O2 Design

One crucial element for successful establishment of native landscapes is long-term maintenance, and this requires champions on the ownership side who ensure that proper techniques for native landscape establishment are followed. Stewardship of native landscapes by land owners and education programs for maintenance teams are critical, as are clearly defined metrics for the long-termsuccess. This photo, taken during a warranty walk at our project site near Bend, Oregon restored to sagebrush steppe in Oregon, shows desired plants next to a handful of invasive weed species.?We worked with Site Facilities Operations staff upon project turnover to help identify undesirable species and facilitate successful maintenance of established seeding.?With time, native plants will out-compete weeds and maintenance will reduce with every passing year, providing the client with a beautiful landscape that saves cost and provides an important ecological function. #O2design #landscapearchitecture #datacenterdesign #ecologicalrestoration #nativeplants #nursery #biomes #sustainability #sustainabledesign #ecoregions #climatechange #biophilic

Soil is a vital natural resource and the cornerstone of successful plant establishment.?Documenting existing soil conditions and rehabilitating soil health serves as foundation for all subsequent restoration strategies. Construction activities can be hard on soil, leading to issues with compaction and fertility.?Conducting soil testing both before (to establish a baseline) and after mass grading of a site can help determine what amendments or treatments (such as inoculation with mycorrhizae and soil microbes) might be needed to restore a soil to a healthy, living condition. At the outset of a project we work closely with the contractor to coordinate soil testing and the preservation and storage of topsoil on site to minimize soil disturbance and degradation.? #O2Design #landscapearchitecture #datacenterdesign #ecologicalrestoration #nativeplants #nursery #biomes #sustainability #sustainabledesign #ecoregions #climatechange #biophilic

Our science-based approach serves as the foundation for effective native restoration design: an approach that’s been refined by our staff members with backgrounds in ecology.?We partner with local ecologists and native seed vendors to ensure we are selecting cultivars that have evolved to be part of the region’s native plant communities.?These photos are from a recent visit to Prairie Moon Nursery, one of the Midwest’s leading native seed and plant vendors to witness first-hand how these native seeds are collected and learn about techniques for successful establishment.? Photos by John Pierce, AICP, ASLA #O2Design #landscapearchitecture #datacenterdesign #ecologicalrestoration #nativeplants #nursery #biomes #sustainability #sustainabledesign #ecoregions #climatechange #biophilic

We are very passionate about our mission of sustainability and our work restoring native landscapes, so we will be sharing more about this process in a four-part series this month as we move into spring. Native landscapes act as inexpensive carbon sinks and soil stabilizers, as well as a water efficient and climate-resilient solution in contrast to traditional sod and ornamental landscape options. They simultaneously reduce landscape maintenance and input requirements, while critically providing a fundamentally healthy environment for employees who spend their days on site as well as an ecological service to the local community.? #O2design #landscapearchitecture #datacenterdesign #ecologicalrestoration #nativeplants #nursery #biomes #sustainability #sustainabledesign #ecoregions #climatechange #biophilic

O2 Design is proud to celebrate the extraordinary women on our team during Women in Construction Week, and every day of the year!?This week the spotlight is on Han Zhang, a critical part of the design team for the Pritzker Military Archives Center, located in Somers, WI, which has just been awarded an Honor Award by the Illinois Section of the American Council of Engineering Companies. The team was awarded in the category of Building/Technology systems due of its exemplary stormwater harvesting, BMP management and reuse system, as well as solar panel green energy.?Congratulations to Han and the rest of the design team! Jahn/ Pritzker Military Museum & Library Pepper Construction Group TERRA Engineering, Ltd. #womeninconstruction #nawic #O2Design #landscapearchitecture #engineering #architecture #asla #masla #museumdesign #award

