Christmas At The White House
Nightscaping, the originator of the 12-volt lighting system concept, was invited to install low-voltage decorative and safety lighting at the White House for last year’s National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony December 10, 1987.
The installation required 120 fixtures to illuminate 60 state and U.S. Territory Christmas trees and their identifying signs along the Walkway of Peace, in a perimeter area enclosing the National Christmas Tree and viewing areas.
One of the primary reasons Nightscaping was invited for this installation was its longevity. For more than 28 years the company has been meeting changing design requirements and developing quality low-voltage lighting systems.
Another was a requirement that the ground and safety lighting not detract from celebrants’ enjoyment of the decorated trees and the lighting ceremonies.
This was a unique challenge because it went against the grain of Nightscaping’s design philosophy that the lighting effect be seen, not the source. What was needed was a new fixture, one that could satisfy both company design and White House requirements.
The solution was development of a new design that allows fixture installation in plain sight while still remaining hidden along the walkway. Each 54-inch, white octagonal fixture had its beamspread opening facing away from passersby and was connected by a thin link of chain, completing the illusion that each fixture was merely a fence post marker. At night, either a tree or identifying sign was illuminated by an MR-16 low-voltage bulb hidden inside the hollow fixture body.
An additional six larger fixtures were installed as uplighters around the base of the National Christmas tree.
San Diego ASLA
A delightful group from Van Dyke Associates were our dining partners.
The cocktail reception offered a welcome chance to meet the people in San Diego.
The dinner was great and the fellowship was fantastic.
The San Diego Chapter of the ASLA held their annual Christmas Party at the U.S. Grant Hotel on December 12, 1987. The publisher of LASN joined about 200 other professionals for this gala event.
A big thanks to the SD/ASLA for all their hospitality. The LASN staff hope that all your Christmas celebration were fantastic!
Weisman Design Group Announces New Office
The Weisman Design Group, Inc., Landscape Architects, is pleased to announce the completion of their new office building located in Seattle, Washington. Weisman Design Group, Inc. continues to offer landscape architectural design and consulting services in both private and public sectors, including site planning, master plan development, recreation and urban design, landscape and irrigation design, project management and coordination.
The firm is also pleased to announce the promotion of David S. Andrews to associate. Andrews, a licensed Landscape Architect, graduated from the University of Washington in 1981. He worked at TRA Architects for five years before joining Weisman Design Group two years ago. Andrews extensive experience is in site planning, design and project implementation. He is currently involved in the Chehalis Middle School and Orting School projects and several large-scale housing projects. (206) 322-1732.
1988 IECA Conference
The IECA is holding its 19th Annual )Erosion Control Conference and Exposition to be held February 25-26, 1988, at the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. This conference is designed to be an opportunity for the active exchange of information and ideas concerning the erosion control industry throughout the world.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Erosion Control: Stay in Tune.” Michael Broome, as well as James Thomson and Dr. Terry Ingold will participate in the keynote session on Thursday, February 25. In addition to other excellent general session presentations, the concurrent sessions will contain nearly 40 papers. A short course will be offered on Wednesday, February 24 and several panel sessions and workshops will be provided on February 24 and 26. Conference proceedings will be available at the conference. An outstanding on-site exposition on February 25-26, organized by Ted Pope, will display numerous products and techniques used in erosion control. (415) 223-2134.
gbs Promotes Four
gbs architects, landscape architects, planners, inc., announces the following employee’s promotion to project managers. For architectural projects, Lorne Johnston, AIA, and Craig Stone. For landscape architectural/planning projects, Robert Cotleur, ASLA, and Debra L. Northsea, ASLA. gbs is a multi-disciplinary firm providing professional design services in architecture, landscape architecture and land planning and is based in Jupiter, Florida. (305) 747-6330.
Irrigation Projects Honored
The Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) is pleased to announce the winners of the 1987 Toro Industry Advancement Awards as EDAW, Inc. of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Foresman & Company of Houston, Texas. The awards are bestowed annually for the creative application of irrigation techniques and tools.
EDAW, Inc., was recognized for the development of the Fort Collins Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. This public garden, located at the entry of the Fort Collins City Hall, demonstrates and interprets the mechanics of various xeriscape principles. The site consists of interpretative sign panels describing xeriscape techniques, methods of design and plant materials in a quality-designed public open space. A joint venture was developed between the city of Fort Collins and members of the landscape industry to fund and construct the project.
Foresman & Company received an award for their design of a residential estate in Houston, Texas. This private residence was selected for its effective water conserving plan. The site displays a variety of irrigation and products, including waterfalls; an estate-wide irrigation system complete with a reservoir; and a system whereby excess HVAC water is regenerated for use throughout the residential grounds.
An honorable mention was given to the comprehensive report, “Conservation Potential Analysis for Turf Facilities,” developed by the Tuscon-based firm Rogers, Gladwin & Harmony, Inc.
The Toro Industry Advancement Awards – complete with a $500 prize – are granted on a yearly basis. The deadline for 1988 entries will be early fall. (202) 223-6229.
PCBC Scheduled
The 1988 Pacific Coast Builders Conference, Inc. (PCBC) will be held from May 24-27 at Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California. Sponsored by the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), PCBC is the oldest and largest regional builders’ conference and new products exhibition in the nation.
“STRATEGIES ‘88: Building Tomorrow’s West” is the theme for the thirtieth conference. Annually, PCBC attracts several thousand builders, architects, subcontractors and other industry professionals to learn what is new in the West. (916) 443-7933.
