PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc.

Waterfront communities are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, particularly rising sea levels. We are committed to designing vibrant waterfront spaces that not only enhance community well-being but also proactively address these challenges. Properly managed floodplains are vital for flood mitigation, offering critical space for water storage and slowing its movement. At Miyíw̓ts Park, located within SEAandSKY in Squamish, we integrated natural systems into our design to restore, maintain, and enhance the functionality of the Mamquam Blind Channel. This approach ensures long-term resilience against rising sea levels. By embracing water as an ally rather than an adversary, we can create lasting, positive impacts on the future of waterfronts. Collaborators: Bosa Properties District of Squamish Keystone Environmental Binnie Axiom Builders #HorizonContractingGroup DMD & Associates Electrical Consultants Ltd., ASPECT Structural Engineers

Four inspiring women proudly representing PWL Partnership at this year’s ASLA Conference in Washington, D.C. Ready to connect with fellow professionals, exchange innovative ideas, and highlight the role of landscape architecture in creating resilient, inclusive communities. #ASLA2024 #PWLPartnership #WomenInLandscape #ResilientDesign #InclusiveCommunities #LandscapeArchitecture #SustainableDesign #DesignForChange #CommunityDriven

Proud moment for PWL! Brittany Shalagan and Amanda Passero represented our team at the ASLA Game Changers, where they shared their ideas on engaging youth as a reciprocal learning process to grow diversity in the landscape architecture profession. Their presentation highlighted the importance of fostering two-way learning with the next generation of designers to create a more inclusive future for our field. A big thank you to the American Society of Landscape Architects for hosting this impactful week of learning, and to all the other game-changers who shared their bold, innovative ideas. We’re inspired and ready to keep the momentum going! #ASLA #GameChangers #YouthEngagement #DiversityInDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #PWLPartnership

CanU Forum: Divergence 2024 - Panel Spotlight ✨ Urban Design for Sea Level Rise Sea-level rise is prompting a major recalibration of Canadian coastal cities. This manifests across various scales of intervention; from regional growth planning, to urban design, to public space design. Showcasing recent, award-winning research and projects, our panelists will make the case that foresight, adaptation, and a good dose of creativity are required if we are to transition to a more climate-resilient urbanism. 📆 October 24th 2024 (Thursday) ⏰ 1:30 - 2:45 pm Moderated by Jean Trottier (University of Manitoba) and featuring Devin Segal (Fathom Studio), Derek Lee (PWL Partnership Landscape Architects Inc.), Gordon Smith (pLAnsmith.ca), and Hope Parnham (Canadian Society of Landscape Architects)   Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/gNZEQein

Green roofs offer a multitude of benefits, not only for the environment but also for our health and well-being. The ability of green roofs to improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, regulate temperature, and provide sound insulation all contribute to enhancing physical well-being. Better air quality and reduced urban heat island effect benefit society as a whole, while temperature regulation and sound insulation in buildings improve the wellness of those living and working within them. Green roofs are aesthetically pleasing, especially when viewed from above, providing visual access to nature and offering a mental escape in our urban environments. A study by Lee et al. (2015) showed that even a brief view of a green roof can improve attention, productivity, information retention, and response rates. This connection to nature is crucial for our mental and physical health, and ultimately, our overall quality of life! — #pwlpartnership #pwlgreenroofs #greenroofs #sustainablecities #healthandwellness

Our team recently spent a meaningful afternoon at Maplewood Flats, where we had the privilege of learning from Dr. T’uy’t’tanat Cease Wyss, who shared her extensive ethnobotanical knowledge, and Les George, who generously shared his personal story. While this experience took place in advance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, it served as an important reminder of our ongoing responsibility to engage with Indigenous knowledge, listen to lived experiences, and honour the histories connected to the lands we work on. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Wyss and Les George for hosting us and sharing their teachings. #TruthAndReconciliation #IndigenousKnowledge #LandscapeArchitecture #PWLPartnership #CommunityEngagement

Did you know green roofs can help sequester carbon? The plant material and substrate in a green roof system are capable of capturing carbon from the atmosphere. According to a study by Getter et al. (2009) on the Carbon Sequestration Potential of Extensive Green Roofs, a green roof can offset its own carbon footprint in just 9 years due to energy savings alone. But that's not all—green roofs also sequester carbon in their substrate and vegetative material. As plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, they also store carbon in their biomass. The study found that sedum planting can reduce the carbon payback period by an additional 2 years, meaning it only takes 7 years for an extensive sedum green roof to offset its carbon footprint! Further research by Whittinghill et al. (2014) shows that plants with higher biomass, such as ornamental plants, prairie plants, and vegetables, can further increase the carbon sequestration potential of green roofs. Imagine the impact we could have by incorporating these plants into our green roofs! — #pwlpartnership #pwlgreenroofs #climatepositive #carbonsequestration #greenroofs #sustainablecities

Don't miss this event! PSMA Vancouver is hosting an insightful panel featuring top professionals in urban planning, landscape architecture, and allied fields, led by PWL Partner Derek Lee, along with Edward Porter (MODUS Planning, Design & Engagement), Dale Bracewell (Mobility Foresights ), Emilie K. Adin (UBC School of Community and Regional Planning: SCARP), and Nola Kilmartin (Chief Planner, City of Kelowna). The panel will dive into the role of these professions in helping local governments tackle critical issues such as climate change, affordable housing, immigration, and polarized discourse. Thursday, September 19 · 4:30 - 7 pm PDT To Register: https://lnkd.in/gZKuzunx Don't miss this opportunity to explore how we can create more resilient, inclusive communities! #UrbanPlanning #LandscapeArchitecture #ClimateChange #AffordableHousing #Decolonization #Reconciliation #PSMAVancouver #SustainableCities

Last Friday, our team had an inspiring afternoon at Concord Community Park during an urban sketching session. We soaked up the sunshine while observing how vibrant public space brings people together. Senior Landscape Technician Kayla Poch shared insights into the park’s co-design process, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring everyone can enjoy diverse outdoor activities. Swipe through to catch a glimpse of the creativity and community spirit we experienced! #UrbanSketching #ConcordCommunityPark #Vancouver #PWLPartnership #LandscapeArchitecture #TeamBuilding #CitySketches

PSMA Vancouver is hosting an insightful panel featuring top professionals in urban planning, landscape architecture, and allied fields, led by PWL Partner Derek Lee, along with Edward Porter (MODUS Planning, Design & Engagement), Dale Bracewell (Mobility Foresights ), Emilie K. Adin (UBC School of Community and Regional Planning: SCARP), and Nola Kilmartin (Chief Planner, City of Kelowna). The panel will dive into the role of these professions in helping local governments tackle critical issues such as climate change, affordable housing, immigration, and polarized discourse. Thursday, September 19 · 4:30 - 7 pm PDT To Register: https://lnkd.in/gZKuzunx Don't miss this opportunity to explore how we can create more resilient, inclusive communities! #UrbanPlanning #LandscapeArchitecture #ClimateChange #AffordableHousing #Decolonization #Reconciliation #PSMAVancouver #SustainableCities