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In the Urban Environment, Think Big...But Don't Forget the Small

BY ROWLAND JACKSON, FASLA

As planners and landscape architects, so much of what we do is tied to the bigger picture.  From market research and project economics to theming and sustainability goals, we collaborate with our clients and with other project team members to bring multi-faceted concepts to life.  No doubt, the big picture is incredibly important to the overall success of the project.  But equally important are the design details, which help communicate the big picture in ways that are meaningful to the individuals who visit these urban spaces.  It is easy to overlook the details, to not spend the time considering how the user will experience the space.  How might that experience be enhanced by an element of surprise, or by a reference to the site’s history, or by a connection to the project’s design premise?  These are among the questions we must ask ourselves when we set out to design and create successful urban outdoor spaces.

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Trinity Falls Celebrates Grand Opening

BY ASHLEY RUST

Earlier this month, RVi had the pleasure of attending the Trinity Falls Amenity Center Grand Opening Extravaganza. From face painting to rock climbing, magic shows, and even zip lining, there was no lapse in entertainment for the kiddos during this two-day celebration. Live music, popular food trucks, and grand prize drawings kept parents busy while they toured the new amenity center and model home park.

RVi has been working with Castle Hill Partners on the Trinity Falls Master Planned Community since 2012. Situated along the banks of the Trinity River, this 1700-acre development features resort-style amenities, miles of trails, and over 450-acres of open space-all conveniently located just outside the Dallas Metroplex in McKinney, TX. The Grand Opening celebrated the completion of the first phase of the development, including the 3-acre amenity center, Trinity Falls BB Owen Park, and new model homes. Additional plans for this development include over 20 miles of interconnecting hike and bike trails joining neighborhoods, schools, amenities, and natural areas. Photos of the new amenity center can be found on the Trinity Falls Facebook Page.

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Sketches from Tuscany

Project Manager Lisa Horne recently returned from a week-long trip in Tuscany. During her time away, she visited some great works of urban design and landscape architecture and filled her sketch book from cover to cover.  Here, Lisa explores some of the places and spaces she found most intriguing, from the urban cores of Florence and Venice to the sunny villas of the Tuscan valley.

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