Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network

Article by Alexandra-Elena Ciocan – Town Hall Square of Meilen, by Studio Vulkan Landschaftsarchitektur, in Zurich, Switzerland. I think we can all agree upon the fact that landscape architecture is often confused with “gardening”. While it is a compliment that we, nature lovers and landscape professionals, accept with grace, there is so much more that the domain has to offer. One example is the Town Hall Square of Meilen, a project that Studio Vulkan Landschaftsarchitektur has brought to life in the center of Meilen, Switzerland, by changing the directions trending in that domain. The scheme envisioning the square’s design comes to complete the architectural planning of the Village Hall, along with the creation of an underground car park.

Town Hall Square of Meilen

What was once a broad parking lot, with nothing else to offer but its standard services, is now a landscape to cater to the needs of the user and his space. Moreover, this very project will let you in on some secrets not many know about landscape architecture.

The Focal Point will not Always be Nature

While it is not a surprise to any of us, but more of a rhetorical statement, in contemporary society, most of us live in constructed landscapes. And that is not only because we need buildings to live in, but because we enjoy gazing at architectural pieces that are visually captivating. Indeed, landscape architecture has the main goal of unifying the natural environment and the built setting. But that does not exclude the fact that we, as designers, are to operate with all the elements of a landscape, in its integrity. These guidelines have led the planning and design teams to introduce the sculptural staircase to the visitor perception, as the dominant element of the scene.

User Experience is a Trustworthy Friend The user experience research tells us that if you’re in a hurry or tired, climbing a sum of stairs will not do you any good. By applying this observation through a solid user-based design, the landscape architects have managed to unify the purpose and aesthetics of this major focal point. Fusing a zigzag ramp with a slender slope and the steps has simplified the user movement and has secured a way of accessibility to and from all the buildings surrounding the square, for the disabled people as well. Furthermore, the proposed composition played with the existing ground levels to bring them to the same line, and by this – a new expanded area has been disclosed. This proof of clever land use management has also saved space and opened up the perspectives to and from the square. The new wide area proposes space for the cultural and historical events of the community and even for the traditional market fair.

Being Responsive to the Specific Context Pays Off

By only glancing at the site, one can easily observe its uses: the authority building of the Village Hall and the two banks which are enclosing the area and draw in rushing people, give the site a primarily functional allure. The pedestrian transit was inconvenient as the existent “network”, composed of ramps and staircases between buildings, allowed different levels and crossings over the parking lot to segment the area. Consequently, the accessibility was not facile for this circulated square. People have always had preferences for specific landscapes, depending on the location and its uses. So, by being truly involved in the process of landscape evaluation and taking into account the particular functionality of the square, the site planning promotes good accessibility and visibility, a flowing transit between the two levels and a few community-oriented areas.

A Functional Landscape can be Visually Inviting

As the site’s dimensions and shape were restrictive, the location was formerly occupied only by a fountain as a decorative element and a few benches to provide the needed space for catching your breath. In order to change the monotonous look of the square, the teams considered ways of attracting people to this spot and one of them was being creative about the use of materials.

The value they add is simple and elegant, reminiscent of the connection between the so called “concrete jungle” and nature. The woodland marks two areas; the playground with the tree stumps and swings and the recreational areas with curvy seating visually delineate the space. Standing as a contrasting opposite are the macadam and gravel used for the paving. This difference between the various paving materials creates a dynamic sensorial experience for the user. Built for supporting the people-oriented design, a cafe defines the upper and lower platforms of the square, while providing a quiet leisure point. Although the open space of many other squares out there which have primarily historic purposes might cause you sunburns (take for example the plaza San Marco from Venice or Piazza Maggiore from Italy), this one commits to providing shade. The landscape designers have incorporated a row of trees – between the village hall and UBS bank – which also stand as a perspective line which accompanies visitors from the street to the square.

Leave Space for Growth and Reactions Might Change

While this is a still-discussed project, it is also one to evolve in time and stir opinions. Along with the trees which will continue to develop and compose a different greenery display, a sneak-peak into the future of this square can be caught in its west section. Here, the outlook of a solid margin promises to expand the current urban plans by adding new constructions. Planning, designing and working day by day with plants and soil might anchor us in only part of the reality of what it means to be a landscape architect. It’s the perfect time to take a moment to step back and gain perspective. Do you think there are elements which should be valued more in our projects? If so, what do you think is the most important to include in all the landscape design works? Or do you think there is a golden ratio to perfectly integrate all landscape components into your project?

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Full Project Credits For the Town Hall Square of Meilen

Project: Town Hall Square of Meilen Client: Municipality of Meilen Competition: 2010, 1st prize Project Planning: Since 2011 Realization: 2015 Area: 6,700 m2 Location:  Zurich, Switzerland Building Costs: Approx. CHF 28 million in total/surrounding area: approx. CHF 2.4 million Landscape: Studio Vulkan Landschaftsarchitektur, Zurich Architecture: Blättler Dafflon Architekten, Horisberger Wagen Architekten Specialised planning: Baumanagement b+p/ Ingenieur Dr. Lüchinger + Meyer Bauingenieure (Visualisation: Nightnurse Images GmbH, Zurich) Photography: Studio Vulkan Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Article by Alexandra-Elena Ciocan

Article by Farah Afza Jurekh – Joseph Venne Public Plaza by NIPPAYSAGE, Ontario Street, Montreal (Quebec), Canada. Design is a powerful tool. It has the ability to transform and do magic. Landscape architects amaze us by bringing out a whole new outlook, the potential of a place from merely nothing, especially in revitalization projects. Joseph Venne Public Plaza, located in Montreal (Quebec), Canada, is one such intriguing project which has turned an old parking lot – a boring space – into the heart of the neighborhood. The space which was once being ignored by the residents is now the center of attraction, the meeting place of the St. Marie’s neighborhood.

Joseph Venne Public Plaza

Revitalization of the Neighborhood

Joseph Venne Public Plaza, designed by NIPPAYSAGE, is a part of the major revitalization projects in the urban realm. Being a part of the urban project, the design team not only concentrated on a new public plaza, but also sought to make it a focal point of Ontario Street to revamp the neighborhood.

Design Approach

The approach of the design team fits the spatial requirements, satisfies the needs, and reflects the desires of its people. For any site, historical background and site context are the determining factors. Across the street is the JTI-Macdonald Corp building, one of the well-known tobacco factories.

Hence, an unbuilt perimeter was kept for the safety of the workers in case of any explosion. The old building in the proposed place is the CSDM; a French boarding school which was once used as the primary school for the tobacco factory workers. Considering the historical context, the designers establish a plaza with strong visual connection between the two entities along the adjacent street. This permeability has made it an inviting plaza for the students, workers and residents.

New Pattern of Paving

A new pattern of paving is designed to woo the people. The new and intriguing pattern gives the public plaza a new outlook to stand out from other plazas. The pixelated versions of large leaves, when viewed from above, seem like the computer-generated image carved in the pavement. The underlying concept behind the giant leaves derives from the cellular patterns of the leaves. Various customized modules of concrete blocks are used to create this pattern. The tonal variation in the grey hue gives a distinct look to the leaves and a subtle look to the whole public hub.

Ecologically Sustainable Plaza

Apart from designing an enticing pattern for the paving, two large green pockets are designed in order to reflect the desires of the residents to be greener. These two pockets perform ecologically by acting as rain gardens. Densely planted with large native trees and herbaceous plants, these pockets can control the rainwater runoff from the impervious surface of the public plaza. The rainwater runoff is collected and filtered amidst the native species. The use of rich palette of native species, along with being inviting to people, will also attract native wildlife. The combination of different colors of flowering plants with the greenery is a true retreat for the users sitting on the wooden benches just beside the pockets. One can easily be lost in the beauty of nature and can spend a good time there.

Fountain; the Core Element

Sometimes, a single element reserves the power to transform the total outlook and change the mood of the space. In this project, the fountain is the heart of the public plaza. The centerpiece, designed by the NIPPAYSAGE team, was designed to attract people and to make the plaza more welcoming to its community. The folded-plate fountain-like sculpture symbolizes the contemporary style which is made of various assembles of large steel sheet. The perforated pattern also reflects the foliage pattern as that in the paving pattern. The silver metallic fountain is formed by a playful combination of light and water which brings a serene ambience to the plaza.

