Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network

Article by Kamil Rawski – Green Ladder, by Vo Trong Nghia Architects, in Sydney, Australia Green areas have always been important to the environment of our cities. But in the future, their importance will be even greater. Most people associate such areas with recreation and relaxation, which is correct — this is one of their basic functions. In addition to leisure, green areas have many other purposes, which we can divide into ecological, environmental, and esthetical aspects. Are you able to imagine a city without natural elements? Unfortunately, there are still a lot of places where people ignore the role of greenery planning in urban spaces. This problem has been noticed by architect Vo Trong Nghia, who designed Green Ladder, which can be seen on the Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation’s (SCAF’s) annual architectural pavilion series. Through this project, he wanted to show a possibility for bringing nature back to the city.

Bring Nature Back

A Long Way to Australia

Before the design could be presented in Australia, it had to come a long way — from Vietnam. The green ladders that give their name to the project were modeled on typical Vietnamese ladders. Materials were obtained in that country, and they were also combined into modules there. The entire process of creating the bamboo elements included soaking them in natural waterways for two months, then smoking them for another month. The completed project was first seen at the 2016 Asia Pacific Architecture Forum, which took place in Brisbane in March. After that, it was finally sent to Sydney for SCAF’s exhibition.

Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation

You can see Green Ladder on SCAF’s Fugitive Structures Dec. 10, 2016. It is part of a temporary pavilions exhibition used for researching and testing new concepts. This is the first time that Vo Trong Nghia has shown a project on exhibition in Australia. He gave a speech during the opening week of exhibition, which enabled him to showcase his idea to listeners.

How the Project Came About

The Green Ladder pavilion has been designed to resemble a dense green forest. The project shows us that bamboo is a great building material: Not only is it cheap, but it also has tensile strength and large structural and design possibilities. That is why it can be called “green steel” and can compete with regular steel. The architects hope to raise the audience’s awareness about how bamboo can be used. This is one method landscape architects can turn to to increase the use of natural resources in urban spaces.

Construction

The main component of this architectural pavilion is the bamboo. It can be obtained quickly and cheaply, because it is a type of a grass that grows extensively in Vietnam. Due to the low cost of cultivation, it can be bought for just dollars per cane. In this project, the green ladders are made from bamboo elements connected with rope. It is a basic module, which after duplication creates a porous structure.

It is more stable than it seems, because it is forming a grid-like frame. Everything is complemented by planter pots, which are situated in the spaces between the ladders. These are the braided baskets, which have regular, rectilinear shapes. The plants inside them give an impression that the whole composition is more dynamic. Part of the pavilion is designed to allow people to walk under the connected ladders or crawl among the baskets and see how it looks from below. It gives the impression that the visitor is inside the object. Up top are see-through plastic panels that create a protective roof. You can walk from one level to another by climbing three-step stairs.

Connecting People to Nature

The pavilion creates a connection between nature and people. Green Ladder is something more than just a construction for aesthetic or functional aspects; it is a kind of catalyst for human-nature interaction. The use of “green steel” – bamboo – in this project may encourage other designers to use a broader range of more natural elements in their urban landscape projects. Through the use of bamboo as “green steel,” landscape architects can create interesting designs that can be a green oasis in the concrete jungle of the city. Do you have an idea of what could be designed from “green steel”? Share it with us in a comment!

CLICK TO COMMENT

Full Project Credits For Green Ladder :

Project Name: Green Ladder Architectural Firm: Vo Trong Nghia Architects Principal Architects: Vo Trong Nghia, Kosuke Nishijima Design Team: Victor Llavata, Pham Huu Hoang, Tran Vo Kien Plant Selection: Micheal Moran (SCAF) Contractor: Wind and Water House JSC Status: Completed in July 2016 Program: Exhibition Location: Sydney, Australia Site Area: 20 square meters Photographs: Brett Boardman Client: Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation (SCAF) SCAF Website: https://sherman-scaf.org.au/ 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

Article by Eni Çeka – We take a look at 6 awesome campus designs from around the world that have contributed to happier, healthier and more productive environments.  A campus — the grounds and buildings of a university, college, school, office, or hospital — is an academic, social, or spiritual entity. It is crucial that this space be attractive and functional, because it is a place where most of us spend a considerable amount of time. A subtle integration of this outdoor space with the natural environment, physical activities, social meetings, and relaxation enables diverse experiences. “First life, then spaces, then buildings – the other way around never works,” says Jan Gehl, an urban design expert. Here are six great campus projects that demonstrate how exceptional landscape designs can increase the joy of users and enhance their quality of life. (click on any of the headlines or images for more information on that project)

1. Umeå Campus Park, by Thorbjörn Andersson with Sweco architects, Umeå, Sweden

Imagine if your rest breaks could take place in a lovely campus that invites natural beauty in. One such great design is offered in Umeå Campus, Sweden’s fifth-oldest university and home to 35,000 students, professors, and researchers from all over the world. The campus offers a generous variety of places with a unique character that merges with nature while providing spaces for non-conventional academic activities and informal gatherings. Connections among the buildings, park, and the artificial lake are made through carefully designed paths, walking trails, and three terraces with floating piers. Unique interaction and a harmonious combination of work and play make for a great atmosphere in this campus.

2. Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus, by Studio on Site (Hiroki Hasegawa), Tokyo, Japan

The Teikyo Heisei University campus design is all about the experience of a place, in which the perfect atmosphere of a space becomes the place. A reinterpretation of nature creates a truly unique experience achieved through a repeated square-shaped pattern and Zelkova trees. The paving directs users through different motifs, with black and white granite paving stones and wood decks for contrast. The flooring pattern also differentiates vertically on various levels to indicate diversity of uses and activities. Here, a symbiosis of design and function creates a truly special experience.

