Solve Problems Through Land Planning? Yes, Say Fanshawe Degree Students

Daniel Bryson, a fourth-year ILPT student, has been short-listed in the SLANT International Competition for Students of Landscape Architecture. Currently completing an eight month co-op placement as part of his applied degree at Fanshawe, Bryson entered the competition with a design titled "Bamboo Boardwalk."

The SLANT competition invited students to create a concept design for a public park at a riverside site, with a focus on urban renewal. Bryson is one of three Canadians to make the 30-person shortlist of finalists vying for a first prize of 3000 Euro (just over $4200 CAD).

"The Integrated Land Planning Technologies (ILPT) students take eight 'design studio' courses in the program," said Program Coordinator Andrew Wilson. "We try to incorporate design competitions or community outreach projects in the design studios."

Last year, ILPT students entered the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (OSSGA) Student Competition, which focuses on landscape rehabilitation during and after a mining operation. Alex Waffle, Bryson's classmate, placed fifth in that competition while Bryson along with Tracey Tucker and James Scott received honourable mentions.

This past winter, fourth-year students completed a Greenprint for Thamesford. A greenprint is a planning and design document outlining ideas, plans and projects related to sustainability and the greening of a community. The student plan, including revitalization of the main street, received praise from Zorra Township Councillor Marie Keasey, who provided copies to her colleagues, planning staff at Oxford County, and consultants working on urban design guidelines for both Thamesford and Embro.

Currently, graduating ILPT students are completing eight Capstone projects to solve urban trouble spots through planning and design. The projects rely heavily on industry research and GIS analysis examining ways to improve quality of life and increase responsible, sustainable living. They include the following:

• Plans and designs for two urban villages: (1) Bronte Creek Village in Oakville; (2) Hyde Park Village in London;
  
  
• Improving participation in recreational activities for rural residents in Huron County;
  
  
• Supporting agriculture and community development in Middlesex County, including a new Farmer's Market;
  
  
• Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in relation to neighbourhoods near Fanshawe College;
  
  
• Revitalization of a London social housing development to improve residents' quality of life;
  
  
• Exploring where a CFL-level football stadium could be built in London;
  
  
• Convenience, accessibility and aesthetics of pedestrian facilities in Milton.

The students presented their work on August 19, 2011, at Fanshawe's London Campus.