Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network

Workplace Ergonomics for Landscape Architects: The Best Equipment for Your Office. Are you worried about the time you spend sitting and working? Have you started to complain of backaches? Are you already wearing glasses? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, keep on reading. This article is dedicated to all of you landscape architects out there who are putting in a lot of hours at the office and risking your health while doing so. But don’t worry: You can stay healthy by choosing the right ergonomic equipment for your office.

Workplace Ergonomics

First of all, you need to understand that technology has made us sedentary. We are no longer forced to hunt for food, and that has changed our bodies. It has made them less resistant and more prone to adopting postures that are quite harmful. People who spend a lot of time at the office usually suffer from neck and back pain. Due to the constant looking at the computer screen, they have headaches that can range from mild to severe, and their eyesight is no longer as good as it should be (thus wearing glasses becomes imperative). The repetitive tasks that we perform on the computer lead to strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. WATCH: If you sit at an office, you should watch this video

The Design Solutions  By changing the equipment of your office and choosing ergonomic elements, you can be comfortable at work while reducing the risk of adopting inadequate postures or one of the strain injuries. Fortunately, there is an entire industry revolving around the concept of workplace ergonomics – there are hundreds, if not thousands of products to choose from in redesigning your office. Keep in mind, the primary purpose should be your correct posture and not how good your office will look in the end. Let’s talk about some of the most useful ergonomic office equipment for a landscape architect. Because you spend a lot of time sitting, you will require an ergonomic chair – this will help you adopt a correct posture, providing the necessary comfort and movement at the same time. WATCH: A few tips on the Posture of your body – Part 1

Ergonomic office chairs Ergonomic office chairs, such as the one from Posturite, have specific characteristics to offer, with each element being carefully chosen so as to prevent and remedy any back problems that might occur or exist. It will allow you to keep an upright posture, with a generous amount of support in the lower back area. The armrests are placed at a straight angle while the headrest allows you the necessary time off from the computer. You can even choose different types of seats, such as the coccyx cut-out or the memory foam one. Choosing a Good Desk

Once you have settled on a chair, you will also need a desk that suits your needs and protects your health. An interesting proposition that I would like to make is the sit/stand desk with adjustable height. In case you are wondering why you should be interested in such a product, just think about how bad sitting is for your health. With this desk, you can stand and sit whenever you feel like it. The switch control is easy to operate, and you will certainly enjoy the generous desk space it has to offer. The desk can be easily customized, by choosing the desired width, depth, and finish. If you like working from a standing position, you will certain love the standing platform that comes as an accessory for the above-mentioned desk. This platform allows you to maintain a correct posture, with the weight being equally distributed on both legs. The Corner Desk Dilemma  For those with a corner desk, a very useful accessory is represented by the corner keyboard adjuster. It is well known that having the computer in a corner places a lot of strain on your back, leading especially to problems in the neck and shoulder area. With the corner keyboard adjuster, the keyboard is maintained in a comfortable position and you can forget about the previously experienced pain or discomfort. Do you have an ergonomic mouse? Any physiotherapist will tell you that working at the computer all the time puts you at risk for repetitive strain injuries, such as the commonly encountered carpal tunnel syndrome. This is why it is recommended that you exchange your regular mouse for an ergonomic one. The vertical mouse is a good choice, as it protects against repetitive strain injuries. With this type of mouse, you will see that the workload on the hand is reduced and the exaggerated movements at the wrist are avoided. Thus, you can reduce the chances of developing carpal tunnel syndrome and continue working just as efficiently as before. With an ergonomic mouse, you will also need an ergonomic keyboard. This will reduce the discomfort associated with typing and the constant straining of the fingers in reaching certain parts of the keyboard. Ergonomic keyboards come with specific support for the wrist area, contributing to the prevention of problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome. The ergonomic keyboard allows for a more natural manner of typing, reducing the excessive pronation of the wrist and the amount of pain generated through such movements. Having the Correct Document Holder You might not give too much importance to the exact place where you keep your documents on your desk, but this also contributes to different health problems. The majority of landscape architects have their documents on the lateral side of the computer, causing them to constantly twist their neck and back to read the information written there. With the document holder, you can keep the documents right in front of your eyes, between the keyboard and the computer screen. This solution will help you adopt the right posture, reducing the risk for damaging movements in the neck and back area. How to Make Your Laptop More Comfortable The truth is that each element you use around the office should be ergonomic. If you have a laptop instead of a PC, you will require a laptop working station that is ergonomic. Screen filters will reduce the eye damage that occurs with constantly looking at that monitor. They will reduce the risk of you bringing your head closer and closer to the monitor screen, experiencing not only problems with your eyes but also with your neck. Be Posture Perfect Posture supports, such as the lumbar support, will ensure that you keep your spine straight throughout the entire time you are working at the desk. You will no longer suffer from back pain or other upsetting symptoms. Feet and Wrist Support And if you really want to be comfortable while working at your desk, you can also use the support for the feet and the one for the wrist. These will add value to your workplace, reducing the risk for venous insufficiency in the feet or carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist. – WATCH: A few tips on the Posture of your body – Part 2

You can shine as a landscape architect while adopting a correct posture at work and looking after your health. No one says that you cannot work intensively and with active interest in your projects, but you should never forget that you, too, are important. Choose ergonomic solutions for your workplace and you will be able to enjoy a long and beautiful career as a landscape architect. Recommended Reading: 

• Visual ergonomics in the workplace (Guide Book Series) by Jeffrey Anshel
• Ergonomics: Foundational Principles, Applications, and Technologies by Pamela McCauley-Bush

Article by Alexandra Antipi Return to Homepage

Chenshan Botanical Garden, by Design Group Valentien, in Shanghai, China. Shanghai is the largest Chinese city by population, with more than 24 million residents as of 2013. It is a global financial center, but also a city that works and understands agriculture, cultivates fruits and vegetables, and has an intensive fish farming industry. The city rests in a flat landscape surrounded by nine hills that rise up about 100 meters. The Chenshan Botanical Garden is located in the Songjiang District, one of the largest in Shanghai, covering 605 square kilometers and housing more than a million inhabitants. It is a growing district, known as the cultural root of Shanghai.

Chenshan Botanical Garden

The Chenshan Botanical Garden is one of Shanghai’s largest parks and the largest municipal botanical garden in China. It is formed by multiple gardens, open spaces, boat ponds, enormous greenhouses, woods, and forested areas that fulfill the scientific requirements but at the same time lead to recreational interactions. The special collections of the garden include a theme named “Plants and Health”, which divides 26 special gardens into four main categories featuring unique areas such as the Conservatory, Quarry Garden, Blind’s Garden, Aquatic Garden, Rocks Garden, and Medicinal Plants Garden.

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For this project, the designers adopted a strong formative intervention in order to create a distinct place in a Chinese land, where all the spaces have a concept, a story, and a unified architecture. They adopted typical Chinese landscape elements and transformed them into a concept that composed a “modern” Botanical Garden with new formal language. They proposed a clean and fresh composition that makes you forget the place is a “scientific research” area.

