Author: BimDjSoftech

Baan Ladprao private residence, by Landscape Architects 49 Ltd., in Wang Thonglang District, Bangkok. As one of Thailand’s premier landscape architecture firms, Landscape Architects 49, a subgroup of Architects 49 Ltd., has been designing unique and innovative spaces since first opening in 1989. According to its website, the firm’s philosophy is to “apply its knowledge of urban design, landscape architecture, site planning and environmental analysis to solve design and planning problems, as well as to create innovative and workable environments.” Baan Ladprao, a stunning private residence in Bangkok, is an award-winning example of this philosophy. According to the design team, the client — the owner of Baan Ladprao and an artist — asked for a clubhouse to be situated among existing trees that are more than 20 years old on the 7.9-acre site. The owner also asked that the new structure be connected to the existing house and appear as if it had always been there. Finally, he asked for a parking area to accommodate about 20 cars, with access to the clubhouse from the parking area, and overflow parking, but separate from the main gate.

Baan Ladprao private residence

The designers were thoughtful of the owner’s requests and also created a space that can be enjoyed during the day and also for nighttime gatherings. Using simple hand sketches, they created an architecture that seamlessly flows from the clean lines of the interior to the lush green of the outdoors by overlapping spaces and mimicking materials. They also performed multiple drawing studies using function and form to come up with a design that reaped the largest benefit of each. In the end, they came up with a design that fulfills all the needs of the owner, as well as being aesthetically pleasing for all who use it.

The Inclusion of an Outdoor Kitchen To begin, the design features a modern outdoor kitchen meant to be a work of art in and of itself. The geometric concrete counter and seating wall were built to replicate the concrete and wood benches placed throughout the adjoining lawn. Both the benches and the countertops feature simple lines and strong angles, representing one aspect of the use of flow achieved by the designers. Related Articles: 

• Thai Landscape Architecture Award (TALA) 2015
• Baan Sukhumvit 16 Inspired by Ancient Japenese Philosophy
• Baan Krung Thep Kritha Turns Flooded Area into Dynamic Landscape

Protecting and Complimenting the Existing Trees The pattern created by the counter and the seating wall was both thoughtful and intentional. It was designed to mimic the shadow of one of the owner’s favorite trees. The giant Angsana tree was left to cast its shadow over the lawn in the form of an outdoor carpet that can be seen from every outward-facing access point of the clubhouse. The designers specified that during construction, concrete pipe would be placed around the trunk to protect this tree, along with others on the property. Their idea worked, as they were able to protect every single existing tree. The Use of Geogrid Paving In another effort to be conscious of the land, the designers opted for an alternative to the use of concrete or paving for the parking areas. Instead, they used geogrid paving filled in with grass to create a surface that was green, permeable, and functional. The designers also maintained the overall garden theme of the outdoor spaces in this area by incorporating a grove of trees to create a long vista from the second-floor exercise room to the parking area. The trees also provide much needed afternoon shade for the clubhouse. To further accentuate the idea of flow and lines of sight, concrete lines were placed in one section of the lawn to lead the viewer’s eyes where the designers wanted them to go — to a large focal tree. The Desire for Low Maintenance  Per the owner’s request, only simple, low-maintenance plants were used to fill in the already lush landscape. The designers incorporated as many shades of green as they could find, starting with a very light green for the canopy and moving to a deeper shade for the shrubs and groundcover to create a calming effect for the entire area. Lighting Design Finally, the space called for an intricate lighting design to accommodate the owner’s nightlife. The designers created a lighting scheme that not only accentuated the planting, but that also cast interesting shadows from the many sculptural elements throughout the space, while maintaining a functional space that can be enjoyed into the wee hours of the morning. Visually Stunning and Highly Functional In the end, the designers created a master plan that included nine distinct areas: the clubhouse, a fitness area, a dropoff area, parking, both left and right gardens, a pool, an outdoor barbeque, and a connection to the existing house. No one area stands alone, as each space is connected to its adjoining spaces through the use of flow and shared materials. The end result is an estate that is both visually stunning and highly functional for all who have the pleasure of using it. The design received an Honor Award in the 2015 TALA awards in the private residences category for its innovations and planting design.

Full Project Credits for Baan Ladprao private residence:

Project: Baan Ladprao private residence Location: 155/55 Ladprao 80 Wang Thonglang District, Bangkok Designer: Landscape Architects 49 Ltd. Cost of Construction: 10MB Client: Private Residence Size: 20 rais (7.9 acres)

Recommended Reading:

• Landscape Architecture: An Introduction by Robert Holden
• Landscape Architecture, Fifth Edition: A Manual of Environmental Planning and Design by Barry Starke

Article by Erin Tharp

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Zhangjiagang Town River Reconstruction, by Botao Landscape (Australia), in Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. Zhangjiagang Town River stretches 2,200 meters along busy commercial streets in Jiangsu, China. It begins at Gudu Harbor and extends to Gangcheng Boulevard, with an average width of almost 12 meters. Despite its large size, as the city began to expand around the river in the early 1990s, pollution started to overtake the water as raw sewage was drained from the surrounding houses directly into the river. The city didn’t have the means to clean it up due to the proximity of the houses, and the water quality began to suffer. This pollution began to have a huge impact on the city as a whole. The people soon became so overwhelmed by the dirty river, traffic congestion, and a failing infrastructure that they decided to seek help to clean up their beloved river with the hopes that the city would benefit, as well.

Zhangjiagang Town River Reconstruction

Botao Landscape was hired by the Zhangjiagang municipal government to not only clean up the river, but to also clean up and reorganize the city. Starting with a few black and white sketches, the design evolved into a complex new infrastructure for the city that includes lush plantings and a breathtaking display of lighting at night. The design team’s plan included a new road layout, with updated intersections and underground parking to resolve the problems of traffic congestion; a new ecological waterfront park meant to serve both the ecology of the river and still be welcoming to the people; and, finally, a new commercial and shopping district to improve the economy.

Modern Chinese Style Botao describes its design as a modern Chinese style with simple elements added to bring out the spirit of Chinese culture. The project is divided into three distinguishable sections: the Gudu Harbor block, the promenade garden block, and the former parking plaza block, which are all connected by the river. But at the center of the design lies the redesigned harbor. Related Articles Showcasing Landscape Architecture in China:

• Is China Transforming its Relationship with Water? A Look at the Aiyi River Landscape Park
• Awesome Plaza Shows You Why China Are World Leaders in Landscape Architecture
• Lotus Lake Park Sets Precedent for Sustainable Urban Design in China

