At WestLand, we take an integrated approach to landscape architecture. Working with an interdisciplinary team of biologists, engineers, archaeologists and scientists, our designers and landscape architects strive to fully understand the existing natural attributes of each project site. This approach allows us to create designs that harmoniously blend the natural and built environments. Our knowledgeable and experienced team of in-house professionals take projects from the initial data collection and analysis phase through programming, planning, design, and construction.
WestLand works collaboratively with architects, engineers and other design professionals to create dynamic and inviting landscapes that help give form, shape and character to urban public spaces. We strive to connect people and places through the thoughtful design of the hardscapes, streetscapes, plazas and multi-use pathways that define the built environment.
Site analysis and environmental design are critical components of any project. Not only are these tasks required by many jurisdictions that oversee new development, they also provide the basis for understanding the natural attributes of a site and help guide the planning process. From riparian habitat assessments, slope analysis, and environmental reports to site opportunities and constraints plans, WestLand has vast experience in identifying and interpreting the existing natural environment of each site to add significant value to the final design.
From large scale commercial developments to detailed botanical gardens, WestLand designs efficient planting and irrigation systems that incorporate advanced controls and the latest technology. Our well-versed staff has a comprehensive understanding of xeriscaping and materials indigenous to the southwest as well as landscape and mitigation requirements of regional jurisdictions for new development.
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space PlanningLearn More
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Planning
WestLand has extensive park planning and design experience. We have worked with both municipalities and private developers on projects of various size and scale for both active and passive recreation. WestLand’s integrated site analysis and planning approach results in high quality, attractive, functional and easily maintained designs. Our landscape architects consider all aspects of the project before it is built and meet with management and maintenance staff regularly throughout the planning and design process to ensure that future management considerations are addressed during the design process; including: park security, vandalism protection, and ease of maintenance. We can also help you manage the public or special interest involvement process to help you garner important input and incorporate it into the project design.
Whether the project requires preservation and interpretation of natural resources or the design of a new softball complex, WestLand’s Landscape Architecture team will be with you every step of the way to build your field of dreams.
Working with Tucson Unified School District, Tucson Parks and Recreation, the Davidson Elementary School administration, and the Davidson students, WestLand oversaw a participatory project planning process that lead to the creation of the Davidson Education Garden Master Plan.
Davidson Elementary School Education Garden
The master plan includes the education garden, cultivation garden, pathway system, new all accessible play structure and an exercise path with PAR stations.
Davidson Elementary School Education Garden
Following the approval of the Master Plan, WestLand was prepared the construction documents for the entire plan to be constructed on the Davidson Elementary School grounds. Initial funding allowed the construction of the education garden and play structure portions of the plan.
Davidson Elementary School Education Garden
The Davidson Education Garden includes a meandering pathway system with teaching ramadas, seating areas, wildlife watering holes and areas for different types of plants and plant communities.
Davidson Elementary School Education Garden
The main garden area features a Sonoran desert area, a cactus and succulents of the world area and an area with plants that attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife.
Davidson Elementary School Education Garden
Students worked with a project artist to create tiles that have been incorporated into the masonry work throughout the project. The new play area is fully accessible by wheelchairs that can roll into the structure and participate in a number of activities.
Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area Restoration Project
The Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area restoration project is a 668-acre AGFD river restoration and emergent wetland project on property acquired by AGFD for migratory waterfowl habitat. It is located southeast of the confluence of Chevelon Creek and the Little Colorado River.
Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area Restoration Project
The project encompasses a unique wildlife area in that Chevelon Creek is one of the few perennial streams in northern Arizona. The baseflow is consistent even through drought years and is probably why the area has numerous archeological sites showing evidence of historic Native American settlement.
Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area Restoration Project
As with many riparian and wetland areas in Arizona, this wildlife area is infested with tamarisk that has drastically reduced biological diversity by outcompeting native vegetation and increasing the salt content of surrounding soils.
Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area Restoration Project
For multiple reasons, including the decay of the man-made impoundments, equipment disrepair, and tamarisk encroachment, the CCWA was no longer a considered as a healthy emergent wetland area.
Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area Restoration Project
Westland designed and prepared construction documents for the restoration of approximately 1 mile of Chevelon Creek and 120-acres of emergent wetland.
Chevelon Creek Wildlife Area Restoration Project
Key points of the project development include geomorphology investigation, hydraulic analysis, emergent wetlands hydrology, vegetation surveys, and CWA Section 404 permitting.
Tohono O’odham Pedestrian Safety Planning
WestLand provided pro bono, preliminary planning and design services to the Tohono O’odham Nation for the area bounded by the Nation’s administrative offices, the Mission School, San Xavier Mission, the Elder Center and Planning offices on the Reservation near Tucson, Arizona.
Tohono O’odham Pedestrian Safety Planning
This area of the reservation accommodates many tourists visiting the Mission as well as tribal members seeking public services. Existing conditions create conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. Parking and drainage are also existing issues.
Tohono O’odham Pedestrian Safety Planning
Westland looked at vehicular and pedestrian circulation, existing topography, utilities, existing drainage, visual impacts, and existing construction materials to propose street, parking and hardscape improvements that calm existing vehicular traffic while providing safer and more defined pedestrian circulation routes.
Tohono O’odham Pedestrian Safety Planning
The proposed improvements utilize construction materials that repeat those used in architecture and public spaces existing in the area.
Tohono O’odham Pedestrian Safety Planning
Two options were proposed. One option recommended improvements with the existing buildings remaining as they are. The Second option recommended improvements assuming a new administrative complex building and associate parking area.
