Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network

Article by Kurt Longland We explore some useful YouTube videos to give you a crash course in AutoCAD, a staple of Landscape Architects all over the world. AutoCAD is one of the fundamentals of our design industry, and will continue to be used as part of the industry standard. So it is only a matter of time before you will be introduced to the program. While on the surface it looks plain, simple, and just waiting for your paper-based project to convert into a digital design, the hidden complexity underneath makes AutoCAD hard to master. While practise, time, and exploring will allow you to understand the quirks of AutoCAD, time is of the essence. So to speed you along or to introduce you to the program, here are a collection of YouTube videos/series that we recommend as we take a Crash Course in AutoCAD.

Crash Course in AutoCAD

Step One, the Basics

To begin the Crash Course is this miniseries by easycad4you; during the duration of these three clips they begin by explaining how AutoCAD is laid out. First, they show how you can move around the model spaces and interact with both the control panel above and the command prompt line below. WATCH >>> AutoCAD 2015 Tutorial 1: “Introduction to AutoCAD”.

Then with this introduction under your belt, the next video shows working with basics lines, and how to merge multiple lines into a single object. WATCH >>> AutoCAD 2015 tutorial 2: Basic Drawing

For the last video, easycad4you presents how to save your work, and how to set the autosave timer, an invaluable resource for any autoCAD project. It then explains and presents the drawing aids that are seen in the bottom bar. It also reveals how to draw in isometric projection. WATCH >>> AutoCAD 2015 tutorial 3: Protect your work and Drawing Aids

Another video that introduces the AutoCAD basics is this one by AutoCAD Tutorials. The way it has been presented is a more hands-on, as-you-go approach, but it also shows how to transfer your work to the layout pages in order to scale drawings, and print. WATCH >>> AutoCAD Tutorials for Beginners

Step Two; but What About This…

However, for those that are in the middle of a panic, know the basics, or just require a refresher course, these next videos are on quick tools and tips to assist with your AutoCAD dilemmas.

Layers!

As mentioned in Rob Koningen’s “10 Must-do’s to Become a Professional AutoCAD User”, Layers are one of the greatest benefits and curses for a beginner in AutoCAD. Not only can they be hard to manage, but understanding how to navigate them can be one of the biggest learning curves to the program. However, this video below features clear instructions on how and why layers are created, managed and used. WATCH >>> AutoCAD for beginners – Add and Edit LAYERS (change colour, linetype, lineweight…)

OSNAP

Osnap is a hand tool that allows the user to see the relationships within the linework, such as the middle point, line edge, node point or centre lines. With this tool, you can make sure your work remains as precise as possible. WATCH >>> AutoCAD 2D – 4. How to use OSNAP (drawing with precision)

Blocks

Designing CAD trees, benches or tables can become tedious affair and when a site requires mass representation, individually drawing each artifact would take too long and trying to copy and paste every time could become troublesome with complicated work. However, there is a method of using and creating Blocks. Blocks are small groupings of selected lines, and once saved will always create these lines when required. The advantage of Blocks is that once a block is created it can be saved and reused in other AutoCAD Project. See the video below on how to create blocks. WATCH >>> Beginners Autodesk AutoCAD 2014 Tutorial | Creating Blocks

Printing to Scale

When the work is complete or another computer requires the documents, instead of creating a snapshot of the project or presenting the raw files, there are the layout options in AutoCAD. Not only does this video show how to transfer work from the model space to layout space, but it also covers how to scale the drawing to the desired and correct scale. WATCH >>> AutoCAD – 13. Print from Layout (simple and complete tutorial!)

Extensions

While AutoCAD offers many options and much freedom in our creative work, there are applications and plug-ins that can greatly assist by saving time. So here is a clip on how to install these apps. WATCH >>> AutoCAD Tutorial Load a Lisp or Application

For an example on some of these applications please view the range of articles written by other members of Landscape Architects’ Network:

• The art of Creating a Legend AutoCAD Tutorial
• 5 Easy Steps to mess up your AutoCAD Drawing and make it look Better
• Turn Useless Objects into Gold; Give your AutoCAD Drawing a Makeover
• How to Place Large Quantities of Trees in a Master Plan Instantly with AutoCAD
• Add Detail Sections AutoCAD

Step Four, Good Luck!

This concludes the crash course in AutoCAD, hopefully these clips have helped you as much as they have been able to help us. But alas, some of the greatest tips and practises come from our own personal experiences. So we leave with this; What has been your greatest advice or go-to when working in AutoCAD? Recommended Reading: 

• AutoCAD 2016 For Beginners by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• AutoCAD 2014 For Dummies by For Dummies

Article by Kurt Longland

Article by Miriam Judith González Bolívar Kungsbacka Square , by White Architects, in Kungsbacka, Sweden Some places embed strong roots in the memories of their inhabitants. Unfortunately, over time, these important places may be replaced and forgotten. The memory remains dormant, waiting to resurface to help new generations understand the meaning those places once held for their community. Awakening this history and restoring it to the social and visual environment is no easy task.

Kungsbacka Square

How do we revive the nostalgia of the past?

Kungsbacka is a municipality in Halland, located in southwest Sweden. It is a picturesque town characterized by its wooden houses from the Nineteenth Century. In the heart of Kungsbacka, a church that had once been the heart of the community had been replaced by a parking lot. White Architects took on the challenge of revitalizing the dead square and honoring the place.

Back in the 1980s, the city of Kungsbacka had big plans for square, including shopping malls, a food hall, and an underground parking lot. By the 1990s, the project was close to being developed, but city officials had rejected the plans as unsightly. The final project, completed in 2012, consists of three important layers: The Square, the Cherry Copse, and the Pedestrian Street.

The Square

The plaza covers a total of 7,500 square meters revolving around the site of the old church. Paving plays a central role in the design. A checkered pattern defines the entire square, respecting the town’s grid of roads. The checkered grounds provide the versatility to host different events, meetings, and functions of this public space. Another ground pattern delineates the contours of the former church. Benches have been arranged to remind visitors of religious services, filling the center of the square. Flowerpots in the corners mark the boundaries of the church space.

These two different paving textures are made out of quarry by Hallindens Granite model Tossene gray bohus. This mineral has as its main components the shells and skeletons of so-called fossils, tested by SP, the Swedish National Testing and Research Institute. This mineral has a matte surface and is slip resistant, making it ideal for open spaces. At night, the center of the square is the principal attraction. The church benches are illuminated and the altar acts like a lampshade on the floor, becoming the only bright spot in the whole space. This creates a really nice and warm ambiance for pedestrians. For this special transformation of Kungsbacka Square, Nola Industries, a Swedish company that has created award-winning designs for the urban landscape, had the assignment of designing custom urban furniture to commemorate the old church that once stood in the square.

This furniture includes two kinds of benches:

• Church bench: This bench has a contemporary design that combines with the outdoor space. The streamlined benches have a versatile design that can be arranged in different sizes. The dimensions of these benches are 140.5×0.50×0.55m, 0.45m. They are made up of individual panels of steel plate, zinc-electroplated gold-chrome and powder-coated of 5 inches thick, pain slats have a 40mmx92mm measure. The seat is made of pine. These benches are low maintenance and able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
• Kajen bench: This bench was created from wooden slats. This bench can be adapted to other Kajen series, with back-head and footrest or standard bench with backrest and armrest, making it a versatile bench. Dimensions vary as with the church bench; lengths vary from 1.20 to 3.00 m, height, 0.46 m and depth 0.40 m. Seat and backrest are crafted in slats made from alkyd oil enameled pine.

Cherry Copse

The square itself has a strong presence in the city. In contrast to the tough, checkered paving of the square, a simple but lovely copse of cherry trees has been added to smooth the contrast of textures. The function of the canopy works as a seasonal transition; the cherry trees are a guideline that announces the changing of the seasons. The perimeter of trees also works as a border for the square. Pedestrian Street The renovation of the square has meant an increase in pedestrian traffic. Pedestrianization has become something very popular and friendly to the environment and inhabitants.

