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Guy Robert Johns Landscape Architectural Drawings and Plans, 1961-2004

 Collection
Identifier: SWA-Johns-Drawings

Scope and Content

This collection, contained in five drawers, houses over one thousand drawings created by G. Robert Johns. This extensive collection documents the career of the landscape architect G. Robert Johns and his impact on multiple landscape projects in New Mexico and California. In 2011, G. Robert Johns donated his architectural and landscape drawings to the Center for Southwest Research at the University of New Mexico. The collection spans over four decades, from 1961 to 2004. It includes multiple architecture and landscape drawings. The majority of the work is from New Mexico and California (where John worked for the Eckbo office during the 1960s). The collection includes landscape plans for multiple residences, several schools (including the University of New Mexico), public spaces, and various parks. The diverse locations represented by the collection reflect Johns’ ability to adapt and plan landscapes for a variety of spaces with different functions.

Dates

  • 1961-2004

Creator

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.

Biographical Information

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. John’s 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 drawers (1.2 linear ft.); unprocessed addition

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Guy Robert Johns Architectural Drawings and Plans Collection includes landscape architecture drawings and plans for multiple residences, schools, parks and miscellaneous projects.

Related Archival Material

Guy Robert Johns Papers. Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico
Title
Finding Aid of the Guy Robert Johns Landscape Architectural Drawings and Plans, 1961-2004
Status
Completed
Date
© 2012
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