3. Symantec Chengdu Campus, by SWA, Chengdu, China This exciting one-hectare campus serves as an oasis in a dense urban location, greatly improving the overall quality of life in the city. A weaving of the building, vegetation, and path create a magical feeling of finding ourselves in a natural environment far from the city. The beauty of this functional and environmentally sensitive project lies not only in the design itself, but also in the perfect harmony between modern and old traditional Chinese design. Deciduous trees characteristic of Southwest China and different types of conifers give the typical sense of isolation found in ancient Chinese gardens. Soft LED lights installed inside wooden paths contrast with the greenery by creating a charming aura even at night. 4. Caulfield Campus Green, by Taylor Cullity Lethlean (T.C.L), in Monash University, Victoria, Australia The playful atmosphere of this campus offers new ways of learning through its engaging design. The university’s motto, Ancora Imparo (I am still learning), is applied not only indoors but also outdoors. Here, learning is interactive and simulated by the natural environment. The local ecosystem is exposed to users to educate them using eco-revelatory design. ERD reveals the processes of stormwater retention, harvesting, and treatment. The water clarity guides people from the beginning ponds with no vegetation to the last pond full of native wetland vegetation. The campus is open and free to students and staff, but also to passersby willing to explore the different topics within.

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

What can be more environmentally conscious than a campus with 78,000 square feet of green areas and 9,000 square feet of wooden terraces and decks? Add to this the fact that the wood is made of 60 percent bamboo and 40 percent non-toxic resin, the walls are covered with black volcanic granite, and low-maintenance plants were added to decrease water usage. All of these sustainable measures are applied in Coyoacán Corporate Campus, winner of the All of these sustainable measures are applied in Coyoacán Corporate Campus, winner of the CEMEZ Award in 2013 and first in the category of “Commercial and Mixed Uses.” The corporate building of Coyoacán is located in one of Mexico City’s oldest neighborhoods and is built horizontally so that the landscape design serves as a transitional space from one building to another. This project is an outstanding example of people-oriented design with its buildings and landscapes designed at human scale, creating a stronger connection between users and the space. This project is an outstanding example of people-oriented design with its buildings and landscapes designed at human scale, creating a stronger connection between users and the space.

6. The Cox Enterprises Gardens, by HGOR, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

As winner of the Honour Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2008, The Cox Enterprises Gardens display how a brilliant project works. The implementation of HGOR’s SEE philosophy (Social, Economic, and Environmental needs) creates a very successful and engaging space for people to enjoy. This office campus design is integrated with the landscape, combining formal shapes and free lines that result in a dynamism that matches that of the company. All of the elements converge at the central water surface, which reflects the surrounding environment and a seating area. The multifunctional space also offers the possibility of physical activities with views of nature.

Whether we are talking about a university or an office building, the innovative designs of these campuses offer different ways to make people healthier, happier, and — as a result — more productive. Each of these projects demonstrates that by carefully designing the space between buildings, we decide what kind of public life we want to have.

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 Eni Çeka

We take a closer look at safety in landscape design, discovering its importance and how it helps the profession of landscape design be what it is today.  Landscape Architecture is much more than a drawing board with creative ideas. It encompasses many aspects of proper planning and design with implementation of those plans wrapped up with proper follow through to ensure the customer is completely satisfied with the finished product and service. Often overlooked in the name of profits is safety, and while it outwardly appears that this is an area a Project Manager can easily skimp on, the inward reality is this is not so. Let’s look at a scenario that is commonplace, that being shoring. What should be of utmost importance when undertaking a job that requires workers to be in a trench is preventing the soil from shifting and moving in thereby trapping the worker(s). When proper hydraulic shoring jacks are used, worker safety is a priority and the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the job is sure to improve thereby ending with a finished product and service that at least meets if not exceeds the customer’s expectations and your company profits as well.

Safety In Landscape Design

Safety should never be ignored no matter how small or big the project is. If you are performing the simple task of planting your garden or are the Supervisor of a major project overseeing the complete renewal of the grounds of your local university, adherence to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s guidelines for potential hazards and solutions will only help your experience as you work to improve the landscape of your garden or the project at the university. Most of us have the experience of working with, or for, someone who did not adhere to the OSHA regulations and paid a consequence for this neglect. Not only can the individual suffer physical consequences, the company and individual can be financially damaged. No sane thinking person wants to put themselves in this position. Careful thought and consideration all through a project no matter how big or small will pay handsomely in peace of mind for all involved. To those whom are not familiar, landscape architecture helps save millions of dollars and creates an environment for generations to come to enjoy and lead healthier lifestyles. Perhaps the company landscape at the office building is dull and lacks the ergonomic features and benefits that encourage the employees and managers onsite to be at their best while at work. Landscape Architecture can be utilized and implemented at a variety of locations ranging, certainly not limited to, hospitals, college campuses, business parks, apartment and condominium complexes, government sites, and don’t forget interior designs! All will benefit from an improved environment filled with color and imagination which will improve the overall culture no matter the location.