With the renovation of the square, it was natural to revitalize the surroundings to give a different aspect to what it was. The municipality decided to convert Norra Street, at the northern end of the square, into a car-free road. Now, pedestrians can move freely from place to place. This allows for outdoor spaces for commerce, such as open-air cafes and benches where people can sit. The decision to convert Norra Street into a pedestrian zone triggered a series of disagreements with local shop owners, because of the introduction of new rules related to the square. They said the square was too much “empty space”. However, the municipality bet on the appeal of outdoor spaces. (Well done!)

Modernization Reconciling with History

The successful integration of modern elements into a historical place blurs the limits between them, integrating them harmoniously and aesthetically. Taking back forgotten places without leaving behind traces of the present is important when revitalizing sites. Once again, Kungsbacka Square is a space for reunions and meetings. It is a place that respects history, and where this history meets the present, it brings back the place Kungsbacka Square used to be, giving residents a new space for recreation, relaxation, and something very important: the reintegration of the square to the community. Now, new generations will know part of the history of their town. Do you know a renovation project that respects the history of a place?

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Full Project Credits For the Kungsbacka Square :

Project Name: Kungsbacka Square Location: Kungsbacka, Sweden Landscape Architecture: White Arkitekter Client: Kungsbacka Municipality Project Date: 2009-2012 Completed: 2012 Area: 7,500 square meters Cost: 22 million SEK 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

Article by Miriam Judith González Bolívar

Article by Caitlyn Bell We explore 3 considerations one should take when selecting a crane hire company. When preparing yourself for a massive project, you need to be able to trust that you have the ideal tools for the job. But with so much to deal with and such a varied selection, it’s hard to know where to begin, and most importantly, what to look for in the machine of your dreams. While not too long ago reviews of commercial hiring were largely left to word of mouth, the age of information has made it quick and simple for you to find a business to trust.

Crane Hire Company

1. Variety There isn’t just one type of project, so why would there be one kind of crane?

To be able to make an informed decision on which company is the ideal fit for your project, knowing exactly what you need from the company is a necessity. Businesses that specifically cater to a small selection of crane types may be the way to go if they can suit your desired outcomes, however in commercial hiring, a wider selection should never mean lesser quality, and a varied portfolio allows for more specification in your choices. From the Liebherr 1130’s advanced mobility for delicate work in smaller spaces, to the Franna AT22 compact agility for faster transport, crane hire isn’t a “one fits all” business, and your projects should never have to settle for less. 2. Track Record Like most professions, experience is key. A company that has managed to keep up with ever changing trends and technology over the long term should not only have a vast knowledge and understanding to lead you in the right direction, but should also have a portfolio of successes to put your mind at ease when deciding to entrust your capital to them. 3. Quality Not all cranes are built equal, and though you can be sure that there is a required standard for power and reliability, there are a plethora of brands and companies that stand out above their competition. Going through every single review and critique for a business would be a daunting and ultimately unnecessary task, but making sure that whichever company you choose has had a history of customer satisfaction can save you from a lot of disappointment. Also it must be said that, although some companies may try to hide it, a poorly maintained crane can’t hide itself for long. While not having the latest models is easily excused, as a tried and durable model can still pose strong competition, cranes that have been overused and under-maintained can put both your work and personnel at a great disadvantage. The cheaper options may seem promising in the short term, and high quality options can still be found for a reasonable price, but always make sure that what you’re buying is up to the challenge before you put it to the test. It’s easy to be led astray with so many companies vying for your attention, but knowing you have the tools to make a quick, informed decision about who to call will let this be the least of your worries as you focus on the task ahead. Article by Caitlyn Bell All images supplied by author via www.shutterstock.com

Article by Domenico Pistone Urban Design Projects – We explore 8 urban design projects that have transformed communities, giving people hope and prosperity. Society changes and with its needs. The desire to unplug from the daily chaos pushes city residents to look for small or large urban oases where they can relax and recharge their batteries. Urban design consultant Jan Gehl has said that the urban landscape must be considered through the five senses. German philosopher Martin Heidegger says the concept of a living space is similar to wearing a dress. And the architect Richard Rogers said, “You cannot think of architecture without thinking of the people.” Here are 8 people-friendly urban design projects that have transformed their communities.

Urban Design Projects

1. Gas Works Park in Seattle, Washington, USA

Smoke, pollution, darkness, and malaise are the first things we think of when we imagine the urban factories of the 1900s. Now, however, wandering through the Gas Works Park lawns helps us realize that everything changes, and that what once was dark, full of smoke, and dangerous is now one of the favorite meeting places of the citizens of Seattle — a space where the only existing rule is to relax and socialize. A series of hills and avenues transports us from panoramic views over the river to the discovery of industrial archaeology. Disarmingly simple, the space allows visitors to fully enjoy those places through the five senses. Designed by landscape architect Richard Haag, Gas Work Park has become a meeting place for gatherings, peace movements, and groups awaiting the arrival of the summer solstice. WATCH >>> Richard Haag Projects: Gas Works Park

2. Farm Cultural Park in Favara, Sicily

Dostoevsky said that “beauty will save the world.” This is the phrase that perhaps most of all helps us to understand the power of urban design projects through art and culture. Urban design projects don’t necessarily have to be restricted to large cities. It can redevelop space and improve the lives of citizens even on an island in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Farm Cultural Park is a small cluster of houses and courtyards with an Arab matrix similar to a “kasbah” renovated and put to the service of the city. A contemporary art gallery in the open air has been developed between the old courtyards of the city, among the small roads that connect it to the main square — a secret garden, a place to breathe positivity. WATCH >>> Favara Farm cultural park – Art Show 2013 (Italy)

This small museum dedicated to art, design, architecture, and the connections among people has, in just a few years, managed to teach the beauty of a country to a citizenry full of distrust and little desire to react. Now, a new “Children’s Museum” is being designed in an attempt to teach the culture of beauty to the citizens of tomorrow: Favara’s children. If urban design projects aim to be an instrument of the physical and mental wellbeing of the citizens, then we can all learn something from this wonderfully realized project.

3. The Goods Line in Sydney, Australia

This innovative, elevated park has been created along a stretch of abandoned railway that connects to the Railway Square at Darling Harbour in Ultimo, Sydney. The Goods Line has become a focal point of the city by pushing people to stop and socialize. There are several “social infrastructures” that facilitate socialization and the sharing of space, including an amphitheater with free Wi-Fi, children’s play areas, table tennis tables, stands, and raised laws. The Goods Line is also a metaphor for the social and economic transformation of Sydney from an industrial city to a modern-knowledge economy. Every detail is designed to boost the connections among citizens; the straight line has been abolished and the movement helps to create new spaces for festivals or events. Here, a stroll above the city is interspersed with rest and gatherings.

4. Superkilen in Copenhagen, Denmark

We all know that many of the best things grow out of comparison. We also know that the contrast can be better appreciated when broken down into quality parts. Here’s how — in one of the countries bathed by the North Sea — diversity becomes quality. In Copenhagen, for a half-mile in the city, there is one such example in the open air: Superkilen. Superkilen is a mystical and sensual place that, through clever play and the foresight of the planners, brings together 60 works of good design in one of the city’s multicultural neighborhoods. This Surrealist collection of objects and projects comes from all over the world. Here are the palms of China, the neon lights of Qatar, and the beaches of Los Angeles, California. All are redesigned with a lot of details, leading to an explosion of colors that attracts citizens and improves life in the city.

5. Metropol Parasol in Sevilla, Spain

One of the new symbols of Seville is the Metropol Parasol. The appearance is futuristic, with sinuous and enveloping forms, but actually, embodies all the principles of green building. The building was finished in 2011, as part of the redevelopment of the old Plaza de la Encarnacion, which was in complete degradation after the demolition of the old market of 1973. The architect J. Mayer began by considering the life that the market gives the city, thinking and creating an exceptional work that it is structured on five levels. The first level is the basement overlooking the archaeological remains found during construction. The second level houses an area used as a market that can host numerous stands. The third level houses the shows and the fourth is a restaurant. The fifth and final level is a unique sensory experience — a walkway in a terrace that embraces the old quarters of Seville. It is a wooden lattice with an organic shape — and was the largest wooden structure in the world. The structure, with its form and its tunnel, allows free air circulation on hot summer days, but also acts as an “umbrella” protecting passersby from direct sunlight. This project brings the market square back to life, mingling the historical and the contemporary. WATCH >>> Inhabitat talks with Architect Juergen Mayer H. about the Metropol Parasol

6. Place d’Youville in Montreal, Canada

When the story is interwoven with the wisdom and imagination of the architect, small jewels give new impetus to a city. Here’s how Place d’Youville, a small green lung along the city’s waterfront and the old harbor, becomes a place of exchange. Different uses (domestic, commercial, and institutional) are underlined by the different types of material used, blending as they come into contact with one another and giving way to allow different people to meet and talk. This green corridor of the city becomes a link between the people and the city’s buildings. The relationship with history and the contemporary theater leads people to linger and savor the calm that this place gives to those who live nearby.

