memberSPOTLIGHT < Kelsey Moline
Kelsey Moline, ASLA
Member-At-Large
The Clark Enerson Partners
Lincoln, Nebraska
When did you realize you wanted to become a Landscape Architect?
Before college, I had a chance to tour the Central Garden at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, California. Designed by Robert Irwin, his quote is etched into the floor of a reflection pool, “Always changing, never twice the same.” This quote and Irwin’s living work of art is what first inspired me to study landscape architecture. Spaces that can transform with each season, change functions, and serve many different users set this profession apart from other design careers. It was this aspect that led to my enrollment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Landscape Architecture program.
What is your favorite landscape, and why?
One of my favorite landscapes that I recently discovered is American Way in National Harbor, Maryland. National Harbor sits on what used to be a blighted stretch of the Potomac. Through the master plan process, developer Milton Peterson and Sasaki Associates transformed the area into Washington’s waterfront. The American Way is a 3,000-foot pedestrian-oriented boulevard that leads to the water and overlooks National Plaza with an iconic Ferris wheel at the terminus.
Lined with trees, American Way becomes an allee, punctuated with pops of public art acknowledging many of our country’s cultural icons and symbols – such as the eagle, past presidents, and even Rosie the Riveter and Marilyn Monroe. A nautical logo was developed, and white, navy blue, and crimson were integrated into the area’s branding. A variety of seating nodes occur along the pedestrian corridor, which sits between the street’s vehicular lanes, with shops lining both sides of the street. At night, the tree-framed space lights up with unique color-changing luminaries. I think what I love most about the space is how the urban design and public art creates such a contextual sense of place, and how the area truly transformed from both a cultural and an environmental perspective.
That’s the power of Landscape Architecture.
I am a member because I’m an advocate for the profession of Landscape Architecture. I believe in life long learning and continuing education opportunities. I acknowledge the power of bringing together a single discipline to strengthen our voices. I believe in sharing the full scope, importance, and impact of landscape architecture with the greater public. We have a responsibility to cultivate and grow the profession, as we continue to learn and grow in our knowledge, innovations, and resources.
What is the most important thing you have learned since joining the profession?
When I entered the landscape architecture program, I would have told you that Irwin’s quote is referring to the sights, smells, and sounds of a landscape, the different textures you can feel, what you can taste, every change that occurs with the season, the month, the day, the hour… Since joining the profession, I envision much more to the statement. The land around us has dramatically changed, and may never be the same. In the midst of environmental degradation, massive pollution issues, and global warming, the profession of landscape architecture has been prescribed. Sustainability must play an integral role in the design process in order to heal the ecology and unite it with the social use of the site.
What is one item you cannot live without?
Tea! I love it hot or iced, and it’s been fun finding new flavors to enjoy over the years.
What is something you find joy in other than landscape architecture?
I love the hands-on nature and unlimited possibilities of crafting. Whether it’s calligraphy, woodwork, scrapbooking, drawing, and coloring with my daughter, graphic design, or even home improvements, I enjoy expressing my creativity and refining my craft. You can never have too many art supplies in my books.
Share a project that holds great meaning to you.
A current project I’m working on is the redevelopment of the South Haymarket district in Lincoln, Nebraska. The area is primarily industrial, and over the years, several business owners have paved over original curb lines and right of way easements to create more space for parking and many areas have no defined pedestrian circulation at all.
To spur future development, our firm was asked to help develop a master plan to organize the streetscape and add more community amenities to the area. It’s been a challenge to balance parking needs, increase the pedestrian and bicyclist circulation, manage storm water and creatively deal with the floodplain, carve out spaces for pedestrian amenities such as a food truck corral, art walk, and potentially add unique lighting to spaces under the overpass. Future development will include more housing and retail establishments, in addition to a new city park. Although it is fairly early in the schematic design process, it has been exciting to consider the ways this part of the city could transform and better serve our community.
