ASLA Nebraska/Dakotas Announces Recipients of 2021 Design Awards
RDG Planning & Design has been honored for work that positively impacts communities and improves quality of life.
The Nebraska/Dakotas Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA Nebraska/Dakotas Chapter) has recognized RDG Planning & Design with three 2021 ASLA Chapter Awards. Held annually, this awards program honors organizations and individuals who demonstrate superior skill in the practice or study of landscape architecture and whose contributions have positively impacted the communities in which they work. Awards are given in the following categories: Design (Built), Design (Unbuilt), Planning and Analysis, Research, Communication and Residential (Built).
“We’re grateful that clients and communities trust us to help them dream of new possibilities for their built environment. It’s a fun and fulfilling process for us,” said RDG Landscape Architect Kene Okigbo, PLA, ASLA. “We’re truly honored by the recognition of these awards, but more importantly, we’re excited about the opportunity to elevate these projects and partners who trust us with the vision for their future.”
The three RDG projects honored include the New North Makerhood – Omaha (Honor Award, Design Unbuilt), the La Vista Civic Space Design (Merit Award, Design Unbuilt) and the Casper Wayfinding Plan (Merit Award, Planning and Analysis).
RDG’s design for the New North Makerhood in Omaha, Nebraska envisions the transformation of a heavily industrial site into a place where artists can create community with one another in a unique and affordable setting. The current site, located in Omaha’s North Downtown, is surrounded by aging industrial facilities and new mixed-use developments. Working alongside Future Forward, the non-profit leading the creation of the New North Makerhood, the design aims to increase the presence of Omaha’s artists by establishing a place that becomes an incubator for young talent.
The City of La Vista, Nebraska is working to create its first-ever downtown, known as City Centre. RDG’s design for the public spaces within this urban development establishes a vision for the interface between Central Park and City Centre, an important nexus for the future of La Vista. The design for La Vista Civic Space creates three multi-purpose and layered gathering areas, wrapping around the perimeter of The Astro, an indoor-outdoor music venue being built by a private developer, and merging experiences to create a cohesive relationship between the park and downtown.
The Casper Wayfinding Plan provides guidance for the implementation of wayfinding directional signing within the Casper Metropolitan Region in Natrona County, Wyoming. RDG’s master plan design establishes graphic standards and a wayfinding system to unify locales within the metro under one theme, while simultaneously speaking to the unique character of each jurisdiction.
The ASLA Nebraska/Dakotas Chapter unites Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota and seeks to expand the profession of landscape architecture throughout the region. Participation in the ASLA Nebraska/Dakotas award program helps broaden professional boundaries, increases public awareness of the role of landscape architects, raises the standards of the discipline and brings recognition to organizations and individuals who demonstrate superior skill in the practice and study of landscape architecture.