As a landscape architect, I am deeply invested in the intersection of culture, nature, and urban places. Particularly, I’m fascinated by how distinct regional identities emerge when communities interact with their unique environments over time. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit New York City as part of the integrated site studio class I’m teaching this semester at the University of Utah. This trip got me thinking about the intersection of culture, nature, and place in new ways. I am excited to share some of these thoughts with you all!
Brooklyn Bridge Park (photo taken by Shalae Larsen)
Central Park (photo taken by Shalae Larsen)
New York City is a multifaceted and multicultural American city, shaped by its rich industrial past and its evolution into a major commercial hub, resulting in a complex urban landscape. Its geographical features, including rivers, coastlines, and islands, have historically driven shipping, industry, and transportation. In turn, this has influenced the city’s dense urban fabric. Today, the city’s residents are increasingly advocating for greater access to open spaces. This includes the extensive formerly industrial waterfronts, parks, and other public areas, prioritizing both individual recreation and communal gatherings.
Domino Park (photo by Shalae)
This Blog Series
In this six-part blog series, I’ll share my observations of some of NYC’s most compelling past and present public spaces, viewed through this lens of culture-nature-place integration. I’ll highlight professional design insights and reflect on my personal experiences, informed by the wild landscapes and distinctive cultural spaces of Utah and the Intermountain West.
The High Line (photo by Shalae)
Thanks for joining me on this journey—I’m excited to share my musings with you!
