Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network

La Kagu, designed by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates, in Tokyo, Japan. The La Kagu building designed by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates was a project that turned an old book warehouse into a multipurpose space with a lifestyle store and café. The original warehouse was maintained by the Shinchosha publishing company, which asked architect Kengo Kuma to restore the building. Kuma, a long-term resident of the neighborhood, understood the needs of renovating such an historical building. The company’s goal was to create a solid link between the present and the past.

La Kagu

Reusing Materials to Enhance the Design

From the beginning, the project showed a unique respect for the site conditions by reusing the existing steel structure of the building, constructed in 1965, and by commemorating the affected topography of the site. While the first concept was part of the leading idea for the interior design, the intention to respect the original topography of the site defined the design for the outdoor project, which mainly relies on the principal staircase.

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Form and Function Combined with the Past

In order to get access to the different levels of the store of La Kagu, Kuma established that the access would be by a single timber-and-steel staircase that diverges in the middle, leading to the first and second floors of the store. The pavement selected, color, dimensions, and textures recreate a kind of model of the original topography of the non-existing hill.

Stepping with Contours

Each contour is each step. The brown appearance of the staircase intensifies its topography model aspect, which disembogues onto “Waseda-dori” street like a snake, marking the end of the sidewalk and the beginning of the store. Another important aspect of the wooden staircase is the timber material. Its aspect, color, and dimensions create a unique, warm pavement pattern that transforms the staircase into a venue for events. According to the architects, this kind of public atrium has already been used to host a local farmers’ market.

Design Acting as a City Boundry

The staircase also fulfills its functions as a city boundary. While it functions as an open public atrium, it also has the character to open up the narrow streets of Japan. La Kagu’s open entrance area gives a break to the citizens, by amplifying the corner and changing the atmosphere of the site, creating a strong contrast between the rigid urbanism and the organically shaped wooden staircase.

The Influence of the Trees Within The Design

The presence of the trees also follows the idea of celebrating the past. This aspect is also a matter of Japanese design, in which the tree symbolizes the presence of spirits. The old trees (three species of the Platanus family) became a fundamental part of the staircase and the façade of the building; they show how strong and important they are to the Japanese landscape design by breaking the geometry of the timber-and-steel staircase.

The Alliance Between Building And Nature

Despite their size, each tree creates a unique link with the building and respects its restoration. Their relationship evolves each autumn and winter, when the trees lose their foliage and visitors and pedestrians rediscover the entire steel façade of the building. This alliance between building and nature works in equilibrium with the environment, maintaining the natural order of the site.

How Important is Outdoor Design for Indoor Design?

The presence of the wooden staircase also affects the interior design of La Kagu. As we can observe in the pictures, the structure of the staircase brings enough indirect daylight into the lifestyle store and café by exploiting the northern boundary of the site.

With this, each space becomes more comfortable for visitors. It also results in low maintenance and reduces the use of electrical energy. A common — but not less important — design aspect of Japanese architecture is to build efficient and practical spaces. La Kagu by Kengo Kuma and Associates is so well designed that it has transformed the urban landscape of the neighborhood while at the same time exposing the history of the place. The staircase not only cares about the visitor, but also considers its urban impact by proposing an open atrium for the people and security for pedestrians and bikers. During the design process, a set of details may get lost and, in some cases, each part of the project is not correctly linked with the rest of the elements. It is imperative not to forget the roots of the site during the design process, to respect the genius loci, and to remember the needs of the client so that you can avoid common design mistakes.

Full Project Credits For La Kagu

Project: La Kagu Location: Tokyo, Japan Architect: Kengo Kuma and Associates Area: 962.45 sqm Year: September, 2014 Client: Shinchosha publishing company Use: shop, café Photography: Keishin Horikoshi / SS Tokyo Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Luis Eduardo Guísar Benítez Return to Homepage

Freundschaftsinsel Potsdam, POLA, in Potsdam, Germany. Sitting between the Alte Fahrt and Neue Fahrt waterways in Berlin is the Freundschaftsinsel, which translates to “Friendship Island”. Freundschaftsinsel is located in the historic center of Potsdam, where old castles, gardens, and parks are waiting to be explored. Friendship Island is a local favorite, and a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. It is home to many little parks and garden areas, one of which was a botanical center started by none other than Karl Forester, famous for his work with perennials and the namesake of Calamagrostis x acutiflora, or Feather Reed Grass. An open theater, a children’s play area, and a popular coffeehouse are also attractions within the island.

Competition Time

A competition was held to re-design an entrance to the islands’ parks, and the winner was the firm POLA (Permanent Office for Landscape Architecture) of Berlin.

Freundschaftsinsel Potsdam

The New Face of Freundschaftsinsel

POLA landscape architects proposed a new design for the site in 2006 and the project had its grand opening during the summer of 2010. The design for the new entrance of Friendship Island is simple — but simplicity is not a bad thing, nor does it mean that little effort went into the design. The design was planned in a way that creates a sense of openness that leads visitors into the area. The transition from the new entrance to the rest of the island is effortless, and minimal disturbance of the original site worked to preserve the history that makes Freundschaftsinsel so special to Berlin.

Walkways Throughout the Park

Walking up to the entrance, you are greeted by a small plaza space on the upper level. Steps then take you down to other plaza spaces and walkways that meander through the park. With water on both sides of this island park, the walkways become more like boardwalks, where you can walk right against the water’s edge.

Though the walkways provide a clear path through the park space, there are also terraced areas with concrete steps, which appear very bright to the eye when compared to the green grass on which they sit. These steps and linear design pieces placed in landscape design are found in a lot of modern design. The linear quality makes for a clean and simple look, but still stands out enough that visitors may be inclined to wander over and relax, or stray from their usual path along the designated walkways.

Contrasting Materials Used to Great Effect

The variation in materials is subtle in the design, but the texture changes create a more attractive and thoughtful look to the eye. The walkways are a neutral tan tone, composed of light gravel, while the plaza spaces have a rustic cobblestone appeal. The furniture placed in the plazas include concrete seats shaped like asterisks, making for plenty of seating options and providing another fun break in texture that is striking to the eye.

Planting on The Site

Plantings around the site fit with the riparian area. Trees draping over the river are mimicked through the planting of new trees that will grow to create the same effect. Lush grass covers a large amount of the site, occasionally interrupted by riparian plantings in areas near the river or entrance space.

Why is This Site So Popular?

Site projects such as the new entrance to Freundschaftsinsel are important for keeping urban areas healthy because of the focus they place on parks and recreation. An emphasis on people, recreation, and open space makes for a happier and healthier community. Through the creation — or in this case, the renewal — of a park space, visitors and locals are given the opportunity to change the way they spend their free time. Just like how universities almost always have a quad or internally located gathering space, a city should have at least one great park. The fact that Friendship Island is a local favorite is no surprise.

“The Best Parks Tend to be the Simplest Ones”

As odd as it may sound, some of the most successful parks are the ones that don’t try too hard to be the best. The best parks tend to be the simplest ones — spaces where activities such as walking your dog, riding a bike, and spending time with friends are all easy to do because the space has been left open for you to define. Open grass areas are inviting, much like the ones on this site, and are popular for picnicking, basking in the sun, and even studying.

Long, wandering paths are appealing and leave people wanting to walk a little longer, explore a little more. Plaza areas facing the water have also made the site successful, in that they act as a place for rest and socialization, as well as the host to a tranquil view. The terraces within this site add another unique dimension to the park, giving plenty of opportunities for sitting with friends or on your own, in the grass or along a seat wall. When walking through a park or other public place, we all eventually want to seek out a place to relax, and Freundschaftsinsel has made sure that wherever you wander off to, there will be a place for that. Is simplistic design the key to success in public places?