Safety in Landscape Design

By placing safety as the priority no matter how big or small the project is, be it a simple weekend in the yard at the family domicile to a large project at a hospital, everyone will be delighted with the end result and the subsequent features and benefits brought not only to the individuals who work or live on site but also the neighbors and community at large. —————————————————————————————————————————- Author’s Bio Wendy Dessler Title: Super-Connector at OutreachMama Wendy is a super-connector with OutreachMama and Youth Noise NJ who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition. You can contact her on Twitter. 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

Featured image: By Steveen Manon from New York, United States. Cropped and slightly edited by Daniel Case prior to upload – Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, source

Article by Irene Crowo Nielsen – We explore some of the best ways you can get on the professional ladder and enjoy the benefits of securing your own landscape architecture internship.  You have made it this far. You are studying landscape architecture and you are now a step closer to your first job as a landscape architect. One of the smartest things you can do now to advance your career, get real-life experience, and prepare for the future is to land an internship with a landscape architecture firm, whether it is just for the summer or compulsory for your course. It is always a little overwhelming to step out into the real world, and a question that most surely will pop up in your head will be “where do I find one?” We at Landscape Architects Network (LAN) want to give you some tips that might be very helpful in landing your first internship. Keep reading and get ready to find that perfect fit.

Landscape Architecture Internships

• LinkedIN: Did you know that LinkedIN has its own job search tool where you can search for internships by country? It is easy to use and gives fast results. Use your personal network for a contact at the company where you would like to intern. Make sure your profile is up to date and that you have a link to your online portfolio/website/blog (if you do not have one, you should make one; it will most definitely help your career).

• Alumni network/your school’s job listing: This is a good way to start looking for internships. Talk to people in your school alumni network for a reference, talk to your teachers, show your interest. You will be surprised how many would be interested in you.

• ASLA, AIA, and other professional landscape (and architecture) organizations around the world: If you’re not a member of a professional landscape organization in your country already, it is smart to become one. The organizations can help you on your path to becoming a landscape architect and answer all the questions you must have. They regularly post internships and jobs.It is also smart to check the professional architect organizations in your country, as they are becoming more and more connected to our field. In the United States, AIA (American Institute of Architects) ensures that if you get a student membership, it will help you upon completing your education through the connections you will make with educators, architects, designers, and other professionals.

• Social networks: Search for internships and network on Facebook, Twitter, and all other social networks of which you are a member.

• Pick up the phone and pay a visit: Bring your printed portfolio along, and you will be impressed to see how many companies appreciate a good, old-fashioned “face-to-face” meeting. Show them your passion!

• Generic internship website: These include indeed.com, anyintern.com, internships.com, glassdoor.com, etc. These are for the United States, but other countries will most likely have similar websites.

• 

  Get Green Roof Construction: The Essential Guide, by signing up to our VIP Club HERE!

  LAN’s VIP subscription: Join the exclusive LAN VIP club and be the first to hear about new internships from all over the world. Signing up for this club will also keep you up to date with the latest competition announcements, which can help make your portfolio stronger.

The Bottom Line for Landscape Architecture Internships

Obtaining an internship does not have to be an overly stressful experience. Try following these tips to help you land that first professional experience. If you succeed in your internship, you not only obtain the position you want, but also the know-how that can help you land your future job. And remember, if you do not get the first internship you apply for, there is always another one. Never give up! Good luck! What firm would your dream internship be at?

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 Irene Crowo Nielsen Featured Image: By La Citta Vita – Landscape architecture, BercyUploaded by paris 17, CC BY-SA 2.0, source.

We look at techniques to make a small backyard look bigger so you can get the most out of your private outdoor space. Working with a small backyard is both easy and tricky at the same time. The limited space is actually easy to work with, since you don’t have to add a lot of elements to fill it. It is also easier and more affordable to create different landscape designs for a small backyard. On the other hand, the limited space means you have to be extra creative with what you add to the yard. There are actually so many things you can do to make a small backyard look bigger. While it’s fun to talk about the different design ideas and tricks to try, we’re going to focus on the top three tips that will help you get started.

Small Backyard

Use Diagonal Lines

It is not a secret that diagonal lines can help make a space appear bigger when used correctly. Instead of adding straight lines or patterns, one of the first elements you should add to the limited backyard space is diagonal lines. You can, for instance, lay pavers in a diagonal pattern or simply make the walkway diagonal. You can also add extra layers to enhance the effect. Adding stepping stones on top of the pavers or using slightly different shades of decking to form the diagonal lines are great ideas to try. Another trick you may want to try is creating the illusion of space by reducing the width of the walkway as it gets further to the back of the yard. Do it subtly; a small reduction is enough to create a believable illusion. This will make the yard look bigger than it really is.

Go Vertical

While the backyard itself is limited, the vertical spaces on its sides aren’t. In fact, you should have more freedom with the vertical space, which means you can easily play with designs and ideas to fill it. A vertical garden is always a good idea to try. One thing to avoid is filling the entire wall or vertical space with vine or other similar elements. According to Laura Westrude from ALD MN, this will actually make the entire space look smaller and more cluttered. What you should do is add wooden racks with plenty of spacing. You can then use tin cans and pot hangers to add plants to the vertical space. This will also make the entire space easier to clean and maintain in the long run.