Reflecting the Jiyang Culture Curvilinear lines, native plantings, and mixed materials representing the five elements combine to create a space that is a reflection of the Jiyang Culture. History and life abound here, with architectural references to old dynasties and cultures that are meant to remind the modern day city of the past that built the harbor and all that surrounds it. Splashing in the Once Dirty Water Here, people can simply walk along the water and reflect on the past or look to the future, as local children splash in the now clean water where delicate lilypads float around their bare feet. Designers were able to clean up the river by redirecting the flow of rainwater and by developing a dredging system. The design team was also thoughtful of the surrounding cultures that exist today. They made use of pavilions, plants, and walls to mimic the scenery found to the south along the Yangtza River. Old bridges were repaired instead of replaced, and symbols representing the “Eight Forbiddens” were used as artwork along the Gudu Harbor in honor of the people of Old Yangshe. A Mixed-Use Space  Function was also brought into play. The design team included a coffee shop, an exhibition building to display public art, and public toilets to satisfy the needs of the municipality, all without sacrificing the design. Chinese architecture attempts to achieve a delicate balance between building for function without overbuilding — which can become cumbersome and unpeaceful — and building for beauty. Highly Skilled Spatial Design The concept of “show” and “hide” came into play in this area, where designers “hid” the exhibition building among the surrounding trees and allowed the coffeehouse to be visible — or to “show” — by facing it toward the riverbank in open view due to its commercial nature. The public restrooms achieved a balance of both by being easy to find yet slightly masked by the surrounding greenery. Bringing Peace to a Once Chaotic Place The designer’s details even included bus stops arranged with the convenience of the city’s residents in mind. This was all done with the hopes that the design would bring a sense of peace to a once chaotic place, keeping with the overall spirit of the site and of Chinese architecture. Design Based on Philosophy This design philosophy to fulfill human needs can be found on Botao’s website: “Along with the rapid development of (the) Chinese economy, residential buildings are growing faster than ever, and people want more (from) their living environment. Modern landscape design … should be influenced by modern abstractionism and cubism. Modern landscapes should embrace the industrial point of view that style and function are both important and create a modern functional landscape space based on human (needs).” Born Again Landscape  This philosophy is not only at play here but has also proved to be a successful form of design. A city that once was literally falling apart has been born again, and while modern-day conveniences were added with much success, culture and history were not sacrificed to bring about the much-needed change. The designers at Botao created a space where beauty, function, and history all combine in an intricate design that manages to bring about joy, playfulness, and thoughtful reflection. Surely, this is a lesson that all designers could learn from. What did you learn?

Full Project Credit for Zhangjiagang Town River Reconstruction: 

Project: Zhangjiagang Town River Reconstruction Location: Zhangjiagang City Price Control Bureau, 70 Renmin Middle Road, Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, 215600 Design Team: Botao Landscape (Australia) Size: 65,000 square meters Client: Zhangjiagang municipal government Project Style: Modern Chinese Style Show on Google Maps

Recommended Reading:

• Landscape Architecture: An Introduction by Robert Holden
• Landscape Architecture, Fifth Edition: A Manual of Environmental Planning and Design by Barry Starke

Article by Erin Tharp

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With lawns going out of fashion and urban agriculture making a big impression, more and more people are looking at what they can grow. Some are even looking at how to grow your own drugs. To understand the study of ethnobotany, one must first understand the meaning of the word. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word ethno means “race: people: cultural group” and the word botany is a “branch of science that deals with plant life.”  So, with this in mind, one could assume that ethnobotany is the study of plants and their relationships with certain cultures. In fact, Merriam-Webster defines it as “the plant lore of indigenous cultures or the systematic study of such lore.” But how does ethnobotany relate to growing drugs? Simply put, one of the subcategories of ethnobotany is ethnomedicine — the study or comparison of the traditional medicine practiced by various ethnic groups, especially indigenous peoples.

Grow Your Own Drugs

Botanical Dimensions is an organization dedicated to the study of ethnobotany. According to their website, “Ethnomedicine is the study of traditional medicines, whether written (as in Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine), or remembered and transmitted via oral tradition (such as in much Native American, Latin American, or African folk medicine, or in Euro-American herbal medicine). Medical anthropology studies contemporary ethnomedicine, which includes concepts of what illness is and how healing occurs.” Herbalists and Spices from India Probably one of the most well-known examples of ethnomedicine would be that of the indigenous tribes of India, which is still in practice today by many who consider themselves to be herbalists.

The tribes of India discovered early on that most spices can have a positive effect on the general health of people, and this is why most of their traditional food dishes are comprised of a wide variety of spices, known as curries. Luckily, most of these are easily found or easily grown for those who prefer to have complete control over their food. Would you use an onion to treat your cough? One of the most well known of these spices would be the onion, which is one of the first known cultivated vegetables and one of the easiest to grow. Simply plant the bulbs in a well-drained soil and wait.  Known for their antioxidant properties, onions also nourish, heal, soften skin, and aid in the regeneration of tissue. There are claims that onions can be used to treat coughs and fevers, aid in the treatment of diabetes, and used to relieve menstrual cramps. Would you use garlic to treat dandruff? The next commonly used spice is garlic, a pungent spice that can also make a claim to a wide variety of medicinal uses. Like onions, garlic is easily grown: Simply plant a firm clove from store-bought garlic, water, and wait. Once it’s harvested, it can be used to treat high blood pressure, diarrhea, whooping cough, ear infections, dandruff, and even intestinal parasites. Cilantro for a Better Sex Life The third plant, coriander, is considered a herb, and is commonly referred to as cilantro. Cilantro is actually just the leaves while coriander is the seed of the plant. While not as widely used as onions and garlic, it is easily found on the spice rack of most grocery stores.  For those who want to grow it, simply let a cilantro plant flower and go to seed. Then harvest the seeds, let them dry, and plant them. The leaves of the plant can be used to treat urinary tract infections, and the seeds can be used as an aphrodisiac or to treat stomachaches. Other Articles You May be Interested in:

• How to Provide Easy Access to Urban Agriculture in Over Populated Cities
• 9 Ways to Incorporate Edible Planting into the Urban Landscape
• Landgrab City – Urban Farm

Pomegranates as a Treatment for Diarrhea Finally, the pomegranate is another easily grown fruit with a wide variety of medicinal uses. Pomegranates grow on large shrubs or small trees and can be found at most specialty garden centers. They require full sun, minimal water, and fertilization to grow larger fruits.  Once they’re grown, the fruit can be used to treat diarrhea, digestive disorders, wounds, bruises, scars, and jaundice. Treating Everything from A to Z These are by no means a complete list of the medicinal plants included in ethnomedicine; in fact, this doesn’t even begin to cover them. Others include cardamom, cloves, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, ginger, nutmeg, peppers, and turmeric. All can be used to treat everything from bug bites to joint pain and intestinal worms, along with a variety of other ailments. Why is ethnomedicine gaining in popularity? Simply put, when a person consumes one or more of these spices on a regular basis, history has proven that they can have a profound effect on one’s overall health. It is this history that has prompted the movement to forgo Western medicine and return to ethnomedicine or a more natural form of treatment. – Please remember to consult with a doctor before starting any new herbal regime, especially for children, and use caution when combining herbs, as there can be interactions. Article by Erin Tharp Recommended Reading: 

• Native American Ethnobotany by Daniel E. Moerman
• Herbal Drugs: Ethnomedicine to Modern Medicine by Kishan Gopal Ramawat

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LAN’s Erin Tharp interviewed landscape photographer, Erica Thum, gaining insights and expert tips on the topic of landscape photography. Once a design is installed, the next step is getting the right photos of the project to show off all its best features. This can sometimes be a challenge, especially if your photography skills are limited to the latest app on a smartphone. Landscape designer and freelance photographer Erica Thum is here to share her insights into how to really sell a project with amazing photos — with a real camera, not just a phone.

