SWBR has been recognized with two awards by the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The annual awards program recognizes a full spectrum of innovative landscape architecture projects and efforts executed by individuals, firms, agencies, and academic institutions.
The Brighton Council Rock Primary School Courtyard was recognized with a Merit Award of Achievement in the Built Design category. Completed in 2021, the school went through a large renovation and building addition to transform into a 21st century learning environment. Part of the addition enclosed a new central courtyard space of approximately 13,300 SF for teachers to utilize within their daily curriculum. The courtyard is broken up into several spaces for children to learn, explore, and play, all while offering a gateway to nature. There are a variety of learning and interactive spaces, including an amphitheater gathering circle in the main lawn area, an interactive formed creek bed to collect rainwater, and a monarch butterfly garden, all offering a gateway to nature and outdoor learning.
The Memory Care Garden at St. John’s Home Dementia Resource Center was recognized with a Merit Award of Achievement in the Unbuilt Design category. The safe, secure garden is designed to increase resident time spent outdoors and to achieve positive health and wellness outcomes. Safety is prioritized allowing residents to engage with the garden unaccompanied, prioritizing their freedom, independence, and dignity. The garden provides areas for solitude, observation, and social interaction while multisensory elements spark memories and offer restorative benefits.
The NY Upstate ASLA Annual Awards Reception was held Friday, March 24 at Club 86 in Geneva, New York.