Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network

Article by Rose Buchanan We take a look at 6 landscape based memorials and what they commemorate and how. Memorials function as places or objects which speak of the memory of an event or person. The most common form is to use a statue or plaque placed at a strategic location. While these memorials provide us with a tangible element of memory, they fail to engage with powerful elements of experience and emotion. One might briefly respond to the image of a fallen soldier cast in iron and take the obligatory snapshot posing in front of it, but moments later that feeling and memory is gone. This is where landscape becomes a powerful element in creating a memorial experience that not only allows the user to become aware of the past, but creates a tangible experience within the present. Landscape Architects Network has featured a number of these memorials and in this article we look back at six landscape-driven memorials that provide a new way of approaching memorial design.

Landscape Based Memorials

1. Gordan Lederer Memorial, by NFO, in Čukur Hill in, Croatia This powerful memorial commemorates the death of a Croatian photographer and videographer who was killed by a sniper while filming soldiers in the Cukur Hills on August 10 1991. The memorial was designed by NFO as a winning submission in a design competition and is located at the exact position where Lederer died. What makes this memorial unusual is the manner in which visitors are taken through an experience which speaks of Lederer’s life and death while using the breath-taking landscape as a backdrop to the story. The design uses hard, human-fabricated materials which contrast to the natural landscape, highlighting the beauty within the tragedy. Visitors are taken up to viewpoint by a concrete pathway symbolising his life. At the end of the path is a glass frame encased in stainless steel, resembling a camera lens and punctured with an imitation bullet hole. As the visitor looks through the glass to the view of the Una River Valley below, they are confronted with the memory of Lederer’s death, creating a memorial experience.

2. Memorial to Victims of Violence, by Gaeta-Springall Arquitectos, Mexico City, Mexico Mexico City is well known for the drug war which has accounted for more than 60,000 deaths between 2006 and 2012. Thus, this memorial, which was opened in 2013, needed to tell the story of the victims of violence while striving to bring the community together. The memorial is located in Chapultepec Park and the designers, Gaeta-Springall Architects, used the park landscape to create a memorial which also functions as a public space. This was achieved through the use of 70 towering steel walls which stand as reminders of the victims. Lit eerily from below and reflected in pools of water, these walls speak of the multiple conflicts and struggles while acknowledges the continuing struggles of the present. Visitors are invited to engage with the walls by expressing their own struggles with chalk. 3. Saiki Peace Memorial Park, by Earthscape / Noom Architects, in Tsuruyamachi Saiki-city Oita, Japan Memorials are usually symbols of great tragedy, but by placing them in the landscape they can become part of the culture of a city, providing functional space and hope for the future. Saiki Peace Memorial Park by Earthscape/Noom Architects achieved this by drawing on the Japanese connection with nature to create a space that stands as a symbol of peace as well as a space for people to relax and enjoy. The design of the park-like space is simple yet beautiful and consists of a large open grassed area with geometric white pathways and elements. The forms quietly symbolise the memory of the past with functional spaces that inspire people to move along them and stay active. 4. Gebran Tueni Memorial, Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture, Beirut, Lebanon Gebran Tueni was a former journalist and politician who fought for independence in Beirut during the time of civil war. He was tragically killed in a car bomb in 2005 and the memorial designed by Vladimi Jurovic was opened in 2011. The memorial is unusual as it commemorates the life of Gebran in a manner which uses the landscape of the city to symbolise his life as opposed to the usual static memorials. This approach uses granite bands of different widths, inscribed at one end with his oath, which was delivered shortly before his assassination. These words are lit up at night in symbolic defiance of the threats and the ultimate violence of his death. Surrounding the granite are olive and oak trees with loose pebbles engraved with Tueni’s name, providing visitor with tangible mementos. 5. Poppy Plaza by Marc Boutin Architectural Collaborative and Stantec Consulting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Poppy Plaza is a memorial landscape that has developed over time and has recently been revived to bridge the gap between affirming old connections and creating new memories. It started in 1922 where an unused open space allowed families to plant a tree for every fallen solider who did not have a grave. Up until 1928 a total of 3278 trees were planted, many of which are now nearing the end of their life cycle. In order to maintain the sense of memory, Marc Boutin designed a public space which included the planting of new trees as well as creating a sense of place through Cor-Ten steel memorial walls, inscribed with poems and speeches. The space also provides a new connection to the Bow River, drawing on the river’s emotive quality to enhance the feeling of contemplation and remembrance. 6. Reaching Out, Letting In” is the title of Gustafson Porter’s memorial fountain to Princess Diana Gustafson Porter approached the memorial to the Princess of Wales as a means to create a memorial which could be occupied as an everyday space. In this way she used the concept of a circular fountain to embody the qualities of Diana that made her so loveable: her inclusiveness and her accessibility. The sculptural quality of the white granite within the park draws people to the space, yet has a gentle expansive energy that radiates outward into the landscape. Water flows at various speeds and over different textures, representing the figure of Diana: tangible, cozy, never still, and, in a way, troubled. These six projects are beautiful examples of how memory, landscape, and public space can be combined to enrich their environments and create memorable experiences. They do not call for touristy photos or lengthy explanations but allow visitors to create their own meaning. Are there any memorials you would add to the list? Go to comments 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 Farah Afza Jurekh Manlleu Municipal Market, by Comas-Pont arquitectes, Pintor Guàrdia, Manlleu (Barcelona), Spain. We like to socialize. People are drawn towards places where they can interact with others. And the designing of such interactive spaces has always been one of the foci of architects. When the project is in an urban realm, the design of such interactive space can eventually grow as a community hub and can help stimulate the bonding of the neighborhood. Well, this is about one such project.

Manlleu Market

Located in Pintor Guàrdia, Manlleu (Barcelona), Spain, the municipal market is a fresh-product market designed by Comas-Pont arquitectes. If we take a closer look at this Mediterranean building and its site context, we get to know the importance of urban nodes, connected pedestrian streets, axes and hierarchy of streets, adjacent roads, movement of people, and obviously the surrounding building forms, in urban designing. All these have been taken into consideration to make it a successful design.