The Design and its Use of Symbolism The design has the shape of a “ring” that includes a lake, an inner garden, and one of the nine hills, the Chenshan hill. The lake and the mountain are the main elements inside the ring, in terms of space and symbology; according to the designers, “the ring is a symbol for the world; the mountain and the lake where the sky is reflected are the defining symbols and traditional Chinese motives. The powerful dynamism of the spatial elements gives an orientation in a geographical as well as an aesthetic sense.” Merging the Buildings with the Landscape The garden has plenty of structures, but the main buildings form part of the external shape; the reception building with exhibition halls, the greenhouses, and the botanical research center are part of the built elements, giving a “morphological unit” to this “built landscape”, as the designers describe it. It is in fact a built landscape; they found the way to mix earth and construction and form a unique and homogeneous area that works in fluent symbiosis. Botanical Garden or Recreational Park? They play with landscape views; people can enjoy two different sights from the mountain and the lake. Even if this is a botanical garden, it feels like a park — a very composed park where people can relax and learn. Beauty and the process of learning go hand in hand, keeping the balance between scientific purpose and local recreation. Over 35 Themed Gardens There are more than 35 theme gardens inside the ring, many of them distributed as single islands inside the lakes. Some of them exhibit aquatic plants in both natural and artificial ways. Each island is distinctive from the others; the designers created different atmospheres and individual designs in every island, so they can promote the beauty of vegetation with diverse scenarios such as the Osmanthus garden, the topiary garden, the water gardens, and a large garden for medicinal plants that plays a unique role and distribution, with Chinese medicinal plants situated in the center of the garden and many others from around the world in the rest of it. Celebrating the Importance of BioEnergy In addition to the gardens, there are also areas of production, where they demonstrate the importance of bioenergy crops (right next to a biogas plant); production of fibers with plantations of coconut palm, hemp, sisal and cotton; and other functions, such as an island with an olive grove that exhibits different oil-producing plants.   How Will They Purify the Heavily Polluted Water? The designers wanted to develop a sustainable system for every single area of the Botanical Garden, from the construction of the buildings to the operation of the garden. The water (which is heavily polluted) will be purified in a new constructed wetland area before being fed into the lakes. The buildings are equipped with an energy-efficient facility management system, including an ecological wastewater treatment system. The embankment and the theme gardens that rise out of the subsoil and stand by leveled areas and pathways were created by using the soil excavated from the large central lake. The Main Goal of the Project The main goal of this project was to design a functional example and demonstration of sustainable architecture development, keeping the balance between scientific purpose and local recreation. Nowadays, the landscape is changing dramatically, especially in Songjiang, which is part of a new project of residential development including large new housing estates, exclusive residential areas, and a new university campus and business park. So the Chenshan Botanical Garden soon will be part of a city that’s now taking the form of a metropolis. Do you think Chenshan Botanical Garden managed to keep the balance between  scientific purpose and local recreation? Full Project Credit: Project: Chenshan Botanical Garden Location: Shanghai, China Designers: Design Group Valentien Landscape Architecture: Valentien + Valentien Landschaftsarchitekten and Stadtplaner SRL; Straub + Thurmayr Landschaftsarchiteken Architecture: Auer + Weber + Assoziierte GmbH. Final Planning Landscape Architecture: SLADI Final Planning Architecture: SIADR Coordination Germany-China Yiju Ding Competition: International Competition Chenshan Botanical Garden Shanghai 2005 Construction: 2007 Realization: 2010 Total area: 207 ha. Vegetated area: 123ha. Water area: 34ha. Paved surfaces: 36ha. Buildings: 5ha. Awards: 2011 Design Prize City of Shanghai (Shanghai Exploration and Design Trade Association); CEDA Design Prize 2011, Category Public Projects in China (CEAD – China Exploration & Design Association) 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
• Donata & Christoph Valentien: Shanghai New Botanic Garden by Valentien Valentien

Article by Tahío Avila

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With urban agriculture popping up everywhere, we take a step back and look at some unresolved issues that need to be addressed before we can consider urban agriculture as a permanent solution to our food needs. Urban agriculture — also known as urban farming, guerilla farming, foodscaping, and by many other terms relating to agricultural practices in the middle of the city — is becoming all the rage in societies all over the world. Urban agriculture provides many benefits, including food security for people in the city, a reduction of energy used in conventional agricultural practices and food service, a reduction of carbon footprints, and environmental services for cities in terms of providing open green space. All over the world, people are turning unused lots, back yards, and even rooftops into gardens. Imagine if this movement could grow so massive that cities would no longer have to depend on rural and suburban agriculture to produce food for their own citizens. WATCH: TEDxZurich – Roman Gaus – Urban Farming

The Problem with Urban Agriculture

Unfortunately, like the two sides of a coin, there are always pros and cons. Some people still believe that there are lots of challenges facing urban agricultural practices and potential problems regarding the impact if it is done wrong. Here are some of the problems facing urban agriculture: No More Space: Is it Worth it to Farm in the Middle of the City?

As we all know, in a big city there are no more spaces left on which to build; they even sometimes lack open green space. Even when there are still unused public or private lands, the prices are sky high. While urban agricultural practices often put idle land into productive use, in other cases, farmers take over land planned or set aside for other purposes, mostly economic purposes. The government usually believes that where the use of land is not managed and an economic rent is not paid, urban farming may be an economically or environmentally inefficient use of the property. These land rent issues sometimes become the biggest obstacle to urban agriculture when a government does not pay enough attention to regulating land use to encourage farming. Related Articles: 

• 9 Ways to Incorporate Edible Planting into the Urban Landscape
• Landgrab City – Urban Farm
• Dublin Urban Farm: Interview with Paddy O’Kearney

High Water Requirement for Agricultural Activities

According to Urban Agriculture: Food Jobs and Sustainable Cities, published by The Urban Agriculture Network, some urban farmers are still using water from the potable municipal water supply, which can create water shortages in the city. A survey showed that although four of 10 households active in gardening in Amman, Jordan, use some gray water for irrigation, most households (86 percent) rely on the public water network for at least part of their irrigation needs. Overuse of surface or groundwater can reduce the city water supply. In some of the cities, this problem is well mitigated by using treated wastewater for irrigation. Low-cost water-saving technologies such as underground and drip irrigation also can help to increase water efficiency, as can allowing safe use of low-quality water resources in some cases. Soil and Water Pollution Lead to Waterborne Diseases According to FAO, inappropriate and excessive use of agricultural inputs from pesticides, fertilizer, nitrogen, and raw organic matter can pollute the soil in an urban area. The chemical substances become residues in the soil, making it less fertile or even poisonous in the long term. These residues then may leach or runoff into the main water sources of the city. Chemical and mycobacterial contamination of the water sources can lead to several waterborne diseases, such as dysentery, salmonella, cholera, and schistosomisis. Contaminated Food – Serious Health Problems Urban areas used as farms are highly susceptible to containing toxic substances, such as heavy metals including lead, zinc, copper, tin, mercury, and arsenic. The main sources of metals in urban soils are mainly from emissions from factories, automobiles, and sewage. The high amount of heavy metal substances may lead to a serious health problem for consumers. The contaminated food issue becomes even worse if there is an occurrence of food-borne parasitic disease caused by poor hygiene in an urban area. Air Pollution The old problem of any agricultural practice is still the conventional use of pesticides. For urban agriculture, it becomes even worse, because harmful chemicals applied in the middle of the city travel into the atmosphere of the dense and crowded urban environment, potentially harming a big population. Allergies, cancer, birth defects, male sterility, contamination of breast milk, genetic mutations, respiratory diseases, behavioral changes, and a variety of intestinal disorders could add another problem for the city if the pesticides issue not handled properly. Aesthetic Issues Some people say that urban agriculture is giving an unpleasant view of the city. What do you think? In some cases, the image of a cattle corral, pigs at a town dump, poorly tended vegetable patches in a community park, or chickens in a front yard can be offensive to many. Because urban agriculture is more exposed to public view, it should be well designed to make sure the visual appearance is as sweet as possible. And it goes without saying that this aesthetic issue is a landscape architect’s responsibility, so it is our duty to bring this practice into the city in a beautiful way. All of these problems can be an obvious reason to ban or stop urban agricultural practices. But can you imagine all the possibilities we could lose as exploding population growth and food security become major issues in the world? It’s just too much. There are a million ways to solve the problem without sacrificing the opportunity to stop world hunger. Recommended Reading: 