Full Project Credits For Freundschaftsinsel Potsdam

Project Name: Freundschaftsinsel Potsdam Design Budget: 1.1 million euro Dates of Planning/Construction: 2006-2011 (opened in 2010) Site Size: 3.4 hectares (size of entrance) Client: VIP Verkehrsbetriebe Potsdam (Germany) Location: Potsdam, Germany Images: POLA Design: POLA Photographer: Joerg Michel, Berlin Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Megan Criss Return to Homepage

After the success of our first article on How to Draw Like an Artist with These 7 YouTube Tutorials, we had to follow it up with a second, more advanced collection. The list below is a diverse mix of tutorials giving tips on drawing with graphic pencils, pens, and charcoal. This time, we chose more advanced videos, since most of you already have basic drawing skills. The focus of this article is on landscape drawings and detail drawings that are helpful for every landscape architect or student. Here are 10 videos to boost your motivation for improving your drawings:

1. How to Draw Easy but Good-looking Trees

One of the must-have skills for landscape architects is drawing trees. Not only do we need to be able to quickly sketch a few green lines, but it is also important to include some of the details — or is it? The author of this video offers some simple tricks to improve your tree-drawing skills. In his opinion, it is important NOT to lose yourself in drawing all the detailed leaves, but to instead concentrate on making every tree a composition as a whole. WATCH: How to Draw a Tree

2. How to Draw Phenomenal-looking Trees (with subtitles)

If drawing “good-looking” trees is not enough for you, check out this video (and even if it is, please watch because these trees are fantastic!) In my opinion, this artist draws the most beautiful and diverse trees with pencils. Don’t let the language barrier of this video become a problem: There are English subtitles. Just watching his hands draw those lines makes me want to be able to draw like this so badly. Don’t forget to check out his other tutorials. WATCH: Drawing tutorial – Different trees | Kurs rysunku – Różne drzewa [S02E02 ENG/PL]

3. How to Draw Scenery in Perspective

This is a fluent, eight-minute video that shows how to draw advanced scenery of a rural village in one-point perspective. The details of the scenery are beautifully chosen, allowing the drawing to come alive. WATCH: How to draw a scenery in perspective

4. How to Start Landscape Sketches

This video explains how to break down a photograph into simple elements that can then be transferred over to start a sketch. It is a great help for anyone who is not confident when starting to copy a photo. WATCH: How to start a Landscape Sketch

5. How to Sketch and Draw Urban Scenes

In the process of becoming a good landscape architect, one needs to learn how to make quick sketches of the project site and its surroundings. This video gives tips on how to start with those sketches. WATCH: Urban Sketching & Drawing Outdoor Scenes Pt 1 | Some basics

6. How to Draw Landscapes with Charcoal Pencils

In this video lesson, the author creates a landscape using only charcoal pencils. Among pen drawings, the charcoals are a very important tool to fast-sketch shades or create scenery such as this. The result is something astounding. WATCH: How to Draw with Charcoal Pencils – Landscape Sketching

7. How to Draw a Waterscape

This video suggests a rather easy way of drawing calm waves in the sea. Additionally, it shows how to draw a discreet background with clouds. Other Articles You May be Interested in: 

• Freehand Drawing & Discovery, by James Richards | Book Review
• Hand Drawing versus Computer Rendering. Which is Best for Landscape Architecture?
• Drawing for Landscape Architecture, by Edward Hutchison l Book Review 

WATCH: How to Draw a Sailing Boat – How to Draw a Sea – How to Draw Clouds

8. Fast-sketching People

This urban sketching demo encourages us to always have our sketchbook as well as a pencil and pen ready, because there are always very interesting motifs to capture. Sketching people is a must-have skill for landscape architects, since including people gives every conceptual drawing the perfect finish. WATCH: Urban Sketching Demo : People in the Metro

9. How to Draw a Realistic Face (and Finally Get the Proportions Right)

With this video, you can learn the main techniques and rules of how to draw a realistic face and how to get the right proportions. The author uses a modified grid pattern that reduces the complexity of the normal grid pattern most of us learned in school. This modified pattern makes it easy to understand the proportions of every face fast. Check it out if you’re not as good at face drawing as you would like. WATCH: Realistic Drawing tutorial- Getting Proportions Drawn Correctly

10. How to Draw Eyes in Different Angles

This video demonstrates and explains how to draw the eye shape correctly and how to give it form by shading it. With this video, you will never be scared of drawing eyes again, and you will stop trying to avoid the eyes by drawing people only from behind. WATCH: How to Draw the Eye – Different Angles

Every artist has his or her own weaknesses. It does not matter if you are already an advanced drawer or just a beginner. The most important thing is to be aware of the fact that every one of us has an artistic vein and that this side of us can always be improved. These 10 videos are only a suggestion of where to start (or continue) with this improvement. I hope you enjoyed our new collection.

Recommended Reading:

• Drawing and Designing with Confidence: A Step-by-Step Guide by Mike W. Lin
• Landscape Perspective Drawing by Nicholas T. Dines

Article by Sophie Thiel

Return to Homepage

Wet meadow site and source of the river Norges, by Territories Landscape Architects, in Norges-la-Ville, France. Landscape architecture has the power to transform any outdoor space into something genuinely amazing, with the best qualities of the respective space being brought to the surface. The project in question here was commissioned by Norges-la-Villes, a delightful French village located near Dijon. The talented minds from Territories took on the project, managing to successfully bond the richness and depth of the village with the natural source of the river Norges. Even though the landscape in the area was beautiful, it was not accessible. Given the reduced accessibility, it should come as no surprise that the local population was not able to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Apart from that, the degree of accessibility varied in accordance to the season and the mood of the river Norges.

Wet meadow and Source of The River Norges

In starting this project, it was decided that the wet meadow in the nearby area should be rehabilitated. A second objective of the project was related to the enlargement of the space around the river source, which was successfully achieved.

Wooden Elements Add Functionality to Any Outdoor Space

As the main idea of this project was to increase the accessibility into the area, it was decided that wooden elements were going to be included – in this way, the outdoor space would not only become accessible, but would also be aesthetically pleasant. The starting point became the large wooden deck that stood as a terrace over the source of the river.

The Beautiful Boardwalk

The boardwalk came to complete the image of the project, increasing accessibility. The design of the boardwalk was similar to that of a wharf, with the support being guaranteed by wooden stilts. The tree used for both the terrace and the pedestrian boardwalk was oak. The essential idea behind the pedestrian boardwalk was to allow the wanderer to leave the domesticated space and cross what was practically a symbolic border.

Flowing Transition From One Space to the Other

Even from the start of the project, it was noticed that the meadow area is extremely wet. Moreover, due to overflowing of the river, the meadow was often transformed into a temporary swamp. The pedestrian boardwalk was one of the most important elements of the project, as it allowed for the transition between two completely different spaces. On one hand was the domesticated area, where everything was stable and no changes occurred. On the other hand was the brand new nimbus, characterized by wildness and a lack of predictability.

Walking Without Touching The Ground

By choosing the elevated access for the boardwalk, it was possible for visitors to step into what can only be presented as a fantasyland. The fact that one is able to walk in such an outdoor space without touching the ground is perhaps the most attractive part the project.

