LSA 220 Introduction to Landscape Architecture: Everybodys Territory by Beth Dunlop Birminghams On Track

To: Profs. R. Hawks and I. Fernandez From: Christopher Peretti 10/8/13 LAM Memo

In the 2013 September edition of the Landscape Architecture Magazine, an article titled Everybodys Territory written by Beth Dunlop, illustrates an exciting and unique place nestled in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama. Birminghams own Railroad Park has become the unifying common ground for its citizens, rejuvenating the city through the use of landscape architecture. The parks designer, Tom Leader Studio, based out of Berkeley, California, created a massive park spanning nineteen acres across an abandoned industrial site, costing $17.5 million dollars. Railroad Park is widely used for countless activities and events by a large range of people and has become a focal point for the city of Birmingham. Railroad Park not only beautifully embodies Birminghams industrial and natural history, but it also functions as a way to boost the citys economy by prompting residential projects around the park. Railroad Park is an outstanding example of how refreshing desolate areas of a city can change how people use the space, creating a positive impact on a city that has been troubled by its past. A very interesting aspect of the park for me was how Tom Leader took a flat area and added elevation, which prompted extraordinary views of the city surrounding the park. I find it incredible how changing a landscape can have such an enormous impact on Birminghams social and economic needs.