Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network

Dzintari Forest Park, Substance SIA, Jurmala, Latvia. Jurmala is a Latvian city situated close to the country’s capital, Riga. It is also one of the largest resorts in the entire Baltic region, well known for its mineral springs and sulphurous and medicinal waters. In an effort to increase the appeal of the city, a program for the reconstruction of Dzintari Forest Park was developed between 2007 and 2010. The program was requested by the Jurmala City Council and was designed by Substance SIA. The architects responsible for the project were Arnis Dimins and Brigita Barbale. The actual building was handled by Taders SIA. The project turned out to be a success, demonstrating that nature can be preserved while creating an active environment for people.

What was the before picture of Dzintari Forest Park like? Dzintari is considered as a neighborhood with a history in Jurmala. It has also been added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. The Dzintari Forest Park should have been one of the major points of attraction, as it had a unique location. There are not many cities that have 13 hectares of pure nature in their center. The park has an amazing mature pine forest, with trees that have reached the venerable age of 200 years. One can also find protected biotopes of the bilberry bush. The amazing thing about this place is that it remained nearly unmarked by the passage of time. Even though, it had previously taken on the status of a forest park, no major investments had been made to protect it. The good news was that the forest was untouched by the town’s residents; they were not interested in visiting a park that had only three walking paths. Most of them did not even look around to see what the seaside forest had to offer; they only crossed the forest to get to the beach. What was the aim of the project? While Dzintari Forest Park remained the same, the environment around it started to change, with more and more public and residential buildings appearing on the map. That meant a lot more people in the area. Landscape architects feared that, without the proper infrastructure, the nature base of the park would be harmed. This is when the decision to reconstruct the park was taken. The aim of the project was related to the need to preserve the integrity of the mature pine forest and the protected bilberry bushes. Another goal was to create a space that people could come to and enjoy nature in its purest form. The area needed to be made distinctive from the other parts of the city. How was Dzintari Forest Park reconstructed? Interestingly enough, the idea was to reduce the impact of human activity, even though people would be coming to the park. This is why the infrastructure was carefully designed, with objects that were evenly located and connected by the wooden footpaths. These paths were raised above the ground, guaranteeing the protection of the natural base and increasing the aesthetic appeal at the same time. Related Articles:

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As it was already mentioned, the forest park had some walking paths. These were reconstructed with the aid of cobblestones, an aesthetic improvement. The designers were interested in bringing people of all ages to the newly designed park. This is why they have made an active recreation area, providing an inline skating track as one of the most interesting elements. The project also included the building of a pedestrian bridge constructed out of rope net between the skating area and the pedestrian paths.

The park’s reconstruction meant the building of new objects, offering plenty of opportunities for physical activity in the outdoors. People who visit this park today can climb ropes, take their children to the slides or the skate park, and play basketball in the specially designed court. There is also a playground for children, a café, and a building where one can rent sports equipment. Everything one would need to enjoy the outdoors is here. Also, modern toilets are found throughout the entire park. The uniqueness of this reconstruction project can be seen in the usage of the module system for the buildings in the park. These have been compared to the branches or roots of a tree, spreading throughout the entire park. The interesting thing is that the buildings were constructed so as to avoid areas that are protected. Plus, one can easily reach any of the buildings, thanks to the amazing footpath infrastructure. Add to that the inclined glass facades and the composite panels, and you have one amazing project to talk about. It just goes to prove that we can protect nature while being part of it. Recommended reading: 

• The Garden Source: Inspirational Design Ideas for Gardens and Landscapes by Andrea Jones
• Private Paradise: Contemporary American Gardens by Charlotte M. Frieze

Article  by Alexandra Antipa Return to Homepage

The Cox Enterprises Gardens, by HGOR, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.  While some people may have to commute after work hours to access outdoor green areas, others are already benefitting from the integration of their offices with green space. The park-like gardens in the surroundings of some business buildings are attractive spaces, but they have a high initial investment, which discourages their creation. However, some very successful cases — such as the Cox Enterprises Gardens — may encourage other companies to adhere to this practice, benefitting not only the workers that will use the gardens, but also the neighborhoods that will share a healthier and more aesthetic environment.