The Ecosystem: The Heart of the Project

Upon deciding to make any changes to an outdoor space, any landscape architect has to take into consideration the impact these changes will have on the ecosystem. All of the changes in this project were made were in accordance with the ecosystem, as the heart of the project.

Bringing The Wildlife Back to The Centre of Attention

It was through these modifications that the local wildlife was brought into the center of attention. At the same time, the ingenious design of the pathways allowed for constant access to the respective outdoor space, even during the times when the river had overflown.

Accessibility to the River Norges Made Possible Through Careful Touches

The newly created wharf was crossed by wooden branches, which have the purpose of ensuring access to the beautiful river Norges. It was through these carefully chosen elements that a new perspective was brought to what can only be described as a poetic journey. Apart from that, the whole poetic image was completed by the wooden bridge over the river – upon closer look, these elements seem to be part of a well-written poem, inviting contemplation and relaxation.

The geometric contrast that can be noticed in the area is of definite importance. The boardwalk’s radical lines appear in beautiful and quite striking contrast with the natural, sinuous curves of the river, making the whole outdoor space even more interesting to discover and explore. This project has benefitted from what can be presented as a minimal man-made intrusion, but the final result is spectacular, to say the least. The landscape was brought once more into the center of attention, with carefully chosen elements coming to complete the final image and stimulate the aesthetic taste of any visitor. After reading about this project, there is only one question that is worth asking: How intrusive should the influence of landscape architecture be over a respective space?

Full Project Credits For Wet meadow and source of the river Norges

Project Name: Wet meadow and source of the river Norges Completed: 2013 Location: Norges-la-Ville, France Client: Norges-la-Ville Contractor: Territories Subcontractor: Teckicea (structural engineering) Area: 1,180 yards (path) + 154 square meters (deck) Cost: €310000 bf tax Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Alexandra Antipa Return to Homepage

City Square Urban Park, by ONG & ONG, Singapore. Urban parks have an essential role in transforming and enriching our cities. They are indicators for the livability and sustainability of cities and play an important role as catalysts for community development and enhancement. City Square Urban Park was designed by ONG & ONG with the purpose to create a learning experience about ecology and the natural environment. Through this project, the landscape architects show a high level of creativity, excellence, and commitment. With their in-depth knowledge of the local context, culture, and regulation, they place importance on education as a key element in the philanthropic effort. Let’s find out the two most important benefits of an urban park for a neighborhood viewed through the lens of City Square Urban Park in Singapore.

City Square Urban Park

An urban park is an open space area dominated by vegetation and water that is generally reserved for public use. Located in Singapore, a global financial center with a multicultural population, City Square Urban Park is itself a place for meeting different nations and cultures. Like in many other controversial cases, City Square Urban Park fronts a mall’s entrance, giving the impression of privacy and exclusion for some disadvantaged social groups. Questions such as “Can I relax in the park without buying something?” or “Do I feel comfortable here? Am I desired here?” arise in the minds of people who are not sure about using the park.

Two Main Objectives of The Park

Dealing with this controversy, the landscape architects evolved the park’s recreational role to a place where people can understand nature and moreover interact with other social groups. These two ways of approaching landscape architecture – understanding nature and building social bridges – is the perfect strategy for a successful urban park.

Opportunities in The Park

The most important benefits of urban parks are the opportunity to learn about nature and social cohesion. These benefits occur in urban parks due to the ease of access to the site compared to other city areas and due to the provided facilities for outdoor activities, which attract different groups of people.

1. Understanding the Created Nature

ONG & ONG landscape architects declared that this urban park is a constant reminder of the importance of environmental conservation. A better understanding of the created nature is provided through multiple different design elements such as the eco-wall, the Butterfly Garden, the eco-roof, the green maze, and the fountain park.

The Eco Roof

The eco-roof is loaded with solar panels and low-E glass panels (low-E coating reduces the amount of heat transfer) that produce energy, which turns into lighting, regulates the temperature, and also controls wind circulation. The message of clean energy is consequently propagated to the park’s visitors, who have the chance to better understand the created nature.

Main Features in The Park

Additionally, rare wildlife riches can be admired in the Butterfly Garden. ONG & ONG landscape architects help people understanding nature through the use of eco-friendly materials. Eco-tiles and recycled timber were used at the playground. The fountain park brings another important and beloved element – the water – into the learning process. This area provides interactive water play and is known as a distinctive communal meeting point. While in the Green Maze, kids can get lost in a planet-friendly world; adults can learn from the eco-wall about recycling and conservation. By means of these design elements, the local scale’s importance was extended on a neighborhood level, where the park is seen as a green lung.

2. Creating Social Bridges

City Square Urban Park is not only a place to understand and relate to the created nature, but also a place for social and cultural cohesion. The social cohesion is facilitated by creating this public space for social interaction. The impact of parks on the revitalization of communities is best illustrated in multicultural cities such as Singapore. City Square Urban Park provides multiple activities outside of recreational opportunities, which attract different people, including seniors and teens.

Connecting People Through Landscape Design

Residents and visitors have the chance to interact on an area of approximately 0.45 hectares. Walking on a series of spaces connected by footpaths, old and young can admire the natural environment. By playing with water at the fountain park, children with different social and ethnic backgrounds are exchanging personal experiences.

Facilitating Local Community Development

Looking at the increased level of migration and thus of multicultural societies, as a result of globalization processes over the past decades, most of the contacts between people occur in public spaces such as parks. Consequently, City Square Urban Park facilitates local community development.

  The residents are able to meet and to establish relationships. Interacting with others helps people to participate in society and to create feelings of acceptance. The presence of natural elements in the design of urban parks attracts residents and visitors to outdoor activities and enhances opportunities for people to connect. Understanding the created nature also means building social bridges in a multicultural society. Therefore, ONG & ONG architects have created more than just a recreational environment. What do you think are other major beneifts of an urban park?

Full Project Credits For City Square Urban Park

Project: City Square Urban Park Location: Singapore Designers: ONG & ONG Completion: 2009 Gross floor area: 4,952.80 sqm Architect: ONG&ONG Pte Ltd Project Directors: Steven Low Photographer: See Chee Keong Structural & Civil: Meinhardt (S) Pte Ltd Mechanical & Electrical: Parsons Brinckerhoff Pte Ltd Quantity Surveyor: Davis Langdon & Seah (S) Pte Ltd Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Ruth Coman Return to Homepage

On 1 August 2015 the complete Mariahilfer Strasse project was finished and opened to the public and we’ve got some great new photos to show it off.   The opportunity to redevelop an already popular urban thoroughfare into the longest stretch of shared space in Europe does not come along every day. An international design competition was held for design firms and companies of all areas to propose the future for the unique late 19th-century site, Mariahilfer Strasse in Vienna, Austria. Vienna, the acting capital of Austria, has roughly 2 million inhabitants and serves as the country’s most frequented city for tourism. Downtown Vienna is bursting with activity. Cafes and restaurants line the streets and the selection of department and specialty stores provide visitors and locals with anything they could imagine. In addition, part of the Viennese subway system runs half the length of the Mariahilfer Strasse, making it an accessible and busy place. The city is already buzzing with life and the reimagining of the Mariahilfer Strasse, or as locals call it “mahü“, left it open for new possibilities regarding urban development.

Mariahilfer Strasse

Who Won The Boulevard?

Winners of the design competition in 2012 were Amsterdam-based Bureau B+B urbanism and landscape architecture. and Vienna-based architects orso.pitro. Their design reaches a total length of 1.6 kilometers and stretches from the Westbanhof to the Museum Quarter. Building began in 2014 and was celebrated July 30, 2015 through Saturday, August 1st after 11 months of construction.