Play of Water and Light make the Plaza a Vibrant Space

By day, the sunlight penetrating through the holes light the fountain naturally with the yellowish warm hue of daylight, spreading soft beams of light around the sculpture. While at night, the whole thing is lit up like shining armor. The lustrous, gleaming light from the perforations produce starry effects on the plaza as if the stars have fallen from the sky. The lustrous, gleaming light from the perforations produce starry effects on the plaza as if the stars have fallen from the sky. The somber blue color of the evening sky and the glittery luminous lights from the fountain incite a magical look to the plaza, persuading users to enjoy the reflection of night sky.

Along with the diffused light, water sprinkling out from the holes brings a distinguishing aura to the plaza. As the users maneuver around the fountain or sit in the benches, water splashes from the fountain; the radiant starry lights and the green pockets will invite you to be closer and linger by the fountain. Five jets are lying under the perforated sheet from which water sprinkles out. Other mechanized systems required to run the fountain are integrated and hidden in the two long benches. It was a challenging job for the designer to hide the water reservoir under the sculpture itself, which has been done successfully. Joseph Venne Plaza gives us inspiration because it shows us how even a well-thought-out paving pattern can make the whole project different, a single object with the combination of light and water can incites various moods to a plaza and lastly, how this design approach has turned an ordinary parking lot into the apple of the eye of the residents of Ontario Street. Do you think this project has achieved its goal to revitalize its neighborhood? Leave your comments below.

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Full Project Credits For Joseph Venne Public Plaza:

Project Name: Joseph Venne Plaza Location: MONTREAL (QUEBEC), CANADA Budget: 750 000$ Date of construction: 2013 Date of Completion: 2015 Client: Ville de Montréal Project Size: 935m2 Photography: Steve Montpetit, NIPPAYSAGE Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Farah Afza Jurekh

Article by Mai Nguyen –  A review of Pier 4 Plaza, by Mikyoung Kim Design in Boston, Mass., USA. Mikyoung Kim Design office (MYKD) has just completed another landscape project in Boston’s Seaport District – Pier 4 Plaza. By using geometric forms following the building’s outline, the designer has established not only a connection with the external area, but also a link between the interior and exterior spaces. The dynamic and creative design of this type of public amenity helps enrich the landscape experience for visitors. Last but not least is the amazing lighting design: The harmonious integration of public amenities and lighting creates an attractive nighttime landscape experience.

Pier 4 Plaza

Working with only about four acres, Mikyoung Kim Design still managed to turn Pier 4 Plaza into an attractive node for the neighborhood and increase the interaction of citizens with the waterfront. Pier 4 Plaza is a good example of how a small-scale project can have a noticeable impact on a community.

Strategic Node of the Neighborhood

The project has a high-potential location: It is nestled right next to a boulevard, close to many public spaces such as the waterfront to the east, the harbor walkway and the Institute of Contemporary Art to the north, and Boston’s financial district on the other side of Seaport Boulevard to the west. Pier 4 Plaza can be seen as the connector between Boston’s citizens and nature. With its smaller scale, it also connects residents of the new 100 Pier 4 apartment building to the public space.

Paving Design Connects Landscape and Building

Mikyoung Kim Design used a layered paving pattern in an effort to embrace the multi-layered background history of Boston and particularly the site. More interestingly, the pattern also integrates with the entrances to the building, making the landscape area and the internal space a united, continuous arrangement. Additionally, we can see that steps are not much used in defining the levels. Instead, Mikyoung Kim Design created the ground surface by using gentle slopes highlighted with a different gray paving pattern. This design makes the space more friendly for users, especially children and people who have disabilities.

Secondly, while the stretcher bond style evokes a repeat rhythm, the use of various gray color tones arouses an active and dynamic atmosphere. The result is a lively pavement that is harmonious with other design elements. Apart from that, Pier 4 Plaza also has a planting plan that not only provides green space and shadows, but also establishes spaces for gathering. Mikyoung Kim Design has managed to create a space for small group gatherings by installing seats following the curved floor pattern. The trees with slim trunks and medium-sized foliage might be seen as intangible screens differentiating individual groups. And the small green space created by a grass carpet and medium trees to the south serves as a buffer between the non-vehicle environment and the adjacent busy boulevard.

Public Amenities Create Identity

One of the most outstanding elements of this design is the integration of the paving pattern and public amenities. The long benches used in the Pier 4 project have two parts: The body is made of perforated stainless steel panels combined with LED light, and the top surface matches the floor pattern and color (the black color creating the curved lines). By doing this, Mikyoung Kim Design’s benches look like they are “emerging” from the ground. This design enhances the image of a dynamic topography, making the space experience more attractive. Plus, children can make use of this design and turn the place into their playground. Furthermore, Mikyoung Kim Design enhances the landscape design by using unique blue LED lights with the public seating. The blue light provokes a magical feeling for the space at night. By using a cold neon color instead of a warm tone, Mikyoung Kim Design has created a lively atmosphere, evoking the active living environment of the neighborhood. The blue color also reflects the image of the nearby waterfront.

Although it is undeniable that the design of public benches integrating with lighting design is one of the most distinctive factors of the project, there might be a concern about the detailed design of the seating. The bolts are extruded from the seating surface, possibly negatively affecting the comfort level for users. Although the distance between those bolts is sufficient for seating, would it be better if the bolts were flush with the seating surface? The Pier 4 Plaza design offers three valuable lessons: thoughtful understanding of the site and its surroundings in a larger context; the effort to match the landscape design with architectural buildings; and innovative touches that make the space memorable. To the last point, Mikyoung Kim Design has proven that it is not necessary to have an exclusive piece of art to create a landmark in a landscape design. In fact, for a site with a scale and condition like the Pier 4 Plaza, it is not easy to implant a major sculpture or art installation. Instead, the public seating itself is an art installation — an identity that visitors bring to mind whenever they think of Pier 4 Plaza. What do you prefer to enhance in your landscape design to become a highlighted identity?

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Full Project Credits For Pier 4 Plaza:

Project Name: Pier 4 Plaza Architect: Mikyoung Kim Design Size: 4 acres Clients: Hanover Company Completion Year: 2015 Location: Boston, Mass., USA Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Mai Nguyen

Article by Alexandra-Elena Ciocan– A review of the Sydney Park Water Re-Use Project, designed by Turf Design Studio & Environmental Partnership, in Sydney, Australia. Do you want to know how the innovative Sydney Park Water Re-Use Project manages to deliver answers and solutions to the people and the world, while constructing a better, more feasible future? The translation and reinterpretation of what sustainability means have converged in this Australian park, as the result of the teamwork of landscape architecture firm Turf Design Studio and Environmental Partnership (TDEP), along with other specialists.

For most of us, re-use means nothing but recycling plastic bottles or giving new purposes to long-worn household items. We seem to fail to picture the concept on a bigger scale. Can you imagine how your design could benefit from building upon landscape elements as simple and common as water? Your work can create a tremendous impact on the community you live in, by making a lasting change. Isn’t that the aim of landscape designers and enthusiasts?

Identify the Distinctive Resource

To begin with, you must know this is not your traditional landscape. The story of its transformation started 20 years ago to convert the waste disposal and brickworks post-industrial landscape into the park we see today. The project created by the previously mentioned landscape architects, with the aid of Alluvium, Turpin + Crawford Studio and Dragonfly Environmental was co-funded by the city of Sydney and the Australian federal government, to be part of the ‘Sustainable Sydney 2030’ program.

What makes this project complex is the use of the site’s element of identity – the water – as means to provide the perceived landscape a dual valence: ; both as an aesthetic symbol and an ecological teacherly force. The resulting waterscape honors the relationship between the community, history and environment. The bio-retention wetlands, counting four landscapes, contribute to moderating and reducing the impact of floods.

Present it with Value

In the case of Sydney’s wetland park, the visitor deliberately enters the space in order to relax and admire the scenery, while his surroundings offer passive educational opportunities and evoke the community’s past. The project does not solely serve this scientific purpose of ecological learning. Along with it, the beautification of the environment made possible for new relaxation and playing spaces to be contributed to the community. Moreover, the work aimed to construct and maintain a very diverse habitat for small native animals, such as birds, long-necked turtles and frogs.

Engage by Storytelling

Water’s sequential appearance throughout the landscape creates a sense of continuity and compositional unity. It develops a story about stillness and energy, culminating with an open, happy ending: the possibility for the storm water to be re-used. Different scenes gradually unveil the treatment process, by creating dynamic and serene waterscapes.