When the HGOR design team was chosen to plan Cox Enterprises’ new headquarters in the Dunwoody neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia, they envisioned a landscape that could be identified with the company’s dynamism, in addition to enabling the workers to practice outdoor activities. In recognition of its outstanding characteristics, the project received the Honour Award from the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects in 2008, bringing to public attention the issue of how to transform office campus designs, where most of us spend considerable parts of our lives, into more attractive spaces.

A Blend of Traditional and Contemporary Styles in this Stunning Office Campus Design

The designers created an outdoor space inspired by traditional geometric forms and with the flexibility of contemporary aesthetics. This combination of formal shapes and free lines resulted in a dynamic composition featuring the circular pond as its central component. As a mirror, the water surface reflects the surrounding environment and works as the focal point where all the elements converge. In this space, integration was preferred over symmetry, but this dissonance with the classic rules did not compromise the balance of the composition since the plants, furniture, and hardscape elements were harmoniously organized. They were placed to define sectors that are not strictly separate so that the pathways, seating area, and ribbons of trees cross the limits of the circle, enabling a more dynamic interaction with the different components of the gardens.

A multifunctional outdoor space The intersection of formal shapes and curved lines defines unconventional spaces, enabling diverse experiences throughout the entire office campus design. Along the main axis, the curvilinear pathway sets leisure as the theme of the space, inviting people to take their time to enjoy the outdoors. The stillness of the water circle inspires a relaxing walk in its surrounding way or in the winding pathway that crosses it, with pauses for resting in the seating area inside the circle. The walkways are also used for exercising, contributing to a healthier lifestyle in the work environment. Although it’s becoming more common for companies to include fitness centers in their buildings, initiatives such as Cox Enterprises’ produce more benefits. Exercising outdoors with views of nature is stimulating, so people feel happier and, consequently, more productive. Outdoor social gatherings also have a special area that was designed in a patio style, with table-and-chairs sets placed under umbrellas, where people can comfortably meet during breaks or after work.

The Integration of the Landscape Within the Office Campus Design

The buildings and the gardens are gently connected by sharing some common characteristics while keeping their independence and a sense of their own identity. While a front view shows us the convergence of axes linking the building structure to the gardens paths, an aerial view of the gardens shows the set of geometric shapes uniting the building’s roof to the landscape, as a woven tapestry of neutral colors surrounded by the green of the trees and plants. As a mosaic composed by formal shapes – triangles, squares, and circles — and organic forms, the landscape matches the multifunctional program through an innovative design. Related Articles:

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The design confirms the HGOR mission According to HGOR’s website, the firm’s mission is to deliver projects that bring the return of the clients’ investments and serve as ethical legacies. They are committed to meeting social, economic, and environmental needs, calling this approach their SEE philosophy. In the Cox Enterprises case, the three requisites – social, economic, and environmental — were fulfilled by the creation of an outdoor space that generates well-being through physical activities, social meetings, and resting and that also enhances the workplace by its subtle integration with the natural environment. The three-acre private garden, along with the surrounding 10-acre natural area, brought an improvement in the workers’ quality of life that is probably reflected in an increase in their productivity, resulting in the return on the invested capital. And, besides creating a healthier environment for the current users, HGOR’s design constitutes a valuable heritage for future generations. Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Tania Gianone Return to Homepage

Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus, by Studio on Site (Hiroki Hasegawa), Tokyo, Japan There is a certain type of landscape where people just feel good, without realizing the reason for that. Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus is undoubtedly one of those exceptional places. A place which has something more to offer. A feeling, a sensation, a perfect harmony. The secret to achieving such an effect is partly revealed in the philosophy of Studio On Site. “Although our work covers a wide range, we always emphasize the “experience of a place” and consider how a given activity will come to be positioned in society and on the specific site. We believe that landscape design is not due to the structure of the new form but a given activity always has something to do with the change in shape or appearance of what is already on the site”, says the team that designed Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus. They certainly didn’t forget to follow this ultimate belief within this project!

Representing Nature in Design

The major concept of the landscape design is inspired by something simple, and yet genius. You can see it. You can touch it. It is all around you –Nature. The reinterpretation of nature in Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus is achieved through a repeated square-shaped pattern. The scattering of black pavement covers both interior and exterior floors. The concept of this dispersion is to represent the sunshine filtering through foliage. Thus instilling visitors with a pleasurable sensation or one of a kind experience of the site.