Urban Nodes and the Connecting Spine In an urban realm, the node plays an important part. The node overlooking the streets, if designed as an inviting place, can attract people and can act as a public meeting place. In order to achieve that, the node is designed as an open park zone with seating arrangements and green areas to generate various activities making it a vibrant place for the neighborhood people. The urbanization respects the existing street’s hierarchical ‘rank’ and emphasizes Pintor Guardia street, to turn it to a central spine of the neighborhood. It was emphasized so that it can be used as a pedestrian street and so that it may act as a connector between other public spaces. The Folded Zinc Building The key concept of the market building was to rehabilitate the neighborhood. Hence, the overall building form was overpowering in relation to the surrounding buildings. They designed a building which is permeable to the users and yet, at the same time, merges seamlessly with the forms and heights of the surrounding buildings. Although the use of a zinc skin and wooden slat system in the facade and its folding structure helps it to stand out from other buildings, in terms of proportion and scale, the municipal market building appears to be in a balanced composition. Light –The Protagonist In every project, architects try to play with different elements of architecture. From the rich palette of elements, the architect’s team has chosen light to play as a protagonist. The wooden slat system filters light into the building, providing a controlled environment inside the building. Apart from that, the play of shade and shadow due to the light penetrating through the slits brings an artistic value to the interior of the market area. The zinc skin, continued up to the roof, unifies the building. The zinc facades are folded at different heights to create clerestories, which control the light entry into and overall natural ventilation of the building. Benefits of Folded Structure Besides that, the folding structure was designed for two additional benefits. Firstly, the folds create spaces of different heights to house different function requirements. The different heights respond to specific programme necessities housed inside: the big sales space, opened through prefabricated metallic truss arches, holds the whole array of high and lineal windows on cover folds. Secondly, the massive scale of the municipal market building was scaled down because of the variations in heights breaking the massive volume of the building. Permeability and Visual Connection The ground floor is almost transparent and emphasizes the visual connection between interior and exterior. This is reinforced with continuity on the interior pavement to the exterior porches below. The porch is formed by the extension of the folding structure. This covered area is projected with black strips of granite continuing to the exterior. This resulted in an enhanced connectivity between the exterior and interior of the building. Less Green, More Concrete Pavers Although the exterior area of the building is provided with furniture and defined areas of greenery, concrete pavers have blanketed the whole area. The use of such a concrete blanket is not appreciable as green pavers could easily replace these pavers and can reduce the air temperature. Moreover, the assigned areas for green seem to be very small compared to the size of the open area. The use of more trees and plants, especially the native species, would have been more appreciable, as well as easy to maintain and at the same time would attract native inhabitants. Economic Choice of Materials A dry, semi-industrialized construction system is used to fulfill short timing (8 months) and minimize the waste; metallic structure, sandwiched wood panels in large format, wood slats, zinc roof and facades and interior OSB panels. Zinc is used because of its flexibility which is essential for the folded structure, it requires little maintenance, is economic in terms of cost, and is 100% recyclable. An Approach Towards Sustainable Building The renewable-energy heating and cooling systems, rainwater collection provision on the roof and the use of recyclable building materials are the most appreciable approaches to an energy-efficient, sustainable building. Overall, this project shows us how a single building in an urban area can rehabilitate the neighborhood. What do you think of this project? Let us know in the comments below! Go to comments

Full Project Credits For the Municipal Market:

Project Name: Municipal Market Location: Pintor Guàrdia, Manlleu (Barcelona), Spain Date of construction: 2011 Client: Institut de desenvolupament de l’Erm Project Size: 1689,19 m² Designer: Comas-Pont arquitectes slp Photographers: Jordi Comas / Pere Tordera Construction area: 2187 m² 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 Farah Afza Jurekh

Article by Erin Tharp HASSELL has recently announced John Williams from RMIT University’s Master of Landscape Architecture program as the winner of this year’s HASSELL Travelling Scholarship. HASSELL is an international design firm with studios in Australia, China, South East Asia, and the United Kingdom that believes in using their designs to help clients not only meet their needs but to also bring a sense of belonging to the people who experience them. With this in mind, the firm developed the HASSELL Travelling Scholarship – Robin Edmond Award, which is an annual award that aims to celebrate outstanding graduate research by emerging landscape architects who show potential for future contributions to the profession. According to HASSELL, the award provides the winner with the opportunity to expand on their education through travel to a destination undergoing significant development or renewal.

RMIT University

This year’s winning project, The Space In Between, by RMIT Master of Landscape Architecture graduate John Williams, was chosen from 18 university-nominated students from across Australia. The Space In Between focuses on phytoremediation techniques, an inexpensive plant-based technique that helps clean up toxic chemicals from a site and restores the natural environment without the need for invasive interventions, to create residential communities out of former brownfield sites. His strategy, to develop a framework for land rehabilitation that supports greater accessibility, diversity, and resilience for urban communities undergoing renewal, is what impressed the judges the most. In his project summary, John explains, “These phytoremediation sites would also provide a framework for a series of programs that would plug into the phyto-forest and its clearings in order to activate the space and trigger new cycles of production…The suburb, currently devoid of tree canopy and green space will become one of the West’s most densely vegetated pockets, an important coolant and an ecological link for the city.” John’s project was centered on the highly industrialized suburb of Brooklyn in Melbourne’s inner-west. At a mere 10km from CBD, this area’s landscape is currently one of quarries, a landfill, and large industrial sites, and the area is under immense pressure to clean itself up. Here, he proposed a new model of a productive urban park that “staggers development from a contaminated brownfield into a mixed-use residential community, allowing people into the process of remediation and building a sense of narrative and ownership in the space,” as stated in his project summary.

Angus Bruce, HASSELL’s Head of Landscape Architecture, said of the project: “We were extremely impressed with John’s compelling design solution. His research comes as cities face rising pressure to adapt degraded inner-city sites to house and transport swelling populations. This tricky challenge is one John’s research intends to help solve.” John is currently working for HASSELL Melbourne but is looking forward to his next adventure, which will be travelling to Amsterdam as part of the scholarship. He hopes that the city’s rich industrial history will help him to expand upon his project. “The HASSELL Travelling Scholarship provides an incredible opportunity for me to delve deeper into my design research on post-industrial development processes. To engage with and document the transformations that are happening in urban communities on the ground is a truly inspiring prospect,” said John. This project has the potential to be used as a precedent for the way communities around the world transform their abandoned industrial sites, and the fact that it came from a student is all the more inspiring. Here at Landscape Architects Network we are certainly looking forward to seeing what John Williams comes up with next. Would you take on the challenge of HASSELL Travelling Scholarship? Let us know in the comments below! Go to comments

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 Erin Tharp

Article by Carlos Cortés It’s time for the Netherlands in our world series. We have selected 10 fabulous and well-thought-out projects from the Netherlands that will delight you. The term landscape is an Anglicization of the Dutch landschap, this term was, in the beginning, only applied to paintings, then to poetry, and later to real views. The Netherlands’ relationship with landscape and art has always been strong. Historical narratives and the care of heritage sites, cycling paths and connecting bridges, and water and pollution problems solved with innovation are some of the key elements that make the Netherlands’ landscape architecture one to be experienced and studied. Artistic vistas and functional designs are perfectly executed in each project. There is a sense of balance between aesthetics and sustainability. Here are our top 10 of the most magnificent landscape architecture projects from the Netherlands. Let’s take a look!

