Creating sustainable
landscapes
Environmental Design, Sustainable Design and Ecological Design Services
DESIGN
WRD develops sustainable landscape designs that respond to the unique needs of each site. Our multidisciplinary team draws on expertise in landscape architecture, horticulture, land planning, watershed management, architecture, engineering, construction and the visual arts. Our designs are ecological and practical.
We use a variety of design tools to beautify the landscape while advancing sustainability. Among them:
- Selecting and grouping plants to promote water efficiency and microclimate control;
- Using the natural growth habits of plants to reduce energy needs;
- Grading the land in a way that encourages groundwater recharge, and discourages groundwater runoff and erosion; and
- Recycling on-site natural resources, like plant nutrients and water, by harvesting them for re-use in the landscape.
Featured Projects
Lincoln Park Zoo - South Pond Master PlanLincoln Park Zoo, Client
A microcosm of sustainable solutions for the Midwest
Michigan Avenue "Fish Hotel"
Friends of the Chicago River, Client
New floating garden makes Chicago River more fish friendly
Chicago Center for Green Technology
Chicago Department of Environment, Client
A former brownfield transformed through innovation and ecological design
Station Square at Prairie Crossing
Prairie Holdings Corporation, Client
Site design and land planning for a condo development in a nationally recognized conservation community
Douglas-Hart Nature Center Master Plan
Douglas-Hart Foundation, Client
Helping a popular nature center grow
Henry R. Clissold School Campus Park
Chicago Public Building Commission, Client
A parking lot becomes a ball field, playground and outdoor environmental classroom
222 N. Riverside Plaza
The John Buck Company, Client
High-profile planter beds get a makeover
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