• Designing Urban Agriculture: A Complete Guide to the Planning, Design, Construction, Maintenance and Management of Edible Landscapes by April Philips
• Carrot City: Creating Places for Urban Agriculture by Mark Gorgolewski

Article by Harkyo Hutri Baskoro Featured image: An urban farm in Chicago. Author: Linda from Chicago, USA. Uploaded by Steven Walling. Photo Licensed under CC BY 2.0

Novo Nordisk Nature Park, by SLA Architects, Bagsværd, Denmark. Nature has always been close to man. As Albert Einstein once said, “if you look deeper into nature, everything else will be better understood”. Novo Nordisk Nature Park is a clear demonstration that the touch of nature is still essential for the modern world. This park bears the trademark signature of SLA Architects (Copenhagen), being created for the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Located in Bagsværd, Denmark, Novo Nordisk Nature Park was completed in 2014, occupying an area of 31,000 square meters.

Novo Nordisk Nature Park

A leading pharmaceutical company such as Novo Nordisk required a green space that would be just as innovative as the company itself. In designing the park, the talented team at SLA Architects drew its inspiration from nature as a general concept. The employees of Novo Nordisk would have a green space in which they could feel their creativity stemming from every inch of their being. What resulted was a recreational framework in which nature was the main focus of attention; this allowed those who used the space to share knowledge, communicate, and discover their creative side.

The Inspiration Behind the Project Inspiration often comes from the most unexpected sources, with forward thinkers such as Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche serving as inspiration for the final design concept of the project. In designing this green space, the landscape architects based their choices on the fact that people’s creativity is best stimulated in the open outdoors. Some of the best ideas in the world were generated during a walk through nature, and the landscape architects wanted to provide this benefit to the employees of Novo Nordisk. Walking on Winding Paths Toward Creativity In designing the topography of the park, the talented landscape architects have chosen winding paths for those who want to enjoy the green and luscious nature. The paths take you through the diverse biotopes of the park, allowing for the discovery of the entire variety that it is offered. The walk in nature will stimulate your creativity, with nature appearing just as untamed and wild as you will find in the most remote corners of the world. See More Great Projects Featuring SLA Architects: 

• Charlotte Garden, an Additional Giant Sized Living Room
• Innovation in Water Management for Stunning Landscape Design
• The Dark Art of Conceptual Design in Privately Funded Public Space

Variety is Still the Spice of Life Variety is the best word to describe the nature you will encounter while walking down the winding paths of the park. Nature is represented by incredibly dense biotopes, providing plenty of fresh air. The winding paths have been created with a double purpose. On one hand, they serve to accentuate the wonderful element of nature, providing a complete aesthetic experience. The senses of those who come to Novo Nordisk Nature Park are stimulated from all possible directions, with elements such as light, shadow, color, sound, and smell completing the sensory experience. A Welcome Escape From the Office On the other hand, the paths serve a practical purpose, providing access between the buildings of the company. For those who work here, this green space is a place to enjoy day-to-day interaction with colleagues and hold outdoor meetings. The interesting thing is that the paths were not made to provide users with the shortest way between buildings. Instead, they meander through nature, making the journey equal to the destination and allowing employees to experience small bursts of intellectual creativity. Nature Elements with Subtle Magnetism The wild nature of Novo Nordisk Nature Park, with its crooked trees, seduces and entices those who find themselves in this green space with its subtle magnetism. The palette of native plants is impressive to say the least, and more than 1,000 trees have been added to the premises. In deciding on the selection of natural elements, the landscape architects envisioned the future small forest that would grow to maturity in this nature park with its unique and self-regulatory biotopes. What can you discover in this nature park? Let’s start with the wild nature and the amazing biodiversity. Continue with the dead tree trunks that serve as habitat for the small creatures of the world, but also add a unique smell to the green space. The carefully selected trees come to complete the image of the park, contributing to the creation of a microclimate that is lovely to discover at any moment of the day or night. Sustainability — Always an Objective The selection of trees chosen for the Novo Nordisk Nature Park is not arbitrary. On the contrary, the trees have been selected and placed in different areas of the park so as to absorb the rainwater. In fact, each depression in the park has alder trees and other species that love water, all planted with the concept of sustainability in mind. It is said that this park is the first one in the entire region of Scandinavia to have a complete natural balance of water. The rainwater is collected not only from the park, but also from the It is said that this park is the first one in the entire region of Scandinavia to have a complete natural balance of water. The rainwater is collected not only from the park, but also from the buildings, and is used for irrigation purposes. Light, An Element of Sensation The sensory experience this park has to offer is completed by the careful choice of lighting elements. During the day, you can admire the way the rays of the sun play through the luscious vegetation, casting dancing shadows on the white concrete paths. At night, you can fall in love with the white light that enhances the natural colors of the park. Gobo light projections have been used for the different biotopes, creating a unique atmosphere. In conclusion, Novo Nordisk Nature Park is a place where the poetry of nature is in full bloom, with each element bringing humans closer to their maximum peak of creativity. And, as Lao Tzu once said: “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” That leaves us humans wondering: Are the greatest things in life created when human and nature meet? Full Project Credit: Landscape Architecture: SLA Architects Project name: Novo Nordisk Nature Park Client: Novo Nordisk Location: Novo Nordisk Corporate Center, Novo Allé, DK-2880 Bagsvaerd, Denmark Realization: 2014 Area: 31.000 m2 Collaborators: Henning Larsen Architects (building architect), Orbicon (climate adaption engineer), Alectia (engineer), Skælskør Anlægsgartnere (landscape contractor), Urban Green (biotopes) Photographers: Torben Petersen & SLA Architects 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 Alexandra Antipa

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Heavenly Water Service Center of International Horticultural Exposition 2014 Qingdao, Shandong, by HHD_FUN, in Qingdao, Shandong, China. A Relationship Between Terrain and Design Terrain — as one of the most important factors — is normally taken into account in both architecture and landscape architectural design. A good design is always based on the original terrain and emphasizes the unique features of that terrain as well. In other words, a good design fits the existing ground naturally, as it grows naturally out of the terrain. Contour lines are the key to helping a designer understand the original terrain. By using contour lines, we can easily understand a trend of terrain and define a plan, which takes advantage of the terrain for drainage and creates harmony between architect and land.