10 Awesome Projects From The Netherlands

1. Starry Bicycle Path, Studio Roosegaarde, Eindhoven, the Netherlands Eindhoven isVan Gogh’s hometown. The “Starry Night” inspires a sublime cycle path and pays tribute to the painter’s legacy. 50,000 stones coated in phosphorescent paint and solar powered LEDs guide the biker through this 335-kilometer landscape artwork. Its purpose was to connect distant places composing a five-segment design whilst making bike safer and absolutely pleasant. The paint for the stones is solar-energy based and incorporates a complete system to collect and store that energy during the day!

2. Waterplein Benthemplein, by De Urbanisten, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands Water is a key element in almost every project from the Netherlands; none the less this is often related to flood problems. The Waterplein Benthemplein is a sustainable solution to keep an eye on and learn from! The design features three concrete basins where the water of the surrounding area is collected, forming small lakes. Each “lake” is used for different activities when dry weather occurs. This is a beautiful and great solution from the Netherlands. Is there anything like that in your city? 3. Undulating Bridge Hoofddorp project by LODEWIJK BALJON landscape architects, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands An awarded project in 2015 by the Lamp Lighting Solutions, this bridge connects the rail and bus station to the sustainable office park Beukenhorst in Hoofddorp. As generally practised in Netherlands landscaping, the history and heritage of the site is a major topic; on this project the bridge pays tribute to and is influenced by the Unesco World Heritage site “Geniedijk”. It is composed of Poplar trees planted along a dike. No doubt this is another landscape artwork to watch! 4. Roombeek the Brook, by Buro Sant en Co, in Enschede, the Netherlands Roombeek the Brook Street combines and reflects some of the most important elements in urban landscape architecture;, beauty and an appropriate design for its users. A natural element is emulated as a waterway representing the Roombeek River; this is achieved through cracked artificial stones that are placed over the water. The Brook Street becomes a point for socialization and a symbol for the city. And it seems so fun to be there! 5. The Roof Gardens of the European Patent Office, Rijswijk, the Netherlands This roof garden designed in 1999 integrates aesthetics and functionality at their best; as a landscape, a microcosm, and a habitat. Made of defined garden rooms, each with layers of thematic vegetation, this garden encourages the diversity of butterflies, bees and birds. Innovative for the harvesting and storage of rainwater, this landscape architecture installation for the EPO Headquarters is amazing. The design provides vistas and visual references to water, which is a very important element for this project. You must check it out in detail! 6. Roofpark Vierhavenstrip, by Buro Sant en Co with the municipality of Rotterdam, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands The top of a shopping center seems to be the perfect place for green roofs! In this case the benefits are multiple, including improved quality life for the neighborhoods, 600 new jobs created, and sustainable living and work areas. A compact and multifunctional design is divided into three major areas; the Mediterranean garden, the playground, and the community garden. Roofpark Vierhavenstrip is a perfect example for social sustainability. 7. Westergasfabriek Park, Gustafson Porter, Amsterdam, the Netherlands How did this polluted site become such a sublime piece of landscape? The designer’s vision was to balance man’s relationship with nature. To achieve this, they restored the polluted and contaminated soil, bringing clean soil to the site. Also, a biological process called phytoremediation serves to reverse the effects of pollution and creates, along with other vegetation, such a wonderful landscape full of delightful views. 8. The Rooftop Park at Saint John’s Bulwark, by OSLO Ontwerp Stedelijke en Landschappelijke Omgeving, in `s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), the Netherlands There is so much to say about this project. Located on the outer bend of the Stadsdommel River, the rooftop park gets a stunning view of the whole place. None the less, the designers have some problems to solve but hey – they did a great job solving them! For example, due to its location, the rooftop park was exposed to full sun all afternoon and evening. They offered shade to visitors through incorporating locust trees. Netherlanders care for their historic places like this one and come to restore them with great ideas! 9. Amstelveen Zonnehuis Care Home, by HOSPER, in Amstelveen, the Netherlands The Amstelveen Zonnehuis Care Home shows another face of sustainability which is focused on the proper re-use and transformation of marginalized areas. The design promotes the interaction between groups of people, aiming to provide quality residences, healthy lifestyles and of course some beautiful aesthetics. This Care Home leads urban regeneration to a more conscious level. 10. Green Road, a peaceful park by REDscape Landscape & Urbanism, Province of Utrecht, the Netherlands Keeping up with the interactive designs, we have the Green Road. This park shares its history with the visitors, one related to WWI and WWII. Forts and bunkers are healed by the design that focuses on regenerative fauna and flora but it also allows users to experience the site original intention. This site has double impact, preserving historical heritage and nature. It’s such a peaceful green road now. – I have to say there is so much to learn from the Netherlands’ landscape architecture. They manage history, sustainability, social impact, and a very powerful touch of art in their projects.  It is essential to go into detail for students with projects such as the care home or the Waterplein Benthemplein. The diversity of artistic feelings take you from colorful spots like in the Roof Gardens of the European Patent Office to bicycle paths meant to be experienced as a “Starry Night”. This short list is only the beginning for a really talented land such as the Netherlands. What do you think about our Top 10 projects from the Netherlands? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! Go to comments 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 Carlos Cortés

Article by Yang Su Lianjiang Butterfly Bay, by NEXT Architects, in Lianjiang, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China China’s rapid urbanization has meant that high-rise buildings with unique Chinese character have been sprouting up in large numbers in the country’s cities. There has also been an uptick in constructed green space to make up for the deterioration of the natural environment. In this way, China is becoming a leader in environmental design. The traditional value of Chinese aesthetics places an emphasis on “integrated sense” — the integration of heaven and human being, or “harmony is the beauty”. Lianjiang Butterfly Bay, designed by NEXT Architects, is a high-density residential development sitting on the banks of a tributary of the Min River, in the northern part of Fuzhou in Fujian Province. The project’s design philosophy is based on reflecting the Chinese perception of the relationship between man and nature and man’s need to learn from nature.

Lianjiang Butterfly Bay

Blending into Natural Surroundings The 360-degree view of the mountains in the background is purely natural and picturesque. “There is the proximity of the river. We had the ambition to exploit this beauty, to maximize conditions for inhabitants to experience the surrounding nature,” said NEXT Architects partner John Van de Water. “The altering color combinations make the architecture blend into its natural surroundings.”

