Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network

Hyllie Plaza, by Thorbjörn Andersson with Sweco architects, Malmo, Sweden Hyllie is situated on the outskirts of Sweden’s third-largest city, Malmö. Because of the new bridge linking it with Copenhagen, some say Malmo is also the second-largest town in Denmark. In recent years, Malmö has taken advantage of the new connection with Denmark’s capital and has started to develop the infrastructure even further. Hyllie Plaza, a city square developed along the new expanded infrastructure, is designed as a minimalist urban beech forest. But how can this emblematic tree thrive in a concrete plaza? No fewer than 28 trees have been planted in 12 slits cut into granite and concrete.

Hyllie Plaza

First of all, what the designer aimed to create through this project was identity. In Skåne — Sweden’s southernmost province, of which Malmö is the capital — the beech (scientific name, Fagus) is an emblematic tree. But the real challenges come from the aesthetic and ecological requirements that can’t be met in an artificial context. A Planting Bed of Stones, Soil and Mulch to Support the Trees To provide the best conditions for the sensitive beech trees to thrive in an artificial environment, a gigantic planting bed has been designed under the square. The planting bed contains different layers of mulch, stones, and a mix of pumice and mycorrhiza soil. The mix of soil is characterized by a great capacity to retain water, because the pumice is a petrified lava ash and mycorrhiza is a mushroom that helps the trees absorb nutrients.

More Great Articles Featuring Work from Thorbjorn Andersson:

• How The Fish Market Plaza Revamped This Forgotten Site
• Sjövikstorget Square: Traditional Techniques in Modern Landscape Architecture
• Discover the Ancient Secrets of the Physic Garden 

The planting bed is covered by what every visitor can see — a pedestrian granite floor measuring 12,000 square meters. To achieve the best results, the trees for this project were imported from Germany, the lava stone was brought in from Iceland, and elements from the water decoration were designed and created in Norway.

A Sky Full of Stars to Illuminate in Seven Scenarios The design of the plaza has a couple of remarkable elements, including the granite field in which the designers created 12 parallel slits for planting the beech trees. Above all, a lighting installation creates the impression of a sky full of stars above the forest. The installation hangs 16 meters above the pedestrian plaza. No fewer than 2,800 LED diodes are scattered over 1,800 meters of steel wires. The LED installation is programmed to create seven different lightning scenarios in order to adapt to a specific season and weather. Blue Dot Technology It’s not only the planting bed that is an engineering masterpiece. The beech forest itself was carefully selected from a nursery in Berlin and transported to Malmö with their root balls frozen. Before being removed from the nursery, each tree was marked with a blue dot to record the orientation of the tree. This information is essential in their process of adaptation in the new urban site. Furthermore, to check the transport of liquids in its cells, each beech tree was equipped with a sensor mounted under the bark. The success of this project can be counted in the way the trees have adapted to the new site. The beech trees have developed better than anyone could have expected. This is the reason why the best experts in Sweden now refer to Hyllie Plaza as “the bumblebee that can fly”. Hyllie Plaza is a lesson to be learned in the field of ecology, engineering, and landscape, a project that reaches the highest standards in urban design and regeneration. Full Project Credits: Project: Hyllie Plaza Designer: Thorbjörn Andersson with Sweco architects Design Team: Johan Krikström, Marianne Randers, PeGe Hillinge Soil design: Örjan Ståhl Plant expert: Rune Bengtsson Consultant lighting design: Niklas Ödmann, Black light design. Location: Malmo, Sweden Completed: 2010 Area: 14,000 square meters Cost: 10 million Euros (10. 82 million American dollars) Client: City of Malmö Show on Google Maps Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Diana Ispas Return to Homepage

Umeå Campus Park, by Thorbjörn Andersson with Sweco architects, Umeå, Sweden. Umeå Campus is the focal center of Umeå University in Sweden. The majority of the university’s courses and programs are held in the buildings and facilities of this 23,000-square-meter campus near the coast, approximately 300 kilometers south of the Polar Circle. Umeå University was founded in 1965 and is Sweden’s fifth-oldest university. The campus has about 35,000 international and multicultural students, teachers, and researchers from all over the world.

The Design Team  The architects of this project were Thorbjörn Andersson and Sweco Architects (design team: Staffan Sundström, Emma Pettersson, and Mikael Johansson). The design is oriented toward a sustainable society where the people can interact, work, and play; in other words, a society that can combine and live in many atmospheres in a very harmonic way. These two firms are also the authors of many other landscape projects, including the Physic Garden at Novartis’ Campus in Basel, Switzerland and the Hyllie Plaza at Malmö, Sweden.

Umeå Campus Park

This project is the result of a competition held in 2007; it was completed in 2011. The new Umeå Campus Park takes place around an artificial lake, with sun decks, jetties, open lawns, walking trails, and terraces. Here, visitors and students can be part of the landscape, a natural space molded by the architects; the hills and the birch trees create a unique atmosphere that’s rarely common but yet very well designed.

What we expect from such a space? As a campus park “should” offer a variety of designated places, in this case the architects proposed the same variety of places in the outdoor scene, designated to provide non-conventional academic classrooms that support improvised activities and informal gatherings, but at the same time create a unique interaction among students, teachers, and researchers, enhancing the attractiveness of the university as a whole. Connecting the Dots and Finding the Balance Between Formal and Informal The Umeå Campus Park takes place in a very formal background, the idea of transforming it into a more indulging area is very well accomplished in this project, it’s not only a connecting area that leads the users from one building to another, it is also a livable place, a combination of formal and informal. The Campus The Campus Park is made up of three terraces that connect the park and the lake with floating piers. The paths — or promenades — are projected around the lake, with very subtle and clean lines and a few connections with the buildings, leaving free spaces that provide users with comfortable and quiet spaces to interact. To the naked eye, the project seems to be a very “minimalistic design”: Every path is very well thought and connected to the next and every area has its own character, from floating decks to small hills. Connecting Points of Social Interest The promenades lead users to points of social interest. These spots became wider and even more intimate as people walk by. The main artery of the park is named “The Corso”. It connects the main restaurant, “Universum”, with the student union. The Corso is connected to the lake by a bridge over the canyon-like affluent. In this area, visitors can find a unique, almost exotic atmosphere right in the northern city of Umeå, a shaded and narrow area with a dense atmosphere along a trickling brook, surrounded by thick vegetation. An outdoor lounge is laid out facing the sun in front of the lively student union. This lounge is the fusion of a series of graveled terraces in a fan shape, with each terrace equipped with café furnishings and shaded by multi-stemmed trees. More Great Articles Featuring Work from Thorbjorn Andersson:

• How The Fish Market Plaza Revamped This Forgotten Site
• Sjövikstorget Square: Traditional Techniques in Modern Landscape Architecture
• Discover the Ancient Secrets of the Physic Garden 

There are no excuses to not bring nature into our common life, like the architects vision, our environment should be as natural as possible; “Natural” not only in the ambient way, but “Natural” also in the way users can feel comfortable, every activity or labor should work without efforts and every path or area should provide people a reason to stay a little bit longer. When I refer to “nature” I do not only mean green spaces, I also refer to clean, stylish and elegant places where we can feel free.

Design is Closing the Gap Between Work and Nature Studying this project, we realized that consciousness about caring for the space we are living in is getting stronger. The connection between work and nature is less distant every day; A small relaxing space, can give us a whole new perception of a place and what we do with it. As we can see, this example of this campus park, can turn into a guideline for the new outdoor areas of every building, a church, a hospital, even a law firm centre can have an unique space like this for gathering with clients or even meditate; There’s no limit when it comes to bringing back our origins, our safe zone, where we can feel comfortable and free. Full Project Credits: Project: University Campus Park Umeå Location: Umeå, Sweden Architects: Thorbjörn Andersson + Sweco Architects Design Team: Staffan Sundström, Emma Pettersson, Mikael Johansson Client: Akademiska Hus Consultants: Black light design Area: 23,000 sqm Year: 2011 Show on Google Maps Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Tahío Avila Return to Homepage

Baan Krung Thep Kritha, by Landscape Architects 49 Limited, in Bangkok, Thailand. It takes an amazing talent and a generous amount of tenacity to take a flooded area and transform it into a beautiful landscape. The project in this case is Baan Krung Thep Kritha, and it is a clear demonstration of how talented the team from Landscape Architects 49 Limited actually is. Completed in 2006 and covering an area of 15 rai (24,000 square meters), this project transformed from a flooded area in Bang Kapi (Bangok, Thailand) to a space that is defined by elegance and perspective.

Baan Krung Thep Kritha

From Concept to Reality One of the most exciting parts of a landscape architecture project such as this one is taking the ideas one has on paper and transporting them into reality. The team at Landscape Architects 49 Limited managed to take their concept and make it even more spectacular in the real world. It all started with the idea that the internal level should be two meters higher than the surroundings; in doing that, the architects followed the requirements of the client, making the property look as if it was placed on a small hill.

A Varied Landscape with Functional Requirements As the architects had a lot of space to play with, it should come as no surprise that they chose so many landscape features to integrate within the project. They wanted to offer variety, and they certainly managed to provide it — within the functional requirements of the project. The space available was divided into three different parts, each with its own set of features and characteristics. Trees to the Rescue The north side of the property was located close to an adjacent road, so there was a good chance of the owner being disturbed not only by the noise, but also by the gas emissions coming from vehicles. Having such problems in mind, the designers ingeniously placed a buffer of trees to protect the building from both excessive pollution and potential noise. A Protective Screen of Green The trees are visually pleasing, and they also act as a protective screen against the problems mentioned above. So it is safe to assume that they are doing the job. In the front area of the property, you can see that a part of it has been allotted to the monk’s house, this being near to the ritual room of the house. Proving that Landscape Architecture Projects can be Sustainable The back area of the property, located to the south, is one of the most beautiful parts of this project. There is a detention pond of high aesthetic value, but the surprise comes from the natural swale, guaranteeing the preservation of rainwater. Once more, the designers demonstrate that landscape architecture projects can be sustainable. The water captured through the system is recycled and used for irrigation purposes. A Re-invented Tropical Forest Delivers Peace and Relaxation As there are no other buildings located in the surroundings of the project, the entire area is defined by a sense of peace and relaxation. Specific elements, such as the gigantic rain tree and the small pavilion, have been chosen so as to guarantee a place where people can discover pleasure in its finest form. In the center area, close to the main house, one can discover a generous green space. Here, different activities can be performed and everyone can enjoy the healthy outdoors.

The planting at Baan Krung Thep Kritha

The selection of plants is amazing, with the tropical rainforest serving as a source of inspiration. However, the plants and the trees that remind one of the tropical rainforest seem to have integrated very well within the climate of Thailand and this specific area in particular. Moreover, the plants have been chosen to ensure easy maintenance while delivering a natural feeling. The plants are spread throughout the entire property, blending in with other elements in the landscape in the most natural manner

A Diverse, Mixed use Space It is fascinating how the functional requirements of the project blend with the natural elements of the landscape. Among these functional requirements, one can find the gathering space, the small pavilion underneath the gigantic rain tree, the kitchen garden, the jogging track, the aesthetically pleasing pond, the multifunctional lawn, and the walkway. This project really has it all. A Strong Demonstarion of Modern Landscpe Architecture in Thailand In conclusion, if you are looking to discover Thai landscape architecture at its finest, you can always consider the project of Baan Krung Thep Kritha. It is bold, well made and demonstrates that modern landscape architecture always works with the concept of sustainable development in mind. It is high time that we all understand that the resources on our planet are limited and that we must learn how to re-use them at our best. Full Project Credits: Project: Baan KrungThep Kritha Designer: Landscape Architects 49 Limited Location: KrungThep Kritha Road, Bangkok, Thailand Size: 2.4 hectare Show on Google Maps 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

