Thirty-eight landscape architect student award winners showcase the future of the profession.

Award of Excellence

Restoring Elba's Pea River Through Dam Revitalization

Elba, Alabama, United States Chase Hoytink, Student ASLA; Faculty Advisors: Frank Hu; Auburn University

The revitalization of the Elba Dam honors the site’s historic structures, preserving them as living reminders of the role they played in powering the local communities of Elba, Troy, and Dothan until the dam’s decommissioning in 2015.This project seeks to transform the overgrown inaccessible hydroelectric dam into an engaging, accessible space that immerses viewers in a landscape reminiscent of past technological achievements. The design proposes for the removal of the dam to enhance environmental protection and bolster community resilience. Removing the spillway projects a 29% increase in access to critical habitat types utilized by threatened and endangered fish and mussel species, while also mitigating future flood risks in Elba.

Check out the award-winning entries here >