We had the unique honor of working with Jahn/ to design the site plan for the brand new Pritzker Military Archives Center in Somers, WI. The museum is located in the rural setting of southeastern Wisconsin, on a 287-acre undulating prairie landscape close to Lake Michigan. From the high point of the road, the museum is easily visible, making arrival a memorable and effortless experience. The project aims to enhance public understanding of military history and the sacrifices made to maintain freedom and democracy in our country. The site plan is thoughtfully designed around a circular rampart landform, reminiscent of a battlefield trench, with the museum and associated program elements located at the center. The circular path is intersected by two formal allées running east-west and two tree-lined esplanades running north-south, which provide a grid framework for the site’s landscape features. Permeable parking lots, stormwater detention ponds, wet meadows, and restored prairies are all seamlessly integrated into the site. The oak trees lining the formal allées provide a human scale within this vast area and evoke the image of saluting soldiers in a military parade. Miles of extended circular grass trails connect through the 200 acres of restored prairies, offering a perfect opportunity for future development on campus. Overall, the museum’s location, landscape, and design elements work together to create a powerful and unforgettable experience for visitors. Pritzker Military Museum & Library Jahn/ Pepper Construction Group #O2design #asla #mnasla #landscapearchitecture #openspace #museumdesign #landart #aerial #construction

We're delighted to share this video of our recently completed Pritzker Museum, Library, and Archive, which was put together by our team to artfully showcase our design process from concept to completion. The museum is located in the rural setting of southeastern Wisconsin, on a 287-acre undulating prairie landscape close to Lake Michigan. The museum’s mission is to create a world-class nonprofit research institution dedicated to enhancing public understanding of military history and the sacrifices made to maintain freedom and democracy in our country. The site and architecture are inspired by the simplicity of military intervention. The plan is organized by a circular rampart (a military defense strategy) landform that locates the museum and associated program elements in the center of the circle. Expanded circular pathways, restored prairie meadows, and wetland gardens comprise the expanded trail system experience. The oak trees along the flanking pathways are rigorously aligned to the campus and provide a human scale and desirable shade canopy. Pritzker Military Museum & Library Pepper Construction Group Jahn Associates Architects #O2design #asla #mnasla #landscapearchitecture #openspace #museumdesign #landart #aerial #construction

Missing the snow? Our project in Denmark will give you those cozy winter wonderland vibes. #snow #cozy #denmark

O2 is proud to support three of our team members who are serving on the 2023-2024?Executive Committee of ASLA Minnesota: Han Zhang, President Elect Mya Kesler, Co-Director of Communications John Pierce, Climate Action Committee Chair ASLA, the national organization, has more than 18,000 members and 48 chapters, representing all 50 states, U.S. territories, and 42 countries around the world. ASLA-MN is the Minnesota Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) which represents over 800 local professionals in the landscape architecture profession through advocacy, education, communication, and fellowship.??Together we shape the future of Landscape Architecture and community by raising awareness of the profession, and advocating for issues that affect our field.?ASLA-MNoffers a variety of service projects, social events, networking and continuing education opportunities. https://aslamn.org/

We're delighted to share this video of our recently completed Pritzker Museum, Library, and Archive, which was put together by our team to artfully showcase our design process from concept to completion. The museum is located in the rural setting of southeastern Wisconsin, on a 287-acre undulating prairie landscape close to Lake Michigan. The museum’s mission is to create a world-class nonprofit research institution dedicated to enhancing public understanding of military history and the sacrifices made to maintain freedom and democracy in our country. The site and architecture are inspired by the simplicity of military intervention. The plan is organized by a circular rampart (a military defense strategy) landform that locates the museum and associated program elements in the center of the circle. Expanded circular pathways, restored prairie meadows, and wetland gardens comprise the expanded trail system experience. The oak trees along the flanking pathways are rigorously aligned to the campus and provide a human scale and desirable shade canopy. Pritzker Military Museum & Library Pepper Construction Group Jahn Associates Architects #O2design #asla #mnasla #landscapearchitecture #openspace #museumdesign #landart #aerial #construction