7. Lake Paprocany in Tychy, Poland

Water is the main source of life. Many cities have sprung up near a river or lake. RS + Robert Skitek help us to understand why, with their project that repurposes the routes around Lake Paprocany in the city of Tychy. The materials used are mainly natural, encouraging the inclusion of the project within the context. The LED lights, shadows, and colors also help to set the mood. The designers used different techniques and devices that combine the modern design aggregation of citizens: the wooden benches that become forums to see the shows, the networks that become hammocks for relaxing, the sound of water, the shadows of the trees. This is a magical place where each of us, at least once in life, should go to relax.

8. Fremantle Esplanade Youth Plaza in Fremantle, Australia

Young people will be the citizens of the future, and at a time when the social media companies are trying to replace the real company of fellow human beings, examples of good urban design projects dedicated to children must be increasingly present in our cities. The Fremantle Esplanade Youth Plaza has become a major example for the world of how a central space can serve the community. Accessible to all types of people, it offers a wide range of activities for children of all abilities. The design revolves around the history of Fremantle as well as its present. The different shapes and materials underline the diversity present in society. WATCH >>> Opening Day Video from Fremantle’s Esplanade Youth Plaza

The ramps are accompanied by a large xylophone. This is an installation that helps citizens to escape, if only for a moment, from the bustle of the city, creating a wonderful feeling of freedom.

Understanding Urban Design Projects

Sir Winston Churchill — politician, historian, and British journalist — once said that “First we shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us.” This is an argument that we should all take seriously. As citizens or architects, we must have the conviction that what we do will always have repercussions for ourselves. So why not build quality spaces to benefit us in turn? Why not get used to inhabiting places and respecting them as if they were our homes? Quality pays, and these 8 urban design projects from around the world should help us understand how, through good building and a policy of creating beauty, we can help people feel good about each other and to live better in the city. Do you agree? 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

Article by Domenico Pistone

Article By Aybige Tek Baan Plai Haad Pattaya Resort by The Beach, by T.R.O.P Terrains + Open space, in Soi Naklua 16, Wong Amat Beach, Thailand Living by the beach is a dream. Most of us that are in big cities dream of living in a beach resort at work or under the pressure of daily life. So, how do you create a global beach resort with a sense of creativity within a fabulous landscape for people who dream to live by the beach breeze? Baan Plai Haad Pattaya Resort’s landscape architects and architects found exactly the right solutions to this question. As a matter of fact, they have created such a great place that- this project even brought them a recognition from “TOP TEN Architects in Thailand 2013”, by BCI Asia Award.

Baan Plai Haad Pattaya

How is the Natural Landscape and Landscape Architecture of the Resort? Baan Plai Haad Pattaya Residential Units face this designed landscape when they look down from their balcony; one can see the triangular and irregular geometrical shapes of grass and hard surfaces that are combined with water channels filled with stones. Pools are around everything. These pools have individual trees standing one by one like a visual feast. Almost feng shui and zen-like simplicity is created with these stand-alone trees on the pools. The pools are accompanied by tall green fences.

Leading to the Beach From the Apartments

The stairs at the slope lead a person to the beach from the apartment units. We can certainly say that the landscape architect aimed to create continuity in these spaces. Movement helps with eye strain and relaxes the mind. The users can rest their eyes, enjoying this flowing landscape design and also take a walk down to the beach, passing all this landscape.

Palm trees create that beach-resort feeling in the landscape. Stairs have grass on the threads. Every 3rd to 4th riser has grass on top. You do not only see stairs: you also see gorgeous green grass in between! The parking lot is also circled with lots of trees, almost like a buffer zone between the noise of the city and this resort.

The Night Time Atmosphere

Going to the apartments at night, tenants are welcomed by green walls with great lighting design in between. The surrounding walls have landscape design and this looks much fancier than a plain wall without any plants. An outdoor jacuzzi and pool complete the landscape with activities. Sounds of water elements are used a lot in this project and those sounds create a peaceful atmosphere. Green walls are plentiful and they are planted on grid wall systems. Some trees are planted with their own sculptures, like cube-shaped plants.

Which Plants are Used at the Resort? T.R.O.P. landscape architects used the natural geography of the site and 12-meter slope which is genius. They have used what is given. The landscape architects touched the nature at minimum conditions, only to solve problems. The project consists of two different zones in its landscape. One zone is entry and the other is the hill zone which looks green from the seaside too. The plants used are Zoysia Japonica grass, Banyan Trees, Champaka, Makamong, Bungor, Yellow Oleander, Diospyros Buxifolia, Flame tree, Frangipani, Bengal Almond and Petel Balm. The grass chosen (Zoysia Japonica) is a low-maintenance grass which is also durable under sea breeze. How is the Residential Unit’s Architecture? The buildings are precast concrete with balconies. This resort has quite strong space planning! The entry starts with car drop-off that leads to the lobby and seating areas. The lobby, office of the building, mailroom, seating area and lift lobby spaces are very welcoming interior designs. The library and fitness area are valuable spaces for the buildings. As we go up the floors with elevators, there are 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom residential units. There is another facility room at the top of the building and another infinity pool with ocean views. There are also some trees on the roof. The 6th floor also has a community roof with a landscape and a small pool. The elevations feature aluminum grille-work which gives a new trendy look to the buildings. Quite fascinating grille geometry and patterns wrap the buildings’ elevations. The lobby has huge spaces that are decorated with wood details and awesome indoor furniture. How did the Complex put this Together for People to Enjoy? A community-building garden is the crucial part of this project. Imagine a place you just pack and go and make new friends too. The 6th floor pool and the infinity pool on the roof are strong get-together spaces to relax and unwind from the day.

What is the Overall Experience of Tenants of the Complex ?

One person can enjoy the gardens to rest and to meet other people. The jacuzzi and swimming pool opportunities can keep the tenants in good health. Going down the stairs to the beach is a route to connect to nature. The whole resort is connected to the beach in a way that is also connected to their homes. One step out and the person is at the beach. That’s quite a good life, isn’t it ?

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Full Project Credits For the Baan Plai Haad Pattaya Resort by The Beach :

Project Name: Baan Plai Haad Pattaya Resort by The Beach Architect: Steven J. Leach Architects Architect Team: Phongphat Ueasangkhomset, Chanachai Bamroongphong Interior Designer Team: Steven J. Leach Architects Ltd. Totsapol Wibunsin, Julie Limsnukan Landscape Architect: T.R.O.P (Terrains + Open space) Lighting Designer: Whatandhow studio: Sanchai Kornwattananon Developer: Sansiri Ltd Project Location: Soi Naklua 16, Wong Amat Beach Date of Completion: 2015 Size: 4 Rai (Approximately) Awards: Recognition from “TOP TEN Architects in Thailand 2013”, By BCI Asia Award 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

Article by Andrea Robezzati

Article by Jeanne Connolly Planting design have you stumped? Take a minute to consider these essential components of planting design that should be applied to EVERY project! When used correctly, plants can create an empowering design that evokes all of the senses and draws the viewer in for more. To say that planting design is complex would be an understatement. This combination of both plant science and the artistic vision can be challenging to both the botanist and the landscape architect. What we want to do is find the place between these two worlds that creates a scene pleasing to both sides of the brain. But where to start? And out of the endless species of plants, which ones to use? There are 10 important considerations that need to be made in order to create a successful planting design. Let’s get started!

