ELIGIBILITY RULES:
Entrants Must Meet One of the Following Qualifications:
- ASLA Fellow, Member, or Associate
- New Jersey Certified Landscape Architect
- Faculty Member of a New Jersey Landscape Architecture Program, submitting work associated with their academic pursuits
- Full-time Student in an Accredited New Jersey Landscape Architecture Program
Note: Only Members of NJASLA may submit projects from outside the State of New Jersey. Any Landscape Architect who is not an NJASLA Member may only submit projects from within the State of New Jersey. Team projects, and entries are encouraged.
LEVELS OF RECOGNITION:
Chapter Award: One award annually may be awarded for exceptional performance demonstrated by a submission in any category, if so determined by a unanimous vote of the Jury members.
Honor Award: A maximum of one award per each five (5) entries in each category, for outstanding projects.
Merit Award: Any number of awards may be given in each category to recognize excellent professional accomplishment.
WINNING ENTRIES RECEIVE:
- A framed custom Awards Certificate, presented to the individual or firm at the Gala Banquet at the Chapter
Annual Meeting
- Recognition in the NJASLA Newsletter
- Posting of winners on the NJASLA Website
- Display of Winning Entries at the Chapter Annual Meeting at Atlantic City - - on Display Boards by the Winning Entries.
- Professional photos of the Award Presentation, to assist firms in putting out publicity notices to local newspaper
ENTRY CATEGORIES:
I. LANDSCSAPE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN:
Recognizes constructed, site-specific works of Landscape Architectural Design. For large, phased projects, at least the first stage must be completed and be representative of the entire project to be eligible for entry. (see Category VIII for Unbuilt Projects)
This category is divided into four separate groups:
A. Residential / Garden Design
B. Site Design Projects, including, Commercial, Institutional, Housing, Parks and Recreation Areas, and Specialty Landscapes such as Zoos or Arboreta.
C. Large Scale Site Master Plans with Strong Physical Design Component, such as Housing and Recreation Sites.
D. Planting Design - - for a Significant Segment of a site, where the overall site has not been submitted in the competition, but where the creative application of Planting Design Principles led to the development of an exceptional space or environment within the larger landscape.
- Jury will consider the quality of the design, the professional quality and impact of the graphic presentation, functionality, context, appropriateness to the site, and overall significance.
II. HISTORIC PRESERVATION / RESTORATION:
A special category to recognize outstanding projects centered on historic preservation and renovation of historic landscapes. These projects normally include in-depth exploration relative to the site, its historical significance, and the intent and function of the original design. Projects in this category must include completed restoration of the site in question, and must be documented in the same manner as Landscape Architectural Design projects.
- Jury will concentrate on the “authenticity” of the restoration, and the research that led to the design renovation conclusions. Where compromises are necessary, the appropriateness and sophistication of the final solution will count heavily. While the final “design” may not be “up to” today’s professional standards, the quality of the project in terms of historic preservation and appropriate, successful, interpretive renovation will be of great importance.
III. LANDSCAPE PLANNING AND ANALYSIS:
Recognizes the depth and breadth of professional practice and the thorough process and research methodology that guides Landscape Architects in making Planning and Design decisions. Such projects normally include graphic as well as written components.
Entrees might include: General Development Plans. Transportation Plans, Recreation Master Plans, Governmental Physical Environmental Studies, Environmental Assessment/Site Suitability, Visual and/or Natural Resource Inventories, or, Post Construction Evaluations.
- The Jury will base their evaluations on: The clarity and completeness of the presentation of the process that lead to the solutions and recommendations; the value of the project in demonstrating the appropriate and expanding role of Landscape Architects in the Land Planning/Design Process.
IV. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH:
Recognizes scholarly pursuits, which provide results that advance the body of knowledge for the profession, in areas that represent challenges to the profession.
- Jury will base evaluation on clarity and focus of the study, thoroughness of the methodology, and presentation of the results in a way that they will have maximum use by and impact on the practicing Profession.
V. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURAL COMMUNICATION:
Rewards noteworthy achievements in communicating various aspects of the Landscape Architecture Profession, both internally, and to the general public. This category includes written and/or published documents, graphic presentations, and digital image presentations.
Types of publications to be considered for Communication Awards include: Firm Brochures, “How To” publications intended for the non-technical reader, Environmental Educational Material that Increase Environmental Awareness, Publications intended to enhance the professional expertise of landscape architects, Publications which promote the Visibility and the Potential of the Profession of L.A. to the public.
