Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network

Nouvelle at Natick, by  Martha Schwartz Partners, Natick (MA), USA. The concept of modern urban living is based on the idea of comfort wrapped up in luxury. Nouvelle at Natick is the best proof that urban living has evolved to a point where it can offer luxury, privacy, and breathtaking views. The project was started by General Growth Properties, and it involved the creation of Parc Nouvelle, a splendid roof garden. The designer was Martha Schwartz, one of the top names in the field of landscape architecture. Nouvelle at Natick extends over a surface of 34,850 square feet and was completed in 2008. When looking at how the roof garden turned out in the end, it should come as no surprise that the project received the BSLA Award (Boston Society of Landscape Architects) in 2012.

Nouvelle at Natick – The Best of Urban Living

The design chosen for the rooftop deck is unique, presenting the beauty of nature from a spatial and visual perspective. As one walks through the roof garden, the rich colors enhance the visual experience. The residents can view the roof garden right from the comfort of their own apartments, enjoying the multitude of elements and the ever-shifting sea of colors. This rooftop delivers the perfect view, the deck being the central element. There are also two roof deck extensions that bring a private space to some of the residents.

Plant Selection Majestic trees have been chosen to complement the entire scenery, providing much-desired shade during hot summer days. The greenery has been carefully selected, including the most amazing diversity of ornamental grasses. Add to that the flowering perennials that change color with the seasons and the evergreen shrubs, and you have the perfect image of what a rooftop should look like. Other Articles Featuring Martha Schwartz: 

• Gasworks Into Artworks – The Rebirth of Dublin’s Waterfront
• Top 10 Influential Landscape Architects
• 7 Female Landscape Architects That You Need to Know About

Social interaction within the green outdoors As this is an age in which physical social interaction loses ground to the kind that happens online, one should be happy to have a roof garden as a social space. Nouvelle at Natick has been specially designed to connect the residences. Thus, it encourages the residents to interact and enjoy the open green space together.

The rooftop deck provides residents with the opportunity to interact, socialize, and discover the beauty of the space at the same time. The visual experience delivered is more powerful than words can describe. Viewed from above, the roof garden entices with its amazing geometry, green distribution, and carefully placed elements. Elements of taste blended within the green The wood path is one of the elements that draws attention, with its forms that are curved and full of grace. Stretching over the entire roof, it sometimes comes to a stop, only to provide wonderful seating opportunities to people coming to enjoy the scenery. Corten steel has been chosen for the planters, with the red shade contrasting beautifully with the chosen greenery. Large circles of stonework have been placed between the other elements, reminiscent of the materials that were actually used for the landscape outside the mall. The alternation between stone and sedum ribbons creates a refreshing pattern, blending perfectly with the graceful wood path and the Corten steel planters. The stepping platforms that are found at the roof deck’s end allow residents to take the concept of walking to a whole new level. The whole picture is made even more beautiful with the appearance of the crushed glass fountains along the walkway. Practice your golf in a unique setting As one of the main reasons for the development of Nouvelle at Natick was recreation, it should come as no surprise that two large circles have been created to be used as putting greens. The idea was to sustain active recreation in a space that has a lot of opportunities to offer. So, one can practice his or her golf skills, taking advantage of the choices presented in this unique setting. In conclusion, this urban oasis is an element of perfection. Every choice has been made with a purpose, such as the selection of trees to act as living screens and deliver protection against the wind. It is a genuine blend of landscaping and art. This is what sustainable urban living is all about, as the roof garden connects everything that is important to today’s modern world. 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

Are your professors really telling you everything they know? When I first stepped into the university, I was convinced that I would learn almost everything I would need for my professional career there. I quickly realized I was wrong, and that the university is just the starting point for a lifelong learning process — and that the most valuable learning comes from experience. Every time you do something for the first time and every mistake you make will make you a better person and professional. However, university professors are there to open your mind — not only to provide theory and practice, but to a whole professional world, as well. Here are nine ways to get the best out of the time you spend in the university and get the best out of your professors. 1. Attend classes

First of all, you have to realize that going to classes is the first and maybe one of the most necessary habits you need to instill during your time at university. This will put you in a position to get to know your professors and understand the objectives of their courses. You won’t always be 100 percent interested in everything or like all of your professors, but believe me, there is something to learn from every subject. One day when you’re designing that project you’ll be thinking, “I should have attended those classes!” Going to classes will also help you get to know your colleagues. In addition to being your party friends, they are your future professional relationships — maybe even your partners or competition. Keep a good relationship with them, make a good impression, and be reliable. That will pay off someday! 2. Ask questions To make the most of attending classes, listen carefully — no matter how difficult it might sometimes be — and don’t hesitate to ask questions. No matter how stupid you might think your question is, ask it or you will regret it later. Moreover, in most cases, everyone else wants to ask the same question but doesn’t dare to look stupid. You’ll get things clear, you’ll learn something, and your professor will remember you. The simple fact of asking shows that you are willing to learn and that you are invested in her class. Not bad for a first impression? 3. Get familiar with his/her work Whether you like your professor or not, think about what you know about the person standing in front of you. Take some time to get to know who he is and what he does outside of class. In our field, most professors have their own companies or work somewhere else in addition to the university, which can be very interesting and open you to new ideas and questions. Why not propose discussions about those ideas in class? There is no better way to learn something new than from first-hand experience. 4. Ask for professional advice Those consultation hours, when you can go and talk to your professor privately in her office to ask for advice about your schoolwork, can also be used to ask for professional orientation and advice. Whether you’re confused about your career path or knowing what you want, it’s always good to discuss it with someone who has experience. You might reconsider your decisions afterward. 5. Use small talk whenever you can Do not underestimate small talk — it can get you remembered and you can learn little things about your professors. The secret is to be curious about what they do and let them talk. People love talking about themselves, and that will help you stand out among the number of students they cross paths with daily. 6. Ask for a recommendation letter At, the end of the year (after having been a great student, by attending classes, being curious, and asking questions), you have developed a professional relationship with your professor. He knows who you are and what you’re up for. This is the time to ask for a recommendation letter that will certainly serve you in your future career. Don’t be shy! The first step toward receiving is simply asking! 7. Get to know about internship possibilities Internships are an important part of transferring to the professional world. However, they aren’t easy to get. Asking your professor for advice on where to look for opportunities might improve your chances. You might not only receive directions, but might even get a direct contact in a company. Related Articles: 