The play of obtaining the fresh from the used starts with the water abduction from the city’s Munni Channel, then its diversion through a system of underground pipes. In the end, it is artificially and naturally filtered, by physical screens and plants’ root systems, to meet the quality standards. What is impressive is that the stormwater quantity that flows through this network over a year is the same that would fill about 340 Olympic sized swimming pools. Interaction with the landscape and getting a closer look into the site’s history is possible by following the pathway’s circuitry, which converges in numerous belvedere platforms, piers, and other relaxing areas. Bridges and water steps direct the visitor’s flow, in order for him to intimately explore, participate, and be involved in the way his surroundings originated and are sustained. In order to echo the site’s history, the designers conceived a set of terracotta channels rising above the water level to aerate and circulate the stormwater to the different areas in the park. The local industry identity can also be spotted throughout the park in little details such as brick paving. To fit the project’s eco-friendly concept, the materials used in the park’s design were nature- inspired. The rocks, the gabions to compose the waterfalls, and the wooden benches come together to ground the visitor into the reality of what is encompassing him and its underlying message. The planting scheme was designed to highlight the site’s dimensions with its tall trees. Adding to the intimate feeling stands the multitude of grasses. Low-growing water species, like Cladium sp., enhance the organic curves of the riverbanks while still maintaining the visual open space.

Study the Process and Act!

People need to learn about important world matters in a subjective way, by being exposed to real life examples. By enjoying the experience the Sydney Park is offering, we are made aware and we accept responsibility for the environment, without feeling accused.

This is not something many projects accomplish. So if you’ve thought your design cannot succeed to change the world, learn that it can. Just like Turf Design Studio alongside their partners, you just need to identify your landscape’s ‘gold’, furbish it with meaning for the people and be creative about it. It will save your design team money and the world more time. How about you, are you integrating the existent features of a landscape into your project? If so, are you innovating with them in a way to benefit the community?

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Full Project Credits Sydney Park Water Re-Use Project:

Project Name: Sydney Park Water Re-Use Project Location: Sydney Park Road, St Peters, NSW, 2044, Sydney, Australia Budget: $11.3 million Completion date: July 2015 Size: 1.6 ha Awards: 2016 MAAS Design Award Client: City of Sidney Design Team Landscape Architecture / Lead Consultant: Turf Design Studio & Environmental Partnership (TDEP) Water & Environment: Alluvium Public Art: Turpin + Crawford Studio Ecology: Dragonfly Environmental Contractor: Design Landscapes Plant Suppliers: Andreasens Green, Toolijha Structural Engineer: Partridge Lighting and Electrical: Lighting Art and Science Irrigation: HydroPlan Soils: SESL Australia Environmental Management: A.D. Envirotech Australia Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Alexandra-Elena Ciocan

Article by Alexis Alvey – A review of the Limelight during Garden Festival, designed by  Meyer + Silberberg Land Architects in Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire, England Limelight, by Meyer + Silberberg Land Architects, is a minimalist garden installation that was created at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum of England, for its 2003 International Festival of Gardens. Although the installation was temporary, Limelight demonstrates how innovative design can be successfully incorporated into a traditional public arboretum, leading to new ways of perceiving the natural landscape.

Putting a Tree in the Limelight At an arboretum, trees take center stage. The Limelight installation pays homage to the centrality of trees in the landscape by elevating their importance on the scale of a single, individual tree. Limelight is a clearly defined earthwork that rises up and encircles a large champion Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) at Westonbirt Arboretum. The sod-covered mound enshrines the tree and also functions as a mini amphitheater where patrons can find respite as they lean back and gaze into the majestic tree’s textured canopy. The mound also separates the tree from the surrounding grove and frames the view of the tree as you walk toward it. As the surrounding grove’s grass was allowed to grow longer during the season, the entrance to and view of the tree as a focal point were emphasized. A simple crushed stone walk enables patrons to walk around the tree and admire it from every angle. Employing few materials, Limelight is an installation that takes advantage of the intersection of landscape architecture and arboriculture to create an effective earthworks formation. The cleanly executed minimalist approach does not distract patrons from the tree, which is clearly the main attraction. Limelight successfully invites visitors to experience the nuances of the numerous, different perspectives of an awe-inspiring tree. The installation utilizes an idealized abstraction of form and is enduring, yet also transferable, since it could just as easily have been created in another arboretum beneath the boughs of another impressive tree.

Garden Festival : Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Limelight was created at Westonbirt Arboretum, which is arguably the most well-known arboretum in the United Kingdom. It is located in Gloucestershire, about three miles southwest of Tetbury. The arboretum dates back to 1829, when it was first established by Robert Stayner Holford, whose family owned Westonbirt House, a large estate on the manor. Using his family fortune, Holford worked with many of the Victorian Age’s leading botanists to oversee an expansive planting program on the property.

The arboretum was designed in the picturesque style, and Holford’s son, George, continued his father’s work in developing the arboretum. The clever use of evergreens as backdrop, the featuring of many rare and exotic trees in their true form, and the skillful pairing of trees for fall color were noted by critics of the time. Passed down through generations, the National Arboretum has been managed by the Forestry Commission since the 1950s. Today, the Friends of the Westonbirt Arboretum work in partnership with the Forestry Commission to help maintain the arboretum as one of the UK’s finest tree collections. Westonbirt boast approximately 15,000 labeled trees. Of these trees, there are at least 145 champion trees –meaning that they are the very largest diameter or tallest specimens of a particular species in all of the British Isles. The official list of champion trees is maintained by The Tree Register of Britain and Ireland.

International Festival of the Garden

Various forms of programming at Westonbirt Arboretum have attracted patrons throughout the years. One such program was the International Festival of the Garden, which was inaugurated in the early 2000s and was repeated annually for a few years. Designers, including Meyer + Silberberg Land Architects, were charged with creating installations that responded to the arboretum, its surroundings, and its historical significance.

Garden installations such as Limelight were temporary, and were on exhibit for approximately three to five months. Although no medals were presented, acceptance into the show was by competition and was quite an international honor.

Garden Festivals Feature Cutting-Edge Design

Westonbirt’s International Festival of the Garden draws upon Europe’s tradition of competition/demonstration gardens. Most notable and successful is France’s Festival International des Jardins at Chaumont-sur-Loire. These competition garden festivals are essential to the evolution of landscape architecture, because they challenge conventional notions of landscape design and provide a platform for thought and discussion. Having a global influence, garden installations often feature experimental elements related to art, horticulture, and/or architecture.Not surprisingly, these revolving competition gardens require substantial financial, time, and management input, and Westonbirt Arboretum decided to discontinue its festival after a few years. Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma, California, USA, and Jardins de Métis in Quebec, Canada, are additional examples of garden installations that are currently in operation and successfully showcase cutting-edge design in Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma, California, USA, and Jardins de Métis in Quebec, Canada, are additional examples of garden installations that are currently in operation and successfully showcase cutting-edge design in landscape.

Studio Profile

Limelight, completed only two years after Meyer + Silberberg Land Architects was founded, granted international recognition to the small studio. Meyer + Silberberg are based out of the Bay Area in Berkeley, California.

Their approach to design is to craft distinct landscapes that knit artistry with technical precision, drawing inspiration from the physical site and surrounding culture. Their goal is to create holistic, beautiful, and enduring spaces that are beloved for generations.

Limelight Critique

One important question I have for Meyer + Silberberg is how they came to choose that particular Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) for their Limelight installation. Their response is that it is a champion tree, but the arboretum has more than a hundred other champion trees to choose from. What other factors were involved in the selection process? Was the location of the selected tree in an ideal location? Was the garden festival confined to a certain area of the arboretum? It is surprising that a Sycamore Maple, also commonly known simply as Sycamore, was chosen, since the species is not native to the British Isles and is now naturalized after having been introduced centuries ago from other areas of Europe. In my opinion, a champion Lime tree (Tilia spp.) should have been chosen — a genera of trees that are much more important to the heritage of Britain and that would have worked seamlessly with the title of the installation. Despite this, Limelight demonstrates how design can be successfully incorporated into a traditional public arboretum, leading to new ways for patrons to perceive and appreciate trees within the landscape.

