John Garceau

HORT 208

11/15/00

Completing part of the actions on the Furman University courtyard project has given a new outlook on designing. In some ways it has helped my design skills because it has enlightened me to other alternatives, because we all know that there are boundless possibilities when you are doing a design. I guess one needs to know when to draw the line and go with your best concept. I have enjoyed taking this studio project and pulling double duty in Hort 208; to me it feels like this project has a real sense of purpose and direction where I am trying to make a difference.

I hope that Furman University can adopt sustainability for their whole campus instead of just

to a small portion 150 feet wide and 500 feet long in one courtyard. I will be competing against the designs of four other fourth landscape architecture students. My design however is the only one using only native plants and the concept of sustainability in the landscape. This project has taught me that you can have a unique twist on your design such as my compass rose as well as conserving natural resources, creating a wildlife habitat, and using only native plants.

I found combining my studio and Hort 208 was a challenge, but I think I have learned how to start a design logically because I am trying to incorporate so many different elements into one final product. The hardest part on the Riley Hall courtyard was trying to get both buildings to have one central space that they both can share. As this project comes to end, I hope that I will continue on into the remaining studio and into my professional practice with a border perspective.