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Implementing Geodesign for Water Resource Planning in Washington State

Friday, May 29 | 2:00 - 2:50pm
Location: Gala Rooms 1-2

Speakers: Grace Li Bergman, GIS Coordinator and Landscape Designer and Amber Raynsford, PLA, GISP, ASLA, Landscape Architect and GIS Analyst, The Watershed Company 

Description:
Water resources, such as wetlands and shorelines, are crucial to the environmental and economic health of Washington State. As defining features, water resources are omnipresent in land planning projects. As such, landscape architects need tools for designing with these important features. “Geodesign” describes the use of geographic and geospatial data to facilitate design decisions.  Through firsthand experience, presenters will discuss how geodesign can be used for water resource planning in Washington, including a synopsis and “lessons learned” for several geodesign projects, including Shoreline Master Programs (SMP), flood mitigation, and riparian habitat restoration. Presenters will provide an overview of how geodesign is rooted in landscape architecture, how it is applicable for LA projects, and where geodesign fits in the design process. Presenters will give an overview of available tools and data, their gaps and limitations, and a discussion of “next steps” for geodesign in landscape architecture, including potential future applications.
Learning Objectives:
  • What geodesign is and how it is shaping the field of landscape architecture.
  • The importance of geodesign as a tool for landscape architects.
  • Available existing resources, tools, and data sets that respond to the Pacific Northwest environment, and their gaps and limitations.
  • Lessons learned through completed geodesign projects

Speaker Bio: Grace Li Bergman, GIS Coordinator and Landscape Designer, The Watershed Company

Grace Li Bergman is a GIS Coordinator and Landscape Designer.  Utilizing GIS tools and modeling capabilities, Grace has integrated landscape functions and vulnerability information into design workflow. She has applied geodesign principles in parks and trails planning, natural resource restoration design, land use policy, and habitat assessment.

Co-Speaker Bio: Amber Raynsford, PLA, GISP, ASLA, Landscape Architect and GIS Analyst, The Watershed Company

Amber Raynsford, PLA, GISP, ASLA is a Landscape Architect and GIS Analyst. Since 2004, Amber has applied GIS technology for site analysis, transportation and transit analysis, and for integrated resource management and land use planning efforts. Project experience includes using geodesign for recreation and conservation projects, including state park planning and development, natural disaster response, and geologic mapping.