Heavenly Water Service Center

Qingdao, a quickly developing city with a population of 9 million, is located in the biggest peninsula, Shandong Peninsula in China. Qingdao has the seventh biggest harbor in the world. The International Horticultural Exposition 2014 was held in the northeast section of Qingdao. The Exposition was planned leaning to the southern side of Mount Lao and toward the sea in the south. It is thought that the location has a perfect landscape view and a good microclimate for growing plants. The Heavenly Water Service Center sits in the central part of the international Horticultural Exposition, offering a venue for gathering and dispersing tourists. The design was based on a piece of land that extends into an extant reservoir. Before the project, the land was covered by vegetation and several buildings.

How the Building Design Bending to the Natural Lines In the project, the building was defined by following the contour lines. The building includes two floors, following a natural gradient of the original ground. The top of the ground floor has the same level as the path from both the east and north sides of the reservoir. Part of the roof is built as two huge front terraces for the second floor, the shape of which coincides with the tendency of the contour line. The top of the building looks like the peak of the original ground. Rooftop as a Viewpoint The rooftop, following the trend of contour lines, is divided into four similar units, which are covered by the lawn in the center and stairs with a gentle gradient surrounding. The edges of the rooftop are marked by glass guardrails to prevent visitors from falling. The rooftop offers tourists an extensive view of the whole Expo area and nice landscape toward the sea. The interesting thing is that in those units, the step edges also follow the trend of natural gradient, but the height from the edges of the rooftop to the lawn goes gradually down. Related Articles:

• Is China Transforming its Relationship with Water? A Look at the Aiyi River Landscape Park
• Lotus Lake Park Sets Precedent for Sustainable Urban Design in China
• Contemporary Landscape Architecture in China: Beautiful or Dangerous?

Making the Site Accessible  Those stepped edges strengthen the feature of the terrain and limit the height of the building as well, so the Expo Theme Pavilion can be noticed easily. In order to integrate the landscape style and roof style, two similar units were built in the northwest. In order to be reached conveniently by visitors, the paths connect to the roads from the north, east, and west. The circular paths surround the building, lead visitors to different areas. Around the paths, the steps are built to gradually reach the water level, forming a slope as natural as the existing ground. At the same time, two platform paths extend to the water to increase proximity between visitors and the water. Enhancing the Design Through the Contours Those paths, with continuous steps, strengthen the terrain features of the ground further than the original ground so that the viewers can appreciate a tensile landscape. The vegetation on the east side of the ground has been preserved, and additional trees are planned to keep the site’s original character. The Design in Different Scales The Heavenly Water Service Center is built on the axis of the Expo area. As an independent venue, it offers visitors a place to rest and at the same time shows its unique character with great landscaping of the original land. As a part of Expo, the Heavenly Water Service Center follows the architectural style of the Expo Theme Pavilion and plays a perfect role as foreground for it, as well. In a bigger scale, the Heavenly Water Service Center sits at the foot of the mountain and follows the trend of the natural gradient of the mountain down to the water, so that the landscape in vast scale can be continuous. Full Project Credit: Project: Heavenly Water Service Center of International Horticultural Exposition 2014 Qingdao, Shandong Location: Qingdao, Shandong, China Completion Date: 2011-2014 Architecture: HHD_FUN Landscape Designer: HHD_FUN LDI: BDG Qingdao beiyang architectural design co., LTD Site area: 23000 m2 Floor area: 6539 m2 Photographer: Zhenfei Wang, DuoCai Photograph Client: Qingdao Shiyuan (Group) Co., Ltd 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 Jun Yang

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717 Bourke Street Plaza. by ASPECT Studios in 717 Bourke Street, Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 717 Bourke Street is a collaboration between architects at Metier3, real estate developers of PDS Group, and with landscape designers at ASPECT Studios. The design includes a 17-level office building set in an urban plaza. The site, which includes the plaza and adjacent streetscape is especially interesting, as it represents the gateway into Melbourne’s newly redeveloped Docklands neighbourhood. Previously an industrial area, the docklands precinct was an important shipping harbour up until the 1950s when it fell into disuse. With the city of Melbourne growing, it became evident that the redevelopment of these lands would be necessary to accommodate commercial and residential growth.

Bourke Street Plaza

The revitalization of the Docklands began in the 1990s and is now more than half completed. It also represents one of Australia’s largest urban renewal projects, involving a space of nearly 200 hectares. Today, the Docklands are being transformed into a vibrant waterfront community. Located just two kilometres from Melbourne’s city centre, the neighbourhood is a mix of high-density commercial, retail and residential.

ASPECT Studios’ Approach ASPECT Studios is an award-winning Australia landscape architectural and urban design firm and responsible for the landscape design at 717 Bourke Street. ASPECT’s portfolio boasts a broad range of projects in both Australia and Asia, and their approach emphasizes sustainability and context, their process a careful balance between creativity and science. Related Articles Featuring ASPECT Studios:

• How Pirrama Park Saved Sydney’s Harbor from Residential Development
• Awesome Plaza Shows You Why China Are World Leaders in Landscape Architecture
• Top 10 Names In Landscape Architecture Today

Location, Location, Location Situated right on the edge of the Docklands and close to the Southern Cross Railway Station, the location of this particular site is especially significant. It not only presents an opportunity to draw people into the site from the street, but to act as a gateway for pedestrians into the Docklands district. The design of this site may ultimately help define the relationship between the Docklands and the rest of the city.

Design and Vision for Bourke Street Plaza

ASPECT Studio’s design aimed to avoid the typical relationship between architecture and landscape – the vertical building starkly contrasted against the flat, horizontal landscape. To achieve this, the landscape design incorporates many changes in topography, creating various planes through the use of seating, steps, ramps, raised beds and platforms onsite. These changes in surface grading mimic the irregular surface of the building facade.