Landscape Photographer Erica Thum

LAN: Where do you find your inspiration for your photographs? Thum: I’ve been a photographer since I was about 10 years old, so photography has always just been part of who I am. Photography is how I explore the world around me. I think I use photography like many artists use drawing, as a way to stop and observe their surroundings and become more familiar with a place or people.

LAN: What do you look for when you first start photographing a landscape? Thum: When I approach a site I am not immediately drawn towards any specific elements. Mostly, it is a creative process, and I just have to allow time to “get in the groove”. It is similar to designing in that way. The more time I spend with a space, the more familiar I get, and the better the shots are likely to be. LAN: How do you think being a landscape designer improves your landscape photography? Thum: When I visit a designed site as an aspiring landscape architect, I can tell what details took time and effort to create and can focus on those elements. But also, landscape architects work with developers/clients on a regular basis, so we understand the types of features they currently are looking to see in landscape designs, as well as what they might be tired of seeing. LAN: Vice versa, do you think your photography improves your design work? Thum: Yes. I feel strongly that having viewed the world from a very young age through photos is very similar to having viewed the world through perspectives. It is so important to not design only with “plan view” thinking and to be able to mentally walk yourself through the landscape you are creating. Know compositionally how your view will change, how the lighting will affect your mood, what will dominate your attention, and what will fade to the background, etc. That is why 3D modeling has become such an integral part of designing. Showing the client the design in plan relies on their artistic abilities to interpret the space, but giving them perspectives lets them “feel” the design. Seeing the world through photos has given me the ability to mentally “feel” what I am designing as I draw it, if that makes sense. LAN: Do you find yourself looking to your photographs for inspiration in your own landscape architecture work? Thum: Not exactly, but photographing landscapes allows me to see how built elements come together. I think sometimes with landscape architects, early in their careers there can be a disconnect between what they are drawing on the computer screen and how it actually looks once it is built. Because I am visiting sites so often to photograph them, I am seeing some of the details that my office is drawing, so I am able to make decisions about what works and doesn’t work and then apply that to my designs. LAN: A lot of your landscape photos include people in the spaces. What do you think this adds to the pictures? Thum: People take an interest in seeing other people. In photojournalism school, we were taught to pay close attention to how the eye moves its way through a photo. Seeing other people, and particularly faces, serves as a strong attraction to the viewer. We were always urged to get closer to the people we were photographing to really show their expressions. I have a vague memory of an informal rule about having faces in photographs be larger than a quarter (when we printed 8×10 photos for critique) so that the viewer could actually connect with the photo. Now that I am shooting more landscapes, the rules have changed because the landscape needs to be the focus of the image. But I think the people in the images still give the shots a certain attraction to the viewer. The viewers can imagine themselves as the people in the photos, rather than just viewing the space for its qualities. LAN: Is there a place you’ve shot that you would like to go back and shoot again? Why? Thum: I will re-shoot Parker Rodriguez’s Tellus project in Arlington because I’m excited to see how beautiful it will look when the plants are more mature. But in the bigger picture, I would like to photograph landscape architecture in China. I traveled to/moved to China four times between 2000 and 2006, each time for at least three months (mostly longer). I don’t remember seeing anything but formal and traditional parks and gardens in China before 2006. It is a completely new world now with the work that I traveled to/moved to China four times between 2000 and 2006, each time for at least three months (mostly longer). I don’t remember seeing anything but formal and traditional parks and gardens in China before 2006. It is a completely new world now with the work that Turenscape and other firms have introduced to China, and I would love to document some of the projects that are happening there. LAN: There also seems to be a focus on textures, namely the plants in each space. What do you find interesting about plant textures? Thum: Plants soften landscapes, make them feel welcoming, and add vibrancy. I don’t know if I focus on the plants in the space as much as I just try to show off the strong features of the site, and often the plants play a very strong role in making the design successful. LAN: You also have photo stories and sports shots on your web page. Of all the types of photos you shoot, which are the most inspiring for you? Which are the hardest for you to shoot? Thum: I’m excited to be shooting landscape photos after years of shooting news. They require a different type of planning and organizing ahead of time. In general, the most difficult photos to shoot are the ones with the least content, whether that is landscape, sports or news content. Sometimes people might think that their small garden would take less time to photograph when actually it could take more time because it requires more work to play up the few positive elements in just the right way. Either way, there is always a nice photo to be made. Sometimes simple assignments can really push me to be creative because I can’t just grab the obvious or easy shot. But creativity can take more time. LAN: Favorite shot? Thum: My favorite shot is not my best shot and isn’t even on my website. It is a photograph of a young girl on the Nepal-Tibet border that I took when I was 18 years old. It is just a simple and beautiful portrait, and it might even be slightly out of focus. But to me, it resembles the first time that I realized what I wanted to do “when I grew up”. I was just learning how to really explore the world then and how to not be afraid to follow my curiosity. That curiosity has brought me to this interesting marriage of photography and design now that I truly think suits me. LAN: What are the three biggest mistakes you see amateur photographers make when taking shots of the landscape? Thum: The biggest mistake that people make is not using the frame of the photo consciously. Framing the photo is not exactly a learned skill. It is similar to other art, in that the best way to “learn” it is to view photographs that you know to be successful and gain an understanding of what makes them high quality. Understand how the viewer’s eye will scan the image. Where will it go first? Will it keep coming back to a certain part of the photo? Is that the part that you want people to be looking at? How can the perspective lines lead the eye to the place you want them to go? Should you stand up taller or get down lower to change the perspective? How will the lighting affect the mood? Then any other mistake would usually just be due to a lack of technical understanding of the camera or lighting. A problem that goes hand in hand with that is an over-reliance on the camera flash. Understand how the viewer’s eye will scan the image. Where will it go first? Will it keep coming back to a certain part of the photo? Is that the part that you want people to be looking at? How can the perspective lines lead the eye to the place you want them to go? Should you stand up taller or get down lower to change the perspective? How will the lighting affect the mood? Then any other mistake would usually just be due to a lack of technical understanding of the camera or lighting. A problem that goes hand in hand with that is an over-reliance on the camera flash. LAN: What kind of equipment do you use? How has digital photography changed the way you work? Thum: I rely mostly on a 16-35mm lens, a fixed 50mm lens, and a 70-200mm lens. I try to avoid using my external flash and rely mostly on the natural lighting. I was trained on both film and digital. Shooting with slide film forces you to know how to use the camera’s manual settings, because the image shows exactly what you shoot, un-doctored. Digital is higher quality, faster, and more forgiving, but it was a useful tool to learn by shooting with slide film. LAN: What are your top three photography books that you would recommended for a budding landscape photography enthusiast? Thum: I don’t have books on my shelf by other landscape photographers. In school, I read “Secrets of Lighting on Location” by Bob Krist to learn lighting and technical skills, but it also just took practice. My photography background started with environmental portraiture and news photography, and the books on my shelves reflect that. Even though it sounds obvious, I would strongly recommend reading your camera’s manual. Getting to the point where you can use your camera’s settings without thinking about them is where you want to be. – In the end, it would seem that the skills needed to be a good photographer and a good landscape architect go hand in hand. Using what you already know about landscape architecture and applying that knowledge to your site photos assure you end up with a lovely picture. Thank you to Erica Thum for taking time out of her busy schedule to talk to all of us here at LAN. You can visit Thum’s website to see more of her work, www.ericathumphotography.com Recommended Reading: 

