The goal of the landscape master plan was to establish a comprehensive path forward for Radburn's open spaces that strengthens the design intent and legacy of Radburn.
The precedent-setting Radburn, NJ was built in the late 1920's and designed by famed landscape architect Marjorie Sewell Cautley. Open space consideration was at the forefront of this sustainable, lower maintenance, walkable, four season community and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2005. Over time the parks became well-worn with aging canopies, disappearing understory, and deteriorating activity spaces. MNLA was hired to produce an open space master plan that strengthened Cautley’s design intent which underpins the legacy of Radburn.
MNLA collaborated with the Radburn Association, Grounds Committee, Architectural Committee, and community arborist to conduct extensive research of the site's three primary parks. With a renewed focus on ecology and local history, MNLA created an adaptable plan that guides design decisions, big or small, and re-engages the historic design. Using Cautley’s principles of designing for change, growth, function, and sense of place, MNLA established specific criteria for the continued maintenance, rehabilitation, and/or design within the open space areas. Guidelines for safe pedestrian movement, planting and hardscape material pallets, stormwater management, and maintenance practices are included in the master plan. To illustrate the design process for rehabilitation, six case studies were selected to describe the issues and restore Cautley’s vision. Recently one of the case studies received a Preserve New Jersey Preservation Fund grant that will assist financially in the implementation of the
rehabilitation.
The goal of the landscape master plan was to establish a comprehensive path forward for Radburn's open spaces that strengthens the design intent and legacy of Radburn.