• 10 Mistakes Every Landscape Architecture Student Makes and How to Avoid Them
• The 10 Stages of Being a Landscape Architecture Student: GIF party part 2
• 7 Things You Should Never do as a Landscape Architecture Student!

8. Get mentored Of course, you won’t go to your professor and ask him “would you be my mentor?” But that will happen organically as you develop a professional relationship with him. All the previous steps will plant the seed of such a relationship, but don’t forget that you will need to nurture and maintain that relationship like a garden in order to see it flourish. 9. Be curious about his/her career choice As landscape architects and planners, we have numerous career options. Not many of us, however, consider teaching as the most interesting one. Here is the chance to find out what made it an attractive choice for your professor. There might be more to it that you can imagine. Your professors can only open the doors to unlimited learning — the rest is up to you. Mastering any profession demands a lifetime of dedication and passion. The university, with its friendly environment, is a great place to start. Take the most of the hidden opportunities and start creating your future. How are you getting the most out of your professors? Share your secrets with us! Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Article by Yulia Georgieva. Return to Homepage

Greenhouse, CF Moller Architects, Aarhus, Denmark.

Did you know that the world’s first ministry for the environment was established in Denmark in 1972? Since then, Denmark has achieved several environmentally sustainable goals and has been well known for creating a green and a sustainable society. So it is not a surprise that nowadays this country has the greenest city in the world — Copenhagen — and that it is among the top five “greenest” countries according to the 4^th Edition of the Global Green Economy Index.

Other Danish cities also innovate in creating and implementing new sustainable initiatives. The city of Aarhus – the second most populous city in Denmark, after Copenhagen – has 134 parks, and its Botanical Garden is the oldest and one of its largest, as reported by Aarhus Kommune.

Botanical Garden in Aarhus

Open since 1873, the Botanical Garden in Aarhus, like many other botanical gardens in the world, was created first as a study-ground associated with a university and also for the cultivation of fruit trees and others species that produce food for local citizens.

Nowadays, botanical gardens are more tan just scientific research centers. They are public spaces where citizens can truly relax and recharge by having a picnic on the lawn, reading a book, enjoying the landscape, or taking a contemplative walk.

The current concept of the Aarhus Botanical Garden goes beyond the traditional understanding, as it explores new ideas and perceptions, such as the incredible greenhouse structure.

A National Snail Shaped Icon

Originally designed in 1969 by C.F Moller Architects, the snail-shaped greenhouse is a national icon. Despite the fact that in 1969 the greenhouse was mainly used for research, one must note that it displays an aesthetic concern that was not frequently explored in the traditional typology of greenhouses.

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Decades later, the greenhouse needed an expansion due to the massive collection of tropical species, especially large ones. To fulfill this demand, there was an architectural competition in 2009 to create and add the new tropical hothouse to the old greenhouse.

How One Design Came Around Full Circle

The same architects who first designed the greenhouse won the architectural competition to renovate it. This time, C.F. Moller Architects, in cooperation with Soren Jensen Radgivende Ingenior, worked not only on the function and shape of the addition, but also on incorporating contemporary sustainable concepts.

The New Palm House in the Botanical Garden in Aarhus

The new palm house is 18 meters tall and has a gorgeous transparent dome set on an oval base — a result of the use of current technologies such as energy-saving design solutions, solar energy, and material engineering. Moreover, the architects and engineers used advanced calculations to optimize the structure, producing a better interaction between form and energy consumption.

The Power of the Dome

The dome shape allows for the best potential sunlight during the winter and the least potential sunlight during the summer. In addition, the new palm house is well integrated with the existing palm house, and both are well composed in the existing Aarhus landscape.

Lastly, following the same idea of exceptional integration between internal and external environments, the old palm house inside the snail-shaped greenhouse was transformed into a pleasant public café and knowledge center, which was also extended into the new tropical greenhouse.

A greenhouse is already, by itself, a way to preserve the environment, and certainly designing a greenhouse based on contemporary sustainable concepts is an even better way to do so. The original snail-shaped greenhouse is not only a national icon in greenhouse architecture, but also a reference in greenhouse sustainability. Surely, all countries should be motivated by Denmark’s sustainable initiatives.