Redesigning For Urban Activity

The creation of pedestrian-friendly spaces as a top priority left part of the street closed off for vehicular traffic. In lieu of increased traffic speeding through the site and creating a disconnect, the design team divided the site into three different zones.

The Heartbeat of The Site

Taking a look at these zones you will notice that the central zone acts as the heartbeat of the site, where visitors are bustling from shop to shop, stopping at the occasional cafe to relax, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The neighboring zones on each end of the central space were designed to drift from the more dense shopping and pedestrian space to shared and mixed-use spaces such as businesses, housing, institutes, and private use.

Materials Matter

The design was built around the objective of providing as much street space as possible for cyclists, pedestrians, and recreational uses. Some of the design applications included urban street furniture and the treatment of the paving. The street is paved completely from side to side in light granite. Subtle cues such as the orientation of pavers help to inform visitors the implied use of the street section. The decision to use a material outside of traditional asphalt not only looks more visually appealing but creates a sense of place for visitors entering the site.

Car-Free and Pedestrian Friendly

Since a section of the thoroughfare is car-free, the paving seems even more friendly. The use of urban street furniture also helps to integrate the streetscape with its users, allowing for an area of abundant recreation. Existing trees were given large planters, solidifying their lofty presence. The furniture is sleek and modular providing concrete blocks topped with Cumaru wood for both benches and platforms composed in all sorts of shapes and arrangements.

Success on Site

The Mariahilfer Strasse is not only a local favorite but a favorite amongst tourists and visitors alike. Its function as a recreational and pedestrian-minded place is well executed through the design by Bureau B+B urbanism and landscape architecture and orso.pitro. It is amazing how powerful something like a paving pattern or street furniture and circulation can be. Boulevards, alleys, promenades, and street squares are all unique in their own right. This boulevard, in particular, was able to be modernized without losing its energy and appeal. Many of us have experienced the feeling of walking down a street and enjoying it so much that you want to spend the entire day there.

Finding Intimacy in Large Space

While the Mariahilfer Strasse is quite expansive, you can find spaces that accomplish the same feeling with much less space, such as alleyways that are constantly being redesigned as social spots. Urban design principles such as placing emphasis on people and experiences rather than vehicles can be applied anywhere. In the last few years, urban renewal has sprung into the forefront of redesign in cities. People are thinking more about what makes their city special, what will draw people in, and what will make them want to come back. The boulevard has been around for a while, but modern adaptions like exposure through social media and a modern redesign help keep it functional and current, Mariahilfer Strasse even has its own Facebook page.

Experience Focused Design 

Simple things like a few bright chairs and a table, or a planter box full of flowers outside a local business can completely change the way a street feels. So much of our lives today revolve around getting places, but designs that focus on providing an experience, while allowing you to relax and enjoy is what will help drive the evolution of urban design and redevelopment. Do you think designing for people first and vehicles second is a smart move?

Full Project Credits For Mariahilfer Strasse

Client: City of Vienna, Department or Urban design (MA19) Design: Bureau B+B urbanism and landscape architecture, Amsterdam i.c.orso.pitro architects, Vienna Photography: Bureau B+B urbanism and landscape architecture/Ricky Rijkenberg Vienna City Archive/PID Transport science/ technical engineers: FCP Fritsch, Chiari & partner ZT GmbH, Vienna City of Vienna Engineering Department MA 28: Department of Road Management and Construction (MA28), Department of Urban Transportation (MA46) Construction team ARGE FUZO MAHÜ 2014: Teerag Asdag, Pittel & Brausewetter, Held & Francke, Leithäusl Granite Supplier: Granitwerke Kammerer, Schrems, Austria Location: Vienna, Austria Site area: 43,000 m2 Status: Opened 2015 Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Megan Criss Return to Homepage

Tianjin Cultural Park by Atelier Dreiseitl, in the city of Tianjin, China. What is culture? What does culture really help to do? Why is culture necessary? Culture is knowledge, personal experiences and notions are converted from simple learning to an element of our moral personality, spirituality, and aesthetic taste and become part of our consciousness and our world. The importance of cultural development, both for the individual and the collective, becomes obvious, so it was clearly the best choice for the Municipality of Tianjin to invest in the development of a cultural center in their downtown.

China’s 5th Largest City

The city of Tianjin is a megalopolis with a population of 13 million and is in continuous evolution. It is China’s 5th largest city, is deeply industrialized, and serves as the harbor for the city of Beijing, which is half an hour away by high-velocity train. In ancient China a Drum Tower was seen as an element of importance and prestige, in the Socialist Era the architectural element became a massive square, in the Contemporary Era it was Grand Theaters, and today it would be the Cultural Center of the Tianjin. Each of these is a real hymn to the culture of each era, and is an inspiring source of strong values that modern life risks to let be forgotten into the oblivion.

An Effort to Preserve The Culture of The City In an effort to preserve this culture, the city of Tianjin built the largest cultural center in the city. With a total floor area of 90 hectares it has more than enough room to house the Tiajin Museum, but also an art gallery, library, theater, Natural History Museum, Sunshine Park, Civic Square, Zhonghua Theater, and a Science and Technology Museum. In all, the project’s floor area is 1-million-square-meters, with 530 thousand above ground and 470-thousand-square-meters underground where buses, parking areas, pedestrian routes and metro all lead in and out of the city. The project is built around a large man-made lake on which the theater overlooks. The water encourages relaxation, personal growth and the discovery of new interesting activities. Can people enrich the quality of their life by simply focusing on the good things nature and culture offer us?

Tianjin Cultural Park

If this is the social objective pursued by a municipality, then there’s no doubt that we can say that it does. With a more open-minded approach, projects, such as this one, have been designed by Chinese and international firms, among them Atelier Dreiseitl worked on the landscape master plan, which became an integral part of the cultural development goal, this time in an ecological way. Highly qualified in the field of environmental sustainability, urban hydrology, environmental engineering and landscape architecture, Atelier Dreiseitl was founded by Herbert Dreiseitl in 1980. For their work on this project they were awarded a “Certificate of Honor for Outstanding Design” for undeniable aesthetic qualities of the project.

Issues The Must be Taken Into Consideration

Environmental themes such as pollution, water needs of such a large city, catastrophic events like floods and climatic changes are addressed in the design with concrete actions in order to gain environmental sustainability and more resilience to the environment. The keyword is resilience, which means the speed of each habitat to go back to its initial stage after being exposed to a particular environmental pressure that removed it from its initial state. The artificial lake, at 9,74 hectares wide, is overlooked by the new cultural center in such a dramatic way, but in reality it is a large reservoir that serves as an environmental shock absorber, collecting all of the stormwater from the site so that it can manage one storm event in ten years and buffer one storm event in a 100 year storm. This means that damages caused by extraordinary events can be reduced by the presence of this and other artificial basins found in the city.

A Water Storage Basin

The lake functions as a water storage basin along the coast, which overlooks the city and prevents the rise of brackish water from the ocean. It also holds stormwater that would be poured into the sewage system and then into the river during times of flooding, and permits a slow release into the groundwater.

The Purification of Water and Recycled Stormwater

Furthermore, the presence of decentralized retention trenches allow the purification of the water through the use of cleansing biotope, and the large surface of purified water creates an autonomous ecosystem, that helps to minimize high peak temperatures and encourages the growth of local flora and fauna. Indeed the recycled stormwater is useful for the irrigation of the park in a sustainable way.

