Thursday, March 12th - 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Presented by: Darren Rector, ASLA, MIG
CEUs: LA CES

Walking tour seminar rate - FREE

Course Description:
Long Beach Transit initiated its Transit Gallery Streetscape Renovation project in early 2010. This groundbreaking project involved the redesign and reconstruction of the three-block transit mall in Downtown Long Beach. Fully constructed by the end of 2010, the design reflects a context- appropriate shoreline theme. It includes eight dramatic wave-inspired suspended tensile fabric canopies, each sheltering contemporary free-form seating placed over a sandy-textured concrete sidewalk. The illuminated bus shelter canopies offer shelter for the state-of-the-art, real-time digital information screens for bus patrons' convenience. Their graceful form and collective impact have dramatically changed the character of the former transit mall.

An array of larger-than-life aquatic creatures and plants, rendered in glass and tile mosaics, are strategically placed throughout the mall and embedded within the sidewalk paving.

New pedestrian lighting between the shelters provides a pleasing nighttime experience for Blueline Metro and bus patrons. Stormwater planters are incorporated strategically along the street/sidewalk interface to absorb and clean runoff water.

The Long Beach Transit Gallery Streetscape Renovation project has not only transformed this area of central Long Beach, it has improved the lives of all people from the region who use and pass through the space.

To view the LASN feature article about this groundbreaking project
click here.

Biography:
A Project Manager in MIG's Fullerton office, Darren Rector has 22 years of experience in the landscape industry as a designer, project manager, AutoCAD manager and draftsman. A licensed Landscape Architect in California and Nevada, he is also been affiliated with several professional organizations, including the American Society of Landscape Architects and the California Park and Recreation Society.

Mr. Rector has a wide range of interests, including park renovation and rehabilitation, historical preservation, urban design, regenerative landscape systems, and LEED certification. He has managed to completion a wide variety of projects ranging from community and neighborhood parks, to children's play areas and recreation trails, to urban and master association common area streetscapes. His work responsibilities include park master planning and conceptual design, public workshop facilitation, and oversight of construction document production through bidding and implementation.

Attendees to meet at the Career Opportunity Center at the back of the Exhibit Hall at 1:15 PM.