• The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography by Glenn Randall
• Digital Landscape Photography: In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams by Michael Frye

Interview conducted by Erin Tharp Return to Homepage

Promenade Samuel-De Champlain by Consortium Daoust Lestage inc. + Williams Asselin Ackaoui + Option aménagement, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Quebec City government thought long and hard about the perfect gift to give to the city’s citizens to mark its 400th anniversary. After much debate, the majority of those involved decided a new park would make the perfect gift. This new park, The Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, became the first step in the city’s mandate to restore the St. Lawrence River by 2008. It was built along one of the sector’s degraded riverbanks, as an example of the city’s involvement in their mandate. Located in the borough of Sainte-Foy-Sillery-Cap-Rouge, between the dock and the coast of Cageux Sillery, the promenade is about 2.5 kilometers long, with 200,000 square meters ffollowing the course of the river.

Promenade Samuel-De Champlain

One of the main project goals was to revitalize this part of the river, and to restore shoreline vegetation that had disappeared, – which designers accomplished by building a promenade and boardwalk that would be sensitive to this fragile vegetation and allow it to grow without being disturbed, while still allowing park visitors to enjoy its beauty.

Celebrating History The designers also wanted to make the park be reminiscent of the city’s history. They included elements of wood and steel throughout the park to remind visitors of the city’s history as a home to numerous lumber and shipbuilding yards in the 19th century. The Visitor Centre Visitors are immediately aware of this history, and of the designers’ intent to take in every aspect of the park as soon as they enter. The Quai des Cageux Visitor Centre marks the beginning of the pedestrian and bicycle lane, and is located at the western entry. Stunning Panoramic Views Here, a wooden observation tower that invites them to climb 25 meters above the river in order to take in the stunning panoramic views that it offers greets the visitors. This steel and wood combination can also be found in the custom benches designed by Consortium Daoust Lestage inc. that are located strategically throughout the park to offer visitors and locals to relax with the best possible vantage points. Home to 100,000 Plants To address environmental issues designers created an intricate planting plan to mimic the once natural ecology of the site. The park is now home to over 100,000 plants(many of which are native to the region), and of those plants, 1,500 are trees. The inclusion of these plants was made possible by looking at the existing neighboring highway and adjusting its geometry to allow for the addition of large planting and gathering areas. These areas include perennials, shrubs, and trees, that were only introduced after a careful study looking at the visual, environmental, and safety elements. What Can People do There? Visitors to the park are encouraged to cycle, rollerblade, walk, run, play soccer, kayak, and picnic. They are also encouraged to enjoy the many examples of public art located along the promenade, which also serve as an interpretive walk to allow visitors to discover the landscape. A note from one of the designers One of the designers of the park, Williams Asselin Ackaoui, described the main goal of the project as, “giving access to riverfront,” and went on to say that, “The project resulted in spectacular views, continuous access to the water, recreational and green spaces, urban marshes, sculpture gardens, pedestrian paths and boardwalks.” Not Just a Pretty Space The park is more than a pretty place to visit though, from the beginning, Quebec City had a grander goal for the park. Developers were able to create a space that has now become an example of the importance of recognizing economic and environmental issues associated with urban environments, and hope that it will continue to function as such for years to come. An Award Winning High Quality Green Space  In addition, this project also shows the importance of providing residents with high-quality green spaces and the effect these can have on overall quality of life. Since its opening in 2008, the project has won numerous awards, including a 2009 “Award of Excellence from the Quebec Order of Architects,” a 2009 “National Honour Award from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architecture (CSLA).” Another award in 2009 was the “International Architectural Award, The Chicago Athenaeum / Europe.” and the awards kepts on coming… Later, in 2010 the project won a laureate award for “The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture” and in 2011 a “Certificate of Excellence, Mission Design,” for the landscape architecture, urban design and furniture design. These awards stand testament to outstanding design and execution of Promenade Samuel-De Champlain. Full Project Credits: Project Name: Promenade Samuel-De Champlain Designer: Consortium Daoust Lestage + Williams Asselin Ackaoui + Option aménagement Location: Quebec City, Quebec Budget: $47 Million Size: 2,5 km long Date of Construction: June 12, 2006 – June 24, 2008 Client: Commission de la Capitale Nationale du Québec Awards: 2009 Award of Excellence from the Quebec Order of Architects, 2009 National Honour Award from the Canadian Society of Landscape Architecture (CSLA), 2009 International Architectural Award, The Chicago Athenaeum / Europe, 2010 The Governor General’s Medals in Architecture and the 2011 Certificate of Excellence, Mission Design, for the landscape architecture, urban design and furniture design. Show on Google Maps Recommended Reading:

• Urban Design  by Alex Krieger
• The Urban Design Handbook: Techniques and Working Methods (Second Edition) by Urban Design Associates

Article by Erin Tharp Return to Homepage

Uptown Normal, by Hoerr Schaudt in Normal, United States. Located halfway between the two major US cities of Chicago and St. Louis, Normal, IL is a mid-size city of around 52,000 people with a relatively small Central Business District and a modest governmental budget. At least it was in 2002. However, since the redevelopment project of Uptown Normal, the Central Business District, the town has seen a resurgence of new life and energy that has literally transformed a once “normal” city into a vibrantly sustainable destination. The master plan for the revitalized district required future buildings be built in masses and would be required to adopt high-performance green practices, a revolutionary idea in 2002. But it was the concept for the street that made the design stand out as unique.

Uptown Normal

At the center of the redevelopment is The Circle, which at its core is simply a traffic calming devise meant to be a resolution for a misaligned intersection. However, the designers at Hoerr Schaudt transformed this circle into much more. Hoerr Schaudt describes the Circle as “the core design feature of a larger Uptown Normal renewal plan with a heavy emphasis on sustainability. A model of smart growth, the plan directed development to the Town’s historic core to utilize existing infrastructure, transit choices, and higher density. The Circle gives Normal a public green with a strong sense of place – particularly important in a community with no distinctive natural features and a better-known sister city.”