Finally, we speak about environmental culture. Here, the outside of the cultural center has become a museum itself, in that it is a tangible example of how cities can transform and become a model for sustainable environmental solutions.

Could environmental culture change our behavior?

Water management carries the function of protection of the environment and of quality of life. Here, it also develops in a place where a densely built city meets recreational areas and nature, through places built on a human scale. As the city itself evolves in a direction of greater sustainability, the old patterns of behavior and environmental thinking can be changed: it is a practical example that makes citizens realize the importance of water, its management, power and value.

Design For Social Interaction

Outdoor comfort is gained by a masterful organization of the spaces: large pedestrian paths, each designed with a particular use in mind, creates a dynamic pedestrian experience: for example to the north near the Commercial Mall there is a linear promenade of trees that offers shelter from the cold Mongolian winds, next to this there is another path defined by sinuous green areas with bushes on which stone benches seem to emerge from the ground, and again at a lower level there is the real lakefront, dotted with glimpses of thematic gardens and enriched by the view of the buildings mirroring on its reflective surface.

On the other side of the basin, a prominent path emerges from a plaza in front of the museum and invites visitors to enter. But the focal point of the project is the Grand Theater, found on the shorter side of the lake. A large flight of stairs overlooks the lake where on its opposite side a 100-square-meter artificial island with thematic gardens can be seen.

Unlike The Traditional Museums we Are All Use to

The result is unlike the old kind of museums we all know, it creates a gathering place that enriches the personal experience, encourages the development of varied interests, including reading, studying, arts, history, sciences, music, environment, and the spirituality of places.

The Cultural Center by Night

The success of this project is proved by the number of people found here at every hour of the day and night and the message is also that there is time for culture in every moment of the day. During the day the Center is a gathering place and at night it is lively too, as people walk through on their way to the Grand Theater. To emphasize the atmosphere a leading musical fountain, imported from Las Vegas, plays for the entertainment of people enjoying their spare time hanging in the open air breathing in musical landscape and culture.  Have you ever been in a cultural center like this one? What do you think you will appreciate more?

Full Project Credits For Tianjin Cultural Park

This project was carried out by Atelier Dreiseitl, now a member of the Ramboll Group. Urban planning: Rheinschiene, WLA Project: Tianjin Cultural Park Location: Tianjin, China Client: City of Tianjin Designers: Atelier Dreiseitl Architects: WLA, GMP, KSP, Riken Yamamoto, HHD, Callison, ECADI, TVSDESIGN Area: 90 ha / 222 acre Completion: 2012 Awards: Certificate of Honor for Outstanding Design Partner in Charge: Dieter Grau Project Manager and Lead Design: Hendrik Porst, Zhen Sun Project Engineer: Stefan Brückman Team: Jeremy Anterola, Bing Cao, Pei Dang, Berthold Flieger, Gustavo Glaeser, Wu Hao, Yinshi Jin, Duyuan Li, Philipp Nedomlel, Feng Ouyang,Jingcao Li, Tao Liang, Peijy Sun, Shengnan Tao, Jan Tatzel, Alexander Rohe, Markus Rötzer, Mauricio Villarreal, Sebastian Walker, Wenxiong Wu,Zhirong Yan, Liangli Zhao, Nengshi Zheng, Peng Zhou, Florian Zimmermann Recommended Reading

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

Article by Valentina Ferrari

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ALL-IN-SQUARE by In-Tenta + daniela seminara All-In-Square urban elements, manufactured by the Spanish Company Urban Square are a design concept put forth by In-Tenta. In-Tenta submitted the concept for an urban elements design contest organized by Urban Square and O-Cults. This concept by In-Tenta integrates the latest technology with ecologically sound design of site furniture package comprised of four elements that can be fabricated and placed on site in a plaza or park. A unique paving pattern is also available and serves to unite the modular elements. The package also includes a microarchitecture structure designed to specifically match the rest of the site furnishings package and provide additional useable space.

Furniture Elements:

– Backless Bench – The backless bench is made of granite to match the materials and style of the geometric granite pavement. The backless bench can be combined with lighting elements and the cocoon seat to provide a linear seating option. – Cocoon Seat – When combined with the backless bench, the seating elements provide a variety of seating options for visitors to lounge or sit. A perforated metal structure matching the covering on the micro-architecture elements provides light shade and shelter for users of the granite benches.

– Site Lighting – Triangular lighting elements can be integrated directly into benches and the paving so they are flush with the granite surfaces. The lighting element creates a soft light and when integrated throughout the site, can effectively light a public plaza. – Bike Rack – A bike stand made in metal plate can be used as a fast temporary parking solution for bikes.

Microarchitecture:

The four site elements are coupled with a piece of microarchitecture comprised of a square structure with a perforated metal cover. The microarchitecture structure can be programmed to serve a variety of needs including an information kiosk or public restrooms. The architecture is designed with the same geometric language as the site furniture.

Materials:

The primary materials used in all of the furniture elements are granite and sheet metal, which can be perforated with a customized shape or a company logo to create a unique and original theme. The granite trapezoids are repeated in 2-D and 3-D forms to create repetition and a unified overall design.

Fabrication and Site Location:

Each microarchitecture element is fabricated in a warehouse and brought to the site already assembled where the elements can then be combined and arranged in multiple ways to create unique configurations. Also, buyers can specify multiple quantities of each element so that the elements can be grouped on site to meet unique site conditions and needs. A trapezoidal-shaped paving pattern reiterates the geometric motif and creates a unified design palette for a public space.

Technology:

Urban furniture elements of the All-In-Square line meet the needs of users by providing a moment of rest coupled with a wireless connection, which comes from the information kiosk microarchitecture structure that broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal. Designers find that visitors will come to a park to recharge and reconnect and by providing places to rest and relax as well as utilize the service of free public Wi-Fi. This is one of many reasons why All-In-Square is a line of products meeting needs of visitors across the board. Optional solar panels can provide users with electricity to charge their devices or serve the power needs of the microarchitecture structure.

A Multi-Functional, Multi-Adaptable Site

The All-In-Square site elements designed by In-Tenta and manufactured by Urban Square provide designers with an entire suite of furnishings. For use in public landscapes, the site elements and microarchitecture structure integrates technology to provide wireless access. The prefabricated structures and site elements are delivered to the site for installation and use. Designers have the option to integrate lighting elements as well as combine and configure site elements in various ways.

Rapid Landscape Architecture for Plaza, Parks and Urban Landscapes

This suite of site furnishings meets the basic needs of site users including providing them with a place to rest, relax, store a bike, and connect to the internet. The prefabricated nature of these site furnishings coupled with the granite external floor covering provides a solution for rapid design and implementation for plazas, parks, and urban landscapes of many scales and sizes. What other site furnishings could be designed in a similar material palette and design language to expand this All-In-Square site elements ‘kit of parts’ package? How can the prefab site elements be utilized in unique configurations and settings to create different site experiences?

Full Project Credits For All-In-Square

Project: All-In-Square Type: Site Furnishings Design: In-Tenta design + daniela seminara Materials: Sheet metal and granite Contest organizers: URBAN SQUARE + O-cults O-cults, brand design network URBAN SQUARE, manufacturer Pictures: © estudibasic Year: 2012 In-Tenta design, led by the designers Manel Duró and Marta Gordillo, is a Barcelona-based design studio focused on innovative sustainable functional design, who develops a wide range of products, from small handmade pieces locally produced to microarchitectures Recommended Reading

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

Article by Rachel Kruse

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Wilson Plaza, by  IN SITU, in Nice, French Riviera. In the centre of Nice, in a listed building, Wilson Plaza offers stunning rooftop villas, penthouses and an entire floor of modern commercial space, which are now all available for purchase. The Wilson Plaza combines historical roots, contemporary resorts and visionary urban planning. The exciting project, by Wilson Development, was created with a very clear goal in mind. “The idea is that of living in the sky, with the sunlight and the treetops, in the very heart of Nice, bringing together contemporary requirements with Nice’s historical roots,” said Laurent Salimpour, who runs Wilson Development with his uncle Joseph.