Let There Be Light

One last tip you should keep in mind when working with a small backyard is to control the way light hits the space. You don’t want large trees or other obstacles blocking the light, but you also don’t want the space to be too open. A simple, transparent or patterned patio roof covering a small portion of the space can help. Alternatively, you can use smaller trees placed near the corner of the backyard to help create the same effect. Make sure you don’t end up cluttering the space with furniture and other items too. Are you ready to turn your small backyard into a comfortable space to spend time in? Use these tips to help you get started with designing your own beautiful garden. 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 Guest Featured image: Licensed under CC0 License – Link to source

We take a look at how to keep your garden healthy during winters, covering a rang eof tips that will ensure you get the most out of your outdoor space.  Now here comes the autumn; a perfect time to give more attention to your home garden! It has served you during scorching summer and has soothed your nerves with its beautiful flowers. Now, during winters, it deserves extra care to be lush, beautiful and healthy garden for spring ahead. To your service and knowledge, garden specialists Oeco Garden Rooms, brings easiest, most effective and handy tips on how to maintain your garden during winters as well as upcoming garden trends that you must follow.

Garden Healthy During Winters

1. Preparing & Maintaining Your Lawn:

For new lawn, dig and turn over the soil. Rake and settle it. Your garden may get plenty of water naturally over the winter, but if your region has little rain then you may want to consider investing in a quality watering tool, such as Gilmour garden hoses, to keep your plants healthy. To prevent weed growth during spring, this is the best time to apply herbicides and keep your lawn clean. Keep on mowing the grass during the fall and keep the length at medium so that sunlight can reach the grass easily and prevent it from turning brown. Rake the fallen leaves otherwise it would suffocate the grass and cause fungal disease.

2. Taking Care of Plants:

Few plants go dormant during winters. You must cut off blackened stems and clear dead foliage like annual flowers to prevent spread of disease. To prevent erosion, retain moisture and enrich the soil, spread mulch all over the soil; fallen leaves are a good source of mulch so better use it.

3. Equipment at Rest:

As mowers, are not needed; you must check and remove the battery/engine before storing it. Run it out of fuel, clean the blades, wrap external pipe with coarse fabric and store it in dry place. Apply some lubricant on tools like edger and pruning shears to prevent corrosion.

Upcoming Trends for your Garden:

Since you have planned to decorate your new garden for upcoming season, you would love to consider the following latest trends:

1. Landscaping:

It has attracted a lot of homeowners, primarily, because of its time, energy and money saving nature. Landscaping your home releases you from the stress of mulching, pruning, trimming and lawn mowing. It not only preserves nature and creates beautiful environment, but also requires little maintenance.

2. Contain Berry Bushes:

Fed up of large berries bushes in your garden? Save space and use those pots and containers in your backyard! These colorful berries are the beauty of your garden that you would love to retain, decorate and move whenever and wherever you like. Containers are very easy to maintain, retain and give your garden that breath taking mosaic look.

3. Growing Herbs:

Growing herbs is popular among kitchen gardeners and luckily it is easiest to plant. Even the empty windowsill can be used for this purpose. The twofold advantage: fresh herbs and decoration at its best.

4. Garden Rooms:

This trend is becoming popular among homeowners who need to have a separate soothing living place, a home office or hobby room, within budget. Garden rooms are insulated and hence, can be used all the year round.

5. Hi-tech Garden Gadgets:

The use of hi-tech gadgets has made gardening more interesting. From smart phone apps that remind to water the plants to gadgets like plant sensors, automated sprinklers, robot lawn mowers, scarecrow, blowers, solar tiles and many others are trending that make your garden more beautiful and tech-oriented. 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 Bilal Sajjad Featured image: By Toby Ord – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, source

We take a closer look at the Asbestos in construction, discovering how i can be harmful and what you have to look out for. Asbestos is a harmful substance known to cause serious health diseases to those exposed to it. It was once a popular strengthening element in construction and is now commonly found in building, structures, and vessels that have been around since the 1900s. Studies conducted in the recent years have uncovered the dangerous effects of this naturally occurring substance. Today, the use, distribution, and handling of asbestos are closely regulated to avoid seriously grave fatalities.

Health Implications

Mesothelioma – a cancer known to be almost solely caused by asbestos exposure. It is acquired when inhaled asbestos fibres penetrate the lung walls. This deadly disease takes up to 45 years to develop and is known to be incurable. Lung cancer – a fatal occurrence in people greatly exposed to large quantities of asbestos. Asbestos-related lung cancer has the same symptoms—coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain—as lung cancer caused by other factors. It takes up to 25 years to surface and cases often lead to fatality. Asbestosis – a benign yet serious lung disease that potentially leads to death by heart failure. It is characterized by scarring and inflammation of the lung tissue. It causes extreme difficulty in breathing as scar growth restricts oxygen transfer to the lungs. Like mesothelioma, there is no treatment for this grave disease and often appears after 10-20 years from initial exposure. Common places Insulation – In the past, it was common to use asbestos for insulation. Asbestos had several functions in insulation including noise blocking in walls, and strengthening of concrete compounds in water pipes. Asbestos testing is recommended for cracks found in walls or pipes. Wall or ceiling panels – Asbestos is commonly found in ceiling tiles, tile adhesives, and duct wrap in older structures. Asbestos was a popular component in ceiling texture sprays used from the 1940s to 1990s. The risk of asbestos exposure only becomes harmful when fibres become airborne. This is often the case for buildings that under renovation, construction, or those that have been damaged by storms. Roofing materials – Asbestos was often used to strengthen construction materials. It was also added as a component in roofing materials for fire resistance. Since the discovery of its harmful side effects, the use of asbestos in construction has declined. Floor tiles – Like roofing materials, asbestos is also found in floor tiles. Typically used to add to the products’ durability, vinyl sheet, rubber and asphalt flooring were often made with asbestos. Asbestos is almost always found in all establishments built pre-1990s. Fire door of furnaces – Asbestos was popularly utilized in fire doors and furnaces as it is naturally heat resistant. While it was designed to provide protection from heat damage, the use of this substance is now strictly regulated due to the serious health implications it poses.