The Design was Inspired by a Finger Touching Water “On an urban scale, we developed the abstract reference of fingers touching water,” Van de Water said. The residences are set in rows among the finger-like areas of land, which expand toward the river and the mountains. Gardens and swimming pools occupy narrow gaps between each of the fingers. This allows the residents to feel like they are living in two worlds: still in the city, but with an opportunity to relax in the green spaces and work in the out-of-doors. This is reminiscent of the project LAN’s Elisa Ahmed Mohamed Varetti wrote about in “Is The Haven Lakeside Residences The Best of Both Worlds?” Butterfly Bay is not the only Chinese landscape architecture project to benefit from proximity to water. China is gradually improving living environments through proximity to water, as in LAN writer Erin Tharp’s in-depth article, The Amazing Zhangjiagang Town River Reconstruction. This Chinese landscape architecture aesthetic encourages social relationships through the creation of vibrant and welcoming gardens and pools. These projects provide a friendly destination for both visitors and residents to relax and get rid of work pressure while bringing people together in the busy city. Like Erin Tharp said, “Urban developments should be viewed as communities rather than just a group of buildings.” (5 Residential Designs That Changed the Way People Live) Connection with Nature The buildings’ varying volumes also create diversity in the outside spaces, and each has its own particular architectural language. “We sought to create maximum exterior spaces, blurring inside and outside, while at the same time exploiting views over the surroundings from the interiors,” Van de Water said. The villas themselves are designed to enhance the diverse views over the water and the mountains in the background. The three-story villas face the street and the four-story villas look toward the water. In addition, the underground parking makes the streets between the villas pedestrian friendly and preserves green space. Consideration of Fujian Culture The emptiness of city life can be re-energized through an emotional experience with a region’s cultural background. Shapes, native plants, and local natural materials advocate the revival of Fujian culture. Some lianas, laurel-leafed plants, rhododendrons, and conifers have been planted. Also, the rich plant variety attracts many birds. Moreover, the housing units are comprised of three or four stories, each of which embraces a pile of irregular blocks covered in light gray granite and friendly terracotta. The paving is also made of red brick in correspondence with the terracotta. The pavement in the gardens and patios is ornamented with ripple-like circles of red and gray brick, which connects to the walkable, tree-lined avenues that link to the river. …It is Not the End It is no surprise that China is now developing quickly in terms of landscape architecture. You can read about it in LAN writer Dalia Zein’s captivating article, 5 Countries Where Landscape Architecture is Booming. In addition, China has succeeded in environmental design, as with a project in Yichuan by BLVD International. You can learn how China is changing its relationship with water in Michelle Biggs’ helpful article Is China Transforming its Relationship with Water? A Look at the Aiyi River Landscape Park, or her article on another fascinating project in Jiangsu province, Lotus Lake Park Sets Precedent for Sustainable Urban Design in China. The Lianjiang Butterfly Bay project integrates mankind and nature in an inspired and welcoming way, making it one example of how China is constantly enhancing living situations in a green and friendly way, creating a social and green environment to welcome humans and animals while protecting natural resources and local culture. How does this project inspire you? Please let us know in the comments below! Go to comments

Full Project Credits For Lianjiang Butterfly Bay:

Project Name: Lianjiang Butterfly Bay Type / Program / Purpose: 70 Villa’s, Townhouses (85 units), Two apartment towers (180 units), Boutique hotel, (88 rooms), Commerce, Underground parking Location: Lianjiang, Fujian Province, China Floor area: 120,000 sqm Completion: 2015 Client: Citychamp Real Estate Architect / designer: NEXT architects Contact person: John van de Water Team: John van de Water, Jiang Xiaofei with Wopke Tjipke Schaafstal ,Wang Bo, Wang Yan, Zhou Tong, Yu Peng, Yin Ya Ling, Wen Qing, Wang Fei, Jiang Ci Ai, Liu Feng Qin, Ren Wan Ting 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 Yang Su

Article by Farah Afza Jurekh Spark Your City, by Kipling, in Sutton Walk, London Imagine you are walking past the same old, boring tunnel to start your day, stressing about how angry your boss’ mood might be or how your presentation to the multibillion-dollar company will turn out. Suddenly, you notice a huge difference around you. The usually dull, gray tunnel does not look the same as you see every day. It is completely adorned, lively and colorful. And even though this bright, new change won’t necessarily turn your presentation into the perfect one or bring a smile to your boss’ face, this colorful tunnel will definitely lift your mood and relieve your stress, preparing you to give your day your best shot. The spaces around us can act like mood lifters. A vibrant, colorful space can bring joy and happiness, relieve stress, or create a festive mood of celebration, depending on how the space has been designed. A dull, shabby place can ruin our mood, depress us, or aggravate our stress levels.

Spark Your City

Like the name of the project suggests, “Spark Your City” is a global movement — coordinated by the luggage brand Kipling — to spark joy in everyday city life. It is an exclusive initiative to transform the drab parts of cities into vibrant, interactive spaces to lift residents’ moods and bring joy to their mundane, busy, urban lives. In order to achieve that, Kipling invited creative, talented, pioneering, and influential women from around the globe who have expertise in their own fields to transform ordinary city routines and landmarks into extraordinary living playgrounds that will also inspire other women in their fields. Isn’t that exciting?

The Start of a Global Initiative

The initiative started in London and will continue in 50 other cities, encompassing 1,000 events around the globe. The first event launch was ignited by Radio 1 DJ Gemma Cairney, with the makeover of London Bridge. The second event – the one we will talk about here — took place on Aug. 27, 2015, at the behest of the energetic television presenter Helen Skelton. She is a former Blue Peter presenter, currently working in different genres for the BBC. An adventurous spirit who has already broken two Guinness world records for her adventures, Skelton has always been passionate about trying something new. She has the ability and the intelligence to draw out something extraordinary from the ordinary. This was certainly showcased in her plan.

