Brugia Malayi - Clark Science Center - Smith College

Landscape Field Studies
Seneca Gray
Landscape Studies students have been doing research in the Ward 3 district of Northampton for a few years now. The studies and
projects reflected the interests and desires of the residences in the area. Clients would approach the department with a proposal
in mind, or the students would engage the citizens in community forums to talk about the broad scale neighborhood landscape.
Since the entire research program is generated and inspired by the Ward 3 public, it is natural to inform them of the projects Smith
students have been producing. For this, we used the computer design software, InDesign, to format a booklet of the program,
it’s intent, it’s progress, and all the projects already created that will be accessible to the public. Two reports, or “primers,” were
compiled: one featuring highlights of Smith’s entire Ward 3 investigation, and one specifically focused on projects for the Cutchins
School of Ward 3. Sifting through previous programming as well as doing our own data collecting was a significant part of the
process. The final products took weeks to layout the master design template, and apply and edit the information.
The Landscape Studies department is also heavily involved with the creation of the Bechtel Classroom at the MacLeish Field
Station. The BEC reflects Smith’s commitment to sustainability and the liberal arts. I was asked to design a pavilion to accompany
the BEC at the field station. The process started with personal site analysis and meetings with my professors, along with
professional engineers and building contractors. Using AutoCAD, a drafting software, I composed floor plans, layouts, elevations
and material diagrams that were authentic enough for professional use. However, most importantly, I devoted a majority of my
time to understanding the aesthetic pleasure of the pavilion. The location of the building, the people using it, the purpose of
its creation are all extremely important to understand. Through the site visits and meetings, I was able to design and adjust the
pavilion so that my vision for its existence was met. (Supported by the Smith College Botanic Garden Landscape Studies Fund`)
Advisor: Reid Bertone-Johnson
2012
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