Planting Design

1. Analyze your site’s existing conditions

As James Van Sweden says in “Gardening with Nature,” “Consider the site’s natural framework.” A good site Inventory and analysis is essential for every project and can go into great detail, but when it comes to selecting plants, it is especially important to consider the climate, soil type, and topography.

• Know and understand hardiness zones

This is an essential key to selecting plants for your project. The plants you would select in Florida probably would not survive in a colder region such as Michigan. If you are not sure, use the Plant Hardiness Zone Map. This map, created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), shows the average lowest winter temperature in 13 different zones determined by their location in the United States. Each zone represents a 10-degree Fahrenheit difference, with Zone 1 as the coldest and Zone 13 as the warmest.

• Look to Existing Vegetation

Existing vegetation can tell you which plants already thrive in your site’s soils and which ones don’t. Consider using plants that require similar soil and growing requirements. This can make the soil analysis and plant selection a little easier, although, a soil test never hurts to be just a little more accurate.

• Use the Natural Topography to Your Advantage

Pay attention to the natural topography of your site and use it as an advantage in creating your intended experience. Van Sweden mentions, “An upward-sloping garden has the drama of a raked stage, whereas a downward-sloping garden does not reveal its mysteries until visitors walk through it and then look back from below.” Be sure to find the problem points where the drainage might be an issue, such as steeper slopes. Also, be aware of the difference in caring for plants on steep slopes vs. flat land.

2. Be aware of the Environmental Impact

Aesthetics are only one part of the planting design process. As you select plants and materials, think about what benefits they can provide to your site ecologically. Consider native plants that are already adapted to the environment and require less maintenance and fewer extra pesticides. Also, recognize the role of water in your design and consider water management practices such as rainwater catchment and harvesting systems.

3. Identify the Users’ Needs

Before jumping into your design, you need to identify your clients’ or users’ needs. Always make sure you ask the right questions when the opportunity strikes. Do they need more space? What are their favorite plants or color schemes? What specific problems do they want to see addressed? If your site is located in a public area, spend some time there and notice how the space is used and how people interact with it. Take note of noticeable problem areas that need to be resolved.

4. Connect to the Context

Take a minute to step back and look at the big picture. What is the setting surrounding your site? Identify whether it is urban, residential, natural, etc. Try to make connections between your design and the surrounding area to maintain a sense of place. You can do this by repeating or including similar plants located within the context of your site.

5. Use a Variety of Forms and Textures

In Oudolf and Kingsburys’ “Designing with Plants,” they make a valuable point: “A good planting should have enough variety of shape to look interesting in a black and white photograph.” Think of your planting design three-dimensionally and picture how the full-grown height and spread of each plant will create and enclose spaces. Trees are the most dominant form, giving the height of the space and enclosure beneath their canopies. The most horizontal forms — such as sprawling ground covers — create width, and shrubs fill in to create balance between the two levels. Don’t forget about texture as you select plants. Texture adds movement and contrast that excites the eye. Plant textures are characterized as coarse, medium, and fine. Coarse textures have the most dominant and bold features, such as huge, irregular leaves or thick branches and thorny twigs. Fine textures have the most delicate and small features, such as thin needles, strappy leaves, tiny flowers, and narrow trunks.

6. Establish a Theme

Establish a style or theme on which you can base your plant selection and spatial organization. This is really the inspiration and concept of your design, and you should be able to go back to it as you continue through the design process. It can be formal or informal, or relate to culture, a time setting, a place, a feeling, or anything that you think is relevant to your site.

7. Consider Color and Seasonal Interest

Color can beautifully bring a composition together, but it is only temporary in planting design. When selecting plants, think about the opposite season — will your design still be interesting? A successful planting design provides interest and beauty all year around. This does not necessarily mean you should compose your design completely of conifers, but also think about their fall color and form.

8. Design in Layers

Plant from big to small! Start with your largest trees and work down to your ground cover plants. There should be clear ground, foreground, middle ground, and background layers. Avoid gaps by overlapping and massing plants within your layers, both vertically and horizontally.

9. Group your Plantings

Grouping plants helps create structure and unity, and can achieve your intended amount of enclosure. Massing a certain plant species can give it more contrast and structure among the other elements in your design. Thomas Rainer explains the importance of massing in “Beyond the Border 2: Massing Matters”: “A single flower in a half-acre planting disappears; but a block of 100 (residential), 200 (small park), or 500 (large park) has dramatic impact even from a distance.” The plants you are massing should be planted so that they touch or overlap at full-grown form, connecting the spaces visually. Repetition of masses is also a good technique in order to create a pattern and movement throughout the composition.

10. Consider the View Sheds

Analyze how the viewer will see your design from every angle. View sheds are very important and are a key to leading people throughout your design. Even before a person enters the site, think about street views. What is leading the viewer in? Maybe there isn’t always a full line of sight, which could spark curiosity about what might be ahead.

Planting Design and Designing With Plants

Now add it all together: Every piece of the process is equally important in creating a successful planting design. Most importantly, have fun with it and make it your own. Do your research and experiment with your own plant combinations and spatial schemes. Picture your finished planting design in black and white. Is it still interesting?

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Recommended Reading:

• Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes by Timber Press
• Designing and Planting a Woodland Garden: Plants and Combinations that Thrive in the Shade by Timber Press

Article by Jeanne Connolly

Article by Andrea Robezzati Steelyard Square in Belval Ouest district, by Alles WirdGut Architektur, in Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg Establishing the right grade of frequency and relation between landscape architecture and neglected spaces of the cities is both the most exciting challenge but also the most difficult one, for an architect. These places always have negative impacts on the environment and their surrounding communities but at the same time they are full of potential and are, anyway, part of our cultural heritage, with a strong significance. Mostly, in these cases, the battle is in the middle, and what Alles WirdGut architects made here in Luxembourg is really extraordinary. If you are planning to visit Luxembourg, make a sign on your map to visit the second-largest city of the country, Esch-sur-Alzette. Here, today, you can walk inside a new modern, urban, regenerated district and at the same time breathe the quiet and misty atmosphere of what this site was in the past.

Steelwork Industrial Site

Belval Ouest: from a “Steel Court” to a New, Open, Mixed-use Community Situated on the west-end part of Esch-Sur-Alzette, neighborhood Belval Ouest was, in the last century, the main steelworks site of Luxembourg. But with the decline of steel production of the last few decades, the industry fell down, until the end of 90’s when it was completely closed. The symbolic “iron era” site of Luxembourg, in a short time, became the place of an effervescent and ambitious urban regenerative project in Europe. The area is really big, equal to about 120 soccer fields, and today is a symbol of a new 21st century mixed-use community. Here you can find housing spaces for up to 7000 people of all generations, workspaces for 25,000 people, places for research and study, schools, shopping, and leisure activities. The distances inside the district are really short so everything can be easily done on foot or by bike. You don’t need car use!

Steelyard Square: when Good Design Creates Urbanity

Belval Ouest district is based on an overall concept where public spaces and parks have an important role in creating urbanity. Steelyard Square is the main square, the center of the neighborhood, and its space is defined by forward-facing high-rise office buildings on one side and blast furnaces of the past on the other. The abandoned “Stonehenge-like” atmosphere of the old steel mill has been mixed with all requirements of a modern and representative city square. The result of WirdGut architects’ operation is a perfect combination of design restraint and intensive quest of harmony for the site; a unique ambience that has many synergies with its industrial surroundings.

Forms and Materials

As exemplified in the still-existing viaducts, the forms and the materials used for this project refer to the site’s industrial past, keeping the abandoned industrial atmosphere. The aging-capable materials used, such as concrete wood and untreated steel, in combination with rough detailing, make it possible for the patina of the past to return. All these solutions reflect the “keep it simple” approach used by the architects!

Edges

The dominating longitudinal edges of the square differ strongly in their character: its western side is the more modern and dynamic and consists of a straight line of modern office buildings and shopping malls. From this side, all the main entry routes meet the square. The east edge is hidden away by a hotel in the square´s southeast corner and the eastern viaduct. An old stone wall, together with a string of small-scale buildings, creates a series of intimate niches close to Belval´s remaining ruins. This edge is the quiet one, turned towards the past and late afternoon sunshine. Through reinforcing interventions, the design for the new square makes use of those characteristics to create a pattern of differentiated areas.