Effective ways to deal with a potential slope disaster.  Do you ever think about how difficult it is for a landscape architect to plan and design a really contoured site or landscape? Imagine the worst thing that can happen when a high number of steep slopes remain bare and unprotected: High-intensity erosion caused by rain or wind and the unbearable load of the structure above can cause a landslide at any time, destroying everything in its path. Preventing a landslide can be a bit of a challenge. Protecting the slopes would be the first idea for dealing with a situation like this. So, what can we do to protect a slope? Here are some slope protection hacks for you to use if you are facing a possible erosion problem. 1. Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) Chrysopogon zizanioides, well known as Vetiver grass, may be the biggest breakthrough in soil and water conservation in the past few years. The use of a Vetiver grass system can effectively — and at low cost — protect slopes, stop or significantly reduce the risk of slippage, and prevent downstream water contamination. This is because Vetiver grass roots have a high-tensile strength and because when planted on slopes, the grass reduces hydraulic pressure through the removal of water. WATCH: Vetiver: Green Tech for the 21st Century

The combination of slippage prevention (mass wastage of soil) and the grass’ sediment-filtering ability results in very clean water moving down the catchment. Vetiver grass as been applied in many places all over the world and is getting a good response. This system not only provides a solution to slope protection and soil conservation, but also provides significant economic, environmental, and social benefits by keeping a sustainable environment, as shown in the diagram below. 2. Geoweb A Geoweb system provides an economical solution to slope and surface stability problems while meeting a wide range of performance and aesthetic requirements. This system can provide a fully vegetated slope surface that otherwise could not support sustainable plant life. WATCH: Geoweb slope protection and perforations

The structure has a variety of infill options, including fertile and rich topsoil for vegetation, aggregates from sand, gravel or even larger size rock, and even using concrete of various strength and surface finishes. Geoweb structures can resist down-slope movement of embankment material and anticipate hydraulic flows, control erosion, and increase vegetation stability on slopes. Related Articles: 

• Is Architectural Engineering Paving the Way for New Opportunities in Landscape Architecture?
• Metamorphous: The Constantly Changing Seawall Sculpture
• Lotus Lake Park Sets Precedent for Sustainable Urban Design in China

3. Gabion Old but gold: Gabion structures installation for slope protection may look conventional, but the ability to provide a surface to support plant life and good permeability is just too good to not get attention. Gabion structures have a good flexibility and durability to protect a steep slope.

They can tolerate differential settlement without fracture, which is important on unstable ground, and the durability increases with age as consolidaton takes place: Silt and soil collect in the voids as the vegetation becomes established. The ability to permit the growth of vegetation and maintain the existing environment can provide attractive natural building blocks for decorative landscaping. 4. Bio retaining wall Nowadays, there are lots of bio retaining wall products with various brand names and prices. Unlike a conventional concrete retaining wall system, a bio retaining wall product made with permeable materials and a variety of surface finishes gives you a lot of choice for your landscaping ideas. More importantly, bio retaining walls come with the ability to support vegetation growth, returning habitat and green space to the built environment while providing structural reinforcement. Aesthetic diversity, temperature moderation, green space, and habitat can all be achieved by using a bio retaining wall system. You can see samples of bio retaining walls here. 5. Hydroseeding Maybe the simplest idea to protect slopes from erosion is to cover them with ground cover or any vegetation. But growing vegetation on a really steep slope is a really tough challenge; the extreme environment sometimes just feels like it’s impossible to plant. But thanks to hydroseeding, that challenge can be met. Hydroseeding is the process of combining seed, mulch, fertilizer, and healthy soil amendments with water to mix in a HydroSeeder® tank to form a thick slurry. WATCH: Hydroseeding SaskPower Switching Station – Swift Current, SK

This slurry is applied with pressure to the surface for seed germination and turf development. It gives you a quick, safe, cost-effective, easy-to-apply ground cover, turf, fern, or any other vegetation for your slope’s protection. Which ever way you to decide to adapt your slope, make sure it fits in with the overall scheme of the site, merging with the design, enviornment and long term purpose. For every situation there is a suitable solution. Recommended Reading:

• Principles and Practice of Engineering: Architectural Engineering Sample Questions and Solutions by Mark McAfee
• Standard Handbook of Architectural Engineering by Robert Brown Butler

Article by Harkyo Hutri Baskoro Return to Homepage

Pedreira do Campo by M-Arquitectos, in Vila do Porto, Ilha de Santa Maria. Do you know that one can find thirteen protected areas in Santa Maria, Portugal? Azores, or Açores in Portuguese, is a transcontinental archipelago composed by nine islands that constitute the basic management unit of the Regional Network of Protected Areas of the Azores, as reported by the Government of Azores. Azores is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, and it was divided in three geographical groups: the West Group composed by Corvo and Flores (Flowers) Islands, the Central Group that integrates Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge and Pico and Faial Islands, and the Eastern Group, composed by São Miguel and Santa Maria. An Island With Only 550 People According to Azores Commune, Santa Maria is located in the parish of Vila do Porto and it is the third smallest island of the Azores with a population of only 550 people in approximately 97km² of surface area. Located in Vila do Porto, the Natural Park of Santa Maria was created in 2012, and it was established with no less than thirteen protected areas. One of them is the Natural Monument of Pedreira Campo, where M-Arquitectos implemented a landscape solution as part of an environmental rehabilitation project.

Pedreira do Campo

In an unique scenario like the scenario of Açores, in which there is a geological context with extreme scientific importance, there is no doubt that the main challenge that M-Arquitectos encountered was designing a solution that seemed as natural as possible while integrating the intervention project and the island’s nature. Based on this idea, M-Arquitectos suggested a new catwalk, seamlessly integrated with the existing one, allowing visitors a unique view of the island and its natural beauty.

