Sources: Stephanie Rolley, 785-532-5961, srolley@k-state.edu;
and Mike Albert, 775-588-5929, malbert@designworkshop.com
News release prepared by: Diane Potts, 785-532-1090, potts@k-state.edu

Friday, Aug. 28, 2009

DESIGN WEEK AT K-STATE TO EXAMINE MANHATTAN'S FUTURE

MANHATTAN -- The future of Manhattan will be the focus of a weeklong exercise Aug. 31-Sept. 4 involving students from Kansas State University's department of landscape architecture and regional and community planning.

Students and faculty from the department are partnering with Design Workshop, a planning and design firm, to develop proposals for the future of the city. The proposals will examine anticipated changes to the community associated with the National Bio Agro-Defense Facility and expansion of Fort Riley.

"Visualizing the future of the community we live in provides an opportunity for K-State landscape architecture and planning students to make a tangible contribution to Manhattan's future." said Stephanie Rolley, head of the department of landscape architecture and regional and community planning. "Working with Design Workshop is an excellent example of how our students can partner with private practice to learn while serving the community."

The week will begin with an introduction and a presentation by Kurt Culbertson, chairman of Design Workshop's board, at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, in the K-State Student Union's Forum Hall. Then, more than 140 K-State students will participate in a charrette, with selected teams to present their final plans to Bob Strawn, Manhattan's mayor; Kirk Schulz, K-State president; Tim de Noble, dean of the College of Architecture, Planning and Design; and city and county staff members, at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, in Forum Hall. Both events are free and open to the public.

"Manhattan is going to grow," said Mike Albert, Design Workshop associate and project manager. "We believe that the students can make a substantial contribution to ensure the future vitality and viability of Manhattan."

Design Workshop, recipient of the American Society of Landscape Architects Firm of the Year Award in 2008, is an international firm practicing landscape architecture, land planning, urban design and strategic services planning. The firm combines principles of smart growth, sustainable design and environmentally sound planning to reconcile economic needs with the preservation of scenic, cultural and community values. The firm has led similar educational sessions at Illinois, Penn State, Louisiana State, California Polytechnic, North Carolina A&T, Florida A&M, Ball State and Mississippi State.