Design and Function Symbiosis When Representing Nature in Design

Besides the creative and aesthetic functions of the flooring, the paving also performs a directing role. This pavement pattern is a “marker” which shows where to stay in the campus. Conversely, the road zones without that motif are intended mainly for pedestrian circulation. The flooring pattern also varies vertically and horizontally by each sample unit. This difference in levels suggests diversity of uses and activities. A must-have in such a great example of public space.

The pavement motif is spread all around the campus, but accented mainly in the front plaza. Black and white granite paving stones are contrasted with wood deck. Once more, those three materials differentiate the various levels and uses. In this way the site is ready to welcome you or your group of friends. Whether spending time there alone or chatting and resting with friends, users of the campus will sense this peculiar atmosphere. The fine leaves of the Zelkova trees casting shadows and playing games with the sunshine. Related Articles:

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Taking Full Advantage of the Space Parallel to the idea of creating an open public space arises the thought of making the most of the site. Instead of being divided into several structures, the campus is set into one huge building. The aim of the landscape project is to entirely improve  the area surrounding the building through reinterpreting nature in design. Besides that amazing transformation, improvements are done via two other methods — through the formation of an inner yard and roof garden. An excellent illustration of taking full advantage of the space. A Pivot Point for University Students As Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus is beyond question a delightful site, it also appears to be a focal point for students from different universities. It provides them with a relaxing atmosphere especially when having breaks between classes. Instead of travelling to go back home, students have the opportunity to study, have a meal or just take a rest on this beautiful campus. All without wasting any of their precious time. Social Engagement and Interaction The design fosters social engagement, encouraging students to meet new people. Not only university students but people coming from the neighboring park. They can share new ideas or make new friends. Meeting future colleagues is possible, too. So, instead of just killing time by going somewhere else, students have a wonderful opportunity to socialise within a beautiful campus that reinterprets nature in design. The opportunity for networking which later becomes essential for career success. All this you can find in one single spot. Isn’t that the desired experience of the place? “We follow this line of thought on every single project, too, encouraging all of our team to always consider in their daily works what they hope a given action will make happen and what experience can be achieved only in that particular place”, says the team of Studio On Site. Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus successfully displays how a brilliant project works. Resulting in pleasant surroundings where people sense ease and delight through all the interactions with their environment. A good project succeeds when it makes ordinary people feel extraordinarily good. In this particular case, this is achieved due to the intelligent way of taking people back to nature by reinterpreting nature in design. And since imitation doesn’t work, reinterpretation here has done wonders. Recommended Reading:

• 1000 Details in Landscape Architecture: A Selection of the World’s Most Interesting Landscaping Elements by Francesc Mola
• Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns by John Massengale

Article by Velislava Valcheva Return to Homepage

The Pulse Park, by Cebra, Kildebjerg Ry, Denmark. Kildebjerg Ry, Denmark, is an attractive area for living because of its natural environment, which encourages residents to practice all kinds of sports activities. Ry, where the residential development Kildebjerg Ry is located, is part of the Skanderborg municipality in Jutland, the peninsula that juts out in Northern Europe to form the mainland part of Denmark. The town, with a population of only 5,731, is located in central Denmark along the Guden River and surrounded by a spectacular chain of lakes. When the community expressed its wish to develop a system of leisure and sport activities, Cebra Architecture, a Danish design practice founded in 2001 and based in Aarhus, was asked to design the concept of a community activity project.

The Call for an Outdoor Gym

The community requested that the park have three innovative zones designed for different sports activities, allowing residents to work out, relax, and do yoga while socialize with neighbors in a park that looks like a playground. Another request of the community referred to landscape and park integration in a harmonious way. A park to keep residents in shape The Pulse Park, suggestively named after the medical word, is a predominantly mineral park, with three different areas: the Play Zone, the Pulse Zone, and the Zen Zone, connected by a network of flashing LED trails and pathways that rise and fall for even greater challenges.

