April 4, 2014 by CallisonRTKL

Retrospect 2014

As designers and architects, it is essential that we consider the significance of the decisions we make in our work. Through AIA Dallas’ Retrospect event, we were given the opportunity to make a social and environmental impact. Our idea for RTKL’s 2014 Retrospect exhibit is to show the connection between architecture and people by raising awareness about the use of recyclable materials. Our main goal is to have an impact beyond this exhibit and inspire future generations to see the value of sustainable, environmentally-friendly design.

We designed an installation of small, interconnected cardboard modules that create spaces for a mixture of educational graphics and live plants. The biodegradable modules were strategically sized so that they could be easily disassembled and then recycled.

SEEDS AND PAPER-MAKING PROCESS
We also aim to engage the public, so we created seed cards that visitors can take with them. In an office environment, a lot of paper gets thrown away. Often, it is not recycled. Our team made the seed cards by repurposing our old drawings and documents to make our own paper. The intent is that visitors who take these seed cards will plant them as a sign of their commitment to the environment.

Check out the video below.

SMART PLANTING
Our North Texas location provided a unique opportunity to bring attention to the importance of using drought resistant plants in this region. Cities in this area have struggled to provide potable water due to the increase in development and extended drought periods. In Dallas, the lack of appropriate planting has been spotlighted as one of the major causes of this problem. It is estimated that approximately 40% to 60% of water usage in an average household is used for landscaping. By choosing the right species of vegetation, it is estimated that an average household can reduce up to 80% of the water consumption dedicated to landscaping needs. Dallas and many institutions have joined forces to educate the public on this topic and are beginning to implement measures to reduce water consumption due to the lack of smart planting. However, more still needs to be done. We selected to use marigold seeds because they represent one of the many viable smart planting options for the Dallas terrain.

We began this year’s Retrospect effort five weeks ago, and it’s true that time flies when you’re having fun. Through all the late nights, lunch meetings and impromptu office conversations we are very proud of our exhibit and hope that visitors at North Park Center will find it just as appealing, informative and engaging.

Click below to visit the team’s Facebook album and learn more about their process:

Learn more about water conservation:
http://txsmartscape.com/benefits/economic.asp
http://savedallaswater.com/how-to-save-water/water-wise-landscaping/
http://dallas.tamu.edu/

Learn more about drought resistant plants:
http://txsmartscape.com/index.asp
http://txsmartscape.com/benefits/economic.asp
https://dallas.tamu.edu/hot-topics/plants/

2014 Retrospect Team: Sean Harry (leader); Rickey Crum (leader); Angela Crum; Channing Braun; Adriana Pacheco; Rachael Wilson; Lori Lampe; Aaron and Tommy Shenefelt; Drew Brooks; Hugo Garcia; Christine Kim; Clemente Jaquez; Hernan Molina; Peter Kuo; Triston Porter; Greg Hemmelgarn; Jonathan LeMaster; Colin Davis; Josh Pittman; Sean Farrell

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CallisonRTKL

For more than five decades, Callison and RTKL have created some of the world’s most memorable and successful environments for developers, retailers, investors, institutions and public entities. In 2015, our two practices came together under the Arcadis umbrella, expanding our sphere of influence and the depth and breadth of our resources. Our team is comprised of nearly 2,000 creative, innovative professionals throughout the world who are committed to advancing our client’s businesses and enhancing quality of life.