The Magical Tunnel Skelton’s idea was to brighten up the route from Waterloo to the London landmark Sutton Walk (Southbank) through a kaleidoscope of images, variegated colors, and shapes. The main concept behind the project was to create an urban jungle amidst the concrete and bricks of city life. Everyone from every-day users to tourists loved the kaleidoscopic, adventurous tunnel. To the regular users, it was magical — as if someone had struck the whole tunnel with a magic wand! The Experience As one walked through the tunnel, one could imagine being in a real jungle. The intriguing feelings, the enthusiasm, the unexpected joy, the excitement of walking along the jungle, encouraged people to explore more. At the same time, Skelton’s presence in the tunnel literally turned it into an interactive, adventurous playground for all. “We live in a massive playground,” Skelton said. “It’s so easy to run around town looking at our phones or our feet, but if we look up and around, there is so much that can excite and inspire us. There is plenty for adults and kids to explore in London. It’s constantly changing and evolving. I never feel like I ‘know’ London. Around every corner is something new to explore.” Together We Build a Better Place It is true that there are many great outdoor spaces in London. But spaces that can ignite the moods of people of all ages, offer adventure, and encourage people to explore their cities are few in number. Projects like this one not only ignite the adventure within oneself, but also encourage us to transform other parts of our cities into a better place. Overall, this is a great global initiative that will not only remind people to live their lives happily every day, but also inspire people to celebrate life and to inspire the whole community, bringing in loads of new ideas to spark up their cities and making them better places to live.

Full Project Credits For Spark Your City:

Project Name: Spark Your City Event Year: 2015 Initiators: Kipling Location: Sutton Walk (Southbank), London 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 Farah Afza Jurekh

Article by Irmak Bilir Campa de los Ingleses Park, by Balmori Associates, Bilbao, Spain Very likely, everyone who is related to or interested in architecture knows the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, or has at least seen photos of it. The “Lung for the City” sits next to the museum in the northern part of Spain. The lung is actually a park, designed by Balmori Associates. It is the result of an international design competition in 2007; construction was completed in 2012. It is not surprising that the project, with its outstanding topographical waves, won the competition. It unifies the Abandoibarra area of Bilbao and the Nervión River, and the area is like a landscape bridge between the river and the city center. The park integrates the Mazarredo, Deusto Bridge, and the Plaza Euskadi with the surrounding buildings.

Campa de los Ingleses Park

The Live Topography of the Park The challenging topography of the site inspires and organizes the landscape into an array of park space and plantings. A series of curving terraces has been created, with undulating paths that pull up. The topographic waves mediate a 10-meter elevation difference across the park. This was achieved with ramps, terraces, and topography, earthforms serving to control vistas and to allow for a cafe to take place under a raised topography. The terraces, ramps, stairs, and walls flow into one another to sculpt the park. Programmed spaces are inserted into the terrace walls, allowing for a continuous park surface. The paths widen to shape public spaces designed for relaxation and views of the river, mountains, and the Guggenheim.

Why is the Project Called “A New Lung for the City”? The design has two parts sprawling from a street, and the paths in the project undulate like the veins in a lung. The shape of the project more or less reminds us of a lung, but that is not the only reason for this comparison. The paving of the Campa de los Ingleses contains an additive called GeoSliex, which absorbs carbon dioxide. It is made entirely from industrial wastes and was developed in partnership with the University of Granada. Planting Design of Campa de los Ingleses The planting design of the project is compatible with the topography and the waves. Divided areas in the green spaces are planted with ground-cover plants. A rock garden sits in the middle of the area, in a ellipses-shaped landscape detail that is also designed with some topographic changes and a long stair-like structure. Single trees are surrounded by circular seating elements, and lines of colorful trees wind through the site, collecting in the plazas to provide pockets of shade and color. There are more broad-leaved trees than evergreens, including lots of fruit trees. Apple trees (Malus spp.) dominate, but there are also beeches (Fagus spp.), magnolias (Magnolia spp.) , oaks (Quercus spp), holm oaks (Quercus ilex), red maples (Acer spp.) and lindens (Tilia spp.). An abundance of flowering shrubs, perennials, and ground cover provide a stunning seasonal show. Rather than using turf or “industrial lawn”, a “freedom lawn” was planted by introducing various grass species, clover, and wildflowers that fix nitrogen and reduce the need for pesticides. Another good point in the planting design is that the grass has been planted in different heights to emphasize the topographic differences and shapes. In some of the undulated areas, wild herbs are allowed to grow up for the height difference. The Other Landscape Elements in the Project The floodlighting elements are linear, while other light fixtures on the crossroads are just a little curve that is harmonious with the design. The walls created by the topography have special leaf-shaped reliefs that give character to the area. Long seating elements that continue on the undulating paths are remarkably good points for watching the landscape while resting. Campa de los Ingleses park not only embellishes Bilbao City with its unusual landscape, but it also cares about the ecology. This can be seen in the designers’ choice of pavements. Would you like to visit here and have a Spanish “cafe con leche” in the cafe that is tucked under the topographical elevation in Campa de los Ingleses Park? Let us know in the comments below! Go to comments

Full Project Credits For Campa de los Ingleses Park:

Project Name: Campa de los Ingleses Park Location: Bilbao, Spain Landscape Architecture: Balmori Associates Date of Construction: Completed 2012 Project Area: 25,000 square meters/6.17 acres Budget: 3.1 million euros (civil engineering and gardening) Client: Sociedad Bilbao Ria 2000 Local Partner: LANTEC RTN 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 Irmak Bilir

We take a closer look at five impressive resort gardens from around the globe Just like holidays, landscape gardens take on many shapes and are designed to elicit certain moods or emotions. For some, the garden is there to relax in and enjoy, others the plants take center stage, whereas for many the landscaping complements and softens the buildings it surrounds. The perfect garden is subjective to the wanderer who visits it – just like the perfect holiday. Many travelers go on holiday to relax, unwind and re-charge their batteries, and what better way to do that than in a beautiful garden? Those are certainly things to take into consideration when designing a resort garden, along with logistics, client requests and so much more. Let’s take a look at a few resorts from all over the world that understand the importance of a beautifully landscaped garden in reinvigorating the body and mind.

Resort Gardens

1. Bodysgallen Hall and Spa, Wales The UK is full to the brim with beautiful and historic buildings that have been transformed into hotels and resorts for our holidaying pleasure. A stand out, for us, is the Bodysgallen Hall and Spa in North Wales. This impressive building was built in the 17th century and sits on 200 acres of parkland. Celebrated for its garden, the Bodysgallen boasts both formal and wild landscaping. If you’re lucky enough to visit then you’ll be treated to a walled garden, follies, lily-pad-dotted ponds and a 17th-century French-style parterre of box hedges filled with herbs. And after you’ve worked up an appetite roaming the gardens you can have a full Welsh breakfast in their formal dining room or relax in their spa.