Islands

The seating areas and new trees are concentrated into islands, which leave empty large areas of the Steelyard Square’s space and also serve as focal points in this emptiness. The architects concentrated their design effort into several well-defined objects: like islands, they grow out of the square´s surface and serve as self-contained, quiet spaces for withdrawal and leisure.

Joints

A network of clearly-accentuated steel joints connects the site´s edges with its contents by simply tracing the main urbanistic lines. Thus, the square and its surroundings are literally woven together. This construction principle makes it possible to build the square step-by-step together with the gradual development of its edges: after each successive building phase, the square will have a new form, closely tailored to the then-existing needs on site. Each new building phase will be carried out using a slightly different colour of concrete. In that way the square´s history will influence its future form.

Patterns

A second, finer network of cut expansion joints is spread out evenly across the different building phases, binding them back together to form a whole. It also serves as the basic structure for a pattern of overlapping horizontal stripes of two different floor finishes: the rough industrial concrete changes from its working clothes into an inner-city dinner jacket.

The lowered ground level is covered with a rough “carpet” which leaves the soil open in several places so as to keep the monumental history of the area still readable. Without any strict order, specific uses are playfully inserted into the “carpet”. These are situated where they are needed, but may also be altered or complemented; plantings are targeted interventions and not mere decoration. A water stair on the south side adds to the industrial ambience. Special qualities of the concept show in the different stages of realization: each stage articulates the conceptual show as a natural state. It is a concept which, in its aura and design, does justice to the extraordinary significance and grand monumentality of the premises.

Working Within the Context and Being Inspired by it

With this project, AllesWirdGut Architects show us how establishing a strong connection with the surrounding space can have different points of reading; is not just a nostalgic interpretation coming from the history of a site, but it can be something more, it can inspire and drive new forms, new ideas, in a higher conceptual level of work. Living in this space will give you a dual sensation: in one way you enjoy new facilities and new opportunities that new design offers and at the same time you are kept in another reality, breathing the past-century industrial atmosphere. Will you travel, to this landscape design, the next time you are in Luxembourg?

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Full Project Credits For the Steelyard Square in Belval Ouest district :

Project: Steelyard Square in Belval Ouest district Location: Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg Designer: Alles WirdGut Architektur Client: Agora development company Competition: 2004 Start Construction: 2006 Completion: 2007, 2008, 2010, 2015 Project Area: 10.000 msq Awards: Nomination at “Prix Luxembourgeois d’Architecture 2011” 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

Article by Andrea Robezzati

Article by Cristina Ferrara We take a look at 10 projects for children that are great at meeting their needs and  yet they are not playgrounds. Every time, I wonder what makes a project a “perfect” project, particularly for children. And every time, the answer is the same: It’s all about whether — and how — the kids are interacting with the designed space, and if they are using it in the way the designer intended. If the user is in the architect’s mind since the beginning, the project should be successful and the results brilliant. Do outdoor spaces for children fit this bill? Are they really child-friendly? In other words, is the final user I was thinking about during my design process now using the space the way I planned?

10 Great Projects for Children

In this article, we won’t consider playgrounds. Instead, we will look at more generic public spaces, such as squares, parks, streets, and even intersections. We have decided to take inspiration from the world’s top 10 projects for children: 10. Roombeek The Brook, by Buro Sant en Co, in Enschede, The Netherlands We don’t often think of a street as a place to live. But it happened in Enschede. Next to the roadway is a high-quality sidewalk that inspires children, adults, and seniors to spend time there enjoying an attractive water element. The brook along with the high density of benches that face both the street and the pedestrian space, provides a good presence of greenery that ensures shadow. Children really like jumping on the stepping stones and, since the water tank is not deep, parents are not afraid to let their children run here and there on the blocks. This project creates a perfect urban melting pot for all ages.

9. Cultural Corridor Chapultepec, by FR-EE, in Mexico City, Mexico Right in the middle of Mexico City, the Cultural Corridor Chapultepec is a meeting point for families and children. Different activities are spread out along the 1.3 kilometers of reinvented urban space, on two different levels. This urban, green, linear park hosts fountains and water elements, ping pong tables, workshop spaces for children, music arenas, and many other activities that can be shared by children and their parents. In fact, we have to consider that children usually are accompanied by adults, so what’s better than a multi-activity place, wide and safe, right near houses, offices, and public services such as transports?

8. The Peninsula at Burswood, by Hassell Landscape Architects cooperating with artist Stuart Green, in Perth, Western Australia

Cooperation in projects is one of the most important things in order to obtain much more than expected results. This is the case with The Peninsula at Burswood, by Hassell Landscape Architects, cooperating with artist Stuart Green. This residential project provides families with a chance to enjoy green areas and outdoor spaces near home. It really embraces the needs of inhabitants by giving them community recreation areas that facilitate interaction. In particular, “The different types of vegetation on the huge roundabout also allow various activities, such as a weekend family picnic in the shadow or (a) spontaneous game of hide-and-seek among neighborhood children next to shrubs and perennials,” writes Sophie Thiel in her article for Landscape Architects Network. And it is true: Colorful and diversified materials; free spaces where children can run, play, and meet other children; and shady places where parents can relax make for a perfect, easy, and enjoyable vacation away from the everyday domestic environment.

7. KALA – Playground and Green Space in Berlin-Friedrichshain, by Rehwaldt LA, in Dresden, Berlin, Germany A clear example of what was in the planner’s mind is the Playground and Green Space in Berlin-Friedrichshain. It takes place in a public urban square where users of different ages are the clients. In particular, the project wants to stimulate children’s activity by developing their citizenship and self-consciousness. The environment invites kids to find friends and to get tuned in with the surroundings. The key words of the project: simplicity of shapes and spaces. Two different areas are dedicated to elders and children, linked and permeable: the Meeresinsel (Island in the Sea), a specific playground with natural play areas that stimulate creativity in kids; and the Erdeninsel (Isle on the Earth), which has an urban furniture design that is colorful, attractive, and smart for children. It’s right beside the elementary school, and its green sensation provides a very pleasurable walk.

6. Redevelopment of the Eastern Shore of Paprocany Lake, by RS+, in Tychy, Poland

Natural elements always attract people, but this project wants to emphasize the contact with natural surroundings. It’s the walkway along the Paprocany Lake, providing a rich diversity of visual perspectives and places to explore, inviting adults and children to move and discover recreational areas as they travel on pedestrian or cycle lanes. Children are part of nature, and here they can explore the world around them with friends or family. Different seats shape the space: massive wooden benches, part of a tribune in the promenade; the modular and geometrical ones inserted in the open natural grounds; and finally a funny blue net stretched along the wooden walkway at appropriate gaps. This precious and attractive element especially appeals to children who like to lie down there. Basic things usually have multiple uses, something that isn’t possible with pre-established forms. The spaces are linear, quiet, and involving, and the project is a place of movement, integration, and reconnection with nature.

5. Spark Your City, by Kipling, in Sutton Walk, London, England It is quite common to passively live in urban spaces and to walk in a city with no particular emotions as you pass by buildings, cross streets, and stroll through squares. This project by Helen Skelton took place in London following the idea of “Spark Your City”, a global movement coordinated by the luggage brand Kipling to spark joy in everyday city life. Skelton wanted to create an urban jungle through a kaleidoscope of images, variegated colors, and shapes amidst the concrete and bricks of city life. Everyone from everyday users to tourists loved the kaleidoscopic, adventurous tunnel she created. Adults and youngsters can freely laugh, be joyful and enthusiastic, happy like a child in this installation, able to let childlike imagination fly to other worlds and universes. The excitement of walking along this jungle makes people eager to explore more. Colors, images, mirrors: This is definitely an interactive, adventurous playground for children, and it remembers the powerful meaning of conducting a happy life from a kaleidoscopic point of view. 4. Urban Spa, by students of ISAD, along with PKMN architects, in Chihuahua, Mexico A big challenge to face for this project was solving some problematic, socially extreme situations related to drug trafficking, derelict streets, and abandoned parks. This is the reason why students, architects, and local residents were all involved in the design process for the creation of the Urban SPA, a temporary, interactive installation at Parque Urueta in the city center. The project’s aim was to revitalize an old fountain, and it widely involved the city in joining the project and agreeing to install a water pump that has brought a new life to the water element. The place changed its outfit and brought the area new life. A central platform allows children to play with sprinkling water, and shade is provided by nine large scaffolding towers with small viewpoints. It is the perfect stage for daily activities such as zumba and yoga classes, and it bustles with shopping kiosks, corn stalls, nighttime palettes, performances, and concerts. People really live in and enjoy the place. They are part of that skyline, and they feel like the protagonists of a newly re-appropriated space. This makes the project really successful! WATCH >>> TALLER DEL DESIERTO 2015 _ ISAD

