Summer Construction

Some of our projects have evolved from paper into construction this summer at BTD. We've been dreaming up how the spaces will work all winter and now they are becoming real places. It’s exciting to see these projects come together.

 Among the BTD projects are under construction this summer, one of the highlights has been two projects at schools in San Francisco. These projects will bring green spaces into the playgrounds that were formerly dominated by asphalt. Upon completion both projects will be open to the public as part of the planned expansion of the San Francisco Shared Schoolyard Project. School community volunteers and Friends of the Urban Forest will be adding planting to these spaces this fall. By next spring these playgrounds will be transformed into rich, textured spaces with more opportunities for play and ecological education.

YIMBY - Working to build housing for everyone

At BTD we are committed working on sustainable housing for everyone. One of the projects BTD is working on for Abode Services recently got mentioned on Forum (listen here) . In this capacity we see ourselves as part of the YIMBY movement here in the Bay Area (for more on YIMBY see this New York Times article)

Over the last year we've worked on projects to provide affordable housing, veteran's housing, and housing for people who are chronically without a home. These projects are located in Bay Area cities from San Jose to Oakland.

A Space for Reflection

The Nueva School community entrusted BTD with the conceptualization of a sensitive yet playful space where students could reflect on and celebrate the life of a schoolmate. The forested open space adjacent to the main play area was selected for its naturally soothing character and it’s place on the edge of the woods. Simple wooden platforms serve multiple functions: seating to take in views, stages for imaginative or active play and non-obtrusive memorial tributes. The memorial phrase, selected by the family, was carved into cedar and backed with mirror to play with the dynamic, changing light in the environment. We've heard positive comments from adults and students savoring the experience of this unique space.

Urban design for young cyclists

Check out this great article by the Guardian on how taking young cyclists into account influences urban planning in Denmark. The article highlights the notion that addressing children's experience of the environment ultimately provides richer, more environmentally sustainable places for all of us.

Richmond Urban Farm - Urban Tilth in the News

Check out Urban Tilth and how it's working to bring sustainable agriculture to Richmond, California. In this New York Times article, you can learn more about Urban Tilth's support of the City of Richmond's initiatives for making a healthier urban environment.

BAY TREE DESIGN is proud to partner with organizations, like Urban Tilth, that strive to realize a healthier future for our cities by building places that grow organic produce, foster ecological literacy opportunities and provide space for community commons.