Gebran Tueni Memorial, Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architecture, Beirut, Lebanon A memorial to an outspoken politician and journalist The Gebran Tueni Memorial, opened in December 2011, is located in Beirut, Lebanon, a city once ravaged by civil war, but now being rebuilt and undergoing a social and economic transformation. The award-winning memorial (including a 2014 ASLA award) was designed by Vladimir Djurovic Landscape Architects. Djurovic, whose mother is from Lebanon, grew up in the city and calls it his home.

The memorial celebrates the life and times of Gebran Tueni, a former journalist and politician who was killed by a car bomb in 2005. Tueni was passionate about independence from foreign interference, freedom, cooperation, and unity for his country. In addition to being a physical work of landscape architecture, the memorial — through its symbolism, unique design, and message — could be helping the city to heal the rips in its social fabric. Pebbles with meaning Djurovic adopts a three-tiered approach to his projects. He first needs to feel a connection with the clients, which he describes as “chemistry”. He next visits the site to “absorb” it and, if those elements are to his satisfaction, he finally retires to his office and lets the creative process unfold. One of the results of his creative process is the Tueni memorial, which is located opposite the An Nahar building that houses the offices of the family-owned An Nahar newspaper that Tueni used to work for. The memorial contains the monument, which includes granite bands of different widths inspired by Tueni’s birth date. Surrounding planting include an olive tree, as well as oak trees and thyme, all of which are culturally significant to Lebanon and hint at Tueni’s patriotism. Loose pebbles, each engraved with Tueni’s name, are arranged beneath the olive tree and are available to visitors as mementos. They are frequently replenished by the An Nahar newspaper offices across the street as an act of ongoing remembrance.

Lighting used as powerful symbolism of renewed social fabric

At one end of the memorial is a 4.9-meter granite monolith that bears Gebran’s oath, which was delivered shortly prior to his assassination. The monolith is divided into 10 panels, each of them 49 centimeters, relating to Gebran’s age at death.2 The word An Nahar means “the day”; the group that claimed responsibility for Tueni’s assassination is said to have stated that they had turned his newspaper from day into a dark night. Today, words of Tueni that are engraved on the memorial are lit up at night as if in symbolic defiance of the threats and the ultimate violence of the assassination. Strategic location at the edge of the central district The memorial strategically placed at one end of newly built downtown Beirut is now one of its key public spaces and lies at the crossroads of the city. To its east lies the new, trendy, mixed commercial and residential district of Bemmayzeh, with its bars, cafes, and buildings reminiscent of the French colonial era. To its south lies Nejmeh Square, a critical node dating back thousands of years, lying in a district that includes the museum, parliament, places of worship, commercial buildings, and recreational spaces. To its north lies another area dominated by businesses and office buildings.

A restorative and unifying symbol for a once war-ravaged city heals the urban fabric

Located at the crossroads between key districts — historical and modern, commercial and residential — the memorial could be considered a unifying symbol for a city physically and socially torn apart by war and conflict. As well as being a key public space, it also serves as a reminder of the city’s violent recent past and as a psychological focus for the ideals of Tueni. His words are permanently engraved into the granite of the monument as a testament to his resilience in the face of violent opposition. Related Articles:

• How a Dazzling Light Scheme Design Transformed a Dark City Centre: Torico Square
• How Beirut’s Zeytouneh Square is Reuniting a Divided Urban Community
• Top 10 Controversial Monuments of the World

The words, the symbolism of the memorial, and its recreational value serve as a catalyst for the city to come to terms with its past and to help rebuild its torn social fabric just as the city itself is being physically rebuilt and renewed. All photographs by Matteo Piazza and Lola Claeys Bouuaert Article by Gerard de Silva Recommended Reading:

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

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One of the world’s most important historic gardens, known for its magnificent sculptures and mystical atmosphere, is the Park of Monsters in Bomarzo, situated in the center of Italy. Today, we could say that the park was one of the first examples of land art, in which the design of the soil and the creatures that inhabit it fully reflect the Mannerist character, building a veritable museum of sculptures with hidden meanings.

The History of Monsters Park

The garden was created at a time when alchemy, astrology, and magic were banned. However, at the same time, this heretic and hermetic world attracted the minds of intellectuals as enlightened as Prince Pier Francesco Orsini.

The ongoing debate of who created it The duke of Bomarzo, called also Vicino Orsini, created the park in 1552 as the “Villa of Wonders” after the death of his wife, as a memorial garden to her. Much debate exists about who the architect was. Some thought he was the Vignola; others believe that Pirro Ligorio (c. 1520-1585) designed and laid out the park. The Park of Monsters would be dedicated to the great love between Vicino Orsini and his wife, Giulia Farnese. However, after the death of both, the park was forgotten for more than 400 years. The Park Structure The park is situated on the slopes of a tuffaceous cliff on which the old town of Bomarzo and the old castle sit. The Park of Monsters is home to two quite separate areas. It is possible that during Orsini’s lifetime, not all park areas were open to the public. One section may have been the real sacred grove entrance and the other the public one. The Gardens Today Today, the garden has almost lost all of the original connections and passages between sculptures, but a secondary entrance, inaccessible today, marked the beginning of a journey of initiation. The structure of the park rejects the symmetrical and axial layout. It was created as an invisible mystic triangle where sculptures were meant to dislocate with creativity and an alchemical approach to the whole area. Starting with a lateral entrance between two sphinxes, the visitor goes up a hill following the instruction of Latin sentences to arrive at the temple at the end of a magical and ascetic journey. Related Articles:

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The Sacred Grove Upon entering what Orsini called his Bosco Sacro (“Sacred Grove”), visitors are greeted with a message that translates as “You who enter this place, observe it piece by piece and tell me afterwards whether so many marvels were created for deception or purely for art.” Visitors are able to explore the entire area freely, and due to the location and morphology of the terrain, some monsters were almost certainly designed to fascinate and create alternative routes within the garden. Magic Creatures The garden is connected by a long series of hermetic thoughts sealed with phrases and expressions engraved on the sculptures that hide important literary and philosophical references.

Each sculpture has different meanings and different levels of reading, which is why this garden retains an air so mystical. Every creature is fascinating and magnificent individually, but together they lead the visitor to discover new meanings and analogies. There are more than 24 works of manieristic art in the garden, including the dragon fighting with lions and wolves, the elephant, the turtle, and the Pegasus, which had the power to end all strife and political crises. The Orcus, many other figures depicting the Roman and Greek gods, a whale, a monster tearing a man in half (alluding to the 1532 epic poem by Orlando Furioso), the Nymph, Venus, and a colossal mouth that gapes open to swallow visitors — the Hell Mask — are all examples of philosophical and humanist allegory. Some monuments were also built into the garden: an entry portal, a mausoleum, a gate, a theater, a house purposely built on an angle to throw visitors off balance, an Etruscan bench, and the temple of eternity — memorial to Giulia Farnese, located at the top of the garden. This magnificent park had long been a place visited by intellectuals and artists. For example, Salvador Dalí visited the park and loved it so much that it inspired his 1946 painting “The Temptation of Saint Anthony”. Niki de Saint Phalle might also have been inspired by Bomarzo for her Tarot Garden, not so far away in Tuscany. The “Sacred Grove” represents a wonderful example of a garden created to fascinate and carry us into a fantasy world far from reality. Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Maura Caturano. Return to Homepage

Square of the Liberation and the banks of the Seine Chanel,  by TN PLUS, in Troyes, France. The old district of Troyes, France, has received a complete makeover, and it all started with an underground parking project that was going to be built in the Square of the Liberation. The project, developed by Bruno Tanant and managed by Agathe Turmel and Stéphanie Henry, soon developed into more. It led to changes in the entire city center, with the Troyes Canal serving as the main element of attraction. The city commissioned the project and it was successfully completed in 2012. When the underground parking was ready to be built, the project managers noticed that the city center had a lot to offer in terms of visual appeal. They took into consideration the buildings and the gardens, and turned their perspective toward the Seine Chanel. This is how the idea of turning the Square of the Liberation and the Seine Chanel into points of attraction was born.

An Opportunity for the City of Troyes

It was the perfect opportunity to draw out the value of the town center, with its beautiful buildings, and to give the presence of water a makeover, as well. The Square of the Liberation was modified to include an 80-meter-long ribbon of water with changing light sequences that are splendid during the night.

Embankments and Troyes Canal The area in which the Troyes Canal (Seine Chanel) is located is historic and filled with a rich patrimony. The idea behind this part of the project was to restore the value of the old district, allowing pedestrians to enjoy not only the historic water channel but also the many interesting buildings in the area, such as the cathedral and the theater. This space has been transformed into an area to appreciate the history, culture, and relaxation. Shops and restaurants have been included in the project to complete the area. Blending with Historic Elements The Troyes Canal is one of the most important elements in the city, and the project delivered the opportunity for it to be brought once more to the forefront. The idea of working at the same time on the Square of the Liberation was based on the need to create a new space in which the historic elements could blend together, resulting in a new image. Related Articles:

• How New Urbanization Can Help People Live Better Lives
• Pocket Parks: Why size doesn’t matter
• The Flying Parks- From The Highline in New York to The Promenade Plantée in Paris!

Materials and perspectives for the Troyes Canal Several different types of materials were used for the remaking of the Troyes Canal. For the walking path, local natural stone provided an elegant yet historic look. The banks were made using exquisite materials, with design ideas from TN PLUS and its talented landscape architects. As for the vegetal materials, among the many delicate choices are crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia), Buxus sempervirens, and Amur Maple (Acer ginnala). What was the main perspective for the Troyes Canal and the surrounding area? It was related to the obvious need to restore the quality of the ground. This is the reason why local natural stone has been used for the walking pathways. This choice was not random, as this material is already found in the area and it blended perfectly. Another perspective was coming from the need to transform this area into an area suitable for relaxation. By creating belvederes on the waterway, the landscape architects managed to provide a zone that is filled with history and quietness. Greenery adds to the historic charm of the Troyes Canal As this was supposed to be an area for relaxation, it should come as no surprise that trees were planted along the bank. Moreover, as the intention was to make this space suitable for pedestrians looking to relax, the adding of a long wooden bench structure was a stroke of genius. The evergreen plants are in perfect harmony with the shrubs that flower with each season, making this an ideal place to relax. The charming greenery includes perennial plants; these enchant the eye of the visitor with a different color in every season, from spring to autumn. In conclusion, the revival of the old district was made possible by suppressing the car traffic along certain parts of the banks, promoting pedestrian traffic. The beauty of the newly arranged area becomes even more obvious during the night, with the old building facades being draped by the soft lighting. Add to that the metal fountain and the changeable lighting sequences, and you have one of the most successful urban renovation projects. 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