- Jury will be guided by the: professional quality and visual impact of the communication effort; the clarity of the “message”, and its significance and importance to the public and/or the profession
VI. ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT AWARD:
Recognition for significant efforts at the Community, County or State level, that represent the improvement of a particular environment, through the participation / leadership of landscape architects, and include wide community (grass roots) involvement - - - this is not a “design” award, but rather a Recognition of Enhancement Accomplishments through Community Involvement.
- Jury will evaluate the nature and effectiveness of the leadership and guidance provided by the landscape architect on the project, the significance of the project to the community, and the degree and nature of the community involvement in the project. Documentation of the significance and success of the project by means of the submitted images is of great importance
VII. STUDENT ENTRIES:
Students from New Jersey, majoring in an Accredited Landscape Architecture Program are encouraged to enter outstanding projects in landscape architecture relating to Design, Graphics, Analysis, Research, or Communication. Student submissions must have the support and endorsement of their course instructor or department chair. Entries will be judged by the criteria for the appropriate category of the submission. Team efforts are encouraged. Limited to one entry per student.
VIII. THE UNBUILT PROJECT:
Occasionally, significant design projects get commissioned to a Landscape Architect, get fully and completely designed, but for some reason, beyond the control of the designer, do not get built. Such projects may be submitted (normally under Category I) for “special” awards consideration. Since there can be no images of the built environment that will have been submitted, the Jury will base its evaluation solely on the drawings presented, and the explanation that describes the project and the special circumstances. Detailed images of the drawings are encouraged
SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
ALL ENTRY SUBMISSIONS: Must include a completed entry form and a check in the amount as shown on the application form.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL DESIGN CATEGORIES:
- One “reasonable scale” Site Plan (not a brochure scale or simple foldout size - - 8.5 x 11 in. or 9 x 12 in. or 11 x 14 in. size site pland sheets are NOT ACCEPTABLE), preferably rendered. Name of the Firm or the Individual submitting the entry should be completely, but neatly blocked out. The professional quality and easy “readability” of the site plan are of major importance. (“Reasonable scale” means the scale at which drawings are normally submitted for official approvals.) Computer generated drawings with inadequate labeling, and lack of significant detail will not be accepted or judged. For some design projects, a single site plan sheet may be sufficient. However, if the scale of the overall site plan is such that it is difficult to understand and evaluate the more detailed nodes of a site, additional site plan drawings showing more detailed, enlarged images of these more intensively designed portions of the site must be included.
- A CD with ten representative images of the project (the quality of the images is important), created with a PowerPoint format. The Disc must be clearly labeled by “Project Name”, but must not include the name of the firm or individual submitting the entry. (Do not include more than 10 Images). It is sometimes possible and desirable to include two images on a single frame, such as “before” and “after” views of the same portion of the site. More than two images per frame are not permitted - - they do not project in a clear and understandable manner at the awards banquet.
- A single 8.5 x 11 inch sheet with one sentence descriptions of each of the images provided on the Disc. This sheet should be clearly labeled with the Project Name at the top of the sheet, with no names of the entrants.
- The location and direction of the images submitted, as well as a “key number,” must be tastefully, and clearly presented graphically on the main Site Plan submitted. Images must be keyed to the images on the Disc and the image description sheet.
- A brief narrative description of the Project, including the location of the site, the acreage of the site, the client, the context (surrounding area), constraints, objectives and highlights. This description is not to exceed a single 8.5 x 11 inch typed sheet with one-inch margins and #10 font.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION / RESTORATION CATEGORY:
- If available, a copy of the original plan view of the historic site - - at any readable scale.
- A site plan of “reasonable scale” (see design submissions above), of professional quality (rendered if possible).
- Image requirements are the same as for “design” projects, including the 10 images on a PowerPoint CD above.“Paired” before and after images are encouraged. Each “pair” will be counted as a single image. “Before” images may be taken from books and publications.
- The same written “project description” and “image description” requirements as for “design” category above are required. One additional written page will be accepted (two pages total) - - - to adequately describe the process utilized in restoration projects
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR PLANNING AND ANALYSIS CATEGORY:
- Submission is most often in the form of a booklet or printed document, which may or may not be supplemented by a larger scale drawing(s) of the site, or portions of the site. The submitted documents must include substantial graphic plans and images, which document the process, present the recommendations, and support the process (purely narrative documents will not qualify). One copy of all materials is sufficient - - all obvious names of the person or firm submitting must be neatly, but completely blocked out. If plans or larger drawings are included, they should be of “reasonable scale”.