A Closer Look at the Drawings The first aspect that makes this solution special is the Landscape Design Study. As we go through the drawings of the project, it is clear how the M-Arquitectos took advantage of the potential of the surrounding landscape. The architects designed more than a footway that takes you – quickly or not – from one side to the other. They designed a path in which one can explore the history and nature of the place while providing leisure with a sustainable solution and enhancing the geological heritage The Inclusion of Information Points Over the catway, there will be a set of information panels fixed in predetermined points explaining the subject in question and complementing the information with specific scientific guidance. In addition, there is a variety of views that can be contemplated by tourists in the course of the catwalk, from the uneven and rocky terrain to a vantage point over the sea. Certainly, all this integrated is a result of a terrific landscape planning. Design with Respect to the Existing Topgraphy The second aspect that makes this solution special is the decision to minimally interfere with the topography. Fortunately, it appears that instead of adapting the soil to the catway, M-Arquitects designed the path respecting the existing topography, which can be inferred from the catway level profile. The catway is raised in relation to the irregular and rocky terrain. Making an elevated path not only preserves the existing topography, but also minimizes the sealing of land. Probably this is the key to the integration of the project to the existing landscape making sure nature is respected at a minimum intervention level. The third aspect that makes this solution special is the shape of the catwalk. Presumably the organic shape was a consequence of the natural topography. However, its elegance and the variety of great views that it provides were absolutely well thought by the designers. Undoubtedly, the walking path is full of surprises and provides wonderful views such as those over the sea. Related Articles: 

• Beautiful Plaza Celebrates Canadian Landscape
• Perez Art Museum Embraces the Landscape Inside and Out
• Ceramic Museum and Mosaic Garden

The last aspect, but not the least, that makes this solution special is the material used. The catwalk is made of solid wood, which is the perfect choice of material for the intervention. The characteristics of the woods such as color, texture, structure and water content guarantee integration with the surroundings, avoiding an imposed intervention in the natural monument.

Questions About the Choice of Materials Unfortunately, there is no information about the sourcing of the woods and whether it is from sustainable sources or not. One can imagine that after many well thought aspects, this one would certainly reflect their environmental awareness. Pedreira do Campo’s catwalk is more than an example of respect to the nature. The path appears as natural as it could be and almost seems to be a part of the surroundings. It provides considerable views worth the moderate effort and recreation to the local community and visitors, while preserving the nature and providing information about the history of this magnificent place. Full Project Credits:  Architecture Studio: M – Arquitectos – Monteiro, Resendes Sousa Arquitectos, lda Architects: arch. Fernando Monteiro, arch. Marco Resendes, arch. Miguel Sousa Project Name: Pedreira do Campo Project Type: Urban planning Area: 500m2 Location: Vila do Porto, Santa Maria Island, Açores, Portugal GPS Coordinates: 36.947419, -25.135782 Project Year: 2009 Inauguration: 2012 Collaborators – arch. Diana Policarpo, arch. Carolina Oliveira, arch. Pedro Furtado, arch. Maria Bento Stability and Infrastructure: eng. Ricardo Pacheco Construction: José Artur Cruz Leal Unipessoal, lda Client: Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e do Mar Photography: Artur Silva Show on Google Maps Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Sarah Suassuna Return to Homepage

A book review on Designing the Sustainable Site: integrated design strategies for small-scale sites and residential landscapes, by Heather Venhaus; Matt McCaw.  At this time, we want to introduce you to a complete, practical guide to facing the challenge of sustainable design beyond simply “doing no harm”. Through a holistic perspective, author Heather Venhaus draws attention to the landscape we are most exposed to: the outdoor small-scale sites we pass by every day. Her wide background working on multidisciplinary teams, always in search of better standards and strategies, was key in her writing of Designing the Sustainable Site. The book takes a look at sustainable design through the lens of experience, offering practical tips and methodology.

Designing the Sustainable Site

Clues After the First Impression The soft cover, just a bit smaller than A4 format and less than 0.8 inches thick, makes the book ideal for any personal library. There is much information condensed in its pages, however, and even at first sight, Designing the Sustainable Site looks like an easy-to-read piece of writing due to its clean composition and the nice balance between text and graphic elements. In that sense, it is coherent to the visual style that most designers naturally prefer. Just a little note: Although the pages are populated with representative photographs from different projects and the images are involved in the explanation of the ideas in a well-driven way, this is not the kind of book focused on showing a masterwork through graphic documents. You should not expect to find constructive details of alternative solutions. Get it Here! Beyond the Conventional Green One of the aspects really reinforced by Designing the Sustainable Site is the interconnection among different fields and characters involved in the development of sustainability. In fact, the book understands the phenomenon as a big picture, including information about maintenance guides, budget, health, and energy as part of this global point of view.

Throughout the different chapters, we learn the importance of thinking about projects in terms of regenerative and resilient systems. What does that mean to the author? In comparison with the stereotype of developing greenfields or making minor consumption of resources and waste production when thinking of sustainability, she talks about an extra factor — in her own words, “we must also reverse degradation of earth´s natural resources”. Other book reviews you may be interested in:

• Landscape and Urban Design for Health and Well-Being
• Digital Drawing for Landscape Architecture
• 10 Books to Read in Your Fourth Year of Landscape Architecture

The Structure One of the main features of this book is its practical orientation. The structure is clear and simple: After brief introductions to different subjects, the readers are soon addressed to design considerations and strategies, pieces of advice, and, finally, real projects that work as case studies.