Marina One, by Gustafson Porter, in Singapore. Marina One is a major project that is the result of collaboration between landscape architects Kathryn Gustasfon and Neil Porter and architectural agency Ingenhoven Architects. The partnership showcases the work of a talented team full of ingenuity in regard to landscape architecture projects. This project will also become one of the key pieces in relation to the landscape technological advances in the city. Indeed, in this project of mixed-use urban development in the heart of a business district in Singapore, the team has been innovative and made a considerable advance in the field by integrating the landscape sensitively to the architecture of four towers.

What makes Marina One so diverse?

At Marina One, we can discover several spaces arranged at different heights. First, an area of green space in the heart of the towers continues on the first floors of the mall. This central area, called Green Valley, is the largest area, where many facilities are installed. Particularly, we discover a pool into which vertical water columns flow from the top of the towers. The columns disappear underground into this large pool. We can also walk on a ramp that connects several floors of the mall across the vegetation surrounding the pool, then over the pool and between the columns of the waterfall to get to the first terrace.

What are these Strata Terraces? Several terraces, called Strata Terraces, are located here and there on different floors of the buildings. It is from these terraces that people will enjoy performances and shows to be held in the heart of the central space of the Green Valley. When we go upstairs, we can encounter lush forest areas; these are called The Cloud Garden. Finally, at the top of the towers, there are The Green Screen and The Rooftop Garden, a green roof evoking a mountain. Related Articles:

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These ecosystems are arranged such that they refer to environmental changes we can encounter during an ascent to heaven. Is this a new approach to landscape architecture? Gustafson Porter created in this area of Singapore one of the first projects that integrates the landscape to the frame of the structure. This new approach to landscape comes from the interest that the team focused on the use of public space by people in this region, as well as the hot and humid climate in relation to the air conditioning of the buildings. Thus, they created new cool and shady spaces that people can enjoy, regardless of location. Main elements The use of water is an important element in this project and can be seen with the creation of the huge waterfall mentioned above. But the input of natural light is also a common key element to every project designed by the Gustafson Porter team — it’s like a signature of the group. So we have very open spaces in buildings allowing the contribution of vegetation to this architecture. Marina One is a bold project that rivals all the expectations we have regarding the future of our cities. And we can say that the project concocted by Gustafson and Porter with their team is worthy of green cities. This project will define a new luxury standard for the people who live there and be an international reference for design and sustainability in landscape architecture. Also, it may become a strong element that shows the evolution of the cities. We look forward to seeing the finished project! 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

Vanke Research Center, by Z+T Studio, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Urbanization has always exerted a considerable impact on the environment and the social activities of people. Shenzhen, China, once a hilly region with fertile agrarian lands, is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. The bustling city is experiencing an unprecedented boom in the construction of its modern cityscape and, simultaneously, seeing the demise of its green, hilly regions to explosive urban sprawl. With this changing dynamic between land and people, there is an urgency to develop a vernacular system to express that relationship. In this project, landscape architecture emerges as an art of survival. Vanke, one of China’s largest real estate developers, aimed to develop a research center on the potentialities of an urban landscape. The result is a successful design filled with innovative green ideas.

Vanke Research Center

What is the Vanke Research Center doing to grab our attention? The research center is a testing ground for sustainable projects. The company wanted a place to show off the innovative architecture of its latest properties and the work of its research group. Environmentally friendly housing materials and native habitats are being introduced to transform the research center into a low-maintenance and eco-friendly campus, which provides diverse services to the city, including containing and purifying stormwater, recovering native habitats, and creating opportunities for environmental education accompanied by aesthetic experience.

Goals of Z+T Studio Ecological sensitivity and long-term sustainability were Z+T Studio’s primary design objectives. They designed two types of gardens on the site, where various experiments are conducted for research purposes:

1. A ripple garden to control runoff quantity
2. A windmill garden to control stormwater quality

What is the importance of stormwater management? Urbanization often results in the clearing of trees and grass and their replacement with hard — or impervious — surfaces, such as concrete and brick. When that happens, rainwater does not seep into the ground as fast as it used to, but runs over nonabsorbent surfaces and picks up in quantity and velocity. In short, the hydrologic cycle has been altered. Flooding and erosion often result.

Related Articles:

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The quality of our water may also be degraded by stormwater runoff. Impervious surfaces have pollutants on them, such as oil and other lubricants, pesticides, fertilizers, and other elements that may be toxic. These contaminate our water sources. Thus, to prevent inundations and to alleviate water pollution, design strategies are needed to integrate green practices into stormwater infrastructure.