3. Uptown Normal, by Hoerr Schaudt, in Normal, Illinois, USA Children playing in a circle. Sounds strange, but it is possible in this central business district halfway between the two major U.S. cities of Chicago, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. “The Circle gives Normal a public green with a strong sense of place – particularly important in a community with no distinctive natural features and a better-known sister city,” designer Hoerr Schaudt says. The project recycled and reused materials and natural elements. In the center is a small park with a big grass square, seats, shade, and a water feature. Thanks to the recycling process, storm water from several streets is collected and stored in a 75,000-gallon underground cistern. Now, what is more attractive than water, and in particular recycled water? Adults and children are led to understand the importance of not wasting natural resources. Don’t you think this is a very intelligent, funny, and clever way to design a new urban space, with multiple functions and that wink to sustainability?

2. St. Jacques Ecological Park by Atelier des Paysages- Bruel Delmar Contact with nature, seasonally changing landscapes, and wide species with multiple-use interpretation: this is the St. Jacques Ecological Park in northwestern France. A deep connection between people and nature embraces the concept of biophilia by giving children the direct experience of nature and ecology through exploration. This project predicted the re-naturalization of the area in order to let it seem like a wild place. This aspect meets the needs of children, especially since the design includes smooth lines and simple hardscape features, with low impact on the surroundings and on the perception of the space. The park has phyto-purification areas with specific plants, a strong presence of water, and decks, bridges, and wide open fields that make room for users’ imagination. “St. Jacques does not conform to the fixed image of a typical park, but aims to be a permanent laboratory for the protection and development of its ecosystems,” According to Atelier Des Paysages Bruel-Delmar.

1. Mary’s Garden, Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, by BASE Landscape Architecture, Santa Rosa, California, USA

Not a playground. Not a science museum. Not an adventure park. It is all of these together. Mary’s Garden is child-size, big space with all kinds of attractions, colors, natural elements, and specific goals. The museum offers a perfect mix of activities, play, opportunities for socialization, and educational processes. Children are the protagonists, not passive like in common playgrounds or recreational areas. In this powerful space, they are actively able to experiment, choose, and try new experiences. They can be involved in the plant-growing process by planting, feeding, and watering vegetation. They can fish, run, and learn from nature. They can be creative and independent, free to move alone or with their family. The child-friendly design offers shallow streams and pools, funny constructions, animal-shaped toys, and blooming fields where the dreams of every child to race inside comes true.

Projects for Children

Children should be free to be children, with no restrictions. Restrictions are usually applied to children because spaces are not designed for their size and capabilities. They are too high, too big, too dangerous, too risky, too crowded, too fast, too deep … so much “too”! In this case, the Children’s Museum is dedicated to slower legs, shorter heights, creative minds, faster imaginations. And this is not bad for adults, either: They should remember what it’s like to be a child, how interesting and exciting it is. And this place knows it and wants it.

Keep the Children in Mind

When drawing, when thinking, when designing — try to think from a child’s perspective. The results will be surprising, and adults and children will enjoy your choices. Your pencil and your drawing ink might influence society to take a different approach to public space. What would you recommend in designing for children? Leave your answer below in the comments!

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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

Article by Cristina Ferrara

Article by Andrea Kreuer Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, by LDA Design et al., in London, United Kingdom Since its heyday in 2012, when the Olympic Park first opened to the public to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the park has undergone a further transformation, developing into a forerunner of naturalistic planting and sustainable landscape design. To achieve this, the Park’s management have commissioned best-in-class landscape and planting designers – Professors Nigel Dunnet and James Hitchmough from the University of Sheffield, Sarah Price from Sarah Price Landscapes, and world-renowned Dutch planting designer Piet Oudolf; all working alongside the main landscape architects; LDA Design and Hargreaves Associates.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Here is a list of the top 5 features of the Olympic Park that also represent the biggest trends in sustainable planting design: 1. Native Wildflower Meadows Throughout the Park The vast fields of wildflower meadows that have been sown pre- and post- Games have been designed by Professors Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough of the department of landscape at the University of Sheffield, together with up-and-coming London designer, Sarah Price.

The designers are hoping that this colourful, naturalistic wildflower landscape will act as a catalyst for councils and home gardeners to ditch lawns and formal summer bedding in favour of wildflower or perennial meadows. Meadows offer high biodiversity value and valuable pollinator resources and thus attract wildlife. At the same time, they are fairly drought-tolerant and reduce the need to use fertilisers and pesticides. 2. 2012 Gardens At half a mile long, the plantings of the 2012 Gardens are a celebration of four biodiverse plant habitats and climatic zones from across the world: Europe, North America, the Southern Hemisphere and Asia. The gardens represent a shift from the traditional idea of growing individual plants to growing plant communities that interact with one another and compete for resources. The European garden features lowland wildflowers and summer hay meadows; one of the highlights here is the ornamental grass Molinia ‘Transparent’ which acts as a veil for the other plants, creating a soft ambience. The North American prairie garden shows how certain grassland communities can add value through their late supply of pollen and nectar, and for their spectacular display. The grasses here have an airy, textural quality and combine perfectly with the daisy flowers of the Echinacea. Many of the plants in the Southern Hemisphere garden, with bands of vibrant orange-red hot pokers (Kniphofia) and pink Dierama, hail from the mountain grasslands of the Drakensberg range in South Africa. In the Asian garden, the focus is on texture and foliage. The plants here are more lush and leafy in texture, creating a calming atmosphere. The colour spectrum is also restricted – with lots of greens, purples, pastels, and white. A waxy carpet of low-growing grass Hakonechloa macra completes the scheme.   *********** Quote: ‘It (nb: the park) looks as it does because of the mindset, the skills etc. of landscape architecture. … If you go to countries where landscape architecture is very poorly developed and dominated by an architectural view of the world – they don’t make places like that!‘ Prof. James Hitchmough, University of Sheffield ************ 3. The Wetlands Walk in the North Park A vast area of the North Park features the famous Wetlands Walk. After falling out of use in the second half of the 20th century, the waterways were restored following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The large wetland bowl was carved out of the river’s path, and not only provides beautiful, sloping lawns and meadows for visitors but also acts as a natural flood defence. Wetlands are among the most productive habitats in the world; their main functions are ground-water recharge and discharge, sediment stabilisation, and toxicant retention, as well as wildlife and aquatic diversity. 4. Pleasure Gardens and Mandeville Place in the South Park The new Pleasure Gardens in the south of the Park are part of the South Park Plaza and feature prairie-style planting from the world-renowned planting designer Piet Oudolf, while Mandeville Place includes an urban orchard. The Pleasure Gardens consist of eight outdoor event rooms placed off the main promenade, each with its own character, and vary dramatically in size. One of them holds a water labyrinth whose jets will reconfigure as you run through them; others consist of a carousel, a theatre room, a play room, a music room, and a set of stadium-style wooden steps. As for the planting, Dutch planting designer Piet Oudolf has selected wild grasses and swathes of meadow and plants, which are as much about shape and texture as colour. Each ‘room’ will be demarcated and enclosed by walls of wild grasses. 5. The Great British Garden Designed by Sarah Price and 2 amateur gardeners who won an RHS design competition, the Great British Garden offers great views of the Olympic Stadium. Visitors pass through three themed gardens that reflect the colours of the Olympic medals: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Great British Garden unites a number of distinct areas with bold sweeps of ornamental grasses and long-flowering perennials, such as Persicaria amplexicaulis, Stachys officinalis and Veronicastrum. ********* Quote: ‘Everybody here who has experienced the park is absolutely overwhelmed by this landscape which is just extraordinary; very different to anything that anyone has seen before – and landscape architects are right at the heart of it.‘ Prof. John Hopkins, London Legacy Development Corporation ********** Since its development for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic Park has been part of a vast East London regeneration scheme, with sustainability being at its heart. Meadows and naturalistic planting can replace manicured lawns – meaning a reduced need for watering, fertilising and using herbicides. Biodiversity, community living, sustainable and wildlife-friendly landscaping and architecture – the Park is a stunning example of how all of these principles can be combined, even on a large scale. The parklands are now public and free for everyone to enjoy – including the bees! For more details and to plan your visit go to www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk Are you asking yourself how urbanity and green, future-proof living can go hand in hand? A visit to the award-winning Olympic Park could give you some answers.

