Design Medals 2006 (GardenDesignOnline)

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The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has announced its 2006 medal winners, to be presented at the organization's annual meeting in Minneapolis this coming October. This year's design medal goes to landscape architect Steve Martino, FASLA, of Phoenix, AZ, who was the first person to really figure out how to landscape in the desert.

Martino's bold and dramatic designs are identified with the natural southwest landscape. His lush combinations of native plants for color, texture, and form are very distinctive. His pioneering use of plants that require very little water has inspired countless others to practice xeriscaping and sustainable design.

(photo: Steve Martino)

The 2006 medal to a landscape architecture firm goes to the Olin Partners hip of Philadelphia, PA. Olin's projects range from Columbus Circle in New York City to Canary Wharf in London, Camana Bay on Grand Cayman, and many, many more. Olin was cited for its entire body of distinguished work, including its work on national monuments: Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia and the Washington Monument in Washington DC. The awards citation said the firm has proved that "security design and good design are not mutually exclusive." (Although we all would like to see and end to those extremely annoying bollards!!)

This year's Olmsted Medal went to Chicago mayor Richard Daley for his environmental leadership and vision. Since his election, Chicago has increased its parkland by 120 acres, installed green roofs atop several municipal buildings, and put in new landscaping throughout the city.

Landscape architect Randal Scott Romie of Greensboro, NC, will receive the Community Service Medal for devoting almost 2000 hours to Greensboro Beautiful, a non-profit group that works to beautify the area. He has created a master plan for the Bicentennial Garden/Caldwell Park, installed plantings along interstate 85, and worked to pass an ordinance to preserve city trees.