How Time Will Soften the Design A canopy from the building overhangs, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor, and further breaks up the space into different horizontal planes. The trees, as they mature, will provide a canopy that will soften the impact of the building and make the space more inviting to pedestrians. ASPECT Studios also aimed to create a unique and attractive space that would be easily accessible to pedestrians. Certainly with their clean, modern aesthetic combined with bold forms has created an extremely memorable space, but the changes in grades may reduce the site’s accessibility for many. The space also lacks green space. Although the use of various stones, arranged in bands of mosaics does help to break up the space, The landscaping ultimately does little to soften the building and results in an extremely architectural design. ASPECT’s Analytical Process The firm’s analytical approach was evidenced in their process, which used extensive modelling for wind and microclimate conditions to inform the final design, which creates various spaces within the plaza. Material selection was careful, and selection was based on lifecycle impact in combination with the desired aesthetic. Wood, stone and metal as the primary materials help to give the design a clean, modern look that compliments the building while also blending seamlessly into the urban design character of the rest of the city. Planting and Stormwater Recycling The site’s planting scheme uses native plant species that are adapted to local conditions, especially species that are drought tolerant. Some planters even contain native wetland species that would have been historically present in the area. Water was also an important consideration onsite, with the design of the site incorporating infrastructure for stormwater recycling. A Gateway to the Docklands? As in the case of many modern, corporate plazas, ASPECT Studios were presented with a particular challenge in the design of this site: reconciling the needs of both a private and public space. However, this site’s location presented a further challenge to designers: to bridging the gap between Melbourne and the newly revitalized Docklands area. While Bourke Street Plaza has certainly generated interest and created a unique centrepiece for the Docklands, it is not yet clear if the site will succeed in opening up the Docklands to locals. Full Project Credit: Project Title: 717 Bourke Street Plaza Designers: ASPECT Studios Location: 717 Bourke Street, Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 Client: ProBuild & PDS Group Photographer: Andrew Lloyd Budget: AUS $2 million Consultants/Team: ASPECT Studios – Landscape Architecture, Metier 3 – Architecture Scope: Landscape Concept, Town Planning & Construction Area: 2185 square metres Completion date: 2010 Awards: 2011 AILA Victoria Award for Design in Landscape Architecture 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 Michelle Biggs

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If you’ve made it down this far, congratulations, you have a better attention span than the average human being. Now you’ve finished yet another high-quality LAN article you have three excellent options:

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One of the greatest things about landscape architecture is you can take your skills and travel with them, opening up a whole new world for living and working abroad. If you are planning on making a change in your life, there is no better time than the present to take action. In this article, you will have the opportunity to discover ten of the best countries for living and working abroad. Read the information presented for each of them and decide on your own on the most suitable destination. Remember that we are no longer tied to an individual job or country of residence; globalization has allowed us to move freely to other countries, discovering their culture and meeting new people. If you are up to the challenge, pack your bags and go!

Living and Working Abroad

1. Austria In a recent survey, Vienna has been presented as the second-best city to live and work in from the entire world, being surpassed only by Vancouver (Canada). Austria has everything that one could want from a new destination: fresh air, high standard of living, culture and history. Austrian companies welcome those who wish to change their occupation, providing good wages and suitable working conditions. Plus, there are so many great things to visit in Austria, that you will have your hands full on the weekends.

2. Germany At the moment, Germany is considered one of the best countries to live and work in, with a strong economy, good pay and plenty of jobs available for those coming from other countries. Sure, you might be required to learn German but you will see that English is often the primary language in big companies. International work transfers can be taken into consideration, and you will certainly enjoy the high standards of living. Moreover, there are a lot of opportunities for spending your free time! 3. Canada As it was already mentioned, Vancouver was chosen as the best town in the world to live and work in. In reality, you will enjoy the same standard of living throughout the entire country and you will discover that Canadians are quite friendly people. On the plus side, you have the opportunity to choose in which part of Canada you want to move to – the English or the French-speaking one. Canadians always welcomes specialists from different fields, especially those with experience in the oil or fishing industry. 4. Australia Moving to Australia might not be an easy decision to make but you will see it was all worth it in the end. You will feel glad you have chosen Australia, when you will see the high standards of living and how friendly the people are over there. Moreover, there are plenty of jobs on the market, with top companies in the world having their principal offices in Australia. Moving to this part of the world, you will enjoy the fantastic weather and the numerous opportunities for the free time. Ready to become an Aussie? 5. Singapore Apart from the fact that it has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, Singapore is also a powerful player in the field of international finances. There are businesses that have grown here, and now they are multi-billion companies, being able to provide a wealth of jobs to those who are looking. English is spoken throughout Singapore and you will find the people living here to be entirely influenced by the ideas from the western countries. 6. New Zealand Once again, moving to New Zealand might prove out just as difficult as moving to Australia, given the distance. However, New Zealand has the most impressive landscapes, a quiet atmosphere and a low crime rate. There are plenty of job opportunities available in the field of agriculture and tourism, plus the standards of living are among the highest in the world. If you want a change for the better, New Zealand is a great choice. 7. The Netherlands Amsterdam is a beautiful city to discover but also a financial center, well known in the field of international business. There are plenty of jobs available in Amsterdam and, let’s face it, who wouldn’t like going to work on a bicycle. The other towns of the country attract just as many expats, all of them looking to discover the entertainment opportunities as well. English is commonly spoken here, so you won’t have to worry about the language. Plus, the location is ideal for visiting other countries in the near vicinity, including Germany. Related Articles:

• 5 Countries Where Landscape Architecture is Booming
• Top 10 Walkable Cities
• Top 10 Pedestrian Bridges

8. United Arab Emirates If you have decided to choose the United Arab Emirates, the first thing you should know that this country offers some of the best-paid jobs in the world. However, you have to take into consideration that this country has a unique culture and that there are certain rules of conduct that you will have to abide. The language is also difficult to learn, but you can expect people to understand and speak English in the bigger towns. The ideal areas to search for work here are the ones of engineering and constructions. 9. Italy Even though Italy has gone through an economic and financial crisis, it still represents one of the best countries to live and work in as an expat. This is because of the reduced costs of living and the fact that many international companies have their main offices here. Plus, in Italy, culture is everywhere, and there are a lot of opportunities for you to enjoy yourself. After a few months spent in Italy, you too will fall in love with the ‘dolce vita’, enjoying a chilled bottle of wine and fresh seafood like any other Italian. 10. Switzerland There are a lot of people who prefer to go to Switzerland, given the varied opportunities for winter sports and the amazing Alpine landscapes. They are also drawn to the high paying jobs, the healthcare system that functions so smoothly and to the delicious cuisine. However, you must remember that the costs of living in Switzerland are higher than the European average and that you will require a residence permit for working in this country. The areas in which you should search for job opportunities include information technology and finance. So, there you have it, these are the ten best countries for living and working abroad. If you feel like you have reached a point in your life when you need to make a change, consider moving and finding a job in one of these countries. Your horizon will expand, as you will meet new people and become acquainted with their cultures. Soon, the question will be: where should I go next? Article by Alexandra Antipi Recommended Reading: 

• Urban Landscapes: International Perspectives by P. J. Larkham
• Landscape and Urban Design for Health and Well-Being: Using Healing, Sensory and Therapeutic Gardens by Gayle Souter-Brown

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Plaza Euskadi, by Balmori Associates and Lantec, in Bilbao, Spain. Not so long ago, the name “Bilbao” would have had little meaning to most people. But if you mention the name now, the response will be something like “oh that’s where the shiny curvy building is”. Yes, the city has been put on the cultural and tourist map by an extremely extroverted building, the Guggenheim Bilbao, by Frank Gehry. But before you landscape architects stop reading you should know that architecture is not the only outrageous and exciting aspect of Bilbao – its landscape architecture is pretty fantastic too! In fact, landscape design is the key element that has enabled the old city to connect to the new in a manner which is fun, beautiful and very green.

There are three parts to the new landscape interventions: the Campa de los Ingleses Park, Plaza Euskadi and The Garden That Climbs the Stairs. All three provide important green links which correspond to pedestrian and traffic movement. For this article, we’re going to have an in-depth look at Plaza Euskadi.