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Full Project Credits For Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park :

Project: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Post Games Transformation Programme Landscape Architecture: LDA Design with Hargreaves Associates Partners & Planting Design: Sutton Vane Associates, University of Sheffield, Sarah Price, Piet Oudolf Location: Stratford, East London, United Kingdom Design: 2008 – 2014 Completion: 2014 and ongoing Area: 102 ha Cost: confidential Client: London Legacy Development Corporation 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

Article by Andrea Kreuer

Article by Frank Bourque The holistic sensory experience of the Scent Tunnel, by Olafur Eliasson, in Autostadt Park, Austria There are many new and innovative art works that bring the best of the modern world. One of them is Olafur Eliason’s Scent Tunnel, a majestic experience and an artwork that happens every spring in Austria. As humans, we are born to see, breathe, enjoy and appreciate the beauty of life. When brought together, all of these senses can become a part of an eye-opening experience that feeds the soul and creates a pleasant emotion. Olafur Eliasson is a unique Austrian artist who sees art from another point of view. His unique masterpiece is named ‘The Scent Tunnel’ and refers to an art event happening each spring in the Autostadt Park in Austria. Contemporary and holistic, Olafur’s approach to art is tailored to each one of the human senses. The Scent Tunnel is a large construction that acts as a bridge across a little waterway between the Audi and Lamborghini Pavilions.

Creating art in a modern space like this best pictures Olafur’s vision for movement and rootedness within the park. The Scent Tunnel is a construction that is both a tunnel and a bridge. However, it is nowhere near the bridges and tunnels we know of. Its elements are made of nature and reinvented with technology forming a unique artwork that encompasses each visitor with emotion. It is made so that visitors can walk through the tunnel on a steel grating and get amazed by the new form of art created by this unique combination.

Holistic Sensory Experience

This art-in-motion leverages a cutting-edge technology and turns in a circular way, therefore overwhelming every art enthusiast with the constant motion, the picturesque flowers and most importantly, the unique and unforgettable scent that is the result of this rotation. That being said, ‘The Scent Tunnel’ is a form of art that triggers each of the senses and lets you dig deeper in the meaning of art, introducing its brand new form.

The Secret Message Behind The Scent Tunnel

The Scent Tunnel is not just a rotating tunnel full of flowers and elements of nature. Its main focus, as the name suggests, is to capture the nose of visitors and overwhelms them with fresh, unique and sensory smells. The entire model is built by Olafur Eliasson as a new form of art, which is more than just art. First and foremost, the tunnel is powered via a rotating technology giving the carefully picked plants a unique smell while they are moving and resulting with an eye opening experience for every visitor.

Speaking of flowers, Olafur is very careful when selecting them and using them within ‘The Scent Tunnel’. In fact, every season ‘holds’ a new set of flowers within ‘The Scent Tunnel’, letting the visitors know how never-ending and constantly changing nature is and how Olafur’s art lives up to the same premise. There are six types of plants used in this art: yellow wallflower (Cheiranthus cheiri), horned violet (Viola cornuta), heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens), lesser calamint (Calamintha nepeta), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and sage (Salvia officinalis). From smell and sight to the experience of a moving space, The Scent Tunnel aims to hypnotize people with the power of nature yet show them how vital technology is nowadays and how it can be used to create amazing art pieces. Aside from this, The Scent Tunnel has a deeper message. It holds the key to the constantly moving world, the presence of technology and the enormous need for nature we as human species need. As Olafur Eliasson likes to put it with his own words: “If contrary to everything we are used to we have to enter a rotating object to experience it fully, we become that artwork’s co-producer”. In other words, Olafur’s art is not made to open the mouths of visitors and make them shoot it from every angle. It is made to create a difference and award each visitor with the eyes of the artist and a nose that is ready to experience new scents. Constantly rotating and secretly making you think about it, The Scent Tunnel has emerged into a major attraction that welcomes people from every country to Austria in order to experience it with their own eyes, mind and nose. See The Scent Tunnel For Yourself The best part about the Scent Tunnel? Just like the tunnel keeps on moving, the flowers keep on changing. The Scent Tunnel has been here ever since 2004 and lasts for months until the autumn season kicks in. During this period, the tunnel gets filled with different flowers every month making you adapt to nature, see the wonders of technology and welcome each new month with the best scents handpicked from nature. What sort of amusement can a rotating tunnel give? Along with the landscape and the exact placement on a bridge, The Scent Tunnel is fit right into nature and has a unique location that cannot be mimicked. And that is why as an art event, Olafur Eliasson’s masterpiece happens in the same time and the same place every single year with scents, colors, flowers and moving architecture blended within it.

A Final Word on this Holistic Sensory Experience

Artists have always been trapped inside their creative mindset. Only a few of them have managed to ‘escape’ from it and show the world why their vision is worth it. Olafur Eliasson is definitely one of them an artist that has transformed his fascination of the sensory perceptions and blended it within a park. More importantly, with The Scent Tunnel,Olafur shows us how simultaneous and dependant on nature and technology artworks can be. By stepping out of your comfort zone just like Olafur did, you are welcomed to Austria to experience this mind-blowing art and balance your senses while enjoying the bridge of art and architecture.

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Full Project Credits For the Scent Tunnel :

Project Name: Scent Tunnel Designer: Olafur Eliasson Location: Autostadt Park, Austria Date of Construction: 2004 Client: Autostadt GmbH 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

Article by Frank Bourque

Article by Rose Buchanan Huangpu East Bank Urban Forest, design for the Shanghai Waterfront Design Competition, by HASSELL Studio in Shanghai, China Design competitions are often risky things for companies to take on. They involve a large amount of unpaid resources, tight deadlines, and design processes that forgo the useful stages of work input. One might argue then that competitions are simply not worth the time, effort, and money. This may be true, but within that tiresome work often emerges some of the most brilliant and groundbreaking ideas. Without the usual restraint of client demands and budget, designers have the freedom to think laterally, solving numerous small- and large-scale design problems. The world of landscape architect has particularly benefited from design competitions, and many of the greatest projects have been the result of this approach. WATCH >>> Huangpu East Bank Urban Forest

Huangpu East Bank Urban Forest

Recently, a competition was held to re-design 21 kilometers of the East Bund area next to the Huangpu River in Shanghai, China. The brief for this project was to unlock the potential of the riverfront land while providing Shanghai with a new city identity, symbolizing the creation of a contemporary world city.