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Full Project Credits For Limelight :

Project: Limelight Designer: Meyer + Silberberg Land Architects, Berkeley, California, USA Location: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire, England Completion Date: 2003 Budget: $23,500 (USD) Client: Westonbirt International Festival of Gardens Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Alexis Alvey

Article by Alexandra-Elena Ciocan – We take a look at the topic of permeable paving and see what advantages it has over standard paving in the world of landscape architecture.  Permeable paving, going by the nickname of “thirsty paving”, is a concept which echoes sustainability and durability. Even though we’ve been familiarized with it by now, this remains a rather new approach to laying the paths through beautiful landscapes. If it’s the first time you meet & greet the idea, learn that what it brings to the business is a clean structure, which is composed of a base and a sub base of different spacing, granulation or porosity. Its main purpose is to enable the stormwater to flow through the surface. As simple as it sounds, this choice stands with multiple benefits for your project and workflow, some of which you might never have thought of. As landscape design passionates, we believe we’ve made it easy, choosing what is best for you, the client and the environment!

Permeable Paving Over Standard Paving

1. Outstanding Creative Design

While many other paving options permit landscape designers and enthusiasts to explore, the range of options through which creativity is expressed is rather small. While you can easily choose colors or textures in a standard paving, your design will most probably meet a dead end in some situations. Take for example working around a tree or another object. Permeable paving promotes a visionary composition and design flexibility, as the specific shapes and spacing allow for grass or plants to grow between the units – the result; a living signature composition that will continue to remodel that space you’ve created. 2. Sustainable Means to Your Projects In spite of how a passable or porous surface might make you think it is fragile, the products are actually hardwearing. This is why, along with the pedestrian areas, they are also used for parking spaces, roads destined for light traffic, sidewalks and residential driveways.

3. Life Quality Improvement by Reducing the Negative Effects of Local Heat Islands

As we all know, paving is one of the main causes for excessive heating, especially in urban areas. The usual materials and the compact surfaces cause, over the day, gained heat to reflect into the immediate environment, influencing the plant and human life likewise. Most of the time, the temperature becomes unbearable, and a call for breathing is made. These temperatures will also affect the hydrological state of the surroundings as water will evaporate more quickly. If you want to find out more about the diversity of cool pavements and their benefits, check out this article on cool pavements.

4. Pollution and Erosion Cutback

By decreasing the runoff quantities and acting as a filter for pollutants affecting the soil and the waterways, the system is the solution we’ve been waiting for, to the so-far sustained issue of pollution. As Marta Ratajszczak, states about paving advantages in the article “Permeable Paving: The Essential Guide”: “They have been proven to be effective in removing pollutants from water.” In addition, using the “thirsty paving” as an element to reduce erosion, especially on slopes, natural or artificial, is taking measures into the assurance that property and even life damage will not be caused.

5. Recycling Militant

As preferences vary for the eco-friendly person, learn that many companies support the ecological attitude through waste or plastic conversion, such as the recycling of the plastic being used to obtain some of the grid systems. Under the same category, find out that some permeable paving systems allow part of the storm-water to be collected and reused. Contributing to the water management goal, the captured storm-water from the permeable paving is clearer; therefore the time it spends in different treatment facility companies is close to zero. Below: The benefits of an environmentally-friendly paving system made from recycled materials WATCH >>> TRUEGRID Permeable Pavers – Environmentally Friendly Paving System

6. Underground Water Reservoir Enrichment Most of the pedestrian and driveway surfaces in the cities are waterproof, leaving no room for water to continue its natural cycle. Did you know that “In the U.K. during the 1600 and 1700s, restrictive legislation was passed to adapt vehicles to the available pavements” (which apparently were in very poor condition) [Collins and Hart, 1936], as www.pavementinterractive.org states? But nowadays, we are reversing the situation. The way the water on our streets would be nourishing the earth is by adding the flow to the groundwater. In this way puddles will be avoided and the ground reservoir will be filled with pollutant-free water.

7. Money Saver

This type of paving meets its promise to be economical, both cost-wise and by added benefits! The range of materials fluctuates from common gravel or sand to recycled concrete or brick, making multiple options affordable for all social layers. The concept will become more fashionable and the demand will rise, so we should keep in mind that expenses will lower. Moreover, the figures to be changed in time reflect the way permeable paving reduces the amount of irrigation during summertime and by depending upon very little maintenance.

8. Creator Opposed to Destroyer

The grid systems better favor the design scheme in order to adapt to a site’s current situation, regardless of its type. Perhaps our project requires a statue or a building to be maintained, while the paving arrangement would be changed to fit these either organic or formal shapes. This is where we can reinvest the respect each design should pay to history and nature.

9. Nature Lover

Permeable paving facilitates the growth of grass or crawling plants between the modules and by this, your project can reach a more naturalistic look. Moreover, the way the modules encompass a plant leaves room for its roots to grow accordingly and therefore, for the plant to develop beautifully and change the space’s look with each year’s growth.

10. Inspirational and Motivational

We think that we, as individuals, have little to say or do in order to be the change in the world. But the realistic truth is that, with each choice we make, we are doing just that. Permeable paving is not only a smart choice but an inspirational one. By committing to the concept we are joining the same club of people who love nature and design. Our first step, taken by using the “thirsty-paving”, is motivating both us and the people around us to act in good conscience and faith. Permeable paving is and will be, nevertheless, a debatable subject. But we think information is inspiration. Dear readers, have you decided? Are you advocates of permeable paving or protestors? Or are you resting indifferent to the subject? Dear readers, have you decided? Are you advocates of permeable paving or protestors? Or are you resting indifferent to the subject?

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Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Alexandra-Elena Ciocan

Today we take a closer look at durable materials and explore six industrial projects involving wear-resistant products. Wear-resistance is a common desire for most companies. They want their supplies, products, and manufacturing equipment to resist any wear, rust, and corrosion that occurs. With wear-resistant products made by companies like AJ Weller, this desire can be met. There are at least six industrial projects that involve resisting wear and avoiding corrosion.

Protective Coating on Pipes

Pipes, pulleys, chutes, and all other industrial process pieces easily become corroded over time. This is due to the many chemicals that are put through them on a regular basis. Using a protective coating on these pipes and similar devices ensures they are resistant to wear and will last for much longer. A premium wear-resistant compound that withstands high abrasion and high temperatures is often the best solution.

Pipes Inside of Pipes

The exterior of a pipe should, of course, be protected, but it is the interior portion that needs the most protecting. Placing a well-designed, wear-resistant pipe inside of an already built pipe is the best way to ensure this is accomplished. A WellerCLAD Pipe, for example, can be used as an inner liner within the pipes already located at an industrial company. It protects the inner portion from extreme temperatures.

Pallet Protection

Many companies utilize wooden pallets for a number of reasons. Most come in skids that safely hold and transport supplies and new equipment. Wood is easily corrodible, giving it a major downfall. By adding a protective coating, the wood is better able to withstand high temperatures and possible causes of damage. A silicone protectant easily adheres to wood and other surfaces.

Plant Repairs

Various machines, equipment pieces, and even the building itself are going to need repairs over time. Applying a protectant to each of these items limits the amount of repairs needed, and ensures there is less time between necessary fixes. A silicone option is often best, as it can adhere to relatively any surface, including plastic, metal, porcelain, or glass.

Industrial Polymer on Extrusion Equipment

Extrusion equipment is needed in industrial companies when producing plastic tubing, copper wire, or any similar items. The material is simply pushed through the machine and formed into the pre-shaped mold. Applying an industrial polymer to this equipment helps to protect it from any harsh chemicals that may be applied. It limits the chance for friction and is resistant to corrosion.

Construction Site Wear Resistance

A construction site is a valid location where wear resistance is needed. This is especially true for those working with cement. An area is never simply filled with cement. There is first a space dug out and material put down to keep corrosion from setting in. There can even be a surface hardener with abrasion resistance mixed in directly with the cement itself. Either option helps to ensure the area is free from harm for some time and is not damageable. Wear and tear occurs with just about any process, natural or man-made. From the products in a store to the manufacturing equipment at a company, there will always be wear over time. Wear-resistant products help to reduce the amount of damage done, and ensure all industrial projects and otherwise last for as long as possible. It essentially extends its life and enables it to run for much longer than expected. It is a huge benefit to the company, buyers, and everyone else involved.

CLICK TO COMMENT

Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Brooklyn Williams Featured image: By Frank Vincentz – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Article by Kamil Rawski – A review of the Max IV Radiation Centre landscape by Snøhetta, in Lund, Sweden Lund is a city in the province of Scania, located in southern Sweden, northeast of Malmo. 87,244 people lived there in 2015, out of a municipal total of about 117,000. The city is strong academic centre thanks to Lund University. Today it is one of Scandinavia’s largest institutions for education and research. In particular, the Lund Institute of Technology, which has connections with many high-tech industries in the city, such as Sony Mobile Communications, Ericsson, and Microsoft. Also the MAX IV Radiation Centre was developed in collaboration with the university.

