World Landscape Architecture Month: Beyond Boundaries

Celebrating the Transformative Power of Design

Every April, we join a global celebration of landscape architecture — appreciating the creative minds who shape the world around us. This year’s WLAM theme, “Beyond Boundaries,” highlights how landscape architects challenge physical, cultural, and environmental limits to build spaces that connect people, places, and purpose.

At BETA, we’re proud to showcase the journeys behind some of our most transformative projects — from initial vision to real-world impact. This visual story celebrates the progression of design — not with detailed specs or long writeups, but with a gallery of images that speak for themselves. Each project featured here represents a transformation: a sketch brought to life, a plan turned into place, and a boundary moved just a little bit further.

Click on each project title to read more.

Boston, MA – North Square

In 2017, this bold concept reimagined North Square as an accessible, open civic space — reintroducing ADA pathways while honoring the site’s historic character.

Completed in 2019, the new square thrives as a shared community space — hosting art installations, al fresco dining, and new movement patterns.

Fall River, MA – City Pier

This 2019 vision reimagined City Pier as an open, walkable green space — preserving views while inviting movement along the water’s edge.

Completed in 2024, City Pier now offers a continuous public space with renewed access to Fall River’s waterfront.

Hartford, CT – Bushnell Park North

Our team’s vision proposed rebalancing roadways along Bushnell Park’s northern edge to create a walkable grand promenade — enhancing safety, green space, and accessibility.

Nearly a decade later, Bushnell Park North delivers on that vision: a Complete Streets corridor that promotes multimodal use downtown around Hartford’s historic park.

Lowell, MA – Veterans Park

BETA’s concept envisioned a peaceful public space in Lowell’s Belvidere neighborhood — honoring veterans while creating opportunities for gathering, education, and quiet reflection.

Now realized, Veterans Park features walkways, seat walls with military plaques, native plantings, and a flagpole centerpiece — blending green infrastructure with a lasting tribute to service.

Needham, MA – Town Common

During the pandemic, a new vision took shape for Needham’s “front yard” — one that supported gathering, movement, and inclusive outdoor activity in the heart of downtown.

Now complete, the reimagined Common features an open lawn, shaded seating, a central terrace, and accessible walkways — creating a seamless civic green that connects community life and local commerce.