MLA Student Shuai Yuan Receives 2024 ASLA Honor Award
We extend our congratulations to UVA School of Architecture's Shuai Yuan (MLA '25) for being recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). In the recently announced 2024 ASLA Student Awards, Yuan received an Honors Award in the General Design Category for work produced in the Graduate Landscape Architecture Foundation Studio III, taught by C.L. Bohannon and Rebecca Finch. ASLA Student Award winners represent the bright future of the landscape architecture profession.
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Honor Award—Shuai Yuan, MLA '25
General Design Category—Longleaf Pine, Fire, Prospect Bluff
LAR 7010 Studio—People, Community & Place: Exploring Uneven Geographies through Disruptive Engagements
Instructors—CL Bohannon, FASLA; Rebecca Hinch
Semester—Fall 2023
Project Description
Delving into the rich tapestry of historical and ecological interplay, the project is anchored at Prospect Bluff within the longleaf pine savanna. Embracing the site's historical integrity, it intertwines the Maroons' story with the intricate dynamics of the ecosystem. This fusion provides both visitors and locals with a deeply evocative experience, nurturing a profound sense of connection and empathy to the Maroon community and the delicate longleaf pine ecosystem. This project aligns with the values of interdisciplinary exploration, is spurred by environmental engagement, enhances landscape awareness, and continues to reflect on the complexities of the site’s social history.
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Prospect Bluff: A Sanctuary of Resistance Amidst the Longleaf Pines
History and resilience converge at Prospect Bluff, making the struggle for freedom in a serene longleaf pine savanna by the Apalachiccola River.
Project Narrative
Nestled in a longleaf pine savanna along the Apalachicola River in Franklin County, Florida, the Prospect Bluff Historic Site was a British fort during the War of 1812. It later became a refuge for escaped slaves known as Maroons, Native Americans, and some British soldiers. In 1816, American forces attacked, leading to a battle, that ended in a deadly explosion. Despite being largely forgotten, Prospect Bluff symbolizes African American resilience in the fight for freedom, showcasing a brief but impactful experiment in self-liberation and serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for emancipation.
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On-Spot Hand-Drawings: Capturing the Essence of History and Nature
Experience history and nature through hand-drawn sketches on the expedition, fostering empathy and deepening connection to the site's essence.
Principles
The project aims to vividly depict the history of the Maroon community at Prospect Bluff, immersing visitors in its rich past and the surrounding longleaf pine savanna. It enhances appreciation of the Maroons' struggles, from slavery to their connection with nature. The proposal outlines six design principles for sensitive intervention at this historically significant site: 1) acknowledge history, 2) enhance memorability, 3) enrich experience, 4) foster regeneration, 5) embrace dynamics, and 6) encourage interaction.
The project can be interpreted through six perspectives: Allusion, Revelation, Mourning, Exploration, Reciprocity, and Participation.
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Illustrative Plan: Exploring Prospect Bluff Through Diverse Lenses
A rich tapestry of immersive perspectives: allusion, revelation, mourning, exploration, reciprocity, and participation interwoven seamlessly.
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Participation
Fire-related activities, including prescribed fire rituals, honor Maroons by blending modernity with indigenous practices while enhancing engagement.
"Studying the historic relationship between humans and a plant community is a very sound way to begin a design process. The design thoughtfully leads visitors through a journey, this is a very credible, and elegant project, with a wonderful and compelling perspectives."
—2024 Awards Jury Statement