Combine Landscape Design

The MAX IV Laboratory is a high-performance synchrotron radiation laboratory. This facility was constructed outside the city of Lund, on 19 hectares of arable land. This world’s most powerful synchrotron radiation facility will be the part of future ‘Science City’, planned to the northeast of Lund. MAX IV was opened for users on the day of the summer solstice – 21 June 2016.

Do you think that designing the landscape for such a high-tech facility is as difficult as it sounds? Read more and find out below what solution was proposed by Snøhetta – the internationally renowned practice of landscape architecture – and what the result from combining landscape design with a hi-tech facility.

Cooperation

Creating MAX IV has been a collaborative process between the client, construction developer, and consultants throughout the construction period. Moreover the contractor of the facility – PEAB/Whilborgs – is involved with a 25-year maintenance contract.

The Initial Assumptions

They decided not to close the area of the research center by standard fencing but to make a green public space instead. Recreational space formed from sloping hills with meadow vegetation makes a difference and sets a new standard for facilities like that. Two of the main aims of the modern landscape design were to support the performance of the laboratory research and to fulfil sustainability goals established by the city of Lund.

To achieve this, Snøhetta decided that the modern landscape design must be based on 4 important criteria; mitigating ground vibrations, mass balance, storm water management, and also plant selection and maintenance. Each one is described in the following content.

Suppressing Ground Vibrations

A group of researchers and engineers called Dynamics discovered that ground vibrations from the nearest part of the road E22 can have critical impact for the use of a synchrotron. To reduce those vibrations it was decided to ridge the flat surface by distribution of numerous mounds leading to a bold pattern.

So, the desired uneven topography was created utilizing 3D-modeling. As the designers state; 3D-modelling proved crucial for several reasons. The design layout was established by extracting the nature of vibrations into rational values inserted in a generic model (Grasshopper; a Rhino plug-in). In plan, intersecting tangents radiating from the major storage ring form the first basis of the wave pattern. These align with the positions of potential future laboratories, and the starting points were defined by 10 to 40m vibration wavelengths and a 4.5m amplitude. A second set of waves was established from a spiral movement centered in the storage ring merging with the site boundary. Through making digital models there was the possibility to test different mound patterns to get the best results of mitigating the ground vibrations. Next, the designers had to find a solution for how to move from advanced modeling to the real topography.

Mass Balance

The best way to reduce costs of earthworks is to balance the excavated masses and reuse them on the site. For this purpose, a digital 3D-model was created and by using GPS-controlled bulldozers they also met the first criterion about making a hilly landscape to reduce vibrations.

It is called a cut and fill strategy. Such a solution also secures the option of reversing the site to agricultural use when the synchrotron will no longer be on the site. It was the best way to kill two birds with one stone. In MAX IV, the process was like having a giant 3D printer producing the project on a 1:1 scale. The high-tech research facility together with the low-tech meadowland creates the iconic image of the waves that protects the research facility from the vibrations. – explain the architects from Snøhetta.

Stormwater Management

Lund municipality formed the ambitious programme for sustainable development, called “LundaEko II” to become a leading example on issues concerning environment and climate. One of eight prioritized areas of this programme is healthy water and air, so MAX IV Laboratory was obligated by the planning department of Lund to collect and store water on site.

To meet these expectations, both wet and dry ponds were designed for 1-year and 100-year stormwater quantities. Hilly terrain facilitates the drainage of water, through a network of corridors formed between the mounds.

Plant Selection and Maintenance

Thanks to nearby natural reserve area at Kungsmarken, it was possible to create a meadowland by spreading selected species of harvested hay on the slopes. The plants have had enough time (5 growing seasons) until completion of the project in the summer of 2016. Greenery of meadows forms an additional damping layer for vibrations, but as an aspect of all topography, only to a small extent. Because the space is not fenced, it is possible to encounter animals like hares, for which the natural habitat can be meadow or farmland.

Moreover, inside the rings of the facility, there are stone paths with deciduous shrubs and trees, arranged in circular lines, which are not connected with vibration-mitigating areas. Within preservation, there is expected to be sheep grazing and the usage of conventional machines suitable for meadowland. Also, as it was said earlier, MAX IV has a 25-year maintenance contract. Awards The designers created a project thoughtfully on the basis of the initial criteria, which is of a coherent unity and works as a whole. Max IV gained recognition and was announced as winner of the Best Futura Project at the 24th MIPIM Awards in Cannes. The project has also been awarded Skåne’s Architecture Award 2016 (Skånes Arkitekturpris) – for a holistically built environment in the region. Creating a landscape by utilizing a generic model of vibrations shows us how the designing can be combined with the science to improve research process and to set new standards for public spaces surrounding high-tech facilities. What do you think, what other kinds of technologies can be used in the designing process?

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Full Project Credits For MAX IV Laboratory Landscape:

Project Name: MAX IV Laboratory Landscape Client: Fastighets AB ML 4 Facility architect: Fojab Architects AB Landscape design: Snøhetta Collaborators: Tyrens engineers Status: Completed Work Year: 2011 – 2016 Location: Lund, Scania, Sweden Site Area: 19 ha park Typology: Landscape Design, Park Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Kamil Rawski

Today we dive into the interesting topic of solar energy and discuss why we need to take solar energy more seriously. We live in an age where we can tap into the abundant energy of the sun, which is 109 times the size of the earth. Using the energy of the sun can free us up from the reliance on fossil fuels, which is a limited source of fuel. If we do not start taking advantage of solar energy and other alternative sources of power, civilization will literally come to a standstill in less than a hundred years at our current rate of global energy consumption. Solar energy works by capturing sunlight and converting this energy into photovoltaic power (PV). It can also be converted into concentrated solar power (CSP) for solar heating. This energy conversion allows the energy of the sun to be used as a source of power for all our mechanized civilization here on earth. Solar power can be used to power a broad range of gadgets and to fuel different technologies. While it is popularly thought of as a replacement for electric energy, it can do much more than just power light bulbs and electronics. For example, it can be used to power water pumps, water heating, provide transportation, and charge up wireless speakers. The list is inexhaustible. Here are just a few examples to illustrate what solar energy can do for our world:

3 Less Well-Known Uses of Solar Energy

Here are 3 sources of solar-power you may not know about yet: 1. Solar Water Pumps are especially useful for farmers. This pump runs on electricity generated by photovoltaic panels. These panels capture and collect the radiated thermal energy from sunlight. Traditionally, water pumps run on diesel or grid electricity. They are often sold as kits, so you can buy Off-grid Solar Kits, Grid-tie Solar Kits, Backup Power Kits, RV & Marine Solar Kits. 2. Solar Powered Transportation can be used to power our transportation and reduce our carbon footprint. One day, you will be riding a solar-powered train. If you think that’s a little far-fetched, Solar Impulse, a solar-power aircraft created a public sensation after it flew around the world. In China, densely-populated cities like Beijing have solar buses. The technology is available right now to power cars, planes, buses, subways, and trains with solar power. In fact, even roads can be charged with solar power! In Australia, Spirit of Canberra, a solar-powered car was used in racing competitions. When it comes to solar-powered transportation, it’s not a question of if it’s a question of when. The technology is available, what’s missing is mainstream awareness about advancements in solar energy use. 3. Solar Powered Electronics are becoming popular. For example, the Anker’s PowerCore, a solar-powered charger, can be used to power any of your favorite devices, like your smartphone, your tablet, and your e-reader. Solar powered flashlights, radios, and music speakers will gradually replace those powered by electricity or batteries. In the future, you may routinely store your food in solar-powered freezers or mini-fridges and change room temperature with solar-powered thermostats or solar-powered air-conditioning. If you’re currently using a wearable device, like Fitbit or Apple Watches, you may not need to charge it with electricity when the battery runs down. Solar-powered versions won’t need to be recharged at night anymore.