Plaza Euskadi

Plaza Euskadi is not the traditional square. It is not the typical urban design scenario where the edges are defined and activated by buildings and it is definitely not simply a paved area punctuated by historic monuments. Firstly, it is oval not square, secondly it is actually technically a large traffic island and thirdly it is green. This green oval creates a new kind of public plaza which combines a park-like landscape with urban design elements and creative expression.

Integrating the Natural Environment Into the City Balmori and Associates envisaged the plaza as a green space with a wide central path connector and an outer circular walkway. This allowed for the space to fulfil its role as a connector between the old area of El Ensanche to the new former industrial area of Abandoibarra. At the same time, the large area of planting on the plaza provides an inner city green habitat, integrating the natural environment into the city. Designing with Contrasts and Context Balmori succeeded in complementing the energy of the new architecture of Bilbao by contrasting hard and soft elements in a fun and contemporary manner. They also succeeded in creating a space which acknowledges the vast scale of the surrounding context, while creating intimate and people-friendly spaces. This can be seen in the way that three smaller spaces are defined off the fluid main pathway: the reflecting puddle space, the ottoman seating space and the “garden” space. Each space has its own character, providing a program in an aesthetic yet functional manner. Sitting Above a 1,000 Space Car Park The “reflecting puddle” space creates a quiet amphitheatre-like setting with bright blue stepped seating which contrast dramatically to the green planting edge. A similar contrast is created in the “ottoman seating space” as bright recycled rubber seating elements with shiny edges interact with the public and in the “garden space” an organic concrete pathway is raised above flowering shrubs while acknowledging a 100 year old Laegostremia tree. The remainder of the oval is filled with plants and trees, providing a green island of tranquillity. Another surprising aspect of the plaza is that it is part roof garden as beneath its green surface is a 1000 space car park! Working with Budget Constraints The construction of the plaza coincided with the economic crisis of 2008 which resulted in the initial budget being drastically reduced. Balmori managed to work within these restrictions and utilised the final budget of 1.37 million euros by carefully simplifying the materials and elements. The original plan had allowed for a large degree of grading, planting and fountains which had to be discarded. Original sketches depict a forest-like concept, but the budget constraints led to a reduction in trees. 100 Trees for the Future The final build was opened in 2011 and included 100 trees with large oak trees in two rows along the perimeter and smaller lime and apple trees in the centre. Balmori also opted for the more cost effective option of mixed prairie planting, creating textures with grasses and wildflowers. The materials were re-considered and non-slip concrete forms the majority of the walkways, with paving confined to the smaller pocket parks. Lighting on the plaza was simplified to tall pencil structures on the periphery and curved post top lights in the central space. A Space Uniting Old and New Plaza Euskadi does not aim to create a statement as profound as the Guggenheim, but rather aims to provide a public space that unites the new and old, man and nature, architecture and landscape. The beauty of the plaza lies in the expression of the forms and the use of colour, texture and materials and not in the placement of buildings or monuments. Plaza Euskadi provides a template for a new expression of a public square, subtly pushing the design boundaries of urban design through landscape architecture. Related Articles:

• Top 10 Names In Landscape Architecture Today
• How Landscape Architects Are Leading the way in Sustainable Cities
• 7 Facts About The High Line That Will Impress Your Friends

Full Project Credit: Project: Plaza Euskadi Location: Bilbao, Spain Client: Sociedad Bilbao Ria 2000 Size: 10,000 sq. m Status: Open 2011 Design Team: Balmori Associates / Lantec Photos: Iwan Baan, Sociedad Bilbao Ria 2000, Gonzalo Urgoiti, Balmori Associates 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 Rose Buchanan

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With so many software design programs on the market that claim to be the best, it may seem like mission impossible to choose one. If you are searching for some of the best free design software trials to download, look no further than this handy list that we have composed for you. There is an age-old adage that says, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. This is a sure fact, especially when you are a landscape architect and you want to illustrate an idea for your project. Indeed, with software design programs revolutionizing the landscape architectural world, you now have the ability to present a model of what your project might possibly look like, using some impressive conceptual 3D modeling landscape design and 2D graphic drawing software. Whatever happened to the old pen a paper? Of course, some landscape designers prefer to stick with the old school method of using pencil and compass to draw up plans and perspectives. That being said, at some point technology will gain the upper hand over tradition when it comes to spending less time and making more money. So, what are the best free landscape design software trials to download?

FREE Design Software

10. Lumion 3D Lumion is one of the most impressive rendering programs that you could ever imagine. It can take you to a whole other dimension of 3D rendering and animation, with a real-time 3D technology that can be very quickly learned and easy to manipulate. WATCH: Lumion Landscape Architectural Design Project

9. Rhino Rhino is a 3D modeler suitable for landscapers who like to create dynamic and organic shapes. Working with this sophisticated software program can be challenging, as it has a steep learning curve even with a 90-day trial. But if it is in the right hands, it would be hard to beat. WATCH: Instant Terrain in Rhino

8. Vectorworks Landmark Vectorworks offers a unified layer view mode, which can be used to easily manipulate your model and create some very nice drawings. It is very expensive to purchase, but you can still download the trial for 30 days and decide if you like it or not. WATCH: Vectorworks Landmark Landscape Design

7. VisionScape VisionScape is a 3D modeling program for landscape designers who want to build a 3D model in the blink of an eye. You can quickly create some instantaneous design features, plants, outdoor furniture, and buildings. WATCH: Whats New in VisionScape 3D Landscape Design Software | Spring 2015

6. 3ds Max 3ds Max is the ultimate software design program for landscape designers. Still, in my opinion, this software is a bit complicated to use; only a few people can truly master it. However, 3ds Max features powerful modeling tools and has some really amazing landscape architectural visualization capabilities. WATCH: 3ds Max Landscape Design

Related Articles: 

• Computer Aided Software for Landscape Architects: The Essential Guide
• 5 Top 3D Modeling Software Programs for Landscape Architects
• 10 Incredible Plugins for Sketchup

5. Land F/X Land F/X is one of the most flexible software programs, allowing you to synchronize your AutoCAD drawing database as well as your Google SketchUp design. For instance, you can change some plants in AutoCAD and, with a few simple clicks, they will be automatically changed in your SketchUp 3D design, and — voilà! 4. Photoshop Photoshop is surely the cream of the crop! It allows you to fine tune your final landscape rendering with many kinds of visual effects. It is a great software program for editing images, as you can sharpen, adjust lighting, correct color, and master your digital image with a wide range of tools. WATCH: Photoshop Landscape Tutorial by Alex Hogrefe

3. V-Ray V-Ray is a rendering software that helps to create landscape architectural visualizations in the surrounding environment at any time of the day. It is very easy to manipulate when you want to put textures, adjust lights and shadow, etc., as you can have full control over the rendering process. V-Ray would be a great complement to Rhino, 3ds Max, SketchUp to create the best results. WATCH: Sample Landscape Work with V-Ray 3D rendering