Managing Asbestos

It is inevitable for people in working in construction to be exposed to asbestos. This is particularly true for those involved in huge commercial renovation or construction projects. A variety of asbestos removal certification classes from OSHA-accredited institutions are recommended to workers that are most at risk for asbestos exposure. Safeguarding the area from asbestos fibres exposure is the first order of business before further development is made to a building. Removal – Complete removal of asbestos is an option that totally eliminates the risk of exposure. It is an invasive procedure that is best fulfilled by highly trained experts. Encapsulation – Asbestos is only dangerous when the fibres are inhaled. Thus, sealing asbestos with a special resin virtually cancels out any risk for exposure. Enclosed – In some cases where the first two options are not feasible, an enclosure is built to safely lock away any asbestos contents. 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 Bilal Sajjad Featured image: By National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) from USA – LeBlanc Construction Photos 2012, Public Domain, source.

Article by Bhanu Mahajan – A review of the Rock Garden, by Nek Chand, Chandigarh, India, shows us how to  convert waste into art and landscape. Parks and green belts are the lungs of a city. They help to minimize the environmental stress caused by automobiles and industries, and also act as recreational spaces. But with the increasing demand for land in urban centers, it is hard to find such spaces, particularly in developing countries with densely populated urban settings. With the generation of huge amounts of unrecycled municipal waste going into suburban landfills, many cities start to become unlivable. Lots of untreated piles of waste and no green spaces for recreation are something that we often see in our cities.  But can you imagine a sculpture garden inside the woods, designed as an amalgamation of art, nature, and landscape — and made completely out of waste.

Convert Waste into Art and Landscape

The Rock garden is one such unique space, which has a water channel, rocks, woods, an open-air exhibition hall, a theater, and a labyrinth, all interwoven into a delightful maze that all of us would like to experience at least once in our lifetime. And the best part? It is made of household waste, creating a Hollywood-style fantasy world of sculptures in the form of temples, palaces, kings and queens, animals, birds, and human figures. Situated in the foothills of the Shivalik mountain range and located between the Sukhna lake and the famous Capitol Complex, which is a UNESCO world heritage site designed by Le Corbusier himself, it is one of the most visited tourist spots in Chandigarh. Spread over 20 acres of forest inside the city limits, its popularity has even dwarfed that of the magnificent structures designed by the master architect.

History of the Rock Garden

The Rock garden was created by Nek Chand, who was a government employee and an unusual artist who gained so much global appreciation after the creation of the garden that his sculptures are now exhibited in museums such as the American Museum of Folk Art in New York, the Capitol Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C., and in many others in Europe (The Hindu). Chand constructed the Rock gradually, over a period of 18 years, beginning in 1958. During that time, Chandigarh was being planned as a modern city under the vision of Le Corbusier.

Chand, a road inspector, roamed the city and found this stretch of virgin forest, where he secretly started making sculptures in various forms, using rocks, waste bottles and containers, bangles, garbage bins, tubes and tires, broken tiles, utensils, and all other sorts of urban and industrial waste. For seven to eight years, he collected waste from nearby villages and dumping grounds on his bicycle, and after 18 years, he had built 20,000 rock forms and sculptures. In 1975, the garden was accidently discovered by a senior official, who threatened to sue Chand for doing illegal construction in the forest and to destroy all the sculptures. But after the Rock garden received praise from various artists, it was thrown open for public viewing in 1976. Since then, the number of visitors has only increased. Today, it is preserved in its original form without any interference from the strict planning and architectural by-laws of Chandigarh.

Design and Layout

The layout of the garden is based on the fantasy of a lost kingdom, with 14 different zones such as the king’s palace, his army, and villages. It has a main Durbar (king’s court), which has natural stone forms depicting gods and goddesses, and a swimming pool for the queen. (Chandigarh tourism). The use of bridges; a mix of unpaved, semi-paved, and stone-paved walkways; alleys; and narrow openings defines the movement patterns for the visitors. The main entrance is marked by the presence of large boulders and rock-cut art forms. The open-air theater is separated by an arcade, which surrounds a small children’s play area and an art gallery.

Each and every space is interconnected through hidden walkways, doorways, and arches, and each space is different in size, shape, and layout. Like in a thriller movie, one curiously leaves one space only to a get a view of a surprising new space. The presence of small pools and a large water channel, which runs throughout the galleries, surprises visitors at various spots. The water stream is powered by a waterfall, where some visitors prefer to take a shower in the summer. The Rock garden is a perfect case of utilization of garbage to create a public space for recreation. Since its formal inauguration in 1975, it has attracted immense art and tourism activities, and is famous among environmentalists, as well. A perfect mix of hard and soft landscape, this project successfully demonstrates how waste can be manifested into art and how creative landscapes can be designed with a minimal environmental footprint. It has become a landmark in the city. A stroll through the Rock garden is a must for nature lovers, art connoisseurs, and everyone else who doesn’t want to miss a mesmerizing landscape. Can you think of other ways waste could be used to create awe-inspiring landscapes?