3 Better Known Uses of Solar Energy

Here are 3 sources of solar-power that you may know a little about already as these have been more broadly covered by mainstream media: 1. Solar Lighting is a form of solar energy can be used to light up a street or a house. If you want to improve home efficiency and cut down standard electric bills, add solar lighting to your property. Unlike using the traditional electric grid, you won’t need to run wires everywhere, because wireless lights harness the power of the sun during the day to allow you to light up your property at night. Solar lighting should not be confused with solar panels because it is used for outdoor lighting. Home retailers like Home Depot sell lighting arrays for as little as $20 a light. In fact, it’s becoming commonplace to see solar-powered street lights because of the huge cost savings. 2. Solar Rooftops are now fairly well-known. Homeowners who use solar energy in this way literally shave off thousands of dollars from their utility bill every year, and, of course, they can also take pride in cutting their carbon footprint, too. 3. Solar Heating does not require an initial investment of buying solar panels. While homeowners are usually aware of the benefits of solar rooftops, many are not aware of solar space heaters and solar water heaters.  A solar heater will convert the energy of sunlight into thermal energy by using a medium like air or liquid. A solar water heater also converts solar energy into thermal energy, except it uses water as a means of thermal transference.

Why We Need to Make a Shift Soon

The principle argument used to defend the current practice of continuing to use fossil fuels is that it’s too expensive to set-up solar systems. This is a fairly illogical defense of the status quo because it will be much more expensive if we don’t make the shift to alternative energy choices. If we don’t quit using coal, oil, and natural gas soon, then as early as 2055 or as late as 2088, we won’t have any power. We will have passed a point of no-return. Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Brooklyn Williams Featured image: by Kanadaurlauber – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Article by Ophelia Yuting – Take a break with us and enjoy these 10 carefully selected YouTube videos which show the landscape in a whole new light.  As landscape architects, we get used to being exposed to two-dimensional inspirations — photos, drawings, or artwork on flat platforms. But the 2D perception has its limitations. We live in a three-dimensional, multifaceted world, and we need to be able to explore landscape design in terms of sound, motion, feelings, and atmosphere. All of these can be perfectly captured in a video. Here, we offer 10 awesome YouTube videos you must not miss.

1. Allgood Trio Sesame Stairs

Instead of constructing an ADA ramp to take over extra space at the front door, Allgood chose an innovative way of designing so-called “Sesame Steps” to help people in wheelchairs access buildings conveniently and efficiently. Most of the time, these Sesame Steps look like regular staircases. But when people who use wheelchairs reach the steps, they can simply press a button and the Sesame Steps immediately transform into a moving platform that can take them from street to entrance level in one minute. In this way, not only is the construction space of long ramps saved, but people also can save the energy they would have expended to move up the ramps with their wheelchairs. The whole process is fully automatic and easy to operate. Based in the United Kingdom, Allgood is a firm specializing in providing systematic solutions of mechanical and electrical items, as well as door furniture, aiming to improve convenience and security through their considerate designs. WATCH >>> Sesame stairs from Allgood Trio Alt soundtrack

2. Dutch Cycle-Friendly Junction Design

Differing from a standard American cycle lane — which usually has bad crossing angles — a Dutch cycle lane keeps cyclists to the right side of traffic and opens up the curb to let cyclists go straight on. Additionally, an extra curb with the same radius as the existing one is added to connect cycle lanes on both streets, which also provides room for a protective traffic island, improving safety tremendously. In this way, when bike riders wait to cross at the junction, they will be in very clear view of right-turning drivers. Most likely, a cyclist will be gone once the car arrives at the crossing place. But if they do meet, eye contact is possible, because both can look to the front, as we can see in this video by BicycleDutch (below). WATCH >>> Junction design the Dutch – cycle friendly – way

3. Waterfall Swing — World Maker Faire

Have you ever imagined sitting on a swing while enjoying the beauty of a waterfall? The interactive art swing design by Mike O’Toole, Andrew Ratcliff, Ian Charnas, and Andrew Witte — built by Dash 7 Design — has made this joyfully possible. This towering steel swing set holds arrays of mechanical solenoids that create a water plane falling into the path of its riders. Axel-housed encoders accurately monitor the timing of when the water falls to avoid the possibility of drenching the riders and also provide an exciting experience of escaping under the manmade waterfall Check out more information about this Waterfall Swing at waterfallswing.com and their exciting video WATCH >>> Waterfall Swing – World Maker Faire

4. The World’s Deepest Trash Bin

Can we get more people to throw their rubbish in the bin by making it fun to do so? The answer is yes. By installing a sensor in a trash bin to simulate the sound of objects falling into a deep well, thefuntheory.com has made this happen successfully. During the experimental day, 72 kg of rubbish was collected in this special bin — 41 kg more than the normal bin just a small distance away “Fun can obviously change behavior for the better,” The funtheory team says in its video. This small fun act definitely encourages people to throw their rubbish into a trash bin in a positive and humorous way, inspiring us landscape architects to do other small things that make a big difference. WATCH >>> The World’s Deepest Trash Bin (Fun Theory)

5. Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests

Since 1990, the kinetic sculptor and artist Theo Jansen has been working on a project to create new forms of “life” by using yellow plastic tubes. After many years of experiments, he has successfully created these skeletons that walk smoothly on the wind without anyone’s help or other energy sources. These “beach animals” are strong enough to tolerate storms and will be able to “live their own lives” on the beach in Holland, Jansen says. Having studied applied physics at Delft University of Technology and later leaving his studies to become an artist, Jansen is good at combining science, art, sculpture, and motion, producing such an amazing “living” creature with manmade materials. Check out his website to see more information about this project and the documentary video “Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests – Wallace & Gromit’s World of Invention Episode 1 Preview” by BBC here: WATCH >>> Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests – Wallace & Gromit’s World of Invention Episode 1 Preview – BBC One

6. Eddie George on Careers in Landscape Architecture

Landscape architects are often misidentified as people who simply cut grass and put soil down in the garden. But they are actually designers who create amazing outside spaces, says Eddie George. George, perhaps more famous as an Ohio State University football star, fell in love with landscape architecture during his studies. But he always has trouble explaining this career to his teammates and others. “Landscape architecture is a cool career. It’s time for young people to understand this career needs more creative thinkers and more talents, to help the profession to expand beyond what we are today,” George says in his video: WATCH >>> Eddie George on Careers in Landscape Architecture

7. 3-Sweep: Extracting Editable Objects from a Single Photo, SIGGRAPH ASIA 2013

By introducing an interactive technique for modeling three-dimensional manmade objects, the new product called “3-Sweep” has tremendously changed the way we think about 3D modeling. Different from traditional 3D modeling in which users need to model line by line and shape by shape, this new method simply extracts objects from a single photograph. This research was conducted by Tao Chen, Zhe Zhu, Ariel Shamir, Shi-Min Hu, and Daniel Cohen-Or and presented in Siggraph Asia in 2013. As their video says, “the method intelligently combines the cognitive ability of human with the computational accuracy of a machine.” From its name we can see that each model only needs “three sweeps” to complete. The first two strokes define the profile of the object and the third one sweeps it along its main axis. Once the 3-sweep is done, a 3D model based on the photograph will automatically be created and be ready for users to further edit. Various textures and parametric attributes can be given to the objects. WATCH >>> 3-Sweep: Extracting Editable Objects from a Single Photo, SIGGRAPH ASIA 2013

8. Bike Lanes by Casey Neistat

Casey Neistat got a $50 fine for not riding in a bike lane in New York City back in 2011, but he argued that there are constructions everywhere that block the bike lanes and make it impossible for riders to stay in them. Instead of ticketing riders, New York City needs to consider how to remove these obstacles in the bike lanes and create a cozy and easy environment for people who want to exercise, enjoy a little leisure, or commute by their bicycles. This also gives inspiration for landscape architects, as we always need to consider users’ experiences and understand why they spontaneously choose another way to use our spaces than the way we designed. We need to try to adjust future designs to serve them better. WATCH >>> Bike Lanes by Casey Neistat

9. What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a way to “cache” information based on geographic locations. Different from the traditional concept of “caching” in the virtual world, geocaching is actually something you can touch and feel in reality. Two million geocaches worldwide will take you on adventures that you never expected and give you surprises — knick-knacks hidden in the geocaching boxes. These boxes come in different sizes and shapes and might require some efforts to find. You simply need to register a personal account at geocaching.com, then start your adventures by using your GPS or smartphone to track these geocaching locations. Once you find the geocaching boxes, you can trade some small gifts for the next one, write down your name on the logbook, and log your finding online. The “geocaching” was first created by Matt Stum on the “GPS Stash Hunt” mailing list in 2000. It was later seen by Jeremy Irish, a web developer for a Seattle company who was interested in doing adventurous activities. Irish then started a hobby site for the activity, called Geocaching.com, to let more people join in the cache-hunting experience. So what are you waiting for? WATCH >>> What is Geocaching?

