The concept of Artful Rainwater Design, a term coined by Dr. Sturart Echols and Ms. Eliza Pennypacker, is based on the premise that stormwater management can be designed such that new site amenities are created. These amenities result in greater user satisfaction and perceived value. Looking at rainwater-focused projects nationwide, the presenters in this October 9 webinar will discuss how these designs transformed the treatment of stormwater into attractive landscapes with educational and recreational components. They will look at specific examples of built designs, explain the principles behind the idea, and discuss the barriers and challenges that need to be addressed for Artful Rainwater Design to become a typical approach to stormwater management. They will look at the work of other designers and offer ideas for future possibilities utilizing their creative, place-making approach to stormwater management.
Dr. Stuart Echols, is an Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at Penn State University. His interests focus on integrating two aspects of stormwater design: utility and amenity. Through his research, Dr. Echols has developed a method of stormwater design that integrates the landscape and stormwater and that seeks to restore and preserve natural hydrology. He received his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in environmental design and planning. He coauthored the book Artful Rainwater Design: Creative Ways to Manage Stormwater.
Eliza Pennypacker has been a faculty member in Penn State University’s Department of Landscape Architecture since 1982 and is currently the Head of the Department. She has taught a wide range of courses, including the History of Landscape Architecture and all levels of design studio. Professor Pennypacker’s research focuses on what she refers to as Artful Rainwater Design: stormwater management that not only mitigates quality and quantity of runoff, but that also celebrates rainwater in a way that educates or entertains visitors. She has written and presented on this topic extensively, and in collaboration with Stuart Echols, recently published a book, Artful Rainwater Design: Creative Ways to Manage Stormwater.
The webinar is sponsored by the Ecological Landscape Alliance and is free for ELA members, $10 for nonmembers. Register at http://www.ecolandscaping.org/event/webinar-artful-rainwater-design-stormwater-designs-enhance-aesthetics/
