Copley/Wolff Joint Venture From frog ponds to highway surface restoration By Nancy Hollis For the most part, Landscape Architecture firms work independently from one another, only coming together on occasion to work on unique projects. But the success and diversity of the Copley/Wolff Joint Venture (CWJV) in downtown Boston, MA, just goes to show sometimes a more regular collaboration that benefit both the firm and its clients, and results in completed products which are dynamic, engaging, and usable open spaces. The Copley/Wolff Joint Venture, created in 1990, is a creative collaboration between John Copley and Associates, Inc., and Lynn Wolff Associates, Inc., that allows both firms the flexibility to remain independent and pursue individual projects, as well as, team together for larger projects of mutual interest. The Joint Venture comprises an office of 16 Landscape Architects and support staff. About Firm Goals and Approach to Design CWJV was formed to advocate a collaborative design spirit and community conscience through the practice of Landscape Architecture. In keeping with these goals, CWJV continues to collaborate with allied design professionals, artists, scientists, government agencies and non-profit neighborhood groups on public open space projects in urban areas of diverse interests, architectural integrity, ethnic backgrounds, and cultural histories. CWJV has worked in collaboration on numerous high profile, budget- and schedule-sensitive projects requiring the attention and expertise of two principals. CWJV has also championed the acceptance by public agencies of collaborations or joint ventures of small firms in procuring large, multi-million dollar projects. The collaboration has given the firm a unique blend of different styles. CWJV's areas of expertise include: Complex projects and multi-disciplinary teams; community design processes; integration of art; and community design processes and renovation of historic landscapes ?EUR??,,????'???? Complex, Multi-Disciplinary Projects - CWJV's proficiency at managing multi-disciplinary project teams helped the firm become the Landscape Architects for The Central Artery Surface Restoration of I-93 in downtown Boston. CMJV is in the final stages of implementing the $20-million dollar park and streetscape project through the most visible part of the downtown sector, which will be located above I-93, which is being re-routed underground. As part of this project, the joint venture team has been successful in gaining approval for a new technically innovative material for the planting of urban street trees called Structural Soils. The team's research and development has contributed to the use of Structural Soils by many City of Boston agencies throughout the metropolitan area. ?EUR??,,????'???? Community Design Process - The Copley/Wolff Joint Venture has been an outspoken advocate for, and skilled facilitator of, community involvement in all phases of the design process, including the Boston Schoolyard Initiative. The initiative is charged with the renovation of 117 public schoolyards throughout Boston. As one of four Landscape Architectural firms selected to complete this work, CWJV has facilitated community processes, field trips, student workshops, art processes, and teacher and neighbor involvement for several schoolyards throughout Boston. The O'Donnell School in East Boston was the first project of the initiative, and became the prototype for both the community and art processes, which CWJV designed and facilitated. Each schoolyard was designed to be a multi-purpose open space that reflects the history and culture of the neighborhood, the desires of the residents and students, and the educational curriculum of the school itself. A participatory design process helped to foster a sense of pride in the community, inspired stewardship of the new neighborhood resource, and encouraged maintenance by its users. ?EUR??,,????'???? Integration of Art - CWJV has managed creative art processes and the collaboration of artists to incorporate community inspired art into the landscape for such projects as the Dudley Town Common. The firm emphasizes the cultural significance of place and the creation of art that reflects the rich history of human use and evolution of land uses. Artists have helped CMJV interpret the historical and cultural significance of the place to be designed. This process allows the community to help determine the themes of a landscape, select an artist, and help integrate it into the comprehensive design of the landscape. CWJV has been instrumental in guiding many organizations through contractual arrangements and liability issues to promote the inclusion of meaningful art in public landscapes. ?EUR??,,????'???? Assessment and Renovation of Historic Landscapes - Among The most recent, notable projects is the Historic Assessment and Management Plan for Naumkeag in Stockbridge, MA, and the renovation of the Frog Pond, located within historic Boston Common, America's oldest public park. The Frog Pond project involved the conversion of the original 1848 water feature into a four-season recreation facility, including a reflecting pool in the fall and spring, a children's wading pool and spray fountain during the summer, and the conversion of the pool into a refrigerated ice rink in the winter. An additional feature of the renovation is the reestablishment of the 80-foot high, celebratory fountain plume. A Look At Copley/Wolff's Landscape Architects John Copley, who holds a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Michigan, has been responsible for such diverse, engaging and award winning historic streetscape and urban design projects as 20/21 Custom House Street, 390 Commonwealth Avenue, and Lotus Development Corporation. These projects required sensitive design and detailing consistent with their respective historical context. Lynn Wolff, current president of the ASLA's Boston Chapter, earned her graduate degree at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and is on the ASLA Board of Trustees through the year 2001. Some of Wolff's most notable projects are Naumkeag, Kingsley Montessori School, the Harvard Business School, the Frog Pond in the Boston Common and Bradford Park. Jim Summers has 11 years experience as a Landscape Architect and is responsible for orchestrating progress, scheduling production, and all electronic submittals for the Central Artery, Tunnel Surface Restoration Project. Jane Shoplick has extensive experience in open-space design and is the project manager for the first section of the East Boston Greenway Project. Shoplick is developing a prototypical bikeway, intersection, planting, and site furnishing design to be used through the entire 2.5-mile greenway corridor. Steven Kleinman has over eight years experience and his technical knowledge and CADD skills have been instrumental to developing site specific detail for the Central Artery. As project designer for the Bulfinch Triangle portion of the Central Artery, Justin DeSantis was responsible for developing the streetscape plans for the area between Causeway Street and New Chardon Street, as well as the design of Portal Park, a $750,000 project overlooking the new Charles River Crossing Bridge. Jay Swaintek's experience ranges through schematic design, design development, and construction documentation for a variety of public sector projects. David M. Walsh is both a registered Landscape Architect and a registered Architect. Tobias Wolf, with over 10 years experience, has been the project manager and master planner for the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. lasn