- A brief narrative description of the Project, including the general location of the site, the acreage of the site, the client, the context (surrounding area), constraints, objectives and highlights. This description is not to exceed a single 8.5 x 11 inch typed sheet with one inch margins and #10 font, on a separate sheet.
- A CD, using PowerPoint format, with a minimum of five (up to ten) representative images of the project (the quality of the images is important). One image might be the cover of the document. Others most often will be images of some of the better, more graphic pages in the document. The Disc must be clearly labeled by “Project Name”, but must not include the name of the firm or individual submitting the entry.
- A single, separate 8.5 x 11 inch sheet with one sentence descriptions of the images proved on the Disc. If the images are from the printed document, the image description should include the page on which the image is found in the publication. This sheet should be clearly labeled with the Project Name at the top of the sheet, with no names of the entrants.
SUBMISSIONS FOR THE COMMUNICATIONS CATEGORY:
- One copy of the Communications Document or Graphic Display must be submitted. Names of the author/submitter, must be obscured.
- A brief narrative description of the Communications submission, including the purpose (objectives), intended audience, focus, organization, and highlights. This description is not to exceed a single 8.5 x 11 inch typed sheet with one inch margins and #10 font, on a separate sheet. If the name of the entrant can easily be blocked out, please do so - - in the case of Firm Brochures, it is usually impossible to block out the firm name.
- A CD with a minimum of five (up to ten) representative images of the project (the quality of the images is important). One image might be the cover of the document. Others may document creative “formatting” techniques that improve the interest and readability of the submission. The Disc must be clearly labeled by “Project Name”, but must not include the name of the firm or individual submitting the entry.
- A single, separate 8.5 x 11 inch sheet with once sentence descriptions of the images proved on the Disc. If the images are from the printed document, the image description should include the page on which the image is found in the publication. This sheet should be clearly labeled with the Project Name at the top of the sheet, with no names of the entrants.
SUBMISSIONS FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT CATEGORY:
- Submission Materials should be appropriate to the nature of the enhancement project as it relates to the other described categories, and must include a description, graphic documentation and a minimum of 10 images on a disc. Documentation of the process used and the nature and degree of involvement of the “Community” in the project is mandatory. Most commonly, the submission guidelines for the “design” awards would be appropriate.
- One, individual, 8.5 x 11 in. sheet (with 1 inch margins and #10 font size), which describes the nature and extent of the community involvement, and the impact of the project on the community is required.
SUBMISSIONS FOR THE RESEARCH CATEGORY:
- One copy of the Research Report should be submitted.
- A one page description of the project following the prescribed format above.
- A disc with at least five images depicting graphic aspects of the project.
SUBMISSION FOR STUDENT ENTRIES:
- A one page description of the project.
- A full scale rendered plan view of the site, - - a second sheet is admissible to provides auxiliary views and information that helps portray the project.
- A disc with five images - - one of the main sheet, and four of appropriate details.
- A letter of support/endorsement from a L.A. faculty member from the student’s school.
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NOTE: All materials, drawings, exhibits, and discs submitted by entrants in the competition will become the property of the NJASLA, and will be disposed of after a period of time. If anything is to be saved and returned to the applicant, special arrangements must be made with the Awards Chair, to arrange for a “point of pick-up” of the materials. A pre-addressed, “return” envelope and postage may also be provided for the return of submission materials.
The Chapter reserves the right to use this material to promote the Chapter and the Profession. All winning entries must be prepared to submit “photo release” authorization for all images submitted as part of the completion of the Award Winners Information Form. Such “permission” is not required as part of the original entry submission.
AWARD RECIPIENT REQUIREMENTS:
- All applicants whose projects were selected as winners of awards will be so notified at least five weeks prior to the Chapter Annual Meeting.
- All award recipients are required to prepare and submit for display a 31 x 31 inch “Display Board” (exact size is important for proper mounting on the Chapter Display system) with drawings and images mounted or displayed on ¼ inch foam board or some other acceptable “display board” medium. These boards must be delivered to the Registration Desk for the Annual Chapter Meeting, one hour prior to the Opening Session on the First day of the Annual Meetings in A.C.
- The Display Boards should be picked up by the firm that prepared them at the end of the Meeting (when the CEU’s are being distributed).