The range of projects behind this “case of study” label is quite wide, including residential gardens, schoolyards, and streetscapes. However, there are also mentions of several interesting projects throughout the book, which appear to illustrate specific subjects such as permeable paving, stormwater management, living walls, and drainage pipes, among others. Get it Here! The Content Diving into Designing the Sustainable Site, you will find eight chapters covering the environmental requirements and alternatives for high-quality landscape design. They start from general aspects through shorter chapters about the impact and context of sustainable projects, and move on to a more extended group of chapters under the title of Sustainable Solutions for specific technical subjects. What issues are included in this collection? Air pollution; questions related to water, such as shortages, pollution and urban flooding; invasive species; and loss of biodiversity. In addition, there is a whole chapter called The Sustainable Site Process, which assists and guides designers to review the methods and characters involved in truly integral green strategies. The Extras Lists of references and resources are provided chapter by chapter to go deeper into the information if necessary, so our knowledge does not end with the last page. I would like to highlight two useful extras at this point: the free online tools to do some calculations and the reliable database links. With its ready-to-use and comprehensive style, the content is expanded upon through use of tables, schemes, and graphics. That makes the knowledge easily accessible for professionals to check or refresh, and even valuable for the academic environment. In conclusion, Designing the Sustainable Site provides a really complete perspective for professional use and puts together interesting collections of practical strategies and resources. After reading the book, you will leave with a positive sensation of having learned something valuable to apply to your next project.

Pick up your copy of Designing the Sustainable Site today!

Review by Elisa García Nieto Return to Homepage

Foundation Jeantet by Agence Ter and Domino Architectes, in Genève, Switzerland. What can we consider as mastery in Landscape architecture? Would it be creating places that bring people together by introducing nature in the built environment, is it the most creative way to do that? Or is it the complexity of thought and creativity required by landscape architects to bridge the gap between the diversity and complexity of the built environment? Or to provide a variety of uses depending on the context? I would say an overlay of all the above is required to create a masterpiece of landscape design no matter the scale of intervention. The Jeantet foundation project is a great example of timeless design and mastery of the tools available to landscape architects. How did they achieve it and what was the challenge?

Foundation Jeantet

The aim of the project was to provide a solution to link a newly constructed auditorium beneath an existing residential building to the neo renaissance style Villa Edelstein belonging to the Jeantet foundation. The renovation of the villa and its gardens were part of the call for AgenceTer and Domino Architects. The team of Agence Ter found a creative and inspiring way to connect the two buildings – through a surprising sunken garden hidden from the street view by a rough concrete wall. The first perspective one experiences after crossing the street gate is a bridge going down to what can be associated with the tranquility of a meditation garden. See More Articles Featuring Work from Agence Ter:

• Aqua Magica Park: The Dark Magic of Ephemeral Experience in Landscape Architecture
• Urban Jungle Created to Perfection by Agence TER
• König-Heinrich Platz Averdung Shows us All That Keeping it Simple is the Best Policy

The 15 by 15 meter garden is surrounded by 4 and a half meters of concrete walls made of thin blocks, providing access to the adjacent new auditorium located on that underground level but also to the renaissance villa on the ground level. Two narrow staircases give access from the Villa to the “horturs conclusus” or the enclosed garden, designed for only one person to be able to go down at a time.

Playing with Water Water is one of landscape architecture tools used carefully in two of its forms – calm and active, to provide two different scales of experiences. On the ground level the sunken paradise garden is surrounded by a one meter wide water channel, whose still water reflects the silhouette of Villa Edelstein. Downstairs the relaxing sounds of falling water bring the tranquil feeling of being surrounded by nature as the water falls down from the channel through the regular slim openings between the concrete blocks, down to a narrow channel running on the edge of the garden downstairs. A Thoughful Planting Scheme The perceived simplicity of this uncommon approach is impressive and inspiring. The garden itself is covered with a carpet like mixture of sagina and black schist flagstones arranged randomly but parallel, giving the feeling of being in a cozy room. The only trees in the patio were chosen to match the Japanese serenity from which the garden was inspired from – Prunus sargentii. Part of mastery in landscape design involves making gardens which transform their beauty during the seasons and time. Seasonal Interest This minimalistic green space represents these techniques magnificently. The choice of the rose blooming cherry trees in spring with the contrast of the black schist and green sagina is in contrast with the autumn orange covered foliage that evokes a feeling of warmth on the background of the concrete surroundings. The roughness of its winter scenery still resembles the serenity and simplicity of this beautiful entrance patio garden that one would like to explore in detail before discovering what reveals on top. Not to forget that the perception of a garden during the day and night, which is another element of creating a masterpiece. The color of lights chosen to highlight the gardens features and the sounds of the falling water create a feeling of being in an underground world during the night. “we design spaces to be used in a certain way, and its our job to define how we want them to be used”. With the overlay of all these elements working in such harmony one would be surprised to find out that there is no place to sit in this inviting for meditation miniature oasis. I once heard an architect saying that we design spaces to be used in a certain way, and its our job to define how we want them to be used. Here the aim of the patio wasn’t to provide a place to relax for many but rather to serve as an unforgettable link and reception space for the located on the same level auditorium. That is how using design the function of the garden was defined.

Foundation Jeantet, taking us from the ordinary to the timeless

The task to find an appropriate solution to link two extremely different entities in terms of architecture buildings was definitely a challenge. However the solution found integrates an ancient concept with a modern twist with sensitive attention to details revealing a new dimension of the space at every step and angle. This is what takes it from ordinary to timeless.

Full Project Credits:  Landscape Architecture: Agence Ter Project: Redevelopment of the headquarters of a medical foundation Client: Fondation Louis Jeantet Project manager: Agence Ter, Domino Architectes Budget: 2.4 M€HT Area: 1.260 m² Calendar: competition (winner) 1995 Construction: 1997 Honors: Prix de la Première OEuvre (Young Architects Prize) Awarded by «Le Moniteur Architecture» Text and photos: Agence ter Show on Google Maps Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Yuliya Georgieva Return to Homepage

König-Heinrich Platz Averdung, by Agence Ter, in Duisburg, Germany. In the heart of the city of Duisburg, Germany, lies a large, grassy, park space in front of the theater. The König-Heinrich square is a busy gathering place for the city’s residents, made even more popular by the addition of a shopping center, casino, and pedestrian street right next to Konigstraat. It became necessary to rethink this public space in light of the new uses, while maintaining its urban park appearance. Thus, the French landscape architecture firm Agence Ter proposed a project inspired by the existing green space, claiming that the development of a wide lawn would not be a hindrance in making the square a central site for the city. Instead, a simple lawn can provide a meeting place where everyone can settle as he wishes.

