Asakura Robinson was recognized with three awards by the American Planning Association’s (APA) Houston chapter, celebrating the firm’s innovative contributions to landscape architecture and urban planning.
Our firm earned a Silver Award in Urban Design for its visionary PlaceM4KE!: Sharpstown and Gulfton project, which reimagined vibrant public spaces in Houston’s diverse communities. Additionally, Asakura Robinson was recognized with a Silver Award in Environmental Planning for The Woodlands Township 2022 Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment, an insightful study that laid the groundwork for future green spaces. Rounding out the accolades, the firm received a Bronze Award in Best Practice for its comprehensive North Houston District 2023 Parks Master Plan, which set a new standard for long-term park development in the region.
The PlaceM4KE P4! project in Houston’s Gulfton and Sharpstown neighborhoods is a transformative urban design initiative focused on crime prevention and pedestrian safety. By addressing key elements such as cooling, lighting, art installations, and traffic calming, the project reimagines streets as vibrant, inclusive spaces that prioritize pedestrian well-being over vehicular traffic. Through community informed design strategies—like integrating shade structures, planting nearly 250 street trees, and enhancing lighting—PlaceM4KE P4! aims to create safe, multifunctional public spaces that support social interaction, cultural expression, and economic development. Community engagement played a central role, with residents, law enforcement, and local organizations contributing to the project’s development through workshops and events like the Gulfton Night Walk. By empowering the community in the planning process, PlaceM4KE P4! Sets the precedent for inclusive and sustainable urban design that improves safety and the overall quality of life.
The Woodlands Township 2022 Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment earned a Silver Award in Environmental Planning for its forward-thinking approach to park development. Faced with an 11% population increase over 15 years, the assessment redefines park planning by blending environmental conservation with community needs. It proposes optimizing existing resources rather than expanding into undeveloped land, converting natural grass fields to artificial turf to add 9,000 annual hours of playing capacity. Additionally, it recommends incorporating activities like fishing, walking trails, and educational signage to encourage environmental stewardship. This solution addresses recreational demands while aligning with economic and tourism goals. The plan stands out for its integration of intergenerational and nature-based activities. It exemplifies strategic park planning through community engagement, demographic analysis, and data-driven insights, setting a model for other communities. By focusing on adaptable solutions, The Woodlands Township ensures that its park system remains vibrant and responsive to evolving needs, benefiting residents and enhancing community cohesion for years to come.
The North Houston District, situated approximately 15 miles from Downtown Houston, is delineated by the convergence of two major thoroughfares, I45 and Beltway 8, dividing it into four distinct neighborhoods. This layout poses challenges to pedestrian and bike connectivity and limits access to parks. However, Greens Bayou, though initially seeming like a barrier, paradoxically acts as a connector, facilitating mobility and park accessibility.
Home to 50,000 residents with a diverse demographic and significant economic challenges, the district was facing a shortfall of park space. The newly crafted Master Plan tackles this head-on by integrating data-driven insights with innovative community engagement. Our team hosted public pop-up events and bilingual outreach ensure inclusivity, capturing diverse voices and fostering local ownership. The plan’s goals were derived from these engagement events, and we began working on laying out our plan to Connect, Activate, Enhance, and Unify, addressing essential needs such as improved connectivity and park activation. By leveraging partnerships and securing grant funding for the proposed strategic park enhancements, the plan serves as a replicable model for other communities. This visionary approach promises to transform the district’s parks into vibrant, connected, and resilient spaces, reflecting a profound commitment to community well-being and sustainable planning.
For more information about AR projects, please visit our website at www.asakurarobinson.com. If you would like to talk about how we can work together, reach out to Marketing Director Amanda Wheeless at amanda@asakurarobinson.com.