75,000 Gallons of Magic In the Circle’s center is a small park with an open grass plaza, seating, shade, and even a water feature, which is actually where the magic begins. Here, stormwater from several streets is collected and stored in a 75,000 gallon underground cistern which was created from a recycled 60” storm sewer line to store water and provide much needed relief to the community’s watershed. The stored water is then either reused as irrigation or circulated back through the Circle in a “living plaza” meant to serve as an educational tool for stormwater management, where signage describes the process to visitors. “visitors are encouraged to interact with the cleansed water” Once water is collected in the cistern it is then pumped through terraced filtration bogs which help to cleanse the water before it begins its journey through the circle’s plant material, weirs, and scupper wall before falling into a collection pool. Next, the water is pumped into an underground reservoir where it is treated by a UV filter. At this point it flows through a stream like water feature where visitors are encouraged to interact with the cleansed water. Designers also included infiltration planters along sidewalks and a Silva Cell tree combined with a stormwater management system that increases water storage capacity meant to promote healthy tree growth. Related Articles: 

• Beautiful Plaza Celebrates Canadian Landscape
• Perez Art Museum Embraces the Landscape Inside and Out
• Ceramic Museum and Mosaic Garden

Study Conducted by the LAF on Uptown Normal The Circle was completed in 2010 and by 2011 the city was already experiencing noticeable rewards. That year the Landscape Architecture Foundation conducted a study on the Uptown Normal Circle and included their findings in their Landscape Performance Benefits series. The City Would Save $61,000  Among other findings, the study showed the plan would save the city $61,000 in tree purchase and installation costs over 50 years by tripling the expected lifespan of street trees. These newly planted 104 trees also sequester approximately 10,790 pounds of carbon each year, which is equal to removing one car from the roads each year. The stormwater system also proved to be working. The study showed that the system saved the city $7,600 each year by preventing 1.4 million gallons of water from entering the sewer system. This was done by decreasing the impervious area by 7,250 square feet, which then captured water from 58,800 square feet, or 28 percent of the total area.

Uptown Normal sets the Stage for Economic BOOM

The redevelopment also improved the city’s finances. The study found that the area generated more than $680,000 by hosting conferences that featured the Uptown Normal redevelopment. Property values also increased. The city noticed a $1.5 million increase from 2009 to 2010, and a phenomenal 31 percent increase from 2004.

An Award Winning Endeavour The project has won numerous awards since its completion. In 2010, it was awarded the ASLA Illinois Presidential Award, in 2011 the US EPA National Award from Smart Growth Achievement, and in 2012 the US FTA/FHA Transportation Planning Excellence Award. Hoerr Schaudt said it best when they said, “As communities across the country search for ways to articulate their commitment to sustainability while creating great civic spaces, the central Illinois town of Normal has set an example in its central business district.” Hopefully an example that many more communities will emulate. Full Project Credits: Project: Uptown Normal Location: W. Beaufort Street & Constitution Trail Normal, Illinois 61761 United States Budget: Uptown Normal Redevelopment: $15.5 million; Uptown Circle: $1.5 million Size: 4.87 acres Date of Construction: 2002 – 2010 Client: Normal, IL Project Team: Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architect and Team Leader Clark Dietz, Inc. Roadway Design and Traffi c Engineer Farnsworth Group Subsurface Infrastructure Engineer CMS Collaborative Fountain Consultant Hey & Associates Ecology Consultant Urban Trees & Soils Arboriculture Consultant Charter Sills Lighting Consultant Jeffrey L. Bruce & Co. Turfgrass Consultant Landtech Irrigation Consultant Stark Excavating General Contractor Farr Associates Master Plan Awards: US FTA/FHA Transportation Planning Excellence Award, 2012, US EPA National Award for Smart Growth Achievement, 2011, ASLA Illinois Presidential Award, 2010 Show on Google Maps Recommended Reading:

• Urban Design  by Alex Krieger
• The Urban Design Handbook: Techniques and Working Methods (Second Edition) by Urban Design Associates

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Coyoacán Corporate Campus, by DLC, in Mexico City, Mexico.

DLC is an interdisciplinary studio that describes their approach as following both the principles of aesthetics and of environmental design to create spaces that, according to owners Maria Domínguez and Rafael López, “blur the edges between design, architecture, and landscape.” This approach can be seen in one of their latest projects, the Coyoacán Corporate Campus, completed in 2013 and located in one of Mexico City’s oldest neighborhoods.

Unlike some of the more modern areas of Mexico City, the neighborhood of Coyoacán, located in the Federal District, is characterized by its old world charm and low-rise buildings, which the design team sought to emulate through their thoughtful design. Coyoacán 1622, a corporate building, is unique in its design in that it is not the typical high-rise found in other parts of the city. Instead, the project was built horizontally to take advantage of the beautiful local weather and to mimic the nearby buildings and architecture.

Coyoacán Corporate Campus

Originally, the site was an old pharmaceutical laboratory complex, the interdisciplinary team of designers were tasked with renovating it and transforming it into an office campus or park, instead of tearing it down and starting from the beginning.

The complex is home to four main buildings, all of varying sizes and geometries, and if not for the landscaping, the buildings might appear to be disjointed or unconnected. The design team addressed this though by designing a landscape that created an illusion that the project was built around existing trees and plants. In actuality though, the landscape was highly planned and designed to integrate the out-of-doors with the indoors as a way to extend the workspace outside to allow for informal meetings and presentations. According to DLC, “the exterior design takes on a major role as becoming the transition that glues one building to the other,” which was one of the team’s main goals. Related Articles:

• Car Park Turns into Public Park!
• Private Estate Reveals State of The Art Underground Car Park
• The Dark Secrets Behind Sustainable Urban Design Revealed in Şışhane Park

78,000 Square Foot of Green Dedication

Almost half of the 78,000 square foot site is dedicated to these green areas, with over 9,000 square feet of wooden terraces, or decks, which further enforces the importance of the outdoors to this project.

A Pioneering Project To many people in Mexico this is viewed as a pioneer project based on the overall scale. The buildings and landscapes were all designed at the human scale as a way to increase the joy of the users and enhance their quality of life. Intimate areas invite users to sit and relax in comfort without feeling overwhelmed by their surroundings. To further enforce this idea of intimacy, designers incorporated elements such as communication ramps and layered green areas that are meant to provide users with flexibility without blocking any of the views. These layers also add depth to the design while ensuring that all areas are connected and integrated into the total design. Applying Sustainable Measures  The design team looked at issues of sustainability due to its location in one of the largest cities in the world. Low maintenance plants that are indigenous to the area were used to cut down on water usage and materials such as black volcanic granite were used on walls and floors based on their longevity.

“wood made of 60 percent bamboo and 40 percent non-toxic resin” The design team also specified composite wood made of 60 percent bamboo and 40 percent non-toxic resin for all of the folded wooden decks found throughout the site. Finally, planters and benches were formed from thicker than normal steel plates.

The project was awarded the CEMEX Award in 2013, “an initiative created and organized by CEMEX for the purpose of distinguishing the best in architecture and construction around the world,” according to the CEMEX website. The project won first place in the category of “Commercial and Mixed Uses.” Recommended Reading:

• Landscape Architecture Now! by Philip Jodidio
• Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns by John Massengale

Article by Erin Tharp

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We take a closer look at who finished on top in the 2015 TALA Awards. A few weeks ago, Landscape Architects Network announced the finalists in Thailand’s 2015 TALA Professional Awards competition, and now we are excited to announce the six projects to win Awards of Excellence. These projects were recognized at an awards ceremony March 21.

2015 TALA Awards

In no particular order, they are: 1. General Design — Residential Complex: Parkland Srinakarin, Bangkok, by Landscape Architects 49 Limited The design for this project was inspired by the notion of transforming the natural form into something playful, artful, and functional. Landforms and changes in topography were utilized to subdivide the spaces to accommodate individual uses and to provide privacy when needed, while plants were used to reduce the heat island effect and provide the feel of a sanctuary for residents. The firm also worked to design an underground pipe system to deal with excess stormwater runoff from the parking areas. The system deposits that runoff into a natural stream and pond.