König-Heinrich Platz Averdung

In addition, the Ter team noted that having a vast green expanse in the heart of a post-industrial city as dense as Duisburg is currently a luxury. Indeed, this space will preserve open space in the city and offer benefits to insects, small animals and, of course, human visitors. For all these reasons, it was important to preserve this green and open space. A Simple But Effective Design Agence Ter has created a project with a wide expanse of grass on which people can relax. The project consists of a game between the mineral, vegetation (which covers a large part of the site) and water jets that animate the central space. Some crocuses were planted in the lawn to color the grass in spring.

The site isn’t just a swath of grass. To make the space more elegant, the team divided the space into five areas, each raised and lined with metal frames. They kept the same width of green space, but punched it up with varied forms interspersed asymmetrically along the length. These cuts allow people to cross the square’s width without crossing the lawn, although people are allowed to walk and sit on the grass. Custom Design Furniture The furniture also is notable. Along the curbs, benches seem to settle onto the grass. These banks are simply created from a curved, white plate that fits between the grass and the curb. These long benches are installed asymmetrically and only on the edges of the cross aisles in order not to break the harmony of the green islands. The furniture is discreet and comfortable. The Water Jets In the center of these green areas is a regular water jet fountain that lights up at night. These water jets are used to energize the space vertically.  The water jets give an extra dimension to the project by offering to little ones and older ones fun but also a way to cool off during hot weather because the only trees present are placed on the edge and therefore offer very little shade to visitors.   Being Careful Not to Clutter the Space The designers worked with simple forms and refined profiles throughout the project. They are also focused on the three main elements that make a landscape; stone, water and plants. And they did not clutter with exuberant furniture which consumes space since they have opted for recessed ground lights and benches integrating discreetly into space while remaining cozy and seeminglessly blending into the overall design. See More Articles Featuring Work from Agence Ter:

• Aqua Magica Park: The Dark Magic of Ephemeral Experience in Landscape Architecture
• Urban Jungle Created to Perfection by Agence TER

The redesign maintained the function of the earlier basic green space while adding new points of interest and improving function. This project shows us once again that sometimes the simple things are the most popular.

Full Project Credits:  Landscape Architects: Agence Ter Client: City of Duisburg Budget: 3,5 M€ ex tax Area: 1.6 hectare All pictures: ©agenceter Show on Google Maps Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Alexandra Wilmet Return to Homepage

 A beginners guide to ArcGIS and some important things a landscape architect should know about it. Geographical Information System (GIS) is a great aid to landscape architectural works, especially for meso- and macro-scale projects such as town and regional planning. GIS helps you capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial and geographical data in the landscape architectural work flow process. ArcGIS, developed by ERSI, is one of the popular GIS tools used worldwide. ArcGIS helps you when working with maps and geographical information. It is used for creating and using maps, compiling geographic data, analyzing mapped information, sharing and discovering geographic information, using maps and geographic information in a range of applications, and managing geographic information in a database., Its quick, effective, and accurate tools come in handy in many spatial analysis processes. WATCH: ArcGIS10 Basics 1 of 4 (Make a note of this video and watch it after reading the article and get started with the basics)

Getting Started with ArcGIS

ArcGIS is a really useful tool for a landscape architect, but sometimes it is really frustrating to use this software if you haven’t mastered it yet. But don’t worry: In this article, I want to share with you some tips to getting started with ArcGIS and a few important basics to know. Know the Formats There are lots of data formats used in ArcGIS. Each format is unique and has a specific use. Pay attention to maps, images, features, and any other data you use for your analysis and the format of the output data. You will get used to this after several times using ArcGIS and find the best data format for every work you do. Related Articles:

• Top 10 Hints & Tips For SketchUp
• Computer Aided Software for Landscape Architects: The Essential Guide
• 3D Modeling Software for Landscape Architects

Know the Shortcuts There are surely lots of tools and toolbars in ArcGIS. Shortcuts will save you time! Never hesitate to learn how to use shortcuts, as that will become really helpful later. You can look at list of shortcuts from ArcGIS or on the ESRI web, or you can get many other helpful time-saving tips on the forum on the Internet. Bonus Video: Basic Digitization in ArcGIS

Learn From Other People’s Work ESRI has compiled all GIS works, projects, and research from all over the world. Learn from it! It’s a free database you can use to look for research that can help you finish your project, so why not? Set Your Coordinates First! Make sure you have set all the maps to coordinate correctly before you start your work. It’s the key to starting a project, because the analysis tools and process won’t work if the data and maps you use aren’t configured correctly. Learn about the “Datum system” to know how to project your data and maps with a correct coordinate system and geographical information — you can find this information from many free sources on the Internet. Be Clean: Save Your file Briefly and Clearly The GIS process is about how you analyze, process, and compile various spatial information and serve it efficiently for your uses. It is very important to save all your input and output data briefly so that you can easily look for it when you need it later. Saving your data and work in a brief and specifically named file or folder will be really helpful for later uses of your work. The more informative the file and folder name, the more it will be helpful for you, your client, and anyone who references your work. Bonus Video: ArcGIS 10 – Calculate Area and Volume of a Reservoir

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

Article by Harkyo Hutri Baskoro Return to Homepage Featured image: “GvSIG – GIS” by Emilio Gómez Fernández – Own work. Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons

Botanica Khao Yai, by T.R.O.P: terrains+open space, in Khao Yai, Thailand. Nature has always served as inspiration for architectural projects and Botanica Khao Yai is the best example that can be offered. In creating this unique landscape, the architects working on the project have borrowed elements from nature, using Khao Yai, one of the largest rain forests in the entire Thailand, as inspiration. Architecture has the power of creating amazing things, with nature serving as a supreme source of inspiration. This project was based on the natural landscape surrounding the area, on the quality of sunlight and also on the elements of forest. In the end, the final result can be presented as a blend between nature and architecture, with residents enjoying its unique features.