The Play Zone is designed for people of all ages for playing and working out. Its central element — a bunch of geometrical “trees” made of timber — is the perfect place for climbing, training with weights, or swinging. This area is a fun playground for both children and adults. The Play Zone is a place where everybody can play and feel like a child again; there is no generation gap in this area. It is much more than the usual playground. The conceptual forest designed and created by Uno Concept Furniture has it all — a creative, abstract playground that provides opportunities to train the body and the mind in a fun and safe way. Related Articles: 

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The Pulse Zone (picture above) is formed of a group of bumps and pits created for cycling, running, roller-skating, and skateboarding, surrounded by a path. The speed for those activities is set by the ground’s profile.This facility is used by Olympic athletes for training and by children because of its soft and round surface. This area is dedicated to vigorous sports activities. The Zen Zone is the quietest zone, dedicated to people who enjoy slower activities. In this green and gentle area, neighbors can meet, talk, practice yoga, and stretch. The centerpieces of this area are the lake and the artificial island, which provide a friendly environment for those who meditate, do Pilates, or just relax. Experiencing a Whole Body Workout  This area is a perfect temple for contemplation, being another place for training both body and mind. In this silent part of the park, the architects from Cebra designed a pavilion that stands on a trellis, the perfect support for climbing plants. All of this is surrounded by a moat, creating an even more intimate atmosphere. Through using different types of plants, this sheltered oasis is designed to activate and stimulate all the senses: vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. At the cross between housing and business, this place for adults and children is designed for both slow and fast activities, making it the natural answer for a municipality in need of true community. The Pulse Park is an excellent infrastructure for training and relaxing, a well-integrated part of the surrounding landscape. Recommended Reading:

• Designing Small Parks: A Manual for Addressing Social and Ecological Concerns by Ann Forsyth
• The Urban Design Handbook: Techniques and Working Methods (Second Edition) by Urban Design Associates

Article by Diana Ispas. Return to Homepage

Learn how to Google beyond the basics with these Google Hacks and enhance your ability to perform as a landscape architect.   The Google search engine has become ubiquitous in modern life. As much as 77% of all internet searches are performed using Google, with Statista placing last months figures at 1.17 Billion worldwide Google users! No doubt Google is a powerful search engine, but do you use it to its full potential? Here I share with you some of the Google hacks I’ve learned over the years that have helped me, in my work as a landscape architect.

Google Hacks

1. Calculating and converting This is a really simple and easy Google hack for landscape architects. If you want to quantify the amount of mulch you will need for any given area, simply type the equation into Google. For example, a 7.5 centimeter depth of mulch over a 250 square meter area gives a total volume of 18.75 cubic meters of mulch. Want that in imperial? Simply ask Google: “18.75 cubic meters in cubic yards”.

2. Location, location, location As the old real estate saying goes “Location is everything”. When you search from a particular location Google will normally redirect you to a local version of their page e.g. Google.fr for France or Google.co.uk for the United Kingdom. However, you may be researching a particular project in another country. To circumnavigate Google’s location redirection, simply search from www.google.com/ncr. The NCR stands for ‘No Country Redirect‘. This takes you to the generic worldwide Google site in English. There is also the handy No Country Redirect Chrome plug-in available for free from the Chrome Web Store that will automatically do this for you. Related Articles:

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Alternatively, you may want to search for a specified location that you are not currently in. Say you have just won that prestigious contract in China or Australia, and want to search for construction materials that are available in that country. If signed into Google you can go to Settings> Advanced Search and set your preferred country to search from, and your preferred language for search returns. Doing this saves you having to always go to Advanced Search and changing the settings there every time you search. 3. Safety First Perhaps I’m naïve, but I learned this the hard way. When performing an image search for terms that have a potentially embarrassing double meaning, such as “holly bush”, “Rose Bed”, or “Dutch hoe”, its best to ensure you have engaged ‘Safe Search‘. When searching Google, simply go to Safe Search at the top right of the screen and make sure ‘Filter Explicit Results‘ is checked. 5. Spell check There are many advantages to being dyslexic, sadly good spelling is NOT one of them. I am always plagued by not remembering how to spell words. Especially Latin plant names. Google has become increasingly clever over the years, and now has very sophisticated spell checking capabilities. If you are unsure of how to spell a word, and don’t have a word processor open on you computer, simply type your best guess into Google and let Google work it out for you.

