Month: June 2024

As Landscape Architects and Land Planners invested in our city’s future, we couldn’t be more driven to share the details with you.

Following the adoption and subsequent repeal of the previous update last year, Fort Collins City Council has requested a fresh approach—one that not only enhances the functionality of the code but also preserves the current density requirements in key zone districts like RL, UE, NCL, NCM. It also includes renaming the NCL, NCM, and NCB zone districts to Old Town (OT) – A, B, and C.

The Land Use Code Improvements are a comprehensive set of changes aimed at providing clarity, reorganization, and the introduction of building form standards. These updates are also designed to streamline processes, making it easier to navigate the regulatory landscape while ensuring responsible growth and development.

These changes aren’t just about tweaking technicalities, however. They’re about aligning the code with broader policy objectives outlined in the City Plan, the Housing Strategic Plan, and the Our Climate Future plan. By integrating these policy directions, the City is not just shaping developments; they’re shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for Fort Collins.

Now, let’s address the rumors: No, these changes do not entail density increases in specific residential zone districts, nor do they alter the use of private covenants. The City is committed to maintaining the integrity of our neighborhoods while fostering thoughtful, inclusive growth.

Nestled alongside the Poudre River in Downtown Fort Collins is a proposed innovative research facility at 301 E Lincoln. The vision for the landscape design is to cultivate the atmosphere of a Miyawaki forest. Miyawaki forests, renowned for their dense, multilayered vegetation and rapid growth, are crafted to mimic natural ecosystems created through the Miyawaki method. The Miyawaki method entails planting a variety of native plant species in a limited area at high density.

By adopting this approach, the objective is to foster biodiversity and evoke a sense of mystery within the landscape design, especially given the proximity to the river. By densely planting a diverse array of species, we aim to replicate the conditions of a natural forest on a micro scale, providing a thriving habitat for a wide spectrum of plant and animal life. The close clustering of trees will create microclimates similar to those found in natural forests. To further realize this vision, we plan to incorporate boulders and berms throughout the site, creating an evolving visual experience for employees and visitors. We eagerly anticipate witnessing how the implementation of the Miyawaki method at 301 East Lincoln, will enrich the surrounding environment.

What are your thoughts on incorporating the Miyawaki method into landscape designs? Share your ideas, challenges, or success stories below! Let’s explore how this innovative approach is reshaping urban landscapes.

At Ripley, we take great pride in honoring our licensed landscape architects! We conducted interviews with some of our landscape architects; Russ Lee, Sam Coutts, Klara Rossouw, and Joel Weikert to get to know them better.

Who is your favorite architect or landscape architect and why?

Russ Lee: “Mosha Safdie, His ability to create beauty with thoughtful meaning. He has a great story in one of his books about dealing with a synagogue design. The members of the synagogue wanted stain glass. He convinced the members that specially placed prisms would give the same effect as stain glass without adopting another religion’s traditional motif. Instead of saying no, he said yes through his thoughtful creativity”.

How do you overcome your challenges?

Joel Weikert: ” Reminding myself that the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time”.

What sets you apart from your colleagues?

Sam Coutts: “The lack of veggies in my diet and my love for Excel spreadsheets”.

What’s your design process like?

Klara Rossouw: “Every project you’re a part of, you’ll encounter something completely unique that you haven’t seen before. I think incorporating a learning mindset in the design process and being adaptable allows you to channel more creative solutions”.

What colleges did you attend?

Klara Rossouw: “I have a B.S. in Zoology from Mars Hill University and a Master of Landscape Architecture from Colorado State University”.

Russ Lee: “I received an undergraduate degree in history from Truman State University and a BLA and MLA from Iowa State University”.

Joel Weikert: “I received my BLA from Iowa State University in 2019”.

Sam Coutts: “I received my BLA from Colorado State University”.