Crystalline Glass Canopies

The urban loft villas, sitting high above the treetops, feature generous terrace ‘conservatories’ and offer the ultimate luxury of a semi-outdoor space that can be enjoyed at any time of year. Crystalline glass canopies provide views over the vast hilly landscape of Nice; extensive terraces, the size of which are rarely seen in an urban environment, offer infinite possibilities.

The Inspiration Behind The Design

Inspired by one of the Grand Palais in Paris and the Lyon Opera House (designed by architect Jean Nouvel), the structures are made with lacquered aluminium, glass, wood, and high-quality stoneware, serving to highlight the interior design. Meanwhile, generously high ceilings add another element of luxury. Windows open on to the quiet Ilot garden… architects Michel Benaim and Rudolf Eschelbacher (Architecture & Urban planning agency IN SITU) have accentuated the building’s true character while retaining comfort and style.

History of the Wilson General Post Office

Built in 1888, the General Post Office is the focal point of Wilson Square / Place Wilson. Neoclassical in style, it imposes a noble image and boasts a rich past.

The architects, Annibale Carlo and Horace Grassi, have masterfully recreated the rigour, order and symmetry inherited from French Classicism. The Italian influence is felt in the introduction of more liberal patterns and forms: wreaths, scrolls, vases, balustrades and statues that soften and purify this magnificent building.

Wilson Plaza Blends Past, Present and Future

In the shade of the plane trees that line Place Wilson, the exterior of this building immerses us in the Belle Époque. And you start to await the arrival of the next carriage, expecting an elegant lady to disembark, parasol in hand. Today, Wilson Plaza blends past, present and future, combining historical roots, contemporary resorts and visionary urban planning.

Is This The Perfect Place to Live?

Just like the Belle Époque, Wilson Plaza dances to a three step waltz. Its location makes everyday life easier, thanks to the Post Office located on the ground floor and the local shops nearby, all of which are opportunities for friendly encounters and interaction. Its role in economic life, through the creation of modern and prestigious offices, is perfectly suited to the requirements of modern business. And its “Palace spirit” is enhanced by the rooftop villas and exceptional duplex apartments, fully in keeping with the illustrious Negresco, Régina, and Winter Palace, situated nearby.

Naming the Square

The Square on which the General Post Office was built (1888) was initially called the Place des Platanes (Plane Trees Square). At the time, the postal service was one of the largest in France (especially in a city devoted to tourism like Nice); customers should be able to correspond rapidly and efficiently. After the fall of the Second Empire, the square was renamed Place de la Liberté (Freedom Square). It is only after the first World War that it was finally renamed Place Wilson, as a tribute to the president of the United States Thomas Woodrow Wilson. WATCH >>> Wilson Plaza – Nice French Riviera

WATCH >>> Wilson Plaza à Nice: FRANCE 3 reportage

Full Project Credits For The Wilson Plaza

Project Name: Wilson Plaza Budget: 6 M€ (cf. article on the french newspaper Nice Matin https://www.nicematin.com/nice/photos-le-toit-de-lhotel-des-postes-a-nice-transforme-en-villas-de-luxe.2296307.html) Client: WILSON DEVELOPMENT Designer: IN SITU Team: Laurent Salimpour & Joseph Salimpour (WILSON DEVELOPMENT) Michel Benaim & Rudolf Eschelbacher (IN SITU) Jean-Marc Lasry (LASRY & MORO) Sylvain Rochet (TECKICEA) Patrice Cannet (CINFORA) Sylvain Dos Santos & Olvier Ivanez (IMSRN) Philippe Guillemain & Melanie Roubelat (APAVE) Frédéric Garcias, Raoul Pasquale & Yves Amsellem (INGEMO) Erez Lukatz (MOJO) Matt Guetta (STUDIO MG) Olivier Bouchara (BO STUDIO) Thierry Ruiz (PORCELANOSA) Grégory Renault & Léon Pimienta (FICI CBRE) Location: 8 rue Foncet and 18 rue de l’Hotel des Postes, 06000 Nice France Area: French Riviera, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) Project Year: 2017 Photo credit(s): © Wilson Development for all of them and © Éditions Gilletta for the 2 old pictures of the building in black and white For more information on these stunning new penthouses, simply contact: Email: office@wilsonplaza.fr Website: www.wilsonplaza.fr Facebook: www.facebook.com/Wilson.Plaza.Nice Twitter: www.twitter.com/WilsonPlazaNice Recommended Reading

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

Article by Laurent Salimpour

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As technology and infrastructure improved, rivers became less and less important and more  and more forgotten about. We look at 10 cities reconnecting with their rivers.  We are living in an era in which for the first time since the industrial revolution we are witnessing a complete shift in the way the relationship between the city and nature is represented in our cities. Architects, planners, landscape designers, artist, politicians and society are getting together to find ways to reintegrate nature into the cities through their often forgotten rivers. Some are pushing away infrastructure or rediscovering abandoned industrial riverside heritage to reintroduce nature and increase the quality of life of the surrounding areas. Other are taking it to a completely new level – thinking of a resilient future relationship with their rivers due to the present climate change impact. We have selected 10 cities that found a way to improve their quality of life and reintroduce nature back into the heart of the city through reinventing the relationship to their rivers.

10 Cities That Are Reinventing The Relationship With Their Rivers

10. Seoul, South Korea – Cheonggyecheon River Project by SeoAhn Total Landscape, completed in 2005

Before becoming a major public gathering place for the people of Seul in 2005, the Cheongycheon River was a highly polluted covered wastewater canal surrounded by elevated and at grade infrastructure dividing the city. The redevelopment of over 11km of the river canal and the destruction of the surrounding infrastructure has not only allowed rediscovering the qualities of the river but also to reinvent the way people relate to it. WATCH: Cheonggyecheon River in South Korea – Best restored river in the world, possibly

The intervention transformed the whole urban experience into a pedestrian friendly, river experience full of activities. The project was designed to address the different levels of the river throughout monsoon season and the rest of the year but is also seen a symbol of the future unification of North and South Korea.

9. Ljubljana, Slovenia, – Ljubljanica river regeneration project, by BB arhitekti, Atelier arhitekti, Urbi, Atelje Vozlič, Dans arhitekti, Trije arhitekti and Boris Podrecca. , completed in 2011

At the beginning of the 20th century, the banks of Ljubljanica River started decaying due to aging infrastructure and the construction of car purposed areas. The river flows directly through the old city center and the deprivation started having a serious negative influence on its vitality.

Realizing the risk of urban deprivation due to the low quality and inaccessibility to the river, the city council decided to invest 20 million euros in the redevelopment of a central portion of Ljubljanica River and recreate its forgotten benefits on the city’s quality of life. The result is a revived city center, additional public spaces by the river and reversing the tendency of urban sprawl evoked by the undermining of the natural qualities the river brings to the city.