2. SketchUp SketchUp is definitely in the category of the best landscape design software. This is a spontaneous program with guides to help you build your 3D modeling design from scratch. It is simple to use and to master. Indeed, you can easily create any form you can think of. However, to make your SketchUp design more powerful, you need to add plugins that aren’t difficult to customize. WATCH: SketchUp Site Design

1. AutoCAD AutoCAD is a 2D software program that practically all landscape architecture firms use. It is well known for being a very precise and intuitive tool for drafting plans. It is compatible with almost every other software. Plus, AutoCAD is a common software adopted by many other professionals directly involved in the landscape field, such as architects and engineers. No wonder this software remains a huge success of the CAD industry. WATCH: How to Design Your Landscape

Choosing software depends on each person’s needs, whether for usability or aesthetics. That is why you have to try them all so you can decide which software works the best for you. If you have already experienced some of them, why not help other future readers and share with them in the comments below your review of the programs you’ve tried. I am sure that they will appreciate the additional insight. What free design software trials would you recommend and why? Recommended Reading:

• SketchUp 2014 For Dummies by Aidan Chopra
• The Complete Guide to Blender Graphics, Second Edition: Computer Modeling and Animation by John M. Blain

Email by Naila Salhi Return to Homepage Feature image: Printscreen from source

Zollhallen Plaza, Atelier Dreiseitl, Freiburg, Germany. It is undeniable that the relationship between water and our urban areas needs to be given a higher priority to provide integrated solutions for flood risk management, sustainable water use and supply, and the improvement of water quality in our treasured watercourses. Planners and designers should take more account of what we call “water-sensitive urban design”. But what exactly is water-sensitive urban design? A water-sensitive urban design is a land planning and engineering design approach. It takes the urban water cycle, including storm water, groundwater and wastewater management and water supply into urban design. Mitigating on environmental degradation and improving aesthetic and recreational appeal.

Zollhallen Plaza

The proof that there is a possibility to create a water- and environment-friendly paved square that is also beautiful and successful is Zollhallen Plaza in Freiburg, Germany. The square, designed by Atelier Dreiseitl, is a fine example of water-sensitive urban design – so sensitive, in fact, that they were able to disconnect the square from the sewer system.

A Strong Attention to Water Infiltration After the historic customs hall on the Zollhallen Plaza was restored in 2009, Atelier Dreiseitl redesigned the square as a new open place with a lot of attention to water infiltration. The square is designed so that all the water that ends up on the surface infiltrates into the subsoil without even one drop disappearing into the sewer system. A Site for the 100-Year Flood To provide good drainage, the topography of the plaza is positioned so that the water always runs to the water-permeable zones covered with plantings. The square is built taking into account three water brackets: one for the regular rain, one for the 10-year rain event, and a third for the 100-year flood. See More Projects Featuring Atelier Dreiseitl:

• How The Chicago City Hall Green Roof is Greening the Concrete Jungle
• Potsdamer Platz in Berlin Becomes a Sustainable Ecofriendly Urban Square
• How Bishan Park Became “The Central Park” of Singapore

The Main Water Infiltration Zone The zone for the regular rainwater storage is the main water infiltration zone. This is also the resting place with a lot of planters. It is made of big, permeable slabs in which old rail tracks are inlaid into permeable paving, playing with the historic past of the site as a rail yard. The Break Nose Benches The benches refer to the break noses of rail tracks. And Zollhallen, the name of the square, means customs hall, referring to the historic customs hall. Planters filled with cherry trees provide the perfect amount of shade while expediting infiltration, and the perennials and ornamental grasses give an attractive softness. Ready for a Flood For the decennial rain event, Atelier Dreiseitl provided a cistern under the soil wherein excess water via a drainage gradient is collected. From an overflow pipe in the cistern, the water goes to water storage boxes, where it slowly infiltrates into the subsoil. During the 100-year flood, a large part of the square will be under water. In order to keep it a bit under control, they provided a safety zone that will stay dry, which is located somewhat higher and keeps the water from spreading. This flood zone will allow the water to slowly infiltrate through the permeable paving and planters. No rainwater is fed into the sewer system; instead, the groundwater table is recharged. A Fine Example of Environmentally Friendly Design In the field of environmentally friendly design, the Zollhallen Plaza is, therefore, a fine example. The rainwater is filtered by the plants, which meanwhile extract nutrients for themselves. The groundwater table is recharged by subsurface gravel trenches with an innovative built-in filter medium that slowly releases water to the subsoil. The used hardscape materials are 100 percent recycled from the old rail yard, reducing the costs and supply of new materials, while also harmonizing with the new, clean, modern design with the historic architecture of the customs hall. What can learn from Zollhallen Plaza? With this project, Atelier Dreiseitl shows novice but also experienced landscape designers that it is possible to combine urban design with a thoughtful water infiltration solution. The infiltration of water in public spaces is probably not the only thing landscape designers should give a higher priority. What do you think designers need to take more into account? Let us know! Full Project Credit: Project Name: Zollhallen Plaza Designers: Atelier Dreiseitl Project Team: Angelika Büchele, Angela Soler, Christoph Hald, Vera Sieber, Gustavo Glaeser, Andreas Bockemühl Project Landscape Architect: Rudolf Mager Partner in Charge: Dieter Grau Project Engineer: Stefan Brückmann Location: Freiburg, Germany Client: Aurelis / City of Freiburg Size: 5,600 m² Completion: 2011 Status: Built 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 Sander Van de Putte

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Have you ever wondered about the health benefits of landscape architecture? And not just in a general sense but in specific ways, that can truly enhance the lives of individuals.  People enjoy being in nature for multiple reasons: to work out, to escape from the stress of everyday life, or to simply breathe fresh air. Others head to the mountains or the woods to find a cure for what ails them and to reap the health benefits of spending time in the great outdoors. Whatever your goal, it is evident that spending time in nature is beneficial to both your mental and physical health. While some of these benefits are well known — such as interacting with nature to reduce obesity and stress — other benefits are still hidden from public knowledge and are being studied by the scientific community. Recent research has shown that spending more time in nature might be much more beneficial to health than we anticipated and can bring benefits in a variety of ways.

Health Benefits of Landscape Architecture

5. Type II Diabetes According to a Japanese study published in the US National Library of Medicine, walking approximately three kilometers a day can help manage the symptoms of Type II diabetes. In this study, blood glucose levels of 87 non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients were examined before and after a three- to six-kilometer walk. The results showed that the mean blood glucose level changed considerably, from 179mg/dl to 108mg/dl. Walking outside is by far more pleasant than trudging on a treadmill, and landscapes architects can easily contribute to a healthier habit and encourage people to control their sugar levels by creating walking trails in parks.

4. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Green areas can also soften symptoms of ADHD. Some of these symptoms are a serious difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity and poor impulse control. Acknowledged by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 11 percent of children 4 to 17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011 in the United States. Related Articles:

• How Landscape Architects Are Leading the way in Sustainable Cities
• WARNING: Why You’re Losing Money By Not Using a Green Roof
• The Urban Matrix: How Far Should We Go?

A study by the University of Illinois Urbana covered more than 400 children diagnosed with (ADHD) who frequently played in a variety of environments: a green outdoors, indoors, and outdoors built environments. The results showed that those children whose routine play was in the first environment demonstrated considerable improvement in their ability to concentrate compared to children whose routine play was in the latter two settings.

