For the second year in a row, the Great Salt Lake has dropped to its lowest water level on record. As the climate crisis continues to further dry out Utah’s desert landscape, state officials are left to create solutions that will protect the existing environment. While officials from the Utah Division of Water Resources continue to research the implications if action isn’t taken soon, architecture and design firms—like Salt Lake City-based MHTN Architects—are working hard to develop master plans aimed at the preservation and future restoration of Utah.

The newly JUST 2.0 registered firm is committed to sustainable building practices, designing net zero-energy projects, and as a part of this effort, is exploring ways to apply landscape design strategies to preserve the land surrounding its projects. For example, with the understanding that more water from the mountains needs to be rerouted to the Great Salt Lake to equalize its levels, the firm can construct routes that extend the rainwater’s path and maximize the amount of water that can be collected. Considerate water conservation methods not only mitigate current environmental issues, but safeguard Utah’s ever-growing population from the crisis’ effects.

For more information, visit https://www.mhtn.com/.