2. Crown Perth Resort The Crown Perth is an impressive resort. This is a contemporary, modernist building with elegant rooms. It has a resort-style pool, a spa and a nightclub and an incredible 32 restaurants and bars. For people who like their action non-stop, there is also a 24-hour casino that sits in a ziggurat-type building with many windows and has hosted big money poker events such as the PokerStars Australia New Zealand Poker Tour. Complementing the modern building is an equally contemporary garden. Set on the banks of the Swan river, the landscape reflects its surroundings with mirroring water features, rolling banks and indigenous plants that had been grouped together to create a naturalistic look. Within the walls of the resort buildings themselves, lusher plants have been used to soften hard concrete edges and add color and depth to walkways, corners and entertainment areas. 3. Villa D’este, Italy Lake Como is the backdrop to this luxurious Tivoli resort ,which has 25 acres of landscaped gardens. Like most of the resorts in the area, the Villa D’este is an upscale hotel that was built in the 16th-century. Sophisticated rooms compliment the style of its surroundings, and guests can enjoy three restaurants, three bars, and a pool on the lake itself. The real attraction, however, is their garden. Italian and Baroque style gardens, that date back to the Renaissance, delight with multiple parterres, bridges, and a tree-lined avenue that leads to a statue of Hercules throwing Lichas into the sea. This garden is also home to a 500-year-old plane tree (Platanus occidentalis) that grows between the main building and the Queen’s pavilion. Last time it was measured, the circumference of the tree was roughly 26 feet. 4. Langham Huntington, California The Langham Huntington sits within 23 acres of grounds in the stylish neighborhood of Pasadena. This luxury hotel features a restaurant, casual terrace bistro, a stylish bar, chic spa, tennis courts, heated pool and a sundeck. There’s a reason that they celebrated their 100th anniversary last year, and their gardens certainly contributed to this. The Langham has a horseshoe garden, which is positioned behind the hotel. Wandering the grounds you will see magnolias, roses and creeping figs. They have a Japanese garden which features a step-down waterfall pond which is spanned by a curved footbridge. Here you will also find bamboo trees and date palms – which thrive in the Californian weather. 5. Boath House, Scotland The Boath House is an attractive Georgian mansion that is set on a 22-acre property, 2.5 miles from Nairn and close to the Cawdor Castle. Another upscale hotel, this venue boasts individually decorated rooms, free-standing baths and 4-poster beds. To feel like the Laird of the manor and wander your grounds you must stay as a guest at the hotel, or dine in one of their restaurants. But it’s worth it, as the grounds have a beautiful lake, a wildflower meadow, woods, and a walled garden. You may also run into the odd goose, swan or duck. Although this is a historic listed property, and the landscaping is largely formal, they have managed to include several contemporary touches such as a newly-planted grass garden that was inspired by the Dutch design movement. There are many more equally beautiful landscape gardens around the world, in many more resorts. Here we have merely touched upon some that we enjoy. Here’s to exploring many, many more. Article by Nicky Mirando Featured image: By Adrian Pingstone (Arpingstone) – Own work, Public Domain

Article by Diana Ispas Estrella Hall at Estrella Mountain Community College by Colwell Shelor Landscape Architecture, Avondale, Arizona, US A successful landscape design takes into consideration client requirements, site specifications, creativity, added value, budget, deadlines … the list goes on and on. But when you aim to create a meaningful and engaging learning environment for students through a sustainable project that expresses the historical and cultural values of the surrounding communities — in a hot desert climate — things start to get even more complicated.

Estrella Hall at Estrella Mountain Community College

Campus Expansion Estrella Mountain Community College completed construction of the new Estrella Hall library and conference center in 2013. The whole project focuses on the sustainability of both structures and the surrounding landscape. The expansion project is designed to strengthen the composition of the campus by continuing a series of linked garden spaces and to become a fundamental piece for the campus.

Colwell Shelor Landscape Architecture is a Phoenix-based landscape architecture studio that creates vibrant and unique environments that respond to the client’s desires, as well as meeting the cultural and ecological requisites for each project. The landscape architecture firm teamed with Richard + Bauer architecture studio to use a different approach in the relationship between the building and the landscape design. The building concept design was a center-based pavilion used as a backdrop for the surrounding gardens. Hot Climate Solution If every project has a keyword, Estrella Mountain Community College’s is definitely sustainability. When it comes to vegetation, Arizona’s hot desert is a constraint factor that led to a low-water-use solution based on the use of the passive water that supplements irrigation. The land configuration helps water flow from high points to low points for collection and transportation, serving as a separator for more intimate areas. Roof rainwater is collected and stored in a number of natural cisterns, which release controlled quantities of water through a series of channels and streams. Colwell Shelor adopted a low-maintenance landscape design solution that consists of low water use, climate-appropriate plantings, and drip irrigation. Almost all of the plant species require no maintenance, other than the pruning of the Palo Brea Parkinsonia praecox and Mesquite Prosopis hybrid. The dark facade of the library provides a contrasting and permanent trellis for the Yellow Orchid vines Mascagnia macroptera that shade the building. Other species of plants, such as Palo Blanco Acacia willardianais, have been used to highlight the entrance to the building in a disguised way. Plants have been used in a creative way to shade sunny places, separate different spaces, accentuate volumes, and disguise places that need to be discovered for a full experience. An outdoor break-out area, placed next to the pavilion and designed as a garden experience, offers a wide variety of seating experiences for individual study or collaborative work. A grand lawn is located centrally, and is used as a stage for graduation ceremonies and as a daily social gathering space. This space is also suitable for informal play and larger events, such as outdoor movies, festivals, and group exercise. Water collected and transported through the landscape is used to supplement the lawn irrigation. In recognition of the environmental commitment and contribution to the region’s overall sustainability, the college received the Crescordia Award for Site Development and Landscape in the Public Sector category of the 2014 Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards. The project was much appreciated for its understanding of the microclimate in relationship with the implementation of sustainable solutions to create a meaningful and engaging environment for the local community. What do you think of the sustainability factor in this project, could it have been improved, how? Let us know in the comments below! Go to comments

Full Project Credits For Estrella Hall at Estrella Mountain Community College:

Project Name: Estrella Hall at Estrella Mountain Community College Location: Estrella Mountain Community College, Avondale, AZ 85392 Design Firm: Colwell Shelor Landscape Architecture Client: Maricopa County Community College District Consultants: Architect: Richard + Bauer, Phoenix, AZ Contractor: Okland Construction, Phoenix, AZ Date of Construction: 2013 Awards: Crescordia Award for campus landscape 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 Diana Ispas

This week’s Sketchy Saturday Top 10. Sketchy Saturday is back for another week of awesome Sketchy Saturday talent, highlighting the best sketches of the growing LAN community (Currently 1,315,058 fans on Facebook) up 130,040 fans since our last Sketchy Saturday edition. What wonderful growth. Choosing the sketches to be featured in Sketchy Saturday is always the fun part, the hard part is putting them in order. Rarely do we have a clear cut top number one and this week is no different. Putting so many different styles up together is always asking for trouble, one has to find the commonalities and judge as fairly as possible. Take a look at this week’s highlights and let us know who you think deserved the number one spot.

