Bergmann Receives Two Merit Awards From Upstate NY Chapter Of The American Society Of Landscape Architects

National architecture, engineering and planning firm Bergmann received two annual awards from the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA): a Merit Award in the Unbuilt Design category for City Green in Rome, New York, and a Merit Award in the Planning and Analysis category for the Lark Street Improvement Study in Albany, New York. Each year, ASLA recognizes innovative projects executed by individuals, firms, agencies, and academic institutions. Out of 30 projects submitted this year, 12 were recognized in the categories of unbuilt design, planning and analysis, research and communication, residential design, and built design.

“These two projects hold great potential to improve vital public spaces in both of these amazing Upstate NY cities. We’re proud to be part of any effort to revitalize and enhance outdoor spaces so they may be fully utilized by residents and visitors alike,” said Ted Liddell, RLA, landscape architect, and 2020 ASLA Distinguished Practitioner. “A huge thanks to the Upstate NY chapter of ASLA for again recognizing our team and its work in these communities.”

City Green Project

In 2016, the City of Rome was a recipient of the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative, awarding $10M to help boost the development landscape and encourage economic growth. Through an intensive public engagement process, projects that met the goals and objectives of the program were selected in downtown Rome. City Green was identified as having the potential to create a four-season community space, attracting visitors to downtown for public markets, concerts, outdoor movies and winter activities, including ice skating. Bergmann led the design of this space and will be progressing construction documents for City Green and an addition to City Hall in the coming months.

Award jurors (Indiana State ASLA Chapter) noted that they appreciated the thoroughness Bergmann showed in communicating through special diagrams and schemes and they also appreciated the graphics and function of the space.

Lark Street Project

Lark Street, also known as the “Village in the City,” serves as the commercial center for several neighborhoods in downtown Albany. Recognized for its unique sense of place, this eight-block stretch of roadway has attracted nearly 20 new businesses in the past year. In order to build on this momentum, attract future investment, and create a welcoming and memorable experience for all modes and users, the City of Albany partnered with the Bergmann, Albany Parking Authority, the Lark Street Business Improvement District, and LAndArt Studio to undertake the Lark Street Improvement Study, which examines the feasibility of a variety of different streetscape improvements along Lark Street to enhance the public realm. Informed by existing plans, data collection and analysis, a temporary demonstration project, and extensive public outreach, the Lark Street Improvement Study includes design standards for streetscape treatments appropriate for Lark Street and neighboring streets, presents design alternatives for the Lark Street corridor, defines recommended streetscape treatments, and provides the City with an implementation strategy, including cost estimates for each phase, to catalyze positive change.

Award jurors (Indiana State ASLA Chapter) commented that road rightsizing is always a benefit and they appreciated the proposed modifications as well as how effectively the plan conveyed the ideas.

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For more than four decades, Bergmann architects, engineers and planners have been delivering results to clients across the United States and Canada. This team of more than 450 professionals spans the Northeast, Midwest and Atlantic regions. Bergmann develops connections with partners and communities to create dynamic, creative solutions that will stand the test of time, while promoting environmental and functional sustainability. Projects in the Bergmann portfolio range from signature buildings and commercial developments to critical transportation infrastructure and community planning.