8. Madrid, Spain, Manzanares river, RIO Madrid project by West 8, completed 2011

Before the completion of the West 8’s project in 2011 the Manzanares river was enveloped on both its banks by high-speed roads. Access to the river was impossible and its valuable recreation qualities buried for the sake of the car. RIO Madrid consisted of drastic measures to bring the river back to the city.

The project cost skyrocketed at 280 million euros to bury the highway and create a stretch of public spaces, parks and bridges to give a new face to the river and recreate the link with the city. It has successfully proven to have increased the quality of life in all surrounding neighborhoods and become a major attraction public space for everyone in Madrid.

7. Paris – the transformation of the Seine river banks – “Berges de seine”

Paris is one of the world’s densest cities, with an enormous protected by UNESCO World Heritage Site along the river Seine. Its riverbanks became an automobile corridor in the 60’s when its right banks became exclusively reserved for cars. And it wasn’t until 2001 that the city authorities decided to introduce a temporary way to bring back Parisians to the river where in the past activities flourished and people lived with the river.

The initiative is called Paris plages and consists of closing sections of the lanes running along the river and transforms them into vital public spaces for a month. The success of this annually reoccurring project has pushed through the opposition and in 2012 the city closed large parts of the dedicated to cars banks and transformed them into permanent public spaces that are changing the relationship of Parisians to their river and increasing the value this world heritage site.

6. Tanghe River, Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, China, The Red Ribbon Park by Turenscape, completed in 2008

In the case of this project, the river banks weren’t transformed from the industrial history but rather saved from the fast-growing urban development and given a new life with very little interventions. The Red ribbon park creation came just on time to handle the growing need for public space and encroaching urban development.

Before its transformation, it was a rich natural environment which was though inaccessible and dangerous to be used for recreation activities. It was taken over as a trash dump by the adjacent beach town and unsecure due to the shantytown spread. The major design element – the red ribbon runs through the whole park. It was conceived to integrate lighting, seating and boardwalk as the design team was aiming at preserving the natural habitats while at the same time create opportunities for recreational activities. Since its completion in 2008 the surroundings of the park have urbanized and the population has higher demands for the maintenance of quality of the natural environment. The Red Ribbon Park responds to both the demands of nature and the public giving a place for them to interact safely.

5. Lyon, France – Rhone river redevelopment project, by In Situ Architectes Paysagistes, completed 2007

Rhone River’s history is similar to Bordeaux’s Garonne River, ruled by the automobile and port industry in the past. In 2003, the city council launched a competition searching to create a place along the river that brings people closer to nature and relate to the river while being a meeting place offering a variety of activities. In situ Architectes Paysagistes developed the winning proposal for the redevelopment of 5km of parking spaces and high-speed lanes into a riverfront landscape integrating a variety of activities all along.

During the design process, a major input was taken from the community participation to assure the final result responds to all needs of the city. Now it offers fishing points, bike rentals, relaxation points, public spaces, a major element – the steps terrace at the Guilloètire bridge as the entrance to the old city center. Parking and cars are banned from site allowing only cycling and walking as the stretch is also a part of the European cycle path running from Geneva Lake to the Mediterranean coast. The project was completed in 2007 and immediately became a preferred place for Lyon’s inhabitants linking the city to the river and creating a new relationship with the Rhone.

4. Bordeaux, France – restoration of the left banks of the Garonne river by Michel Courajoud, completed in 2009

As many of the listed cities, Bordeaux’s Garonne river banks were previously devoted to industry. On the left riverbank of the Garonne River in the 1700s, the “Port de la Lune” was located together with a stretch of 4.5 km of adjacent industry along the river right next to the city center. At the beginning of the 20th century, the industrial activities were abandoned and taken over by parking spots. By the year 2005 these ex-industrial areas had no sense of space or meaning. That is when the city saw the potential of transforming it into a vital public space to invite the river back to the city and the people back to the river. In the core of the project was first the creation of a tramway in order to leave more space for pedestrians along the river. Once that was achieved the Major of Bordeaux wanted to create a connection from the river to the adjacent neighborhoods and the opposite banks of the river. He chose the proposals of Michel Courajoud whose aim was to keep the sense of port in a new urban reality achieved by preserving the elements of the old port into the design. With the beginning of the clearance of the area for the construction works people instantly started reaching to the river as “they felt naturally drawn to water” says Courajoud. The most famous feature of the project is the “water mirror” which is the largest reflecting pool in the world. Completed in 2009 these new public spaces have increased the quality of life and provided a completely new urban experience – one close to the river. You can see this project in more detail here.

3. Moscow, Russia – Moskva riverfront regeneration project by Project Meganom consortium 2015

In the search to provide a better quality of life, Moscow starts following the example of other cities rediscovering the added value of the river as part of city’s public spaces. The first step towards reintroducing the river as a public space was taken with a 1 km transformation. The stretch of parking and traffic lanes were substituted by a pedestrian friendly riverside boardwalk with inviting urban furniture, an alley of painters, fountains, an outdoor performance stage, and activities designed for each season. The next step towards bringing Moscow’s life to the river has been taken with the winner project in the international competition 2015. Project Meganom consortium proposed a program for the regeneration of the whole river in Greater Moscow in order to create the green backbone for the future of the capital. The project consists in the creation of public spaces along the river, developing tourism and water transportation through the location of ports linking to the neighborhoods. WATCH: A planning and design overview of Moskva riverfront regeneration project

There is also an idea to naturalize certain sections of the rivers. According to architect Alfonso Vergara- a member of the jury – “if the project is successfully realized Moscow can be a referent for other megacities in the world.”

2. Singapore, Kallang River – Bishan Park by Atelier Dreiseitl, completed in 2012

The project to transform the Kallang river park emerged from the necessity to find larger flood capacity of the canalized Kallang River but also from the initiative of the city to enrich the drainage functions of the canals. The project is part of “ABC water” – coming from Active, Beautiful, Clean waters aiming to create vibrant community gathering spaces accommodating the drainage functions of the river at the same time.

The 2.7km canal was removed to leave space for the naturally meandering river allowing space for its flood capacity to be naturally accommodated while providing access to the river during all of its level changes. From the canal’s destruction, a lookout hill was built to serve as a viewpoint to the newly invited nature. The result is a complete makeover of the way people can relate to the water. It bonded the previously separated communities through the numerous activities the park provides today. WATCH: Kallang River at Bishan Park

1. New York, the Hudson river estuary – Rebuild by Design, the Dryline (BIG U), by BIG, in construction

The reason for New York’s need to rethink the relationship with the Hudson River estuary isn’t only the need for public spaces and proximity to the water but the climate change effects that were severely felt due to Hurricane Sandy. BIG’s design team won the 2014 international competition in search of a resilient solution to protect New York from the rising risks of floods due to climate change. Their proposal is an amazing combination of the mentioned above projects but with an upgrade – flood protection. Their solution incorporates a 12km “social infrastructure” to create space for activities and public spaces close to the river which is designed to double as a flood protection wall for future disasters. WATCH: The Dryline – BIG’s vision for New York City

The U ribbon wraps Manhattan in a series of linked landscaped interventions acting as a natural absorbent of eventual high waters while the rest of the time providing a completely new experience surrounded by nature and water a step away from the dense skyscraper reality of Manhattan. If the city finds the budget to build this innovative and multifunctional flood protection it might not only resolve the problem with sea level rise but also provide a new approach on how to reinvent the way our cities interact with their rivers for years to come. – These cities are just a few examples of a new paradigm revealing diverse approaches to how cities should interact with their rivers. They clearly show the need to integrate rivers carefully into their future vision in order to provide the necessary and more demanded public spaces close to nature in our urban reality. Looking for creative solutions to reinvent the functions of the rivers, naturalize them or give them the necessary space and value isn’t making a step backward, but rather a step towards a sustainable and resilient future. Do you think we’ve missed another great example? Share it with us in the comments below! Recommended Reading

