Landscape Architect Articles

LASN 2010 Firms: InSites Landscape Architecture09-02-10 | News

InSites Landscape Architecture,
Norfolk, Va.

Founded in 2000 with the belief that our physical surroundings have the power to inspire memories, interpret our culture, represent community values and integrate multiple uses, InSites provides a full complement of landscape architectural and urban design services, with an emphasis on public works and community infrastructure projects. Parks, greenways, campuses and other pedestrian and open space environments, streetscape and transportation planning and design is their milieu. The firm blends landscape architecture and art on projects such as community gateways, zoo and botanical garden exhibits and other specialized environments.

Principal: Keith Oliver, ALSA, LEEP AP
Software: 3D modeling: SketchUp and AutoCAD Map; Drafting: AutoCAD and Microstation Powerdraft; Rendering: Corel Draw, Corel Paint and Autodesk Impression

Broad Creek, Norfolk, Va.

From a concentration of derelict public housing projects, Broad Creek has emerged as one of Norfolk’s most dynamic neighborhoods. InSites provided landscape architectural services for the multi-phase HOPE VI initiative that includes a mixture of housing types, parks and open spaces. The project includes streetscapes, gateways, recreational amenities and planned community features, such as a new library, commercial center and recreation center. Park areas offer multiuse paths, seasonal plantings, rolling topography and open lawn areas.

Public Art, Tucson and Albuquerque

InSites has completed public art projects that reflect characteristics of the natural and cultural environment. Projects include the Craycroft Road scenic corridor in Tucson, Az., where the firm drew from the richness of the Sonoran desert geology in steel sculpture and glass mosaic wall enhancements (a collaboration with Greg Schoon). Marble and shell mosaics reflect beadwork traditions in a signature throne for the Albuquerque Zoo African Village.

Lesner Bridge, Virginia Beach, Va.

The Lesner Bridge crosses over the mouth of the Lynnhaven River at its juncture with Chesapeake Bay. The major goal of this project is to replace Lesner Bridge with a signature art bridge, including a bike/pedestrian path, beach access and landscaping. The initial phase involved an in-depth study to determine ultimate alignment, structure type and appearance, impacts and design theme. The design is at the 90 percent stage and is pending project funding. InSites provided full landscape and aesthetic design for the approaches and extensive retaining walls, collaborating with the Clark Nexsen/FIGG team on extensive public involvement, overall bridge aesthetics and environmental documentation support.

Private Residence, Virginia Beach, Va.

Located on the shores of Linkhorn Bay with outstanding views and deep water access, the property owner needed to meet stringent Chesapeake Bay Protection Act requirements to replace an existing home. InSites worked closely with the owner’s design team and city staff to balance the complex and sometimes conflicting demands of a challenging site.