2. Design — Hospitality: Pillars House, Chiang Mai, by P Landscape The 137 Pillars House, formerly known as Baan Borneo, is a 30-suite boutique hotel situated on two acres near Chiang Mai’s Mae Ping River in Northern Thailand. Since opening in 2012, the hotel has won numerous awards for both the careful planning and for landscape design, which have allowed the property to maintain its historic value. The design team found inspiration in this, so they took extra care to preserve existing architecture and trees, leading them to the final design. The narrative of the design is meant to take guests back in time and allow them to interact with the landscape, which is reminiscent of a traditional village. Elements include an iconic green wall and dense patches of native vegetation meant to protect the enclave from further development. 3. Institution: Thai PBS Headquarters, Bangkok, by XSITE Design Studio The biggest priority for this design is that the space had to accommodate the thousands of visitors the facility expects each year. The design team accomplished this and also managed to create a space that reflects the corporate image of Thai PBS, promotes the wellbeing and health of the employees, and is environmentally friendly. See more Thailand Based Projects:

• Residents Get Luxurious Garden and Pool Project in Thailand
• The Garden of Hilton Pattaya by TROP : terrains + open space
• A Greener Housing Solution Reducing The Impacts in The Neighbourhood

4. General Design — Public Space: Ming Mongkol Green Park, Saraburi, by Landscape Architects 49 Limited The goal of this project was to create a socially and ecologically sustainable project that would serve as an educational refuge. Designers did this by combining social comforts such as restrooms and refreshment stands in a park-like atmosphere that would preserve the existing trees. In addition, they chose plants that the general public considers weeds to show that natural beauty should not be overlooked, but instead should be valued and preserved. Finally, the designers chose natural forms of energy, including wind and solar power, to produce electricity for the lighting and to power the turbine for the waterfall. 5. Master Planning & Design Guidelines: Sirindhorn International Environmental Park, Phetchaburi, by Landscape Planning The Sirindhorn International Environmental Park has had a long history, starting out as a natural area and later becoming a military training camp, which failed to accommodate the ecological and hydrological systems of the past. With the latest project, the design team came up with three phases: ecological restoration, contribution to local communities, and learning and traveling. The park is now one of Thailand’s most famous attractions, and still works to teach conservation to its visitors. 6. Community Service/Workshop: Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives (Suan Mokkh Bangkok), Bangkok, by XSITE Design Studio BIA is a Dharma educational and entertainment center built to help people attain Nirvana. The center is also home to a collection of original written works by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, founder of Suan Mokkh Chaiya in Surathani. The design team created a space that would be suitable for meditation, lectures, discussions, and exhibitions, all while maintaining its status as a hub for mutual understanding. The site is located at the far northern end of Suan Wachira Benchathat Park and is adjacent to a large pond. – These projects and their designers are a reminder to the world that Thailand is the country to watch for innovation and creativity in landscape architecture. The awards were meant to inspire and encourage future generations of landscape architects, not only in Thailand, but also around the world, and they most certainly accomplished this goal. Recommended Reading:

• Site Engineering for Landscape Architects by Steven Strom
• The Artful Garden: Creative Inspiration for Landscape Design  by James van Sweden

Article by Erin Tharp Return to Homepage

8 insights into common reasons why students drop out of college and how they can be avoided.  Every college student at some point in time has doubts about their education and every student at some point in time will threaten to drop out for every reason imaginable. Landscape architecture students are no different. In fact, their list of reasons for wanting to drop out can be quite long and creative. But in the end, for every reason you come up with for dropping out there is a more powerful argument for sticking with it. Here are the 8 reasons you’re going to drop out and how to avoid them.

8. Your computer keeps crashing (and autosave didn’t save everything in time) That perfectly rendered design that you worked on all semester just disappeared and your computer isn’t willing to reveal its secret hiding place. No amount of begging, pleading, or crying will bring it back and it’s too late to start over, it’s probably easier to just switch majors and leave the heartache behind. The problem with this is that chances are if you think back on your original design it was probably filled with flaws and unanswered questions. This is the perfect time to sit back, reevaluate and really let your creative juices flow. Chances are your professors will appreciate a well planned and thought out design more than a pretty picture anyway. 7. Too many electives to keep track of Graphics? Math? Art? You knew landscape architects are diversified, but you didn’t realize that meant running all over campus to get to your next class. But, look at it like this, here is your chance to explore anything that might have interested you in the past. Love archeology? Check with your department and see if it wouldn’t fulfill one of your history credits, after all, the purpose of electives is to help you find a specialty or niche, and that will make you more marketable when it comes time to send out resumes. 6. Overachieving classmates Every class has one, that student that turns in eight perfectly rendered panels when the professor asked for four. But don’t worry, in the real world no one will get kudos for blowing the budget on a project. Instead of worrying about what your classmates are doing, work on your time management skills and on perfecting the required number of panels. Being able to follow directions and manage your time will be great selling points in interviews. 5. Yahoo keeps listing “architecture” as one of the least successful majors (and you’re sure that includes “landscape architecture”) Didn’t your parents always tell you to pick a practical major? And now the internet is backing them up. But surely your parents also told you to not to believe everything you read on the internet. The fact is, that landscape architects are designing all over the world, so if you can’t find a job in your hometown, don’t be afraid to look overseas. After all, you chose this major because you’re probably a dreamer so don’t be afraid to dream big when it comes time to choose a firm. 4. Four/five years for a degree? Five years might seem excessive, but remember, there are a lot of professions that require graduate school (or medical school) before you can start working. So, five years really isn’t that bad. The longer time also gives you time to work in internships and other real-life experiences, which will eventually land you your dream job. 3. The dreaded all-nighter Apparently, the powers that be don’t understand that you require eight uninterrupted hours of sleep per night and that without it, you end up drawing smiley faces for trees. Unfortunately, this is just part of it. Try to remember though that it is temporary and like the old adage says, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. This is another time to work on time management because in the end if you don’t want to pull an all-nighter, you don’t have to. Treat college like a nine to five. Make a schedule and stick to it, by staying on track you’ll be able to eliminate extra hours in the studio. 2. Heartless and over opinionated reviewers Remember that time that you dreamt you were walking into class naked? That’s exactly how you’ll feel after every presentation. Reviewers, while experienced and mostly well-intentioned, know how to belittle and degrade your projects to the point where you’re ready to burn them in the studio. But, remember, they have good intentions. Related Articles: 

• 9 Ways to Milk Your Professors for Everything They’re Worth!
• The 10 Stages of Being a Landscape Architecture Student: GIF party part 2
• 7 Things You Should Never do as a Landscape Architecture Student!

