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Guy Robert Johns Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-923-BC

Scope and Content

This collection contains reports, master plans, correspondence, case studies, articles, course work, and papers created or pertaining to landscape architect Guy Robert Johns, and relating to projects located primarily in Minnesota, California, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. The collection also contains slides and photographs of landscape projects, dating from 1965-1986. Some significant projects include the Albuquerque Biological Park, Albuquerque, NM; Southern Rio Grande Outdoor Recreation Park, Albuquerque, NM; Faywood Hot Springs, NM; Abiquiu Reservoir, NM; and Sherburne Wildlife Refuge, MN.

Addition 2020. The unprocessed materials were entered into the collection as Boxes 4 and 5. Some added materials pertain to projects in Albuquerque such as the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, Bullhead Memorial Park, Grant Middle School and the National Hispanic Cultural Center, while others include the Los Lunas Career Academy, the Museum of New Mexico Museum Hill plaza landscaping and the Zia Pueblo School, as well as several jobs for the Navajo Nation.

Dates

  • 1957-2010

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biography / History

Guy Robert Johns received a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from the California Polytechnic University, Pomona in 1960. At this time he began working and honing his technical skills alongside Garrett Eckbo and Francis Dean in California. In 1975 Johns became the Landscape Architect for the University of New Mexico. With Eckbo (FASLA) and Van Dorn Hooker (FAIA), Johns contributed to the dynamic landscape and urban design of the campus. Notable projects include the Fine Arts Plaza, Cornell Mall, the University’s Central “Duck Pond,” and UNM’s Valencia Campus. Johns' influences expand beyond UNM to other campuses of the Southwest, and more recently, to large-scale designs for zoos, private and public schools, parks and other various commissions.

Guy Robert Johns also dedicated his time in the push for professional registration in New Mexico on behalf of New Mexico’s landscape architects. Johns, Jack Leaman (FASLA) and Baker H. Morrow (FASLA) were key forces in lobbying to pass the Landscape Architects Act in 1985. Johns also served as the first chair of the State Board of Landscape Architects and helped to create the rules and regulations of the association from 1985 to 1989. At this time, Johns was elected as the representative for the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB). In 1996 Johns resumed his position on the New Mexico State Board and was again elected as the CLARB Representative for New Mexico from 1999 to 2000.

Johns was notably the first landscape architect to serve on the Joint Practices Committee (JCP). The committee was established by the New Mexico legislature to address the working relationships among architects, engineers and landscape architects in the state. The group was recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and other professional design organizations as the model for dealing with problems of common practices amongst design professions. Johns also actively worked with Craig Campbell (FASLA) to help establish the New Mexico Chapter of ASLA. Through their hard work the chapter was established and has been active since 1982. Johns served as the Chapter’s first president and continues to serve on the Chapter’s Executive Committee. In addition to serving on these influential boards as a landscape architect, Johns received numerous prestigious awards. These recognitions represent both the strong design of his professional work and his influence within the community of landscape architects, and specifically their presence in the state of New Mexico.

Extent

5 boxes

Abstract

The Guy Robert Johns Papers pertain to landscape architecture projects in Minnesota, California, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.

Related Material

Guy Robert Johns Landscape Architectural Drawings and Plans Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico
Title
Finding aid of the Guy Robert Johns Papers, 1957-2010
Status
Completed
Author
Cristina R. Miller
Date
© 2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451