How does the Vanke Research Center manipulate landscape designs for stormwater management? Design experiments in this project explore ways to stitch eco-friendly ideas into the existing urban fabric. Runoff quantity control The project uses turfs and trees to help control the amount of stormwater flowing through the landscape. Two small triangular sites are designed as “ripple gardens” that examine the efficiencies of turfs over bushes to control the flow rate of stormwater. From experiments, canopy trees have been proven to be the most efficient way of controlling water flow, thanks to the prolonged rainwater-dripping period they provide. Terraced field Terraces have been created to slow the runoff directed to an onsite stream. To achieve the best infiltration effect, the slope can also be adjusted, avoiding any conditions of waterlogging or speedy flow. Bio-swales Bioswales are vegetated landscaped channels that are designed to provide drainage and further attenuate the peak flow rates of stormwater runoff. An aim of reducing impervious surfaces Different hardscape materials are experimented on in a semi-circular parcel. The space between the waves adopts different pervious material (bark, ceramics, gravel, wood chips, sand, etc.). The edge of the waves is designed to observe and compare the permeability of different materials. Quality control: Removing water pollutants through native habitats The purification process is carried out in the windmill garden. Stormwater is purified in the following steps: Low-maintenance construction and planting materials In the overall design, precast concrete is used. Precast concrete modules are hardly different from those of granite in terms of appearance, size, color, and texture. Then, why choose precast concrete? The replacement of precast concrete over granite avoids extreme mining. Most paving areas employ concrete sub support slabs in China. Therefore, the penetration of rainwater becomes difficult where there is pavement. But precast concrete is so thick that the concrete slab can be defaulted, and the rainwater penetration can be strengthened. Precast concrete is ecological because of its natural raw materials. Moreover, precast concrete can be customized to enable grass-embedded pavement, enriching the aesthetic quality and ecological significance of pavement areas such as parking lots. Precast concrete is versatile because of its moldability, which allows designers to use it for benches, bike racks, etc. Research is being conducted to improve the endurance and customize the appearance of precast concrete so that it can be used widely in future housing projects. Planting materials Native plants such as reeds and bamboo, which can grow with little maintenance, are chosen based on their ability to integrate water retention and purification functions with the aesthetic significance. Overall, through the generation of ecological and aesthetic benefits, the Vanke Research Center serves as an example of how a project can be a catalyst for sustainable urban development in the city. Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Farah Afza Return to Homepage

Book review of Urban Design for an Urban Century: Shaping More Livable, Equitable and Resilient Cities, Lance Jay Brown. “Urban Design for an Urban Century” tells us the story of urban design. This book describes not only how the profession came to be, but offers insights into how it has developed and how it is continuing to change and create the cities of the future. The book is perhaps best described as an in-depth summary of the field of urban design. It’s a resource that sheds light on an often misunderstood field of design. Jam-packed with great information, the book focuses on giving readers an understanding of the impact urban design has on the past, present, and future of cities.

Urban Design for an Urban Century

The first two chapters explain the history of urban design, from the ancient walled cities of Mesopotamia to the suburbs of post-war America to the re-creation of walkable downtowns today. This section takes us through the various periods of urban design, along with the philosophies that defined them. The rest of the book focuses on exploring current trends and the future role of urban design in creating sustainable and livable cities. Throughout the book, the main text is broken up by project examples and case studies that show some of the best of urban design and act as a source of inspiration for readers. These examples range from classic historical precedents to modern award-winning designs. Organization and Layout, the Good and the Bad My single biggest complaint was this: The book lacked a really good system of organization. At more than 300 pages divided into only six chapters, the book felt even denser than it already is, and finding a specific section proved challenging. Within the chapters, subheadings seemed to be given equal importance and didn’t always seem to follow a logical order, sometimes jumping from one topic to another without transition. The many quotes, images, and case studies that broke up the main text added immense value to the book, but often disrupted the flow of the text. I frequently found myself having to flip between pages, or even stop in the middle of a paragraph, after being interrupted by a case study. I was also a bit disappointed by the use of graphics in the book. The vast majority of the book is in black and white, and only a couple of sections had the glossy, color photos that really captured my attention. Tone and Style As a warning to readers — this book is a textbook. It is heavy with text and content. As many of us unfortunately know from first-hand experience, it’s not the kind of book you want to try to read in a single sitting. With that said, “Urban Design for an Urban Century” is one of the most approachable textbooks I have had the pleasure to read and you can get it here. The writing is down to earth and relatable, and the book often read more like a narrative than a typical textbook. I found myself absorbed in the story the authors were telling, and it felt a lot like having a discussion with a like-minded individual. 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

This book focuses on the positive: The tone of the authors is optimistic and excited about the future of urban design, a future that will help to create livable, sustainable cities. This attitude is contagious, and reading it left me feeling inspired and excited about the future of the profession.

Who Should Read This Book? If you’re looking for a comprehensive introduction to the discipline of urban design, “Urban Design for an Urban Century” might just be the book for you. It is an ideal starting point for students of landscape architecture and planning, or even those just looking to better understand urban design as a unique field. “Urban Design for an Urban Century” is the perfect beginners guide and a great reference material on the topic. However, for those of you who want a more in-depth look — specifically at resilient or livable cities — or who are seeking a book to flip through when looking for inspiration for your own projects, “Urban Design for an Urban Century” might not be the right choice for you

Pick up your copy of Urban Design for an Urban Century: Shaping More Livable, Equitable and Resilient Cities

Review by Michelle Biggs Return to Homepage

A book review of Living Streets: Strategies for Crafting Public Space, by Lesley Bain, et al. The book “Living Streets: Strategies for Crafting Public Space” addresses themes in urban streets and the public realm. Specifically described in the book are both past and present trends in streetscape design, as well as evaluations of their effectiveness through case studies and first-hand research. Other issues addressed include the clash between designing for vehicles and designing for the pedestrian experience and the conflict between aesthetic and functional design.

