The 2024 “Placemaking Through Landscape Design” summer camp was a resounding success, with eight students participating in the week-long camp held at Lawrence Technological University’s Southfield campus in mid-July.
The high school students, ranging in age from 15 to 19, each had their own expectations of what the landscape design camp would offer them. In the end, when certificates of completion were presented, their sense of achievement was apparent and expectations exceeded.
The annual camp, now in its third year, was hosted by Lawrence Technological University and organized by the Michigan Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, the City of Southfield and Southfield City Centre.
Seven students from southeast Michigan and one from as far away as Chicago gathered each day on the LTU campus to learn about landscape design as a potential future career choice.
Under the leadership of Terry Croad, AICP, ASLA, Director of Planning for the City of Southfield and organizer of the camp, students visited downtown Detroit, where they experienced the Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut, Spirit Park and Campus Martius Park. The SmithGroup, a global architectural firm, hosted lunch and provided a tour of their office space in the historic art deco Guardian Building.
“Our goal was to showcase a wide array of landscape architecture in an urban setting,” says Croad.
Back on the LTU campus, volunteer design professionals shared their expertise and advice with students throughout the week. For example, one afternoon featured visual artist/landscape designer Stephanie Onwenu, ASLA, whose presentation focused on creating 3-D models of a prospective landscape design. “We’re all artists,” she told the group as she facilitated a workshop aimed at teaching students how to create a 3-D landscape design.
Following a visit to nearby Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve in Southfield, students were divided into two groups of four as they began a hands-on project that had them creating a master design plan for the park. The students then created 3-D models of individual vignettes representing their overall design, with Onwenu and Croad helping them realize their vision.
Students expressed their favorite camp experiences – from walking the Detroit Riverfront to the hands-on 3-D modeling project and presentations by design professionals.
“Students learned about all the elements that go into a project, including landforms, canopies, enclosures, sculptures, water features and green spaces, along with the importance of understanding the role of the entire landscape design process,” says Croad.
On the last day of the Placemaking Through Landscape Design camp, both groups presented their master design plans to Joane Slusky, landscape architect and owner of Juno Solutions, LLC; Thomas Paison, Southfield Deputy City Planner; and Jamie McArdle, business developer for Victor Stanley. Each provided professional feedback to the groups.
After learning about landscape architecture and design, many of the students said they’ll consider pursuing a career in the field. One student had already chosen landscape architecture as her college major and will begin her studies at Michigan State University this fall. Another student, who planned to pursue mechanical engineer in the fall, said the camp has made him rethink his major. Oher students expressed interest in exploring artistic opportunities in related careers.
“All in all, it was a successful week,” notes Croad.
Here’s what students had to say:
Ghost: “I liked the hands-on aspect of the camp. It makes me want to pursue a career in design at LTU.”
Josh: “I really liked the 3-D aspect. I want to pursue a career in landscape architecture, maybe as a contractor.”
Bridget: “The camp met my expectations. It gave us a good idea of what landscape architecture is all about.”
Lauren: “I learned a lot in a few short days.”
Osvaldo: “It was a good experience – very eye-opening.”
Tim: “I liked learning about the structure of things.”
David: “I didn’t’ really know what landscape design was – but now I really like it.”
Marcell: “Overall, I like the concept of landscape architecture and how it relates to my artistic background.”