CLICK TO COMMENT

Full Project Credits For Rock Garden :

Project Name: Rock Garden Location:  Chandigarh, India Year of Construction: 1958 Size: 20 acres 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 Bhanu Mahajan

We take a look at 3 methods used to establishing grass for best performance and beautiful landscapes that are sure to impress. A well-designed landscape includes a variety of different plants optimized for their size, color, type, and season. Each designer and each job have unique characteristics that make them distinct from the others. But there is typically one common thread throughout all landscaping, and that is the presence of grass. There is no other option that is as affordable, durable, and attractive as various grasses for areas where larger plants can’t be used. This is not exactly news to those in the landscaping business. They understand the value and role of grass even if they make other mistakes. But what they may not know is just how many options there are for establishing grass. Getting the grass where it needs to be with a properly-prepared site and good startup care is critical to establishing a strong stand of grass. There are several different methods for getting grass started, each with its own unique characteristics.

Methods For Establishing Grass

Hydroseeding

Sometimes a site is too big, too steep, or too difficult to access for the most common methods of establishing grass. Hydroseeding can be a perfect solution to many of these problems. This method uses a specialized truck that’s filled with water and hydroseed mix. The truck’s pump sprays the seed and water onto the area being seeded. Hydroseeding is widely used in mining and construction, where large areas of steep ground must be seeded quickly. It’s a great option in certain home situations, especially in wetter parts of the country where the rapid establishment of grass is critical for erosion prevention. The green dye used in the seed mix helps the operator see which areas have been covered, and the dose of water launched onto the site with the seed gives a little irrigation too. The downside is that hydroseeding is cost-prohibitive for small jobs. Most hydroseeding companies won’t even return your call for a home lawn or small business project. In addition, the hydroseeding truck is not a precision instrument. It uses high pressure and covers long distances, so it can be very messy to use near buildings.

Sod

The use of sod to establish grass can be a very effective method. Grass is grown from seed on a sod farm, then peeled off the soil and stacked like lumber on a truck. It’s carried to the job site where it’s installed almost like patio pavers. With sod, you can literally establish grass instantly. There is no waiting for seed to come up and no messy hydroseeding. This is especially valuable when a quick sale of a new home is desired, or when repairs have been required to an existing lawn after excavation or a home renovation. The main challenges of sod are the cost and the upkeep. Keeping sod alive and healthy during transport to the destination site makes it more costly, and there is considerable hand labor involved in setting the sod. Also, because sod uses mature grass that has lost much of its root material during harvest, sod must be heavily watered to ensure good root establishment. The site must also be well-prepared and ready to accept the growth of roots.

Broadcasting

We complete our list with the method most people know, the process of scattering seed on the ground and then covering it with straw mulch. The advantages of this method include its cost and simplicity; seed is relatively cheap, a seeder can be bought at any home improvement store, and the work can be done by the homeowner. The two biggest challenges with broadcasting are the coverage and the time involved. It can be difficult to ascertain just how thoroughly you’ve seeded an area. It takes time to retrace your steps and see if you have sufficient seed in an area. And grass can take one to two weeks to germinate from seed, so if erosion is a concern, broadcasting may be too slow. You’ll also spend considerable time keeping the seed watered.

Sure Fire Methods For Establishing Grass

Grass is a necessity in almost every landscape. Getting it started is much harder than keeping it going. But the good news is that there are different seeding methods that can help you tailor your techniques to your situation, giving you the best possible chance for a beautiful green cover on your lawn. 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

We review 5 ways you can get that lawn of yours and turn it into an eco-friendly landscape that is sure to inspire others to do the same.  A green yard gives more than just a green look. It adds health and sustainability to your landscape in an environment-friendly way. Green landscaping also referred as eco-landscaping, is a way to create, design and maintain your landscape to save money, time and energy. It reduces air pollution, nurtures wildlife, water, and soil to make healthy recreational spaces. One notable component of it is the use of renewable energy sources like solar for landscape lights. Below are 5 ways to turn your lawn into an eco-friendly landscape:

Eco-Friendly Landscape

Plants and Hardscapes For a Green Landscape

Plants are a central part of a green landscape. Consider native plants for cultivation, as they will be well-suited to your region’s environment. Make sure you stay close to home when making your selection. Just because a plant is native to the United States doesn’t mean it would be good for your landscape. You can also use the assistance of local experts to avoid any aggressive or invasive natives. Avoid plants that spread to wild areas and choke other plants, like Purple loosestrife. Hardscaping can also be green. Permeable pavers are an environment-friendly way for concrete driveways, as they help the water to absorb into the ground instead of getting wasted in lakes, rivers, storm sewers and the other water bodies.

Use Recyclable and Reusable Material

Use recyclable material (bricks, glass, stones and concrete pieces) to create new materials for landscaping. You can also select recycled plastics or sustainable materials to build a deck and fence. This not only helps save money, but also reduces the waste.

Water Carefully

Do not water your lawn in the heat of summer. Grass has a natural tendency to go dormant. Water it at careful intervals. Use organic mulch around the trees and garden beds to prevent weeds and maintain soil moisture. Apply drought-tolerant landscaping tips for dry regions, where the water supply is scarce. You can still use right plants and designs for a beautiful display without using any supplemental water. An easy way to collect water is to store rainwater in rain barrels. Use it naturally for your garden’s needs.

Landscape to Save Energy

Strategic placement of trees in your home helps to save energy. Moreover, channeling a summer breeze to your home reduces your energy bills. Research your region on the US Department of Energy landscape map to discover energy-conservation tips for improving the aesthetic appearance.