Three of the eight chapters of the book address three ways to use a space in the public right-of-way: for mobility, for placemaking, and for natural systems. The rest of the chapters outline specific successful elements in creating public space, influences in the public right-of-way, typologies, case studies, and where the future of streetscape design is headed. The longest of these is Chapter Six, which includes nearly 100 pages of street classification geared toward helping designers recognize patterns and trends in typologies.

Living Streets: Strategies for Crafting Public Space

Who wrote, “Living Streets” and who is it written for? A team of authors including Lesley Bain, AIA; Barbara Gray; and Dave Rodgers, PE, wrote, “Living Streets”. This interdisciplinary team has a diverse background, including individuals formally trained as architects, urban designers, urban planners, engineers, and sustainable designers. Get it HERE!

This book is entirely applicable to those in the design professions, including urban planners, landscape architects, engineers, and architects, as well as government officials and policymakers. While it uses jargon specific to the design professions, the text includes examples and explanations to educate those who may be new to urban design principles. How is it relevant to landscape architecture? Landscape architects deal with a wide range of projects, including healthcare, education, retail, and commercial design. No matter what the project is, landscape architects can use this book as a manual to identify ways in which projects can have a positive impact on the streetscape and contribute something of value to the public realm. Landscape architects also have a role as citizens in their communities to advocate to their neighborhood associations and local government officials to create living streets that meet the needs of all users and set an example for other towns and cities. Why is this a worthwhile read? This book serves as quite a valuable resource to designers because it is filled with a wealth of information. The table of contents is clearly laid out and quickly identifies what readers should expect to find in each section. Additionally, there is a lengthy index in the back that includes terms and locations. This book could even serve as a good reference before traveling to a new city. I quickly looked up cities I had been to or those I live near to find sites I should visit, sketch, study and research. 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

Before meeting with a client or conducting a community meeting, this book could serve as an excellent presentation outline, as it provides not only ideas for designing the right of way, but also explains why they are successful techniques. Highlight If I have to pick out just one page that caught my eye and attention the most during my initial skim through, it would be page 16 — “Reclaiming Right-of-Way: PARK(ing) Day.” Although I am familiar with parking day and I have participated in the event, I was excited to see that the authors took the time to explore such a trend, include photographs, and take the opportunity to educate others about the annual event.

Pick up your copy of Living Streets: Strategies for Crafting Public Space

Review by Rachel Kruse Return to Homepage

Metamorphous by Paul Sangha Landscape Architecture in Vancouver, BC, Canada. When you hear the word metamorphosis, you usually associate it with the caterpillar turning into the butterfly. And, even though, the caterpillar and the butterfly don’t apply here, you are about to witness something quite similar — a major change in the appearance and character of a landscape. Let’s continue with the meaning of the adjective metamorphous, which describes things related to or resulting from metamorphosis. The adjective is specially used for rocks that have been altered considerably from their original structure.

Metamorphous

Clarifying the nature of these terms is perhaps much more relevant than it seems, mainly because of the strong presence of the inspired-by-nature design concept within the framework of a project in British Columbia, Canada. All of this leads to the question: Isn’t the design process much easier when there is inspiration? Even if you think you know the answer to that question, you’ll be surprised at the answer hidden in the eccentric project of Paul Sangha Landscape Architecture – “Metamorphous”.

A Property Ruined Before discussing the project, you must first get acquainted with the prime reason for its beginning. Everything started with the King Tides (especially high tides), which in 2012 struck the British Columbia coastline. As a result, the entire bank and deck of a private Vancouver property were carved out and ruined. That’s when Paul Sangha Landscape Architecture helped the owners with a rational solution, entirely different from the previous oceanfront concrete walls that had led to foreshore erosion. To avoid such negative consequences, the landscaping team made every endeavor to create something durable, but extraordinary at the same time. Inspiration from Abstraction To develop that solution, the firm collaborated with ocean engineers in order to provide a retaining wall that will safely reinforce and preserve the foreshore. Through the creative aspect of the task, designers captured the opportunity of inventing a unique waterfront, distinguishable amongst the whole Vancouver strand. With the idea to transform the shoreline both physically and aesthetically, inspiration literally came into sight. The insight emerged from the sandstone formations seen on Saturna Island in British Columbia. The idea evolved into the design of a fancy, unique abstract seawall sculpture, inspired by the natural form of rocks. Following the line of metamorphosis, the material used for the sculpture was Corten steel, which is also known as weathering steel due to its curious ability to change its appearance over time. That’s how a retaining wall became an exceptional work of art, and a constantly changing attractive sculpture became a functional, resistant construction. An incessant change was born from a moment of inspiration. The Dissipation of Wave Energy Through Design All those remarkable characteristics of “Metamorphous” don’t cease here. To examine closer how that seawall functions, take a look at the beneficial effects that followed after the installation. The combination of the abstract shape of Corten steel and the strategically considered boulder arrangement along the coastline were of greatest importance for the even dissipation of wave energy. Besides that, the specific placement was also crucial for the facilitation of sand deposition, which could strengthen the foreshore and offer habitat to vegetation and wildlife. Related Articles:

