Faculty
Professor
Anne
Vernez Moudon
Fritz
Wagner
Associate Professor
Richard Horner
Jeff Hou
Julie Johnson
Lynne Manzo
Iain Robertson
Nancy Rottle
Daniel Winterbottom
Assistant Professor
Thaisa Way
Lecturers
Gareth Loveridge
Luanne Smith
Nhon Truong
NANCY ROTTLE
 |
Associate Professor, Department of Landscape
Architecture
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture
Box 355734
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-5734
nrottle@u.washington.edu
206.543.7897 (Voice)
206.685.4486 (Fax)
nancy rottle | curriculum
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publications | courses
taught | awards | theses
advised
RESEARCH
Throughout her career Professor Rottle has been involved with the creation of places that have both ecological integrity and cultural meaning. She is particularly interested in design and planning that fosters learning from, understanding about, human connection to, and caring for landscapes, using place-design as a pedagogical means. Questions that underlie her research include:
What are the design parameters that create the context for developing ecological literacy? More specifically, what principles and examples can provide frameworks for the design of environmental learning places?
How do we best conserve and intervene in both vernacular and designed cultural landscapes, a dynamic heritage that serves to orient us in the context of time?
How can environmental design, as both process and product, best provide meaningful, resonant experiences, connecting people to places?
How do we conceive, preserve and construct landscapes that are ecologically healthy and socially sustainable, and what are the creative precedents and operative mechanisms that will advance the adoption of these ways as part of our common culture?
Professor Rottle is currently working on several research projects:
a post-occupancy evaluation of the Cedar River Watershed Education Center. Phase II of this research has been supported through the UW College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Dean's Award.
a manuscript documenting and comparing three contemporary Pacific Northwest environmental learning centers. Research has been funded by the Landscape Architecture Foundation, with intent to publish the manuscript as part of LAF's Case Study series. With Associate Professor Julie Johnson.
"Prairie Stories," historical research and development of interpretive materials documenting agricultural practices on three Whidbey Island prairies at Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. Funded by the National Park Service.
evaluation of students' use of an urban park for outdoor science learning, employing observation and student design charrettes for development of principles guiding the design of parks as environmental learning places.
Professor Rottle also employs design as a form of "engaged scholarship," leading design studios that tackle real problems for and with local communities. She approaches these studios as research projects that advance students' skill and learning while contributing to residents' awareness of their communities and potential solutions to pressing issues. She inspires students to employ participatory design methods and to collaborate on research-informed design exploration, and publishes the work for community clients and for future reference. Engaged scholarship projects include:
"Community Heart: Alternative Futures for Homer, Alaska"
"Town and Country: Envisioning Burlington, Saving Skagit Farmland"
"Accessing the River: The Snoqualmie Middle Fork and Tanner Landing Park"
"Interpretive Plan for the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River"
"Community Heart: Pioneering Palmer's Future"
"South Wallingford Open Space Plan"
"Open Space Seattle 2100: A 100-year Vision for Seattle's Green Network" (in progress, 2005-06)
Professor Rottle also directs the new Heritage Landscape Center in the University of Washington College of Architecture and Urban Planning.