3. Depressive Disorder The benefits of having a park near your home can go beyond the physical interactions; spending time in a park can also reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder or depression. A research report published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information indicates that interacting with nature improves cognition and affect for individuals with depression. The research covered 20 individuals diagnosed with this disease: 12 female, eight male, with a mean age of 26. They were evaluated during 50- to 55-minute walking sessions in the Ann Arbor Arboretum or in downtown Ann Arbor, Mich. The results show mood and working memory capacity improvement, bringing up some important questions for future researchers. Two of these questions are: What are the long-lasting effects of walking in nature and how can we motivate people with depression to take these walks more often? 2. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) In some cases, nature not only decreases some symptoms of the disorder, but also is an essential component for the healing process. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is caused by a traumatic event such as an assault, rape, or events during warfare. “The Earth does neutralize a lot of human anxiety,” as stated by Jinny Blom. Blom is a therapeutic landscape designer in the United Kingdom, and one of her works is about therapeutic gardens for war veterans. Her work is an example of how to use gardens to support the treatment of patients who suffer from PTSD. 1. Alzheimer’s Disease Another health benefit of landscape architecture worth mentioning is how spending time in nature can help minimize the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. A study published in the American Journal of Alzheimer`s Disease & Other Dementias shows the success of horticultural therapy. Oftentimes, patients who suffer from dementia have difficulty engaging in activities that elicit high levels of adaptive behavior. WATCH: Healing Gardens Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy

Horticultural therapy facilitates lower levels of self-engaging behaviors. The Portland Memory Garden is a good example of how memory gardens are being used as treatment for Alzheimer’s. Located in Portland, Oregon, the garden is open for those experiencing memory loss, their families, caregivers, and the general public. All of these facts show us that creating gardens and parks is a valuable way to help support the treatment of diseases that directly or indirectly affect our lives. With this great power comes responsibility: We must design projects to serve the maximum range of uses possible, including serving both healthy and sick people. This is probably the most captivating thing about being a landscape architect — we have the opportunity to change the world in many different ways, and sometimes in a way that we haven’t thought of before. Article by Sarah Suassuna Recommended Reading: 

• Designing the Sustainable Site: Integrated Design Strategies for Small Scale Sites and Residential Landscapes by Heather L. Venhaus
• Lifelong Landscape Design by Hugh Dargan

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Are you taking lawns for granted? Do you just implement them from an esthetic point of view with no regard to the environmental aspects of it? In this article, we take a deeper look as to what designing lawns really means. Turf grass is perhaps the most prevalent plant used in Western public and residential space alike. It’s always in a designer’s back pocket as a quick way to create multi-use space. But good designers think about the long-term effects of their projects, and traditional lawns can be a bad idea. Their maintenance sucks resources, helps decimate ecosystems, and wastes money.

Here are some reasons to stop designing lawns:

1. Turfgrass is the most irrigated crop in the United States According to a 2005 NASA Study, irrigated turf grass accounts for three times more land area in the United States than corn. American residential landscapes consume about 9 billion gallons of potable drinking water per day, about half the amount of water used in a given house per day. In hot climates such as America’s Southwest, an average of 60% of a single house’s water use goes to landscape irrigation.

2. Gotta kill the bugs Traditional lawn care practices account for 70 million pounds of pesticides used in the U.S. every year. And pesticides cause serious environmental problems. Killing all the bugs, not just the bad ones, turns surrounding ecosystems into an unbalanced mess. Pesticides and fertilizers also pose poisoning risks for humans and other non-target species. 3. A lawn that is not often used for recreation or play is a waste … and you know it We know that a well-designed site should be used for many different purposes, and a lawn that is primarily decorative is a wasted opportunity. Lawns are great for unprogrammed use of outdoor space, but admit it — you’ve seen great swaths of meticulously mowed, green people-pasture that is completely empty most of the time. It may be pretty, but can’t we do better? Related Articles:

• 10 Practices Showing That “Sustainability” is More Than Just a Buzzword!
• Weeds, Walls and Sustainability with Steve Martino
• Rain Gardens | Book Review

4. Fertilizer Similar to pesticides, fertilizer runoff into the surrounding waterways also causes big, fat problems for ecosystems. The excess nitrogen in water systems, such as ponds or streams, causes algae to grow out of control. The thick algae soak up all of the available dissolved oxygen in the water and drowns fish and other marine life that need oxygen. 5. Decreased biodiversity Besides poisoning by pesticides and drowning by fertilizers, birds, bugs, and bacteria all thrive better in a diverse mix of species. Human-maintained monoculture causes problems for animals that eat native plants, moving them out of old habitat or providing them with less nutritious food. Monoculture also supports overpopulation of animals that eat the one thing we let survive. 6. Maintenance Unless your maintenance personnel are out every week mowing that lush carpet with push mowers, a lot of energy is being consumed to keep your lawn so trim. Using a standard lawn mower for one hour creates as much pollution as driving a car 100-200 miles in average conditions. A string trimmer is even worse — but it’s worth it for those clean edges, right? 7. Welcome the invasives! Extra nutrients? Leached soils? Monoculture and plenty of water to spare? Sounds like the perfect place for invasive species to call home. They can be kept at bay with constant maintenance, but skip the mowing and weed-eating for a week and the lawn can turn into an invasive wonderland. 8. Status quo bias is going out of style, anyway The American love of the front yard has caused lawn size to grow larger and larger since World War II. A giant lawn makes a house look like the inhabitants can afford to waste space, water, and maintenance hours that could be used for growing something edible. It’s really time to move past that mindset, don’t you think?

Two Reasons to Keep Designing Lawns

1. Sightlines and safety Urban parks face safety problems. The more people using a public space, the more safety should be forefront in the minds of the designers. Turf grass is a flat groundcover that when mixed with trees with high branches creates great sightlines all through the space. Removing mid-height shrubs and adding flat pavers or ground covers was one of the strategies used in the monumental Bryant Park, New York City safety remodel.

2. Meadows and prairies are already in style Because of the aforementioned reasons, lawns are going out of style anyway. But for a multifunctional recreation space that promotes ecological biodiversity, native plant growth, and a reasonable amount of irrigation, some designers are turning to native prairie grasses. The mixes are mowed once every few weeks, already reducing pollution due to maintenance. Yes, they look messier, but that messiness hopefully heralds the dawn of an age of better ecological landscapes. Lawns are a ubiquitous part of landscape design history; they are classic and so normal that most don’t think twice about adding one into a design. But it is time to pull this go-to tool out of our back pockets and seriously evaluate it with 21st-century data. Is it responsible to design a lawn when I know the damage it can cause? What is a better alternative for multifunctional use? How can spaces be designed to encourage sustainable maintenance? Article by Caitlin Lockhart Recommended Reading: 

• Designing the Sustainable Site: Integrated Design Strategies for Small Scale Sites and Residential Landscapes by Heather L. Venhaus
• Lifelong Landscape Design by Hugh Dargan

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Featured image credit: By Tonamel. Licensed under CC-SA 2.0