• Lotus Lake Park Sets Precedent for Sustainable Urban Design in China
• Contemporary Landscape Architecture in China: Beautiful or Dangerous?
• Awesome Plaza Shows You Why China Are World Leaders in Landscape Architecture

Another advantage of using Corten steel was the rational method of its fabrication. Physical and computer models were designed, with the last one being fed into an automated water jet cutter in order to minimize material waste. As a result of the efficiency efforts, the final cost turned out to be equal to the one that could have been spent on a series of concrete walls.

Identity of Vancouver Waterfront Along these lines, “Metamorphous” proves that such design solutions can highly improve the functional and aesthetic qualities of a place. Through its appealing, one-of-a-kind design, the Corten steel wall has significantly contributed to the public engagement on the beach. In this way, that retaining seawall supports not only the coastline of Vancouver, but supports its identity. Pay It Forward Having reviewed the project in so many aspects, it is high time to discuss the last but the most important one – the ultimate purpose of the landscaping team. As it has already become clear, the team of Paul Sangha Landscape Architecture strongly believes in their philosophy, “Our aim is simple: to design beautiful natural environments that inspire and refresh those who use them”, as it is presented on their website. That aim is certainly accomplished, as through their own inspiration, they inspire. And all artists know that to be inspired is great, but to inspire is amazing. Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Velislava Valcheva Return to Homepage

Floor Works, Agence TER Landscape Architects, Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva is the second most crowded city in Switzerland and is often described as a modern concrete jungle. This urban center is densely populated, and the need for more green spaces is often felt. A project developed by Agence TER Landscape Architects was a finalist for the European Garden Award in 2013. The name of the project is “Floor Works” and it concerned the development of an urban garden. The project was commissioned by a private company, SPG, and it demonstrated that a green space can be perfectly integrated within concrete and other urban elements.

Floor Works – The Future of Urban Gardening Brought into the Present In simple terms, Floor Works is an urban garden. Even though it has been created around the main offices of a Genevan company, the garden has public access so that everyone can enjoy it. The company’s building is also unique, being adorned with some of the most beautiful works of present-day painters (Wall Works project). This urban garden is a genuinely miraculous space, being the direct result of hard work, talent, and imagination. The space has received a complete makeover, the process being based on simple gardening techniques. The blend between living and non-living materials is exquisite; even though the project has included functional elements, these are not the center of attention. On the contrary, the living parts of the urban garden are the ones drawing the majority of the attention. COR-TEN Steel: Beautifully Blended Among Living Materials You might not expect that an inert material such as COR-TEN steel will blend in with living materials, but the truth is that the result is more than impressive. The manipulation of the steel is so ingeniously made that one feels this is how art should always look. The red steel has been used to create the entire floor of the garden, being arranged in consecutive strips for an enhanced effect. The interesting thing is that the steel has gone through a complex bending/twisting process, resulting in the most interesting shapes one has ever encountered in an urban garden. Basically, the margin of each steel strip has been modified into a shape. These have been used as structures of support for plants and also as seating arrangements for garden visitors. Nature Brought to the Urban Jungle This project delivers a balanced combination between technical elements and nature. The living part of the landscape is integrated within the industrial material, being comprised of a wide variety of plants. There are elegant-looking ferns, delicately cut grasses, and beautiful perennial plants. The urban garden is adorned with high-reaching trees on each margin, creating the impression of a real — not urban — jungle. The tall trees come to complete the already luscious and leafy, green-filled landscape. Related Articles:

• Lotus Lake Park Sets Precedent for Sustainable Urban Design in China
• Contemporary Landscape Architecture in China: Beautiful or Dangerous?
• Awesome Plaza Shows You Why China Are World Leaders in Landscape Architecture

What Makes Floor Works Unique? There have been other urban garden projects before, but none as fascinating as Floor Works. What makes it unique? The answer is simple. With a talented team of landscape architects behind the project, it should come as no surprise that the element of uniqueness is given by the intelligent choice of elements to mix. The combination between living plants and red steel is bold to say the least, but it works really well. Add to that the elegant slate, not to mention the state-of-the-art installations for light and water, and you have one of the most beautiful urban jungles ever seen. Even though the urban garden has been created to surround the new offices of SPG, its beauty has already attracted an impressive number of visitors. They all enjoy walking on the paths shaped by the COR-TEN steel strips and taking in all the fresh air that the plants deliver on the spot. There are sculptures to be admired as well, appealing to each person’s sense of beauty. No matter where a person turns, there is greenery to be seen, felt, and experienced. Perhaps what makes this urban garden even more unique is the spray mist installation; this definitely contributes to the feeling that one has entered an urban jungle. In conclusion, Floor Works is an urban garden that stands as proof that nature can be successfully mixed with industrial objects. As a matter of fact, by taking some time to look at all the elements, one can easily observe that the red color of the COR-TEN steel actually enriches the natural green landscape. 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