Reduce or Avoid Chemicals

Try to avoid chemical pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides. These chemicals will increase the effects of water and air on the plants. Use only organic materials such as animal dung and blood to enrich soil nutrients. This approach will have a magical effect on the soil’s health, thus improves the quality of your entire garden. Apply small amount of nitrogen-based fertilizer if need be during Fall and Spring seasons. This increases the growth of grass positively. Eco-Friendly Landscape – This is NOT a quick fix Green landscaping helps homeowners to save money, time and resources while cultivating a healthy environment for plants. It is wise to use organic fertilizers for the growth of plants. There is no quick-fix or a short-term solution to an eco-friendly lawn. Put in some efforts and the results will be long-term. 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 Bilal Sajjad

Article by Agmarie Calderón Alonso – A review of Vertical Times : A Vertical Park for NYC, by 100architects, in New York City, USA We are used to seeing green spaces spread out over the landscape. Most parks and public landscape projects, even in cities where acreage is at a premium, cover only one level. When those spaces have all been used up, what’s next for our cities?

How about going vertical?

This question intrigued the landscape architecture group100architects, which has designed a new park for New York City that is six floors tall. 100architects specializes in architectural projects and interventions in public spaces that invite users to interact and encourage the occurrence of social dynamics. The group was founded in 2013 in Shanghai, China, and is currently led by three partners – Marcial Jesús (Chile), Madalena Sales (Portugal), and Javier González (Spain) – establishing an international collaborative workshop based in Shanghai.

The Point of the Project

The point of the Vertical Times project is to visualize what the setting of the “Big Apple” would look like if an urban park could be inserted into the middle of Times Square. In order for it to work, the design would have to have purpose and functionality, and offer a positive impact in an already impressionable city. We are living in an era where everything is built big and tall, so no matter what they built, it had to go up — literally. 100architects considered what kinds of recreational activites could work in the space, and came up with an interesting sequence of events for each floor or platform.

“The main conceptual idea of Vertical Times lies in multiplying the intended space for public recreation in a vertical way,” 100architects notes on its website. Times Square is already an amazing space within New York City., Because it gets lots of traffic – both from native New Yorkers and from tourists — this “vertical wonder” of a public space has to be very innovative and interactive. It is intended to be of use by everyone in the city.

Verticality and Density

The shape can be described as a virtual cylinder 12 meters in diameter. The platforms are organized vertically, up to a height of 55 meters (approximately 180 feet), and the whole structure occupies just 113 square meters. It is designed to completely release the ground floor from any structural element except the central column. The structure is a combined system of concrete and steel, based on a reinforced concrete central core, acting as the main column transmitting the loads to the ground, as well as hosting the central lift. Radial steel beams support each platform. There is also a secondary structure of metallic tensors on the exterior of the cylinder, absorbing vibrations.

Six Floors of Fun and Recreation

The first platform is a carousel playground for kids, like the ones typically seen in a carnival or park. The second platform is ball a pool. These first two floors are the children’s domain. By the third platform, you will find a hammock plaza where you can just relax and absorb the city’s sites from a new perspective. The fourth floor is a sky garden, with plants such as Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) and Common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus); you can just be with nature deep within the city. On the fifth and sixth floors, you will find a restaurant and a sky bar, where adults can enjoy the interior space.

Landscape Architecture’s Next Big Thing

It is an ingenious design and concept; I believe it could be the next great thing for architecture. 100architects has come up with the perfect storm in building or creating something that brings the urban parks/site necessities into the city. As I mentioned before, this is just a proposal; it might not be free if built, but it would definitely be a site to see. By developing this interesting idea, the designers have given us a chance to understand where architecture, design, and landscape can be taken into the future. Projecting this concept onto paper brings light to obscure minds, and elevates the possibilities for future architects and landscape architects.

This vertical way of creating space could have a positive impact on cities and their ecological footprint by improving their efficiency in terms of land, resources, and energy consumption. It is a morphology of urban thinking, spatial opportunities, function, and knowledge of the surroundings. This is the new way of multiplying the public space within a cityscape — making space possible where it has been thought to be impossible. It is the footprint of what it is to come, not letting simple and square structure dictate what the urban space should look like. By going vertical, we are maintaining the essence of old school architecture, but bringing a twist into what the area can actually be. I do believe that by conceptualizing this new idea, we are able to converge the old with the new. Not only it is possible, but it is also inviting to the people surrounding the space. The art of architecture and its landscape is one of letting people in. By knowing what the city needs, the idea can become reality.

CLICK TO COMMENT

Full Project Credits For Vertical Times: A Vertical Park for NYC :

Project: Vertical Times: A Vertical Park for NYC Architect: 100architects Location: New York City Type: Conceptual Prototype 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 Agmarie Calderón Alonso

Article by Moreira Filho – We collectively look at the past 10 years and highlight 10 inspirational projects that have become icons of landscape architecture. We stepped out and took a look at the last 10 years of projects and separated out the very best and most awesome ones from each year to show you so that you can learn how to be an awesome landscape architect with these inspirational designs. Check them out. Learn more about any of these awesome projects by clicking on any of the images or headlines.

Inspirational Projects From the Last 10 Years

2015 – Know how to Link Work and Free Time with Navy Yard Central in Philadelphia

This project preserves the historical aspects of its surroundings and provides sustainability. Located inside a growing industrial and business part of the city, its design provides the idea of engines working, creating a work-place environment as a result and some places where workers can take a rest.

