UKLA pairs with The Learning Center

The Learning Center at Linlee is the home of an art plaza that University of Kentucky Landscape Architecture students designed and is currently building.  The Learning Center “TLC” is a school designed for kids whose learning style is characterized by a different pace, who need a smaller classroom setting or who want a more hands-on approach to instruction.  TLC has been interacting with the Landscape Architecture department since the summer when several students designed an overall master plan for the school grounds.  The current design is a service project that the Materials and Methods course (required by major) is constructing.  Fourth year student Maureen Dreckman is the designer and project manager of the Art Plaza.  Above is a plan and several perspectives that help bring the Art Plaza to life.  


 The Art Plaza only has been one of the most rewarding projects of my college career.  When presented with this project I had no idea the effects this would have on me or the students and faculty at TLC.  The students of TLC were with my class for the whole design process.  They participated in a brainstorming session, design charette, project presentations, plus they have assisted in the construction phase.  After my class presented our designs the principal, Ron Chi, pulled us aside and told us the affect we were having on the kids.  He said, “You have inspired several students to pursue a career in Landscape Architecture.”  These words truly inspired me.  I ask everyone who reads this to get out and show kids what they can do with a degree, especially one in UK Ag.
 

I will post pictures of the Art Plaza when it is completely installed.  Also check out this article:  http://www.kentucky.com/2012/12/04/2430980/kids-whove-struggled-find-their.html

Charlie is a 4th year Landscape Architecture major from Bowling Green, Kentucky.  He is a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, a College of Agriculture Ambassador, and an outdoor enthusiast.

Fall is Fun & Fantastic!

Fall.  The weather is cooling down from summer, the leaves are changing, and midterm season is upon us. While a stressful time in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to reward yourself for a good grade, or to take a break from studying. I love the colors of the trees and the leaves floating through the breeze on my walks to class. The beauty of the season is almost too good to be true; so why spend your time inside studying when you can be outside studying or relaxing outside? UK and the city of Lexington has plenty to offer during the fall months when the weather is beautiful, or on a gloomy day when you want to have fun inside.

The UK Opera Theatre just presented The Phantom of the Opera at the Lexington Opera House. I must admit, I have never been to an Opera, and I didn’t get to attend this one, but the reviews were excellent.  It is on my bucket list and hopefully I can attend one of their future productions!  http://www.ukoperatheatre.org/  

Football season is my favorite time of the year! It is Homecoming Week on campus and there is lots of Wildcat spirit around.  This Saturday, our Wildcats take on the Georgia Bulldogs.  The Wildcats have been improving this season and are hoping for a win against the Bulldogs!  Go Cats!  For more details, check out UK SAB: http://www.uksab.org/  

Big Blue Madness is always a great time as we anticipate the approaching basketball season.  This is the first practice for the Men and Women's Basketball team, as well as an introduction of players to the fans. With anticipation built up from winning the 8th National Championship this past spring, students and fans were eager to see what the new team will look like, with hopes of bringing home banner number 9 this year.  

October also means thoroughbred horse racing at Keeneland.  The fall race meet is October 5-27th, and people from all across Kentucky and the world to watch these horses race, place their bets, and socialize. Make your way down Versailles Road in Lexington and treat yourself to a fun day of friendly betting. 

A lot of you may disagree and call me crazy, but Halloween is my favorite holiday. Take the changing leaves and add those scary decorations and I am a happy girl. Living in a residential neighborhood in Lexington makes this time even more exciting for me as I get to buy candy and wait for the arrival of the different heroes, princesses and little boogie monsters. The record number of trick-or-treaters last year was 32, so we are hoping to surpass that number this Halloween.  If anyone has suggestions on a costume, let me know!

The cooler temps also bring the need for coffee or hot chocolate.  What UK student wouldn't be obsessed with Starbucks when we have 4 locations on campus and other locations throughout the city?  There are also lots of local coffee places around the  Salted Caramel Mocha, and  Pumpkin Spice are just a few of the flavors that they have to offer. Treat yourself to a delicious hot treat and enjoy the fall weather.

However you decide to spend your fall, UK and Lexington has lots of great options.  I hope to see you out and about enjoying all that this time of year has to offer.

Gabrielle is studying Agricultural Education.  She is from Gamaliel, KY.  She is involved in UK Dairy Judging, and is an Ag Ambassador.