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

Article by Yuliya Georgieva

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We look at attractive methods to hide your AC unit. If you live in a place where the summers are hot, there’s a good chance you have an air conditioner in your yard. Although an air conditioner can be a godsend when it comes to keeping you cool and comfortable inside, it can be a real eyesore outside. Don’t let your AC unit spoil the look of your otherwise perfectly styled backyard. Using clever landscaping architecture, you can effectively hide that unsightly air conditioning unit without compromising its ability to keep things cool inside. Before you start piling plants on and around your AC unit, remember that it does need space to breathe if it is going to work properly. Your AC not only blows cool air into your house, it also vents warm air out. Before you build any sort of covering for your unit, check with the manufacturer to find out their recommended distance that should be left around any enclosure you add. Recommended Reading

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

Fencing it Off Minimize the visual impact of your AC unit by fencing it in. This is by far one of the simplest and fastest ways of disguising your unit. Use fencing materials and design styles that are in accordance with the rest of the general landscape design of your yard. If your yard has a modern, sleek style, for example, ensure that any fencing you create around your AC has a similar style – no white picket fences here! Build a Dedicated Structure Another option is to build a dedicated structure for the sole purpose of hiding your air conditioning unit. This option has the added benefit of providing shade to the air conditioning unit even if it is placed in a sunny spot. The more shade the unit has, the cooler it will stay and the more efficiently it will work. That’s a win-win situation! Not only will your air conditioner no longer be an eyesore in your yard, it will also have the shade it needs to work more effectively. While you’re at it, why not make the AC enclosure multi-functional? If you make it big enough, it can also serve as storage for other unsightly garden paraphernalia such as your hose, lawnmower, pool implements and gardening tools. This is especially useful in a smaller yard that may not be large enough to accommodate a garden shed. For that matter, you could incorporate the air conditioning unit cover into the design of your shed, as long as the layout of your yard allows for it and you remember to leave enough space within the interior of your shed to allow the AC to properly ventilate. Otherwise, you could end up having to take down your shed to allow for AC repair NYC homeowners. Top Related Articles:

• 10 of the Most Common Mistakes People Make in Planting Design and How to Avoid Them
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If you are up for a bigger project and are in the mood for a yard renovation, that’s the perfect opportunity to cleverly disguise your air conditioning unit. Whether you are working with a landscape architect to design a backyard oasis or simply doing it yourself, this is the perfect time to design a spot for your AC and other utilitarian objects that are necessary, but may not necessarily be pretty to look at. That can take the form of a spot tucked behind a high garden wall, behind some high-growing shrubs, in an enclosure, or in a structure such as a cover or even a shed. Recommended Reading

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

Article by Aamir Rafiq

Return to Homepage Featured image: “2008-07-11 Air conditioners at UNC-CH” by Ildar Sagdejev (Specious) – Own work. Licensed under GFDL via Commons 

The Infinite Bridge, by Gjøde & Povlsgaard Arkitekter in Aarhus, Denmark. In 2015 the duo of Gjøde & Povlsgaard Arkitekter debuted their sensational Infinite Bridge which lets us experience the impossible. As if walking on water, we are being given the opportunity to encounter our surroundings from a whole new perspective- not to be experienced anywhere else in the world. The Infinite Bridge was built and exhibited as a part of the annual international biennale- “Sculpture by the Sea 2015”, which takes place in the coastal and picturesque Danish city of Aarhus.

The Infinite Bridge

The architects have chosen the bridge to be circular as to allow its users to encounter the surrounding landscape from limitless angles and orientations. This feature creates a sensation of experiencing the changing surroundings of the bridge as an endless, living panorama. We, as users suddenly become aware of the harmonic relation between the natural landscape of the bay and the city around it. The different layers of the landscape now make one magnificent whole.

No Railings!

The fact that the bridge is not limited by any type of railings whatsoever, not only helps to enhance the beauty of the view, but also lets its users soak their feet in the sea, when the tide is right. Users are free to use the bridge in any way they wish- they can walk around it, stand on it, sit or even jump into the water as the deck of the bridge rises between one meter to two meters above the sea surface (depending on the tide).

Undistracted, Limitless View

Not only is the bridge’s shape proof of the architects’ solid analysis of the design- it’s diameter and positioning have also been carefully thought about. The diameter of 60 metres allows the strolls of the users to take just enough time- the bridge is not too small, nor too big. 60 metres of diameter seems just right for we do not get a sensation of dizziness, as the bridge is not too small, nor do we get tired as our walk on the bridge is not too long. Also, this quality allows the users to interact with each other naturally- on our circular walk we are being given countless opportunities to meet new people- otherwise impossible to be experienced and enjoyed in everyday urban scenario.

In addition, the bridge is made of 60 identical wooden elements placed on metal pillars housed about 2 metres into the sea floor. The metal elements are almost invisible, as their colour blends in perfectly with the sea. The bridge- it’s deck, and elements used in the building process are as simple as possible- the symmetry and harmony of the elements used don’t distract us from the view we are being surrounded with.

Natural Geometry

Being positioned partly on the beach and partly in the sea The Infinite Bridge’s geometric shape (believe it or not) follows the natural contours of its surroundings. The Bridge is located at the mouth of a small river valley stretching from the coast into the nearby forest, hence accentuating the key feature of this part of the bay.

Modern Sentiment

The infinite bridge is not only an excellent landscape feature, but also is a symbolic connection between the old and the new. The bridge touches a site where a pier has been once located. Back in the day people used to arrive there in steamboats, mainly for the Varna Pavilion sitting on the hillside above the beach. The Pavilion with the scenic landscape surrounding its terraces, restaurant and dancehall was once one of the most popular destinations in the area. The now non-existent pier was a connecting point between the seaside and the Pavilion. The landing dock of the pier was a focal point of the area, as we could admire the pavilion in its all grace- right from the pier.

The modern Infinite Bridge now re-establishes this connection between the historical Pavilion and the sea, giving us an opportunity to cherish the relationship between the natural landscape of the sea, river valley and the forest and the city of Aarhus. This sentimental feature of the Bridge only adds to the potential of not only the bridge, but also the site it is located in.

Art given a function

When looking at the Infinite Bridge we wonder if this is architecture or art? Gjøde & Povlsgaard are well known for their extraordinary landscape features which can easily be taken as art. It is no surprise then, that their Infinite Bridge shines a new light on the definition of functional art in landscape architecture. The circular bridge creates a setting where people can meet and soak in the natural art being the landscape from a completely new perspective. So keeping all of the above in mind, let me ask You two simple questions: Are You a fan of extravagant and surprising art? Or maybe are you a fan of meeting new people in unusual places? If Your answer is “yes” to either of the above questions, then the Infinite Bridge is something you definitely need to see!

WATCH: The Infinite Bridge – Den Uendelige Bro 1080p HD

Full Project Credits For The Infinite Bridge

Project: The Infinite Bridge Architects: Gjøde & Povlsgaard Arkitekter Location: Aarhus, Denmark Project Year: 2015 Photographs: Aarhus I Billeder, Peter Hastrup Jensen, Danish TM, Courtesy of Gjøde & Povlsgaard Arkitekter, danskebilleder.dk Video: Aarhus I Billeder Show on Google Maps Recommended Reading

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

Article by Joanna Łaska

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