2014 – Want to Prove how Landscape Architecture can be Really Important for the World? National Arboretum in Canberra, Australia Teaches you how

In addition to being the recipient of 2014 World Architecture Festival’s Landscape of Year Award, it joins a gorgeous design of land with preservation and educational aspects. Sustainability integrated into design is the first factor that made this project a winner. Therefore, if you are looking for inspiration for your next project, surely this is our good tip; native and exotic species were separated into groups and put in the landscape as a big garden. WATCH >>> National Arboretum Canberra: World Landscape of the Year 2014

2013 – Are you Searching for Futuristic Inspiration? Take a Look at South-Marina Bay in Singapore

This project has as its highlight, vertical gardens full of tropical epiphytes, climbers and ferns positioned into 18 “Supertree” towers. They have a futuristic design that impresses the viewer with the sensation that we are on another planet. It takes up 54 hectares where horticultural gardens share space with different kinds of flowers and colored foliage. That’s why it deserved the 2013 Landscape Institute Fellows’ Award for Climate Change Adaptation.

2012 – Kyushu Sandyo University – Links Culture with Contemporary Design

Free walks make for a free creative mind. This project in Kyushu Sandyo Universiti in Japan, designed by DNA – Design Network + Associated – shows us how it is possible. It is divided into three spaces; The first is the Amphitheater, with its crackled and irregular lines reminding the traditional terraced rice fields. The second is a Central Plaza, an oval pergola with cloud-shaped benches and little stools share and mix up the place with shrubs, trees, flowers. In this scenario, you can walk freely because it doesn’t have any rules for walking marked on the ground by the design. Organic and geometric lines pass over the waterway harmonically and accessibly; free as our mind must be. And finally The North Street; a big path guided by camphor trees.

2011 – Learning how to Cause a Huge Unifying Sensation and Connect People with Darling Quarter Project

Created by ASPECT Studios on around 1.5 hectare in Sidney, it takes an innovative direction for this business part of the city, almost like a shopping mall – without roofs. How so? It is surrounded by two 6-star commercial buildings, a huge theater called Lendlease Darling Quarter Theatre, cafes, wine bars, restaurants and a large playground where children can play with water flowing like a small river through concrete stones. Everything was thought to make the connections between the city and people.

2010 – Quarry, Gardens and Landscape Architecture, is it Possible? Sure it is and Quarry Gardens Project Shows us how

Anyplace can be intervened in even though it can be a subtle intervention. This old quarry within Chenshan Botanical Garden in the surroundings of Shanghai was completely transformed with subtlety by THUPDI and Tsinghua University project. It’s about a combination of stones of that place, CorTen steel and a light wooden pathway drawn with minimal intervention over the water in the mirror lake. Sometimes, intervention is totally mixed withoriginal land, bringing a wonderful and unused combination to the landscape. That’s why it got an ASLA Honor Award in 2012.

2009 – Gubei Gold Street Shows that Living Outdoors is Better It is not a simple pedestrian area. It is Gubei Gold Street in Shanghai. All the good conceptions of landscape architecture were combined into this promenade by SWA project. In a very bustling and crowded part of the city, an old street was transformed into a shopping mall for pedestrians, with green spaces distributed in small plazas with colorful and illuminated benches, crossed by some fountains and rectilinear mirror pools and a large space opened for pedestrians – this point attracts people’s attention instantly.

2008 – Levinson Plaza – Boston: People Come Back to the Public Realm

Materials and vegetation chosen for lawns, canopy trees, and ground design, were all organized by Mikyoung Kim Design. And all these ancient elements of what used to be traffic and train congestion near Huntington Avenue in Boston were pressed artistically into the ground design. At this point, play areas were created for children, as well as community gathering spaces, recreational spaces, and other areas that provide to citizens a location for activities, such as tai chi practice, for example. Different sizes of trees and shrubs were chosen to minimize sound and visual problems. Pavement is strong and drawn along the diagonal in a graphic pattern.

2007 – Must we Know User’s Wishes Before we Start Designing? New Road, Brighton Project in Brighton, UK Shows that this is the way of Success

Landscape Projects and Gehl Architects worked together to find out all sorts of information about people’s lifestyle, experience and wishes before they started any thought of intervention in New Road, Brighton, UK. Lots of questions were considered before starting, i.e., how would the traffic of vehicles be, and how would the commerce react. So, they created a space where cars can pass slowly and people can walk around freely, with places to have a sit or park a bicycle and that could be lit in the night because of the theaters and restaurants around.

2006 – Renaissance Park, Chattanooga, US – Reborn to Teach that Landscape Architecture is the Best Tool for Recomposition of the Land

In a toxic land something started to change. An industrial area full of toxic residuals in the soil and water, forbidden for people to access, gave space to a public park. Elevated piers were created over wetlands as riparian vegetation was restored to offer opportunities for wildlife contact. Designers took advantage of the deep cavity that emerged from the excavation of contaminated soil. They planned a floodplain storage basin by creating a wetland system that collects wastes and naturally filters part of them before the water reaches the Tennessee River. So, the vegetation and the water does the work of regenerating the soil and air, organized as a big draw in the land by the design of Hargreaves Associates.

2005 – Do you Want to Know what Makes a Successful Street? Roombek, the Brook, in Enschede, the Netherlands, has the answer

The greatest challenge in landscape architecture is to make streets which restore life in urban centers, creating cities for the people. In this project, the river was developed for the citizens in a new design with crackled artificial stones surrounded by trees and paths, and of course, the street. These stones help the places flow in time. It is a strong rectilinear design but sufficient to improve people’s contact with the water and vegetal elements.

Observation is a skill every landscape architect must have. The study and comprehension of these projects allows us to take notice of our own mistakes and inspires us to improve our designs. There are so many huge projects that it is almost impossible to choose only 10. If you didn’t see your favorite project in this article, find the link in our site’s search box and put it in the comments. Tell us: what is your favorite one and why?

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 Moreira Filho