- All Award Recipients are required to attend the Annual Meeting, and be present at the Gala/Awards Banquet to receive the Award. In the event that the recipient or an appointed representative cannot be present to receive the framed certificate, the award will only be recognized in the printed Awards Program and in the Chapter Newsletter and the Web-site. IF A WINNING FIRM FAILS TO PREPARE A DISPLAY BOARD AND/OR FAILS TO HAVE IT PROPERLY DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT THE MEETINGS, THE AWARD WILL BE RESCINDED, AND NOT RECOGNIZED THROUGH ANY OF THE NORMAL CAHPTER CHANNELS. Award recipients must purchase tickets for the Gala dinner, for themselves and their guests. Award recipients may invite their clients to join them on the platform to receive the award, however, neither the award recipient nor the clients will be permitted to make an “acceptance statement” or “statement of appreciation” after the presentation. Names of all participants in the Awards Presentation Program must be known by the Awards Chair in advance of the meetings to allow for proper preparation for the Awards Event (completion of Award Winner’s Information Form).
- Award Recipients will be notified that they are “Winners” by December 15th, 2008. An information form will be sent to each recipient for each winning project, to be completed and returned to NJASLA prior to January 2nd, 2009. The Required Display Boards are due on the first day of the Annual NJASLA Meetings in A.C., one hour prior to the first Meeting Session.
- After the Annual Meeting and the Awards Gala, the Awards Presentation, Images will be placed on the Chapter Web-site.
- A professional photographer will take photos of the actual Award Presentations on the Platform. All award winners and their clients are requested to gather at the rear of the banquet room at the end of the formal program, so that additional photos may be taken by the photographer.
Direct Questions to: Roy H. DeBoer, Chair of the 2009 Awards Progra
E-mail: deboer@aesop.rutgers.edu
Phone: 732-257-3017
All Entries must be received in Trenton by: October 24th. 2008 2009 Awards Entry Form
Send Entries to:
NJASLA
414 River View Plaza
Trenton, N.J. 08611
Phone: 609-393-7500
FAX: 609-393-9891
CAUTIONS & SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTRIES INTO THE AWARDS COMPETION:
1. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Don’t hesitate to e-mail or call the Awards Chair if you have questions about submitting an entry.
2. PLEASE DO NOT “PACKAGE” YOUR SUBMISSION IN “BOOK” OR “PORTFOLIO” FORM. For most design submissions, there is no advantage to presenting the material in a ring notebook or “bound” in any way - - the material must be spread on a table for review, so displays in booklets and binders must be dismantled. The expensive folders and binders are discarded.
Most submissions consist of a plan view of the site (one or several sheets, which may be folded), a description of the project, and a “compact disc” with the required “images” on it. These can most conveniently be packaged in a single envelope. A separate Compact Disc is required for each project submission, and should be labeled with the “Project Name Only”.
3. The Project Description is not to exceed one 8.5 x 11 in. sheet, single spaced, with one inch margins, and no smaller than a 10 point font size. Keep the description as brief as you can while still doing justice to your project.
The Description should include a brief description of the Client, the Location, the Size and Character of the Existing Site, The Program (requirements of the client), Constraints imposed by the Client, the site, or regulations, and unique and positive aspects of the solution and built project. Project Descriptions that exceed the one page limit will not be accepted, and may cause disqualification of the entry for any award consideration!
4. A Plan View Conceptual Design is required for all Design and Physical Master Planning Projects. These should be reasonable size, readable sheets. Most 11 x 17 site plan sheets are too small to read and understand, AND WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! On the other hand sheets over 30 x 36 inches are unruly to handle due to their large size. Additional plan view sheets showing portions of the site at a larger, more readable scale must be provided as necessary.
NOTE OF CAUTION: The Plan View Conceptual Designs are a significant and important part of the design/physical planning submission and evaluation! They need not necessarily be color-rendered, but they should represent good, professional landscape architectural practice and graphics that help “sell” the design/planning concepts being portrayed. In the past, worthwhile projects have been unsuccessful, mainly due to very weak Computer derived Conceptual Design Sheets. This is not a condemnation of computer derived site plans, but rather the “quality and readability” of some of those site plans. Clear, thorough labeling is an essential aspect of good, readable, understandable plan graphics!
5. All Design entries and Physical Planning entries require the submission of “images”. The Site Plan submitted should indicate the location (approx. camera position) of each of the 5 -10 images required. These should be indicated by graphic triangles located the point from which the photos were taken, the direction of the “shot”, and the number of the “image” as you have included it on the “Disc”. The images on the disc should present in a PowerPoint format.