Proposed by: Wissahickon Garden Club, Zone V

Landscape architecture is a celebration of place, recognizing the historic, natural and social importance to create spaces that enrich the lives of those who experience them. For nearly five decades, landscapes designed by Laurie Olin and his firm, Olin Studio, have contributed to the vitality of civic life. A pioneer of prioritizing sustainability in his designs, he produces urban environments that emphasize access to the streets and surrounding buildings, making graceful connections between nature and the city. His many projects include Bryant Park in Manhattan, the J. Paul Getty Center in Los Angeles, and the U.S. Embassy in London. While leading his firm, he has continued as an inspiring teacher of landscape design, mentoring generations of students. A prolific author, his books on landscape architecture history, theory and design have won multiple awards. Laurie Olin’s work has left cities richer with enhanced public spaces, civic pride, and quality of life.