By pushing you to do your very best they are preparing you for a highly competitive industry where only the best projects actually get built. So, unless you’re fine with drawing base plans and construction documents all day, listen to them and correct your projects so that when it’s time to create a portfolio you’ll be presenting your very best. 1. You don’t believe in yourself After all the bad reviews and lack of sleep, you feel like you’ll never succeed as a landscape architect, not to mention you’ve yet to land that high profile internship. This is the hardest to fix because in the end a negative outlook can be detrimental to your career. Take heart, even the best of the best have had their doubts, so take a walk, grab a snack and look back at some of your best projects and remember why you want to do this. In the end, landscape architecture is a noble profession that will allow you to change the world, even if it’s only one yard at a time, for the better. Who else can claim to be a steward of the natural environment, after all? No one, that’s who. So, suck it up, go to all your classes, stay up all night, grow a thick skin, and don’t forget to hit the local coffee shop before heading to class. Recommended Reading: 

• The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere and Join the New Rich (Expanded and Updated) by Timothy Ferriss
• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen

Article by Erin Tharp Return to Homepage Featured image: Source. License: CC0 Public Domain / FAQ

We preview the Thai Landscape Architecture Award (TALA) 2015. The Thai Association of Landscape Architects (TALA) is a group that, according to its own objectives, “aims to raise the standards of landscape architecture and to promote the fellowship of ethics and honor.” One way the association is doing this is through the TALA Awards, which are aimed at honoring the excellence of Thailand’s landscape architects with hopes of promoting the many landscape innovations within Thailand’s landscape and architectural design industries while inspiring the next generation of Thailand’s landscape architects. Each nominated project stands out for its innovation in lighting, planting design, and overall beauty and functionality in the space. Each project also represents the landscape of Thailand and aims to promote environmental responsibility and awareness to the people that use and enjoy them.

Thai Landscape Architecture Award

On behalf of TALA, Landscape Architects Network (LAN) would like to announce the nominees for the TALA awards. The following list of finalists represents the best in landscape architecture. They are honored in eight categories — each category will have one award for excellence and one to three honor awards. 1. Private Residences Project The projects in this category include stunning pools and breathtaking lighting schemes mixed in with lush plantings. Landscape Architects 49 is nominated three times in this category for three separate projects, all located in Bangkok. They are the Baan Sukhumvit 16, the Baan Krung Thep Kritha, and the Baan Ladprao. LOKOH= is nominated for the T. Residence, also in Bangkok.

2. General Design – Residential Complex Project Not to be confused with master planning, these projects include detailed designs for large residential complexes. SHMA is nominated for 23 Estate Khao Yai in Khao Yai and Sanitas Studio is nominated for Baan San Kraam in Phetchaburi. Finally, Landscape Architects 49 holds the last two nominations, with Parkland Srinakarin and Domus Condominium, both in Bangkok. 3. General Design – Commercial Project Commercial spaces are often some of the most viewed and oftentimes overlooked spaces in a city, but these nominated spaces would never be overlooked. This category includes Park Venture Ecoplex by P Landscape in Bangkok; Central Plaza Chaing Rai by SHMA in Chaing Rai; Siam Square One by LANDPROCESS in Bangkok; and Kenkoon Showroom Tonglor 10 by Ms. Amornrat Jintanavilas, also in Bangkok. 4. Design – Hospitality Project The hotels and resorts in this category are both inviting and luxurious. P Landscape is nominated for 137 Pillars House in Chiang Mai. Landscape Architects 49 is nominated for the Renaissance Phuket Hotel in Phuket; PL.Design for Amari HauHin & Amari Residence Hau Hin in HauHin; and Ixora Design for Montis Resort Maehongson in Maehongson. 5. Institutional Project Office buildings do not have to be boring, and these designs show just how spectacular they can be. The nominees include the following projects, all of which are located in Bangkok: Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) Headquarters and the Thai Health Center Head Office by XSITE DESIGN STUDIO; the Bang Sue Environmental Education and Conservation Center Project by Group Three Design and, finally, the PTT Eco Forest Rayong Wanarom Learning Center by KV ART&DESIGN. 6. General Design – Public Space Project The nominees in this group are more than just gathering places; they are also educational spaces and thoughtful memorials to a past that the country cannot forget. This group includes Suan Mingmongkol Saraburi in Saraburi by Landscape Architects 49; Suanluang Square in Bangkok by LANDPROCESS; Kamala Beach Renovation – Tsunami Memorial Park and Evacuation Route in Phuket by Group Three Design; and Siree Ruckhachat Nature Learning Park in Nakhornphathom by Axis Landscape. Related Article Featuring Projects in Thailand:

• The Garden of Hilton Pattaya by TROP: terrains + open space
• Residents Get Luxurious Garden and Pool Project in Thailand
• Top 10 Names In Landscape Architecture Today

7. Master Planning & Design Guidelines The greatest projects start out with a great plan, and this category showcases the plans for the projects. Landscape Planning is nominated for the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park อทุยานสงิ่แวดล้อมนานาชาติสริินธร in Phetchaburi and Shma with Thai Health Promotion Foundation, UddC, CUURP and Department of Architecture, Silpakorn University are nominated for the Yannawa Riverfront of Bangkok ริมนา้ยานนาวา in Bangkok. Next, Landscape Architects 49 is nominated for Vidyasirimedhi Institute Of Science and Technology and Kamnoetvidya Science Academy (VISTEC & KVIS) in Rayong and Ixora Design for Lat Kra Bang Master Planning in Bangkok. 8. Community Service / Workshop Project This final category includes projects that are centered on community involvement and betterment. Projects include Smart Makkasan – Creative Space Workshop 2013 by TCDC by Shma and Arsom Silp Institute of art, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, OHMPPS in Bangkok; Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives (Suan Mokkh Bangko-BIA) in Bangkok by XSiTE Design Studio Co., Ltd.; LANKILA PAT1 at Khlong Chan Housing Community in Bangkok by ShmaSoEn; and, finally, Elephant Kingdom in Surin by PL. Design. –

Thai Landscape Architecture Award Announcement

The award ceremony will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. March 21 at the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre in Bangkok. The winners will also be announced here, on Landscape Architects Network. Recommended Reading:

• Urban Design by Alex Krieger
• The Urban Design Handbook: Techniques and Working Methods (Second Edition) by Urban Design Associates

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A deeper look at the contribution that the Departments of Parks and Recreation have made to the world. In the late 1800s, parks were known as “pleasure grounds.” These large tracts of land were located on the edges of large cities and were meant to simulate the countryside for wealthy urban dwellers. This was the problem with these early parks — they weren’t meant to be used and enjoyed by the working class, who had no easy way to get to them. In 1930, Robert Moses, an early commissioner of New York City’s Parks Department, changed the way parks and recreation departments around the world operated. It was because of his justification for spending money on urban parks that other cities were able to follow his lead, grow their park systems, and create public spaces that are literally changing the way the world lives and plays.

Departments of Parks and Recreation

Nations Take the Lead One such park system that has not only brought recreation to the masses but has also been a leader in conservation and restoration is the United States National Park Service. According to its website, the national park system comprises 407 areas and covers more than 84 million acres, with public lands in every state, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. WATCH: An Epic sampling of America’s National Parks

These include national parks, monuments, battlefields, military parks, historical parks, historic sites, lakeshores, seashores, recreation areas, scenic rivers and trails, and even the White House. Their success and influence can be shown in their visitation rate: More than 273 million people visited a National Park Service site in 2013. Want more park related articles, check these out:

• Pocket Parks: Why size doesn’t matter
• Is The André Citroën Park Really One of The Worst Parks in Paris?
• The Flying Parks- From The Highline in New York to The Promenade Plantée in Paris!

