow. The objective of this practicum is to determine what green roof system and what vegetation of the short grass / fescue prairie and mix grass prairie would succeed in a green roof setting. Determining the appropriate planting palette and growth medium depth for the Canadian Prairies is essential for the development of the green roof industry locally.

The beauty of the natural environment surrounding the town of Golden is subtly miraculous. Surrounded by national and provincial parks the town of Golden exists as a setting for rest and replenishment. The surrounding rugged landscapes, prized for their harsh beauties meets here at Golden with the calm serenity of the Columbia Valley. Along a network of elements threading the town’s existence, the industrious settlement of Golden has become a strategic setting for transportations of goods on rail and road across Canada. The industrious town of Golden today faces challenges between economic and environmental struggles. Golden’s struggle is not unlike many other towns in the mountain west, embracing tourism and growth effectively without damaging the attractive spirit of the town and industrial heritage. This practicum presents the Golden Thread as a balance between the present state of Golden and the future of this community with an exposed respect for environmental and cultural heritage. The ultimate purpose for the Golden Thread is to weave the town of Golden together by fostering a respect for all of what makes Golden extraordinary.

Issues associated with urban development such as the urban heat island effect, loss of habitat, increased areas of impervious surfaces leading to storm water management concerns are well known. Many designers, engineers and policy creators are sensitive to these issues creating positive change by implementing alternatives to traditional development. Although, the concept of green roofs is not new to the prairies, modern development of this technology has not been fully embraced. Surrounded by concerns of efficacy and longevity here in the harsh northern prairie climate, green roof development and implementation has been slow. The objective of this practicum is to determine what green roof system and what vegetation of the short grass / fescue prairie and mix grass prairie would succeed in a green roof setting. Determining the appropriate planting palette and growth medium depth for the Canadian Prairies is essential for the development of the green roof industry locally.

In recent decades, the role of port cities has changed dramatically. In many cases, the port function has been removed from the urban waterfront altogether. For this practicum, the subject is not the post-industrial, but rather an investigation into the role of landscape architecture in a place where industry persists on the shoreline. Halifax, Nova Scotia is the principle location for this exploration wherein the existing port-city interface is re-evaluated. This study includes an examination of the course of worldwide port development and the resulting impacts on port-city interrelationships and a historical comparison of the Port of Halifax to the general evolution. Mapping is the core of the analysis and is the primary means of assessing current conditions and future considerations. The work concludes with a final design proposal. Design drawings demonstrate the conceivability of the working port environment as a place to reconnect citizens with their harbour and the activities that occur within.

Issues associated with urban development such as the urban heat island effect, loss of habitat, increased areas of impervious surfaces leading to storm water management concerns are well known. Many designers, engineers and policy creators are sensitive to these issues creating positive change by implementing alternatives to traditional development. Although, the concept of green roofs is not new to the prairies, modern development of this technology has not been fully embraced. Surrounded by concerns of efficacy and longevity here in the harsh northern prairie climate, green roof development and implementation has been slow. The objective of this practicum is to determine what green roof system and what vegetation of the short grass / fescue prairie and mix grass prairie would succeed in a green roof setting. Determining the appropriate planting palette and growth medium depth for the Canadian Prairies is essential for the development of the green roof industry locally.