New York City LA Field Trip: Experiential Learning and Understanding Climate Action

During the week of July 27th, 2023, a small group of third-year Master of Landscape Architecture students had the opportunity to visit New York City as part of an experiential and climate action grant from Prof. Nadia Amoroso.

Some sites visited included tours from the landscape architects who have designed these public spaces. Students had an opportunity to stroll through the award-winning High Line, a 2.4 km elevated linear park on the west side of NYC. Students observed the various native plantings and details. Kim Cooper, a senior landscape architect from James Corner’s Field Operations, explained the details and project development of this renowned project. The Moynihan Connector, which was recently opened as part of the High Line extension, was also part of the tour. Creative art installations dotted the High Line, including the “Old Tree” by artist Pamela Rosenkranz, setting the stage for the perfect Instagram photo. The tour concluded at the Hudson Yards, where the students had a chance to see the Vessel and architectural masterpiece, the Shed.

Students had a private tour of Little Island (Pier 55) by designers Molly Bourne, principal of MNLA and Dan Yannacone, a Senior Associate and the project manager for Little Island. The landscape architects treated us by taking the students behind the scenes to review the mechanical works of this project. Students were able to learn about the individual spaces, plantings and the various activities that make this project a successful park.

Jackie Martinez, the Project Leader of Snohetta, was gracious to offer a tour of the 550 Madison Ave Plaza, a new POPS plaza designed by Snohetta, flanking the renowned postmodernism skyscraper (AT&T Building) by the modernism, late-architect Philip Johnson.

Image Above:  MLA students with Jackie Martinez of Snohetta.

Ken Smith, of Ken Smith Workshop, one of the designers of Yorkville Park, provided the students with a tour of Plaza of the Americas and the Channel Gardens at Rockefeller Center. Ken Smith provided information about the ground material details and an overview of the design process.

Image Above:  Landscape Architect Ken Smith giving a design tour to MLA students.

Professor Zihao Zhang, the Chair of the Landscape Architecture Program at City College New York City, offered the students a tour of the School and an overview of his research lab on robotic planting.

Bryant Park, Central Park, 9/11 Memorial, Paley Park and Battery Park were other sites that students had the opportunity to see on their own time.

This trip and the various events were supported by an SSHRC Grant, SLEF Funding and other funding by Prof. Nadia Amoroso.