Other countries have also turned to parks to teach the masses about conservation and sustainability. In places like China, where overpopulation and a lack of resources are common problems, parks are becoming more than just places to seek relaxation or play a game of pickup basketball.

China Leading the way in sustainable Design China is setting the precedent for sustainable design. In parks such as Yanweizhou Park and Lotus Lake Park, these designs are taking life and teaching millions about lost ecology and sustainability. Wetlands, lakes, and aquaculture pools are on display for visitors to observe and even interact with, all while teaching that sustainable urban practices are an attainable goal. Improving the Lives of Urban Residents Two other parks created to make their cities better places to live and work would have to be Boston’s Dump Shoreline (Part of Millennium Park) and New York City’s yet-to-be-finished Freshkills Park. Both parks departments are practicing the art of reclamation to bring back land lost to landfills and create stunning and award-winning parks. In the Boston neighborhood of West Roxbury, Millennium Park sits on what was once the Gardner Street Landfill. The landfill was capped using topsoil from the city’s infamous “Big Dig.” The area is known as “urban wild” and provides visitors with a glimpse into the past and what the shoreline probably looked like before development. 3 Times Bigger Than Central Park Once it is completed in 2036, New York City’s Freshkills Park will be three times larger than Central Park, according to its NYC Parks website. The property was once the world’s largest landfill, but soon will be home to playgrounds, athletic fields, kayak launches, horseback riding trails, large-scale art installations, and much more. WATCH: The Fresh Kills Story: From World’s Largest Garbage Dump to a World-Class Park

Systems Becoming Models for Future Development Around the World And at the forefront of this park is public safety, due to its location. The land the park sits on is being capped with an impermeable plastic liner and eight additional layers of barrier material to separate the new park space from the landfill below. Systems in place to manage the landfill gas and leachate byproducts include visible white stacks of flare stations and the extensive underground network of piping and drainage channels. These systems are becoming models for cities around the world seeking to make the same reclamations.

No Park is Too Small for the Departments of Parks and Recreation

In addition to these grand gestures, smaller parks are also changing the lives of adults and children around the world who live in huge urban cities by simply giving them green areas in which to relax, play, and enjoy a rare glimpse of nature that they would otherwise not be able to experience.

What can be learned from exploring and studying the varied departments of parks and recreation from around the world? Most certainly, these parks are not only meant for play, but can also have life-changing effects on both the people that enjoy them and the cities that build them. So take time to visit a park today. Without visitation, cities might not build these areas, and the world would be changed for the worse. Recommended Reading:

• Urban Design by Alex Krieger
• Digital Drawing for Landscape Architecture by Bradley Cantrell

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A list of the trends that are hitting the profession of landscape architecture. Typically a trend is something that is considered a passing craze, but the actual definition according to Oxford Dictionaries is “a general direction in which something is developing or changing.” Such is the case with landscape architecture and some of the “trends” of the 21st century. Below are the top 7 landscape architecture trends of the 21st century, listed in alphabetical order.

Landscape Architecture Trends

1. 3D Modeling While 3D Modeling Software has been around since the 1980s, these programs have really started to shine in the last decade. AutoCAD and SketchUp are seen as must know programs in almost every design office and many also require Vectorworks and Revit. And now, with 3D printers, these 3D models actually take form and bring modeling to a whole new amazing level. WATCH: Leaders Of The 3D Printing Revolution

2. Innercity Design It could be argued that Frederick Law Olmsted started this movement with his major park designs for cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, but this trend is speaking more on the actual design of city streets, pocket parks, and neighborhood parks not just for beautification but also to improve public health.

A study conducted by the University of Chicago found that lower income communities had the least opportunities for community-level physical activity, and they also displayed the highest rates of health problems like obesity and asthma. Landscape architects are helping to alleviate this though by teaming with city governments and designing spaces that are beneficial to the communities in which they are built while also adding beauty. 3. Bus Stops Almost every urban center is home to buses and the usually ubiquitous, uncomfortable bus stop, but many cities are beginning to employ landscape architects to improve riders’ experiences by producing clever and functional designs for their bus stops.  One example is the sculptural bus stops along Orlando, Florida’s International Drive. Related Articles:

•  10 Mistakes Every Landscape Architecture Student Makes and How to Avoid Them
• 5 Cities a Landscape Architecture Student Should Visit and Why
• The 10 Stages of Being a Landscape Architecture Student: GIF party part 2

These white, curvilinear, fiber reinforced polymer panels were designed by Water Geiger and are known as the “Cascade Series,” and are meant to help bring art to the public while also providing much-needed shade to bus riders.  Other innovative designs include shelters that incorporate solar panels and green roofs, or more obvious designs like the stop on South East Avenue in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore, by Madrid-based artist collective Mmmm, where the structure is actually three 14-foot-tall, 7-foot-wide letters that spell “BUS.” 4. Cycling routes Cities like Copenhagen are leading the way in designing cycling routes that don’t compete with cars or pedestrians, and other cities are starting to follow their lead. Countries like the Netherlands have over 99 percent of their population riding bicycles for their daily commute and China has almost 500 million people commuting by bike.

Firms like DISSING + WEITLING and West 8 are aware of this trend and are truly changing the faces of cities with their thoughtful designs for cyclists and encouraging the next generation of designers to do the same because of their success. 5. Historic Preservation This is the practice of identifying, documenting, and hopefully preserving historical landscapes. These include significant private estate gardens, national parks, and public spaces that are in danger of being altered or lost to development. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) Historic Preservation Professional Practice Network (PPN) is leading the movement. Their mission to “advance knowledge, education, and skill in the art and science of landscape architecture as an instrument of service in public welfare” can be found in their yearly newsletter on the ASLA website. This PPN is doing this by compiling and maintaining a list of significant American landscapes, and many firms actually specialize in this niche. 6. Rooftop and Vertical Gardens These magical gardens are not necessarily new, their history can be traced back to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but it is only recently that landscape architects started studying their contribution to sustainability and holistic design. Known for their ability to lower energy costs and purify water, they also can add an outdoor space in overcrowded cities where space is limited. Patrick Blanc is probably the most famous vertical garden designer, and his works can be seen around the world. 7. Sustainability Perhaps the biggest buzzword of the 21st century, sustainability is defined by the Oxford Dictionaries as “conserving an ecological balance by avoiding depletion of natural resources,” and it is attached to almost every noticeable design of the last 15 years. Most designers looking to be truly sustainable aim for LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, certified and the projects that achieve this are recognized as the best of the best. Also, it is only natural that sustainability would be a goal of most landscape architects since many consider themselves the stewards of the natural environment. Each of the items listed above could be viewed as a natural progression for design professionals and hopefully they will all continue to develop and evolve and most importantly, stay a part of landscape architecture, and not meet the fate of most trends, and be replaced. Recommended Reading:

• Landscape Ecology Principles in Landscape Architecture and Land-Use Planning by Wenche Dramstad
• Principles of Ecological Landscape Design by Travis Beck

Article by Erin Tharp. Return to Homepage