Enjoy this week’s Sketchy Saturday Top 10

10. by Rory L Canham, Masters architecture student at Sheffield Hallam University, England, UK, British

“The sketch came about following a semester of work during my architectural masters where we explored the temporary nature of paper and its lasting effects on people. I and a colleague visited the idea of creating paper origami peace doves with the thought of seeing how far they could be passed around the globe beginning in Sheffield, England. We carried out multiple urban art installations of hundreds of birds across the city. The sketch followed a simple black and white colorway in order to focus on the ideology behind the peace dove instead of losing its significance by adding color. I used a simple architect’s best friend i.e a black thin nib pen which, with my sketchpad, is always by my side. (Another reason behind the lack of color as it saves carrying different colors around!). we started to spread the birds across the country and eventually abroad and beyond which lead to my sketch”. 9. by Christopher T. Pugh, student at Academy of Art University, studying Landscape Architecture, in the United States of America, state of Alabama  No description. If you are Christopher T. Pugh and would like to add a description for your image, contact us at office@landarchs.com 8. by Aytek Akçakaya, landscape architect for Modern Peyzaj,in Turkey WATCH >>> Landscape Design – Villa Project – Time Lapse Sketch Drawing

“This sketch was made for a presentation. First meeting with our customer. We tried to explain the design of the garden with this sketch. Then we use it to create a 3D animation. Style in which the sketch is made: Classic Rome Style. Location: Hadımköy/İstanbul/TURKEY. Material used: Copic Sketch Markers and Pigment Pens” 7. by Vakhtang Jmukhadze, archtiect, Georgia

“This is a Tropical Villa Sketch, that is made during my idleness soon after graduation from architecture masters program. The motivation was simple – after hard work on my diploma I wanted to have a rest in tropics (or somewhere else :D). The sketch is made with simple colored pencils, brown marker and black ink pen on a simple A4 paper”. 6. by Simon Paulais, Student in Master 1 of landscape architecture in Angers, France and Student in landscape architecture in Freising, Germany “I made this A3 watercolor sketch during a field trip in Spoleto, Italy, when I was studying landscape architecture in Germany as an Erasmus student. I found this little street very beautiful with its cozy atmosphere. I focused on the end of the street because all the light was coming from this side and I wanted to draw the viewers’ eyes to this particular point. I finally added the two people’ silhouettes to bring some life in the sketch and chose to keep some area free of color to enhance the vanishing point.” 5. by Charl justine Darapisa “Using color pencils and marker, this sketch was inspired by the combination of organic and synthetic materials that aim to devise a multi-nodal play equipment appropriate for any age. It was surrounded by bodies of water to add accent, sound, aesthetics and can be metaphorically translated as an ocean surrounding an island which is the entire play equipment. Softscape planting with clay jars and water mills were installed as well to create dynamism to the entire design. The openness of the pavilion also allowed the users to enjoy the entire play equipment while maximizing the surrounding view and giving them comfort, security and sense of place. Since the majority of the materials used were made of wood, this play equipment also aims to bring the users, especially the children, closer to nature while allowing them to reach their full imagination inside their playful mind”. 4. by Varga Bettina-Evelin, architecture student, Romania “This sketch was made as part of a study on the historic buildings in Timisoara, Romania. It represents the Catholic Gerhardinum School’s church tower and school. Sonnet watercolors and black liner were used”. 3. by Greg Mendoza, Design concept & illustrations, In association with A+K International, Chino Hills, California “Part of a presentation package for a project in Miaoling, Dalian, China. The sketch illustrated the concept of using podium parking roof as a residential park and perimeter retail shops to hide them from view. I used Pilot razor point pens for line drawings & AD markers for color”. 2. by Esteban Pisa,Architect, Bogotá, Colombia  “This Sketch was made for a Colleagues’s project that consists of a Theme Park and Research Center around the vast diversity of Plants and Trees that grow and are found inside each of the Micro Climates that are generated in the Mountains of a specific region in Colombia”. 1. by Jan Kowalewicz “I especially like drawing cities from bird’s eye view, as it is one of most detailed subjects. The drawing was a present for a friend who lives in Brussels on immigration. The picture is made using Tria markers and black finelinear on white paper size A2 – 420 x 594 mm. Located in the city is Warsaw – the capital of Poland, EU”. Link to Jan Kowalewicz’s Facebook page – That’s this week’s Sketchy Saturday Top 10, congratulations to all of you who featured, you have come out on top of a very talented bunch of people. Check out the Sketchy Saturday official Facebook album and see literally 1,000′s of incredible sketches! Follow all the winning entries on our dedicated Sketchy Saturday Pinterest page. If you want to take part send your entries to us at office@landarchs.com What did you think of this week’s top 10? Let us know in the comments down below! Go to comments Recommended reading:

• Drawing the Landscape by Chip Sullivan
• Drawing Nature for the Absolute Beginner: A Clear & Easy Guide to Drawing Landscapes & Nature (Art for the Absolute Beginner) by Mark Willenbrink

Article by Scott D. Renwick

Article by Radenka Kolarov Undulating Bridge Hoofddorp project by LODEWIJK BALJON landscape architects, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands. In 2015 this project was awarded the Lamp Lighting Solutions Award because of a strong and unique synergy between interior design, landscaping, lighting and architecture. The landscape architects of Lodewijk Baljon have designed the bridge as a connection between the rail and bus station and the sustainable office park Beukenhorst in Hoofddorp. Another interesting fact is that this bridge has been built with a nod to the historical background of the city; later in this article you will get to know exactly how. Besides that, it provides a safe commuter experience and it offers the most pleasurable view for everyone.

