RDG Planning & Design is an integrated design firm of architects, landscape architects, engineers, artists and planners with offices in Des Moines, Iowa, Ames, Iowa and Omaha, Nebraska. Celebrating its 50th year in business, RDG has 10 principals and 162 employees.

The RDG Landscape Architecture Studio applies art and science to the design of public spaces, whether creating a regional park or reimagining a city street. The firm strives to sensitively integrate the built environment, and connect people with an inclusive design "without compromising natural resources for future generations."

South 24th Street Revitalization, Omaha, Nebraska
This revitalization plan includes diagonal parking on both sides of the street, a single through–lane in each direction, and four way stops at internal intersections. The project, featured in the 2012 LASN Aug. issue LASN.com, developed from an in-depth cultural analysis of the community. The result is an aesthetic that celebrates cross-cultural folk art traditions of the major ethnic groups: Latino, Czech, Polish, and Croatian. Colorful textile patterns are interpreted in custom glazed ceramic, pattern-cut metal and lighting. Character and continuity is achieved through an integration of elements that feature benches, planters, and other sculptural features, meaningful and responsive to the concerns of the local community.

 

High Trestle Trail Bridge, Madrid, Iowa
The Ankeny to Woodward Trail is a 25-mile rail-trail conversion developed by nine public groups and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Working with the bridge engineers, the primary challenge was to design a landmark bridge over the Des Moines River, and assist the trail consultants in the development of a plan of unique, artistic features throughout the trail. The bridge is the fifth longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in the country and connects over 600 miles of trails in central Iowa. The highlight of this trail project is the reconstruction of a .5 mile long bridge to span the Des Moines River Greenbelt between Madrid and Woodward.

Tiger Stadium Plaza Improvements, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The improvements to Tiger Stadium include work on the west and north sides of the venue: new plazas, ticket gates, champions kiosks, sliding gates for crowd control and weather protection over ticket gates. Piers and entrance features of appropriate scale become new landmarks around the stadium. Plaques and kiosks are incorporated to celebrate the LSU Tiger football team and individual success. All elements are designed to be fan photo opportunities. The improvements overall create an environment that enhances Tiger spirit and creates new fan traditions.

Western Technical College, Cleary Plaza, La Crosse, Wisconsin
With the urban context and the surrounding environmental beauty of the Mississippi River Valley, the Cleary Courtyard is a destination and a transition space located at the center of campus. The courtyard offers an amphitheater, an outdoor caf????(R)???(C) and an informal gathering space and employs sustainable stormwater management practices, green infrastructure, native plants and locally sourced materials. This urban plaza design mimics the layers of rock strata seen through the valley in the Driftless region of southwest Wisconsin. A linear path through the primary corridor of campus features a pavement constellation honoring the donors. This project was featured in the June 2012 issue LASN.com

Klopfenstein Amphitheater for the Performing Arts, Marion, Iowa
Celebrating the art of nature and performance, the design team"?uartists, landscape architects and lighting designers"?udeveloped an amphitheater that emulates its surroundings while creating both art and a place for art. The stage is nestled into the topography. The canopy rises above the stage, creating an intimate place to perform. Located directly north of the Art and Environmental Center, the amphitheater is patterned after a series of oak leaves, and is a one-of-a-kind facility in Iowa.