Landscape Architecture & Natural Systems

A Power Point Presentation for the National "Smart Growth" Conference Sponsored by the Local Government Commission & Penn State University
Presented by SDOT Senior Landscape Architect Shane DeWald
In Miami, Florida
February 29, 2005
(File is large - about 130 MB; right click to save to desktop)

• A Natural System is an investment in the future that combines the public and private interests and resources to maximize -for public benefit-- the drainage function of the right-of-way. A healthy street tree is a Natural System in its most simplistic form!
• A Natural Systems Project creatively applies engineering with soil science and landscape architectural design principles to enhance transportation and environmental functions in a manner designed to add value to the neighborhood and promote the physical and social health of those who live there.

More than a system or a single project to implement it, the Natural Systems Program provides an overall framework to design, build, and manage the public and private investment in innovative projects and management tools to achieve sustainable benefits for the long term. As projects continue to be designed and constructed, the program has developed management tools including a "Homeowner's Manual" to guide adjacent property owners in their work to maintain plantings along their street front.

This Presentation provides a general background for the development of the Program and various projects, specific information from the projects already constructed or currently in design to be constructed in the City of Seattle.