For sure, this Undulating Bridge is a very interesting and outstanding solution; the confirmation of its uniqueness lies within the fact that the Lamp Lighting Solutions Awards team values its creativity, innovation and sustainability in lighting design. “The special mention is given for a project that provided an imaginative response to an otherwise functional footbridge crossing and in particular for the integration of a decorative, lit element into the balustrade, “ the Jury Evaluation explained. Unbreakable Connection Between the Bridge and its Environment The Undulating Bridge is near a railway station, close to Schiphol airport and Beukenhorst South park which has a strong potential to contribute to the sustainable development; one of the main issues of today. The avenue is very functional because of its central position, and spatially by its central verge that runs as a grassy dike with a double row of ash (Fraxinus) trees, which can be seen from the bridge and makes a great view for all the visitors. What would any bridge become with no water in its environment? It would still stay a bridge of course, but it is the wide channel that surrounds this bridge that makes it so enjoyable and pleasant. Historical Influence as a Basis of Bridge Design Poplar (Populus) trees that are planted along a dike called “Geniedijk” in this region are a part of the historic defense line (created in the late 19th century) around Amsterdam (a Unesco World Heritage site). On the one hand, it has served as an inspiration within the design. The main purpose of this bridge is to make a direct connection for pedestrians and cyclists between the train and bus station of Hoofddorp and the Office Park Beukenhorst. A very interesting flared shape enables two possible routes coming from the station. It is up to you to choose which route fits you the best. What makes this bridge even more interesting are two curved lines of the bridge in plan, which are strengthened by a vertical motion. The arc for cyclists is enhanced by a slight bulge that makes a riding more dynamic, while pedestrians are brought closer to the water through a hollow. The Undulating Bridge has a distinctive smooth and graceful shape that has attracted many people already. If it hasn’t yet made you think about visiting it, just wait to hear next what is so fascinating about Undulating Bridge. A Magical Sight – Inversion of the Image What will tickle your imagination is the very contrast that is inherent within the artistic expression of the bridge. The railing of the bridge is made of stainless steel, the symbol of something strong and safe, but with perforations through it, made of the pattern of tree branches, creating a remarkable piece of architectonic art. During the day the pattern of dots makes a graphic, black image in contrast to the silver-gray of the stainless steel. And when the evening is coming, LED lighting behind the punch holes create an inversion of the image – colorful, beautiful branches. With this combination of direct and indirect light that is integrated into the railing, the necessity of light fixtures on poles in this environment has been eliminated. The attractive show of the pattern of branches is visible only from the outer plate. The inner plate has a regular grid for the sake of creating a safe passage for everyone. Undulating Bridge is a wonderful project that in itself entwines the elements of new technologies (the use of LED lighting), wise choice of materials and artistic architectural expression, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It serves as one very functional and accessible bridge for all its users with an appealing ambience that surrounds it. What do you think, is Undulating Bridge the place you would like to visit immediately? Let us know in the comment section below! Go to comments

Full Project Credits For the Undulating Bridge Hoofddorp:

Project Name: Undulating Bridge Hoofddorp Location: Taurusavenue, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands Design Firm: LODEWIJK BALJON landscape architects Lighting Consultant: Industrielicht Client: City of Haarlemmermeer, the Netherlands Photographers: LODEWIJK BALJON landscape architects, Albert Brunsting Awards: Special mention for Undulating Bridge in Hoofddorp at Lamp Lighting Solutions Awards 2015, LODEWIJK BALJON landscape architects in Amsterdam 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 Radenka Kolarov

Article by Zean Mair-Macfarlane Regents Park Block 20, by Scott Torrance Landscape Architects in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a rooftop garden in the middle of a city. So what makes this project different from the rest? Well, for a start, this project isn’t just a rooftop garden. It elegantly stretches over four different levels of an 11-story building. Regents Park Block 20 in Toronto, by Scott Torrance Landscape Architects, is Canada’s largest and oldest social housing project. It previously suffered from both social and criminal setbacks in the community. In theory, the project isn’t just a restoration of design, but an attempt to reunite the community and reconnect the area to its local parks.

Regents Park Block 20

Ground Floor Each floor has a different identity, but they flow cohesively through a limited selection of materials. Such materials include light shades of limestone, concrete, and light oak timbers. The ground floor streetscapes are full of planters and trees, not only to decorate the area, but to attract the public to the space. There is a selection of light concrete benches that merge with the concrete planters, giving the public various areas to sit.

The ground-floor layout follows a linear language that not only complements the flow of the pedestrians, but also somewhat mirrors the surrounding architecture. The concrete planters, light in tone, subtly merge with the light pavement, unifying the walkways with the landscaping itself. What is smart about this project is that it combines low-maintenance design while also meeting the Toronto Green Standards. An example of this attention to detail is that the landscape architects calculated the appropriate amount of soil that would be used to plant the trees. Now, that’s going the extra mile! Second Floor The second floor is the playground area. To my surprise, it somehow combines zen-like qualities with fun and adventure. It’s full of open, meandering spaces and is complete with a water feature that encourages children to play. The special sports surface of this level ensures the safety of all ages. Featured above is a fun sculptural turtle shell, comprised of irregular forms of natural limestone. I’m sure it will have both little kids (and big kids) racing to the top. Ninth Floor The ninth floor not only captures the beautiful Toronto skyline, but mirrors the reflections of the surrounding architecture. The floor itself is somewhat of a residential hub that promotes food security among residents by giving them a place to grow their own food. The plants are grown in linear planters made from stacked sandstone. Once again, a selection of pale materials is used to connect the space. With that said, there are injections of dark concrete planters on this floor. These planters are for smaller shrubs and sedums to grow. Generally, this space is more personalized than the other floors, where movable planters are welcome. A large covered dining area also allows the residents an opportunity to prepare and eat the produce as soon as it is harvested. Socialize, relax, or practice your yoga — this space ticks all of the boxes. The Roof The extensive green roof is designed to promote biodiversity, as well as to reduce the wasting of storm water. The sedums, forbs, and grasses are spread among rocks, logs, and gravelled areas. This not only enhances the insulation properties of the architecture, but provides topographical variation and habitats for insects and wildlife. The Connection So what can we take away from this project? First of all, the landscape doesn’t have to flow horizontally for you to realize a connection from one space to the next. We can also see how powerful a limited palette of materials and colors can be. Projects such as Regents Park Block 20 not only emphasise the importance of community, but also highlight the reality of our current living environment. Many of us live encased in an urban city. Now more than ever, we need to realize the importance of good landscape design in conjunction with several-story buildings. Does Regents Park Block 20 succeed in connecting the building to surrounding urban environment? Let us know what you think in the comment section below! Go to comments

Full Project Credits For Regents Park Block 20:

Project Name: Regents Park Block 20 Designer: Scott Torrance Landscape Architects Project Size: 2,800 square meters Date Completed: 2013 Owner/Client: Toronto Community Housing Corporation Project Team: Wallman Architects Ltd. (Lead) / Scott Torrance Landscape Architect Inc. Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Article by Zean Mair-Macfarlane Zean Mair-Macfarlane has recently released an illustrated ebook for architecture students. You can purchase the eBook here. If you are interested in receiving free advice on your course, you can find him on Facebook here. 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