In May 2016, five finalists were shortlisted: HASSELL Studio (in collaboration with TTT Architects), West 8, KCAP, Terrain Studio, and Agence Ter. We were particularly delighted with the proposal by HASSELL, and have decided to give you a sneak peek at their powerful proposal. The East Bund district lies in the New Pudong area of Shanghai and includes the former site of the World Expo of 2010. The area is currently congested with ferry docks, commercial buildings, a cement plant, and construction sites. At the moment, only 45 percent of the river edge is open to the public, with very little continuity or sense of public space. With this in mind, the government of Shanghai launched a competition with the aim to open up the whole river bank by the end of next year and to complete portions of a new “promenade” by the end of 2018. Creating an Urban Forest HASSELL approached the competition brief with a simple concept: to create an urban forest along the river’s edge. The designers envisioned this forest as a continuous woodland, creating new green public space that would transform the city’s identity. This space would expand the city’s green space by 25 percent, improving air quality and energy efficiency while creating new places to gather and actively enjoy the outdoors. Within this proposal was the concept of planting two million trees, with each tree representing one of Shanghai’s two million children. HASSELL also saw the potential for this concept to expand into the rest of the city, creating a green lung that would enforce Shanghai’s aspiration to become a more sustainable, attractive, and prosperous world city. Most importantly, this forest would improve the lives of residents by creating a multitude of places, activities, and destinations that would continuously change throughout the years and seasons. Within this, the designers saw the potential to create dramatic event spaces to encourage activity on an international scale, as well as the inclusion of high-quality sporting facilities and commercial entities. Community Involvement HASSELL approached the project from a bottom-up strategy, focusing on the community as the creators of the space. Within this approach was the potential to involve the local schools in the project by allowing more than 50 of them to participate in the creation and custodianship of the forest. HASSELL’s competition entry spoke of how this young population could take ownership of their city through activities such as tree-planting events. They also strove to bring learning in direct contact with HASSELL’s competition entry spoke of how this young population could take ownership of their city through activities such as tree-planting events. They also strove to bring learning in direct contact with the space through the creation of outdoor classrooms that would bring a new dimension to the public space. Breaking Through and Removing Barriers One of the greatest difficulties of the project will be overcoming the many existing barriers, such as waterways, ferry terminals, and industrial sites. Ingenious solutions such as flamboyant walkways that extend into the river were proposed in order to maintain the continuous promenade and create a unique identity for the space. Public Space and Continuous Movement The proposal for the promenade includes continuous walking and cycling pathways winding along the riverside and forest for the entire 21-kilometer length. Furthermore, a system of walking loops are proposed to engage with the various activities and places along the route, while creating a heightened riverside experience. HASSELL also envisions the inclusion of a sequence of play markers, which would create unity within the design while guiding people through the landscape. Powerful Imagery What makes a competition entry stand out is often the manner in which it is presented. HASSELL’s entry is no exception to this rule, and the powerful images portrayed in the studio’s presentation embody a sense of community and delight within a beautiful, natural setting. Their proposal contains a sense of defined unity while instilling in us the vision for a space where man, nature, and the city can all prosper. We’re very excited and cannot wait to see the winning scheme!

Full Project Credits For Huangpu East Bank Urban Forest :

Project: Huangpu East Bank Urban Forest Location: Shanghai, China Client: East Bank Group Designer: HASSELL Collaborators: TTT Architects Scale: 21 km Year: 2016 Imagery: HASSELL, MIR, TTT Architects 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

Article by Rose Buchanan

Article by Maria Giovanna Drago We search and explore the best Urban Design degree programs from around the world. Urban design is always a hot-button topic. We often hear discussions about overpopulation, sustainability, urban connection, and social spaces. People want to know more about cities and designed urban spaces, and the number of students who aim to become urban designers continues to increase. To make it easier for young people embarking on their careers, we have looked into 10 of the most prestigious universities in the world to see what they have to offer in Urban Design Degree Programs. (A selection of pictures were chosen to highlight projects in the countries represented by these degree programs. For further information on any of them, just click the image).

The Best Urban Design Degree Programs

1. Tsinghua University, Beijing, China Are you interested in global development and computer technologies matched with Oriental design? THU’s two-year master’s degree program in urban and rural planning provides deep, practical experience in computer technologies, GIS, and other innovative systems. The THU campus is one of the most beautiful in the world, according to a 2010 Forbes interview of architects and designers. The area is the former site of the Qing Dynasty Royal Gardens, so it is characterized by a Chinese style of landscaping, with brooklets and traditional buildings, together with more modern, Western-American style elements.

2. University of Hong Kong Are you ready to explore and challenge the growing Asian community while still feeling somewhat “at home”? Quality of life due to overpopulation is a serious problem, so the one-year master’s degree program in urban design must take into account the rapid evolution of Asian cities and oppose the development of cell buildings. Luckily, English is the main language at the university. The master’s degree program is accredited by the United Kingdom’s Royal Town Planning Institute, with about 6,000 foreign pupils currently enrolled. Moreover, the campus is located in old British colonial buildings, which feel familiar to many of us. 3. Milan Polytechnic, Italy Hands up — who is fascinated by Italy? You can attend the master’s degree program in urban planning and policy design at PoliMi. Italy is home to creativity and art, and one of its main challenges is the modernization of historical cities and the relationship between old architectural codes and new. The university counts distinguished architects among its teaching staff, including Jacopo Gardella, Gio Ponti, Camillo Boito, Ernesto Nathan Rogers, and Aldo Rossi. 4. Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands Once known as the Royal Academy, Delft University was founded by King William II to educate public officials. Here, you can find historic design masterpieces such as Rietveld’s and Le Corbusier’s chairs and experience some really well done buildings, such as the library designed by Mecanoo, whose green turf roof gives excellent energy performances. If you aim to enjoy multicultural studies, you will be happy to know that the flagship of TU Delft is The European Postgraduate Master in Urbanism (EMU), which operates in conjunction with three additional universities: KU Leuven, IUAV Venezia, and UPC Barcelona. 5. National University of Singapore If you are interested in the challenge of facing the urgent needs of rapid urban transformation, you could attend the master of architecture program with a specialization in urban design at NUS. Its own campus fully reflects urban growth — it was renovated in 2011 due to tripled enrollments — and it enhances the community sense as a solution to social alienation. It features a central green space where satellite hubs converge. The master’s program has an added value, since it is accredited by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). 6. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland Berlage, Calatrava, Le Corbusier, Herzog and De Meuron, Aldo Rossi, Tschumi and many others graduated from this institution. And if their example isn’t enough? So did Albert Einstein! The institute is in the top five of the best European universities, according to the Times 2015 ranking. It promotes research and new technologies, and its campus is nicknamed “Science City” for good reason. Its students are exposed to international culture and points of view, since half of the professors are from abroad. The university offers a master’s of advanced studies degree in urban design, with the aim of developing new city models. 7. London’s Global University The New York Times has set it among the 10 best universities on the whole planet. It is home to the United Kingdom’s first master’s degree in architecture history. Who wouldn’t like to live in one of the most attractive cities in the world while learning about environmental issues and ecological history? The university’s master’s degree in architectural urban design is a one-year program focusing on ecological aspects. Other interesting subjects are included: archaeology, anthropology, design theory, land use, and so on. The university is located in central London, and is easily accessible and connected to the whole city. It hosts 50 sport clubs, and its team rivalry with King’s College London is legendary. 8. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachussetts, United States Are you creative and do you like to experiment? MIT encourage its students to dare, and this has led to successful outcomes (including 78 Nobel Prizes), earning it a spot at the top of all schools on the planet, according to the 2015/2016 QS World University Rankings. Its name is synonymous with excellence, and the secret of its success lies in combining laboratories and teaching (one of the first in the world to do so). Indeed, admission is really competitive: Only about 60 lucky students enroll each fall. MIT offers a two-year master’s degree in city planning. For those who like trends and magazines, MIT Press is the only academic publisher in the United States to host a dedicated section to architecture and design. 9. University of California, Berkeley, California, United States UC Berkeley might suit those who believe in a fair future, because it deals with social responsibility and community participation issues in a “design world” sometimes more artistic than practical. It is the oldest school in California. Many of the campus buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Department of City and Regional Planning hosts a two-year master’s degree in city planning, with specializations in four areas: environmental planning and healthy cities; housing, community and economic development; transportation policy and planning; and urban design. 10. University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States If you’re a fan of architect Louis Kahn, this is the right place for you, since he graduated for here and lately also taught his love for mass and pure forms. UPenn reveals an important background, since it was founded by Benjamin Franklin and is one of the original colonial colleges. Also for this reason, it is oriented to plan according to the development of territory focusing on past, present, and future. It hosts two courses: city and regional planning and a special urban design certificate.

Urban Design Degree Programs

This list is just a brief introduction to the world of planning and design on the urban and territorial scale. Could you ever imagine all the factors an urban designer might have to deal with? Fast-growing cities, new technologies, periphery challenges — these are all points of view and aspects that every university will guide you to discover. Dare to face those challenges with intellect and creativity. Which Urban Design degree programs would you recommend ? 

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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

Article by Maria Giovanna Drago