10. Iguazu Falls

Whether you are a landscape architect or a tourist interested in natural views, you must not miss the spectacular natural scenery of Iguazu Falls. These waterfalls are located where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. Besides enjoying the beauty of these waterfalls, you can also get a marvelous view at the tri-border point of these three countries. Eighty percent of these waterfalls are in Argentina and 20 percent are in Brazil. Each side has its own unique landscape and waterscape to admire. You can walk on the winding observation platforms, hike the trails in the forests, enjoy the beauty of a rainbow in the waterfalls, observe diverse animals such as coati and toucan, and take a boat to be as close as possible to the waterfalls. The park offers adventure as well as inspiration for landscaping design ideas about how to build a close relationship between humans and nature. After all, the greatest landscape architect in the world is nature. WATCH >>> Iguazu Falls Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

Now that you have enjoyed these wonderful videos, either from professional artists and designers or people who are enthusiastic about our environment, you will realize that small ideas can make a big difference. All we have to do is to start taking action. So, do you have interesting findings of your surroundings that you want to share with others? Are you ready to let your ideas go viral and make an impact on our society, just like these people did?

CLICK TO COMMENT

Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Ophelia Yuting

Article by Jeanne Connolly – We explore 10 cities that are reinventing their relationship with nature and creating better places to live.  Over the past decade an environmental movement has taken over the world in an attempt to restore the natural environment and prepare for the extreme effects of climate change. Major cities are turning to nature as a strategy to adapt, and are racing to prepare before the storms strike. Why the emphasis on nature? Healthy ecosystems regulate the climate naturally, and reduce our vulnerability to the damaging effects of climate change. That being said, strengthening the relationship with nature will strengthen the resiliency of our cities. Traveling to 10 cities around the globe, we look at how a strong relationship with nature has helped them to become some of the most sustainable cities in the world!

1. Cape Town, South Africa 

As a coastal city, Cape Town is especially vulnerable to climate change effects such as extreme weather and sea-level rise. To combat this as well as reduce their carbon footprint, the city developed an “Energy and Climate Change Action Plan,” emphasizing the use of renewable energy and conservation of green space. With an estimated 290 square inches of green space per person, Cape Town ranked well above average in the land use category of the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) “African Green City Index (2012).” Valuing their land and recognizing the importance of nature in the city’s ability to adapt to climate change, ecosystem mapping is used as an important strategy to identify and protect natural ecosystems. Some of their renewable energy strategies also include solar and wind farms and installing solar water heaters.

Tree Canopy Walk – The natural environment of Cape Town is abundant with biodiversity, and is known for their extraordinary nature reserves, containing some of the rarest plant species in the world. At the Kirstenbosch Arboretum visitors can explore and observe some of the world’s most endangered plant species while walking along Mark Thomas Architects’ serpentine Tree Canopy Walk. This creative walkway is made out natural wood and lightweight steel, providing for the future growth of plants and placed so it is barely touching the preserved canopy.

2. Singapore

Fresh water is essential to both our health and in maintaining a healthy natural ecosystem. This can be problematic in cities like Singapore where there is a lack of access to it. To overcome this, the city developed a water purification strategy called “NEWater.” Singapore’s innovative strategies and policies towards improving the natural environment are part of what makes it Asia’s Greenest City, ranking highest overall in all environmental categories on EIU’s “Asian Green City Index (2012).” Environmental initiatives such as Singapore’s “Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC)” also contribute to the continuation of a green city, with their overall vision, “to distil, create and share knowledge on liveable and sustainable cities.”

Bishan Park – Displaying a lush and healthy ecosystem within Singapore, Bishan Park, designed by Atelier Dreiseitl is a rich natural ecosystem located right in the heart of Singapore. The naturalized river is an important aspect of the park that helps reduce the urban heat island effect and is a safe place where people can just step on in. Imagine that lunch spot during a tough work day in the office! 3. Hong Kong, China Hong Kong; a hub for trade, economy…and green space? Yes, most of its residents live within walking distance of parks, hiking trails, public gardens and other forms of green space. This doesn’t make it a surprise that one of the city’s strongest environmental categories on EIU’s “Asian Green City Index (2012)” is land use. Nature conservation is a centerpiece in Hong Kong’s city policies and plans for the future. This helps to protect and manage nature, as well as ensure the continuation of community access to it. Landgrab City – Urban Farm – To involve the community and create environmental awareness, initiatives are also taking place in Hong Kong. Landgrab City Urban Farm, designed by architects Joseph Grima, Jeffrey Johnson, and Jose Esparza is a unique installation that gives the urban community awareness of the overlooked world of agriculture that is needed to keep cities alive. The design includes a map of the downtown area, and a parcel of cultivated land built to the same scale needed to provide enough food for the population living within the area on the map.

4. Sydney, Australia

The city of Sydney has created a vision called the “Sustainable Sydney 2030,” with plans to become as “green, global, and connected as possible by 2030.” Sydney’s “Greening the City” and “Urban Ecology” action plans are two strong parts of the overall plan, and are important in creating a stronger relationship with nature. Part of the “Greening the City” vision is planting more trees all over the city, eventually growing into a canopy that is 50% larger than it already is. This could eventually cool the city temperature by 2 degrees Celsius, and benefit community health through cleaner air. “Urban Ecology” aims for biodiversity of plants and animals. This promotes the creation of more parks, wetlands, gardens, and plant life throughout Sydney.

The Goods Line – Planting more trees one project at a time, The Goods Line, designed by ASPECT Studios, connects Devonshire Tunnel under Central Station, Chinatown, and Darling Harbour. From an industrial site to a breathable green space, the site re-utilizes a former rail corridor, connects the space, and brings Sydney one project closer to the green, global, and connected future city of 2030.

5. Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm was the first city that the European Commission named as a European Green Capital in 2010, and serves as a role model for Sustainable cities. Ranking 1st in the buildings and transportation categories of EIU’s “European Green City Index (2012),” the city placed an extra tax on vehicles that drive within the city in order to cut down on car emissions which are harmful to the environment. This effectively reduced car emissions and increased more active lifestyles through biking and walking. The city is committed to energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a healthy community.

Royal Neighbour (Royal Seaport), to be fully developed by 2030, is an example of Stockholm’s effort in creating energy-efficient communities with access to nature. Developed through a design competition by ADEPT and Mandaworks, Royal Neighbour is going to be one of the largest sustainable neighborhood developments. Trees and vegetation are woven throughout the urban community, connecting the people with water, parks, and vegetation throughout the streets. Goals for the area include cutting back on carbon emissions, so that there are less than 1.5 tonnes per person by 2020. By 2030, Stockholm also hopes for the Royal Seaport to be fossil-fuel free! 6. Copenhagen, Denmark Named the European Green Capital in 2014 by the European Commission, Copenhagen’s environmental plan is highly ambitious with a goal to be carbon-neutral by 2025. Ranking 1st overall in Europe on EIU’s “European Green City Index (2012)”, environmental governance and community have been the strongest tools toward their goals. As Ritt Bjerregaard, major of Copenhagen said, “Campaigns to motivate lifestyle change are an important tool. We are also working hard to involve the citizens in developing solutions to the problems.” Israel’s Square and H.C. Orsteds Park – Israel’s Square, designed by COBE Architects creates an open space of activity between the busy market and the inviting urban forest within H. C. Orsteds Park. In combination these spaces benefit active life styles, environmental health, and biodiversity. Together they provide a little something for everyone amongst nature in the midst of a busy part of town. 7. Oslo, Norway Another European city with ambitious sustainability goals, Oslo has been aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% between 1990 and 2030, and greenhouse gas emissions by 95%! The city ranks 1st in both the Energy and CO2 Emissions categories on EIU’s “European Green City Index (2012),” largely due to their use of alternative and renewable energy sources and efficient energy policies. In order to also achieve climate resiliency, Oslo has developed a “Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.” According to the Oslo City Council, “The development of green spaces that effectively improve storm water management will be a key instrument.” Oslo uses the implementation and preservation of nature as a way to manage and regulate healthy ecosystems. Grorudparken, designed by Link Arkitektur, shows a project in Oslo aiming to combat flooding and improve water quality through the use of natural elements. To do this they used a strategy called fytosanering, which employs vegetation to absorb toxins from contaminated soils, cleaning the soil within 2-3 years. Biological treatment plants were also used to clean stormwater before it drained into the site. 8. San Francisco, California Starting as the founding place of the “Sierra Club,” San Francisco has been an environmental haven for years and has topped off every city in North America overall on EIU’s “US & Canada Green City Index (2012).” What makes San Francisco the greenest city in North America? An environmental act San Francisco is widely known for is their distinguished emphasis on recycling and “Zero Waste” policy. Residents are required to separate their recyclables, compost, and landfill trash. The policy must be effective, because they recycled 72% of their waste in 2009! What does recycling have to do with nature? By reducing landfill, energy consumption, and air pollution through recycling, it reduces elements toxic to nature. This in turn provides for healthier environmental growth, a healthier community, and a cleaner living environment. The California Academy of Sciences, designed by Renzo Piano is the only facility to earn an LEED Platinum certification, which is the highest level of sustainability. Located within Golden Gate Bridge Park, the sculptural green building’s living roof extends across 2.5 acres! The concept was literally to lift the land up and place a building underneath it, creating both a natural and dynamic sustainable masterpiece.

9. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, the birthplace of Greenpeace in 1970, has kept up with its environmental legacy, ranking 2nd overall on EIU’s “USA & Canada Green City Index (2012).” Vancouver’s “Greenest City Action Plan” aims to make Vancouver a global leader in urban sustainability. The 3 main overarching goals of the plan are: zero carbon, zero waste, and healthy ecosystems. Each area has a set of goals for 2020, including “to ensure that every person lives within a 5-minute walk of a park, greenway, or other green space.”(City of Vancouver)

The Vancouver Land Bridge, designed by Jones & Jones Landscape Architecture displays the importance of access to nature in Vancouver. This iconic design feature is a natural pedestrian walk of native plants that extends the existing natural landscape and connects the Old Fort Vancouver with the Columbia River. With a careful selection of vegetation, you will find yourself walking through several different habitats. Here, the natural environment not creates historical connections, waterfront access, and a safe pedestrian crossing over the highway. 10. Bogota, Colombia At the 5th UCLG World Congress in Bogata, city officials launched the “Public Space Policy Framework,” including a Natural Environment and Sustainability section addressing the importance of public green space and that it is essential in maintaining a sustainable and resilient city. The utilization and creation of public green space was recognized as an important strategy in adapting to climate change and improving public health. As quoted from the UCLG Committee on Urban Strategic Planning, “A good network of open green public spaces, when well-designed and well-managed, have the ability to combat urban heat islands and their impact on the urban microclimate phenomenon.” Centro Administrativo Nacional (CAN) – As a part of Bogota’s urban designing framework, designers must leave a certain amount of green space for more parks around homes. Hence the masterplan for Bogota’s Centro Administrativo Nacional (CAN) includes a green spine linking all of the zones together, creating a harmony of green space throughout government, residential, educational, retail, and cultural developments.

What Else is Going to Make Our Cities More Resilient?

We have seen that nature is an essential part of the rich system that makes up cities, but so is community involvement. Strong communities and environmental initiatives were a strong key to the success of each of these cities. The smallest actions of good can create a big impact in the long term, as we have seen in San Francisco through the simple act of community recycling. Think about the city you live in, what could improve your community’s connection with nature? Think simple; is there something small you can do to begin the domino effect of long-term change?

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Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Jeanne Connolly

Article by Maria Giovanna Drago – A review of The Drawers House by MIA Design Studio, in Vũng Tàu – Vietnam. The MIA Design Studio was born in Ho Chi Minh City in 2003 – from the collaboration of three individuals – and currently employs 30 people. Its projects are renowned for a certain attention to climate performances and for the integration of external and internal spaces. “Less, but better” is one of the company’s slogans. Among the most international eco-projects, there is the “Drawers House“. It is located in Vung Tau, southern Vietnam, and was built in just six months for a family of four persons.

The Drawers House

The Enclosure

The private residence gives the illusion of being the usual villa enclosed by walls when seen from the road. The thematic of the enclosure is strong, as if this presence is to protect the family nest, but in an alternative way: once you cross the threshold of the huge wooden entrance, you are dazzled by an appearance of greenery and transparencies surmounted by the blue sky. It seems like jumping into a micro-world indeed, intimately tucked away from neighbouring buildings and the road, but in which spaces have no visual boundaries thanks to open spaces and large windows. It seems like being outdoors while being indoors.

The Drawers The house occupies a rectangular lot with the two short sides slightly inclined according to the orientation of the road. A 3m-high wall runs all around, on the northwest side there is the entrance: a large sliding wooden door that opens onto a wide sidewalk adjacent the road. You can come inside to the patio, which is covered in grey stone and connected to the entrance of the house by two steps. To the right of the patio itself there is a slightly raised square pond; a 5m tree with large, light green leaves stands in its center.

The First Drawer

The residence is called “The Drawers House” because of its plan organization: three rectangles – which include the interiors – are parallel to each other but separated by two outdoor rectangles of greenery. People immediately enter into the first rectangle: this is the living area – kitchen, dining and sitting area – and it looks outside to the patio and the pond thanks to a fully-glazed façade.

It also faces the first of the private green spaces on the other side, which is reachable thanks to sliding folding doors shaded by 3m curtains of bridal creeper hanging from the roof. Here there are two trees – similar to the one at the entrance – on a lush lawn. Walking along a long corridor, whose external side is also covered by the bridal veil creeper branches reaching the floor, you can walk the northeast side reaching the sleeping rooms and glimpsing the courtyards, as they are not accessible because of vertical brise-soleil; you can access outside there only from the adjacent rooms.

The Second Drawer

The second “drawer” includes a master bedroom: the entrance opens into the walk-in wardrobe which leads in turn to the bedroom. This last overlooks the “drawer” of greenery thanks an entire glazed wall; a door at the end of the room separates it from the bathroom.

The Third Drawer

In the third “drawer” down the corridor there are a single bedroom, a double bedroom, a bathroom, a dressing room and a storeroom. All the windows are organized to face a wall and not a window. Finally, the same cascade of green branches also protects the south-west side, although they are not accessible due to the small distance between the walls of the “drawers” and the enclosure itself.

The Oriental Culture

It is possible to see the typical elements of eastern architectural culture by carefully observing the residence: as an example, the presence of the pond in the garden of many traditional houses is here revamped in a modern way. The clarity of the interior spaces is appreciable thanks to the invisible control of an imaginary grid, the “drawers” have almost the same size and are aligned in a pretty neat plan indeed.

White is the predominant colour, with black details on the borders and the columns of the living room, while the furniture is in dark wood. The large windows allow the eye to flow between inside and outside, as if there are no borders, and they’re characterized by the bridal creeper’s bright green branches, a climbing plant native to south-eastern Africa which produces small white flowers, acting as curtains falling from the ceiling.

The Environment

The climate control is one of the MIA Design Studio strengths, which owes its success to designing the environmental comfort with style. In this particular case, it makes use of both the brise-soleil’s little curtains and the bridal-veil creeper’s branches – characterized by small shiny leaves – to filter the light and protect the space from the tropical sun typical of South Vietnam. In particular, the branches also fall on the walls, allowing them to keep their freshness more easily. Furthermore, the “Drawers” of green interlard with the residential spaces, fostering the ventilation.

Another peculiarity of the project is the white overhanging roof that protrudes for about two meters out of the facades’ limit, both to protect the corridor – which is external, between the “Drawers” and the enclosure, but so protected as to act as internal space – and to screen and shade the large glass facade of the living area. The pond at the entrance has not only aesthetic value, but the water cools the air through evaporation. The MIA Design Studio clearly designed the Drawers House right, according to the Vietnamese climate. Would you be able to apply the same eco-friendly solutions to your country? If not, what would your choices be?

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Full Project Credits For The Drawers House:

Design Firm: MIA DESIGN STUDIO Client: Mr. Tuan Project Location: Vung Tau, Viet Nam Lead Architect: Architect Nguyen Hoang Manh Concept Architects: Architect Nguyen Hoang Manh, Nguyen Quoc Long, Nguyen Van Thien Technical Design: Architect Bui Hoang Bao Construction Drawing: Architect Nguyen Thi Mai Phuong Interior Design: Steven Baeteman, Lu Minh Khang Completion Date: June 2016 Photographer: Hirouyki Oki Recommended Reading:

• Becoming an Urban Planner: A Guide to Careers in Planning and Urban Design by Michael Bayer
• Sustainable Urbanism: Urban Design With Nature by Douglas Farrs
• eBooks by Landscape Architects Network

Article by Maria Giovanna Drago