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10 | J UNE 2016 EDA Collaborative Inc. One of EDAs inaugural projects was the site development of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. This award-winning project integrated two unique buildings, designed by Douglas Cardinal, into a "Museum in the Park" con- cept. EDA organized the site into landscape zones, from the hard surface plaza on the street side of the building through a series of courts and terraces down to a more naturalized landscape along the Ottawa River. Maintaining the view of Parliament Hill was a major factor in building sitting and site design. This project proved to be a springboard for the company, putting EDA firmly on the map. When it comes to stand out projects, EDA's resume is incredibly impressive; from institutional and historical and cultural projects, to trail planning and development, and waterfront development. Another stand out EDA project was the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto. "As part of an interdisciplinary team, we were tasked with designing and constructing the TELUSCAPE plaza; a unique environment that emphasizes the juxtaposition of the Science Centre between the natural environment of the Don Valley and the densely populated urban community in the immediate area," says Li. "We had a lot of fun with that project, working with technology experts on fea- tures like a tree that allows visitors to change the colour with their cell phones. It appealed to me as I'm a big kid at heart," laughs Li. Then there's the Yonge Street South Corridor Master Plan, a legacy of Bruce Cudmore who sadly passed away in 2014 from Cancer. EDA was tasked with revi- talizing six kilometres of streetscape along Toronto's most famous street. "This project involved the total integration of slowing down the traffic, increas- ing bikeways and walkways, and creating sustainable landscape areas. We har- vested the rainfall into planting areas instead of draining into catch basins so no water is wasted. It was a complex job that required extensive background research and site analysis. We developed a vision statement and design principles, detailed design guidelines and conceptual designs for key nodes and intersections, and a final streetscape master plan. Stakeholders and public engagement was key to the success of this project. It involved four different municipalities and multiple busi- ness communities," explains Li. "It aged Bruce and I," laughs Li. Incidentally, the project won a CSLA Regional Citation Award in 2012. Over in China, EDA was tasked with a similar project, working on the new Nanjing Youth Science Centre that was part of an international design competi- tion. The design concept was to create a dynamic and exciting machine for learning and enjoyment for young people. EDA International, in association with Francesco Scolozzi Architects, won first prize for its design and was awarded a contract for the $32-million project. But, as Muller rightly says, often the most significant and fulfilling projects aren't necessarily the larger ones. "For me, the smaller community projects, such as work- ing on the streetscape in Vermilion or Drayton Valley, have been extremely gratify- ing as it has meant a lot in developing their identity." The Town of Vermilion's major streetscape improvement program within its downtown core was the outcome of a three-year process that included involve- ment by local businesses, the community at large and the Federal Government through an infrastructure funding agreement. EDA provided community consul- tation, planning, design and construction management services to the town for streetscape improvements. It is fair to say that when it comes to project "type" EDA cannot be pigeonholed. For Muller, his passion for working on trail planning and design has resulted in some long standing relationships with clients that has spanned decades. Today EDA is involved in all manner of exciting projects, from restoring the heritage landscapes of the Ontario Legislative Assembly in Queen's Park – where they are working on integrating and connecting the property with adjacent land uses by functional and interpretive means while preparing a visionary plan that involves providing for a safe, secure, accessible and sustainable site in the future – to the development of a new streetscape vision for a section of 109 Street in Edmonton, which proposes a fundamental shift away from the current autocen- tric focus to a shared, complete street that recognizes pedestrians, cyclists and transit too. For EDA, being generalists with insightful problem solving skills has been a strength that has helped them through recessions and stay ahead of a rapidly changing field. Looking ahead, Li and Muller are excited about the future. "I think we are on the brink of a renaissance; people are starting to recognize what our profession brings to solving some of the environmental problems we now face and how we come up with solutions that think beyond an engineered response," says Muller. Li agrees, likening landscape architects with flute players in an orchestra; under- stated yet essential and delightful. "For us, landscape architecture is about making our earth livable and sustainable. We are responsible for humanizing our environ- ment in a safe manner to encourage its use, not just today but for future genera- tions," adds Li. A PHOTOGRAPHY + RENDERINGS COURTESY EDA COLLABORATIVE INC. Clark TTC Station, South Yonge Street Corridor Master Plan, Regional Municipality of York, ON. Bud Miller All Seasons Park, Lloydminster, AB+SK. Public Market, Avenir Proposed Participation Community, St. Albert, AB. Vermilion Streetscape, Town of Vermilion, AB.