Botanica Khao Yai

From Abandoned Land to Inspiring Creation From the start, it should be mentioned that Botanica Khao Yai is closely located to Khao Yai, a renowned Thai rain forest. The original site of the project was once an agricultural land, being abandoned with the passing of time. The site is bordered by a local road in the front part and by a small mountain in the back. The originality of the project is given by it being separated into two main plots; the front plot is the one closely located to the road, being designed for residential usage, while the back plot is the one next to the small mountain, being designed as a public park and an area that welcomes both residents and visitors.

The Residential Blocks For this project, a series of residential blocks have been created, all of them being carefully arranged on the landscape platform. The interesting part of the project is that there are two blocks, one that is a simple residential building and another one that is not so ordinary. Stunning Architecture The architectural talent is clearly reflected in the latter, with its V shape, one part having living units on all of its six floors, while the other part being elevated four floors from the ground. The architecture takes impressive dimensions here, with the elevated units being built on gigantic concrete columns. Moreover, there are elegant villas with private gardens and pools that are located along the way. See More Articles Featuring T.R.O.P: terrains+open space:

• The Garden of Hilton Pattaya by TROP : terrains + open space
• Where Zen Garden Design Meets Enchanted Woodland: TROP’s Forest and Pool at Pyne
• Sky Pool Takes World Class Design to the Next Level

An Architectural Stroke of Genius Without any doubt, the architectural approach chosen for this project is modern, almost futuristic. Despite this approach, its resemblance with the closely located rain forest is amazing. The elevation of buildings at different heights with the help of the concrete columns is a stroke of genius, as it delivers an amazing variety of sunlight qualities. As we take a look at these, we can easily see the resemblance with the rain forest, with sun playing in the same way between the trees that have different heights. The gigantic concrete columns can be compared to the trunks of the trees, while the living units are actually the canopies. This project has managed to imitate nature in the most subtle way that it is possible. Every element has been chosen with high care, such as the local ferns that were used for the landform. The Path – Pedestrian Circulation Through a Unique Landscape In order for pedestrians to have the possibility of enjoying the newly-made landscape, a path has been created. This is not your average path, but one that has serpentines, winding up and down throughout the entire landscape. Apart from walking, residents are given the opportunity to exercise and get in touch with nature. The Path takes them to the most important public areas in the landscape, such as the lobby or clubhouse, allowing them to stay in the shade and protect themselves from the sun. The project is made even more interesting, given the fact that local materials, such as natural mountain stones, have been used in the creation of the landscape. Residents and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the neighboring mountain from the park that occupies the second land plot. As this project was also based on the idea of sustainability, it should come as no surprise that there are sub-drainage systems in the area, in order to prevent eventual floods or landslides. Also, the excessive rainwater is harvested and collected, being used during the dry season for irrigation purposes.

The Hidden Dining Pavilion at Botanica Khao Yai

Among the most interesting things that you will discover here, there is the Dining Pavilion, elegantly hidden by a beautiful bamboo forest. The surprises continue with the green hill that was easily integrated into a reflected pond and the two swimming pools. On the right side of the park, there is a jogging track that can be used by both residents and visitors. There is also an elevated jogging bridge, which guarantees more than one route option for those who use it.

In conclusion, it is amazing how this project has managed to deliver a futuristic look, while maintaining so close a contact and resemblance with the rain forest. Residents have the opportunity to enjoy this fine blend between nature and architecture, with the beautiful panorama of Khao Yai always available. Modern architecture does not have to be abstract and cold; it can draw its inspiration from nature, as Botanica Khao Yai has clearly proven. Full Project Credits:  Project Title: Botanica Khao Yai Landscape Architects: T.R.O.P: terrains+open space Lead Designer: Pok Kobkongsanti Project Team: Peerasit Sangwanloy, Chanchai Wimonsirichotikun Client/Owner: The Scenical Development Company Limited Photography credit: Spaceshift Studio Pirak Anurakyawachon, Aranyarat Prathomrat Architect: Vin Varavarn Architects Co., Ltd. Interior Designer: Define Studio Co., Ltd., Mada Design Factory Co., Ltd. Structural Engineer: Qbic Engineering and Architect Co., Ltd. M&E Engineer: Thanavit Design & Engineering Co., Ltd., Water Thai Tech Co., Ltd. Contractor: Grand Frame Co., Ltd. Landscape Contractor: Invention Green Co., Ltd. Lighting Designer: Truelight Co., Ltd. Show on Google Maps 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

Public Space in Góra Puławska, by 3XA, Góra Puławska, Poland. Undeveloped lands in villages and cities are like air bubbles or holes in a dense net. These “free space bubbles” harbor great potential for transformation into well-designed urban spaces that meet the needs of residents and visitors. A great design invites people to relate to and use the environment as a stage for human interrelation and communication. In the Public Space in Góra Puławska, Poland, 3XA designers Ewa Czerny, Maciej Kowaluk, and Łukasz Reszka have created a recreational space where village residents can meet and pursue a variety of leisure activities.

Góra Puławska

The location for the project was thoughtfully chosen. It provides isolation from the busy and noisy arterial route of Radomska Street, creating a pleasant ambience. It’s not about urban hustle and bustle, but about chilling, meeting, and socializing. In contrast to indeterminate squares, village residents can choose between different zones for relaxation or meetings.

Diverse social needs are met through the use of different landscaping elements. Small outdoor events find their place in the open area, where numerous benches fulfill the main purpose of a contemporary public square — that of gathering people together. Using Key Details to Elevate the Design Tables and seats under the covered arbors provide a place where residents can exchange interests and experiences. The third zone is designed with large platform benches, where one can sit back and relax or spend time with larger groups. The two rows of birches create an avenue effect and complete the tableau. The Use of CorTen Steel When looking at the whole project, certain details play an important role, like the spices in food: You would notice them if they were missing. The use of the materials is decisive for the quality of the landscape elements. The heart of the public space — the two pergolas — is made of CorTen steel (weathering steel) that is corrosion- and vandalism-resistant. The appearance of the layered patina is aesthetically attractive and also additional protection against corrosion. The benches, lanterns, and bins fit in with this décor and are also made of CorTen steel. Creating a Sense of Safety Through Lighting Another decisive detail is the security. Safety is a major criteria for the success of a public space. This is achieved through lighting that also creates a welcome and pleasant environment. The main light is provided by tall, slender lanterns whose design is minimalist and has a modern touch. The lamps located in the floor complete the scenery with ambient light. Related Articles: 

• Beautiful Plaza Celebrates Canadian Landscape
• Perez Art Museum Embraces the Landscape Inside and Out
• Ceramic Museum and Mosaic Garden

A convenient detail can be found in the CorTen steel bike racks along the sidewalks, which are U-shaped so as not to take much space away from pedestrians. The bike racks encourage a healthy lifestyle and provide a sustainable mode of mobility.

Potential of an Undeveloped Piece of Land Góra Puławska now possesses a new functional, differentiated public space, designed to meet the common needs of the local residents but also individual needs of recreation, so that the project taps into the full potential of an undeveloped piece of land. Through the three different zones and the interesting greenery arrangement, it fulfills the main purposes of a public square: social integration, socialization, and relaxation, fostering the social cohesion of the village. Do you also know of undeveloped areas in your city or village? Do you have any ideas for transforming them? What about a new public space? Recommended Reading:

• 100 Landmarks of the World: A Journey to the Most Fascinating Landmarks Around the Globe by Parragon Books
• Public Art: Theory, Practice and Populism by Cher Krause Knight

Article by Ruth Coman Return to Homepage

Bassil Mountain Escape, by Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture in Faraq, Lebanon. Designers face different challenges with every project they make, but these do not stop them from being innovative and putting a soul into every work they do. Designers never stop thinking out of the box, in order to create something new and refreshing. There are different factors and aspects in every design, but they all lead to the same goal: Providing spaces that are livable and functional. For landscape architects, the goal is to create spaces that will help people relax, contemplate, and reconnect with nature. In a fast-paced era like today, people often experience stressful days that make them want to escape from their busy city lives. Some people want to run away from the noisy streets, from the busy people, and from their stressful work. There are also times when people just want to stare into the vastness of the universe because it helps them to relax and think about nothing but just how beautiful life is. During these instances in our life, we all seek an environment that will calm and refresh our minds.

Bassil Mountain Escape

Bassil Mountain Escape is a private residence in Faqra, Lebanon, that was built to be a vacation house for the purpose of relaxation and entertainment. This place was designed with spaces catering to various events and moods. The designer’s intention was not just to provide a recreational and resting place, but also to give a dramatic and memorable feel in its garden.

However, the site offers only a limited space, soe the designers needed to carefully manipulate spaces in order to make the most out of the area. The designer’s goal was to create an illusion that would maximize the sense of space and give a unique experience. The Picturesque View of Infinity – Water The challenge for the designers was to create spaces that catering to different functions in an extremely limited site. In order to create a sense of infinite space, the designers tried to manipulate the spaces in such a way as to blur the boundaries between the site and the horizon. Related Articles: 

• Beautiful Plaza Celebrates Canadian Landscape
• Perez Art Museum Embraces the Landscape Inside and Out
• Ceramic Museum and Mosaic Garden

The residence’s garden only has a 4.5 meter setback around the house. The designers tried every possible way to expand the sense of space by creating an illusion. First, undesirable views in the righthand section were hidden and more emphasis was given to the desirable ones. In the pool area, a cantilevered water mirror that expands both physically and visually was installed. This created an illusion of infinity by framing and aligning the usable area in one focal point.

Residential Design Honor Award “Innovative and poetic. The landscape architect brought the elements of space and beauty together to create a very restful, livable place. The project shows great poise and restraint. This designer knew exactly when to stop.” – 2008 Professional Awards Jury Comments A Design Breaking Boundries The entire design is composed of an upper and lower level. In the upper level, the entrance area welcomes you with a solid stone staircase with linear, lavender-filled planters aligned along the entire length of the house. The dining area is an intimate, recessed seating area shaded by a wood canopy and stainless steel, a raised water mirror, and a cantilevered, negative-edge Jacuzzi.   In order to break all the boundaries and limitations of the site, the Jacuzzi is positioned in such a way that it captures the breathtaking view of the mountains. Floating stepping stones made of solid stone and red cedar wood lead down to the bar. On the lower level, the negative-edge swimming pool blurs the boundaries again while framing the impressive panoramic view from the indoor lounge area and the outdoor entertainment terrace and sitting area. A long, linear bench functions both as a resting area for visitors and as a sitting area for large gatherings. It also acts as a safety balustrade. During cool evenings, there is a built-in sitting area with fireplace to keep visitors warm. Considering the aesthetics, the designers concealed the BBQ zones in a wooden shelf between maple leaves. Lastly, there is a narrow staircase that leads guests back to the main entrance. It’s hard to put nature in the center of a project, especially when you are given only a limited space, but as a designer you must be seriously creative and innovative. How would you put soul into that project? Given a limited space, how would you put nature at the heart of the project? Recommended Reading:

• 100 Landmarks of the World: A Journey to the Most Fascinating Landmarks Around the Globe by Parragon Books
• Public Art: Theory, Practice and Populism by Cher Krause Knight

Article by Katrina Elpos Return to Homepage