4. Quotation Searching for, Quercus ilex will return pages that contain both Quercus and ilex. These results may include pages about many different species of Quercus (of which there are over 600) and even some pages dedicated to the genus of Ilex (yet another 400-600 species). By putting your search term in “quotation” marks, Google will return results that only pertain to that exact phrase i.e. the specific plant “Quercus ilex”. 6. Can’t remember that species name? Sometimes when searching for a particular plant you might forget the species, genus, or part of the cultivar name. This is a Google hack that can really help us out. Simply put the search term in quotation marks and replace the part of the name you can’t recall with an asterisk. For example: “Photinia X * Red Robin” or “Acer rubrum * Glory”. When searching, Google will understand that the asterisk could be any word, and so will search for the term in word order, but leave a ‘space’ where the asterisk is, thus returning results that are more likely to be close to what you are looking for. 7. Google Shortcuts Google can be used as a dictionary, weather app, address, and zip/postal code finder as well as a calculator. Simply type in “Define:” followed by your term, for example “Define: Architectural Engineering”. Similarly if you are going to site, or need to check the weather for your site, simply put the zip or postal code into Google, preceded by “weather” to get a succinct weather report for your site. Similarly, if you can’t recall the address of a particular place or site, simply ask Google.

In the example below I found the address and postcode for the Landscape Institute in the UK without having to go to their website, and look to see if there is a “Contact Us” page or if their address is on the page footer, thus saving time.

Google Hacks are a Real Timesaver

Google is such a ubiquitous search engine that it can be easy to take it for granted, but by learning how to use simple Google hacks landscape architects can find what they are looking for quicker, and easier. Whether its saving time letting Google assist you with quantifying, checking the weather on site, or finding construction materials that are actually available in the country you’re working in; Google hacks can significantly help you out.

Recommended Reading:

• 1000 Details in Landscape Architecture: A Selection of the World’s Most Interesting Landscaping Elements by Francesc Mola
• Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns by John Massengale

Article by Ashley Penn

Utilising an outdoor space or garden can be an excellent solution to a number of problems. Garden sheds are versatile outdoor equipment that are specifically designed to deliver beauty, durability, and strength. Whether you want to indulge in a new gardening hobby or store your old tools, consider these three factors before you buy a shed. The finest material and the highest quality Wooden sheds are the most common and traditional, but the exact type of wood will make a difference to a shed’s upkeep and longevity. Cedar wood sheds are the most resistant to rot, but you could buy a pine one for half the price, so think carefully about your budget. In contrast, purchasing a plastic or metal version will remove the problem of rot entirely.

However, metal sheds are susceptible to condensation, compromising certain items stored inside. Plastic sheds are durable but much simpler to construct, so can easily be taken apart and moved should you move home. Yet, as with metal sheds, some might find these are ugly alternatives to a rustic garden shed. Whichever you choose, remember to give your shed a good look at before you commit to buying – they should be well-constructed, sturdy, and have no nails sticking out ominously. A cupboard or a summerhouse The next key element to consider is the size of your shed. Some dramatically underestimate the space they need. For example, if you are intending on storing a few bicycles, crates of garden tools, and a lawnmower, you are likely to need a structure that is at least 8 foot by 6 foot. Measure up your garden carefully too, as sheds are not supposed to be squeezed in! The reason to be Finally, the purpose of your shed will dictate some of its key features. Having a sloped roof may be more appropriate if your garden is surrounded by low fences or hedges, as it is less likely to stick out. On the other hand, an apex-shaped roof will offer more storage space due to the extra height. Equally, the insulation and ventilation of the shed may be an issue. Generally, it ought to stay cool in the summer, and retain heat in the winter, especially if you want to keep animals inside. With all of these factors, good research is essential. A garden shed can really improve your quality of life, but carefully selecting the right one for your needs will make all the difference. Hopefully, these pointers will help you make that worthwhile decision. Article contributed by Samantha Waites Return to Homepage This a sponsored article. If you would like to feature a sponsored article on LAN please contact us at office@landarchs.com Featured image: License: CC0 Public Domain. Free for commercial use / No attribution required

Zeytouneh Square, by Gustafson Porter, in Beirut, Lebanon. Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, is an ancient city that predates even recorded history. In the 1960s, it was considered one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities — a center for arts, culture, and tourism. But in 1975, Lebanon was plunged into a civil war that devastated the nation, tearing communities apart, both literally and figuratively. This civil war came to an end in 1990, but the country is still piecing together communities ruined by a war whose aftermath continues to resonate in daily life.

Zeytouneh Square

Rebuilding Beirut’s infrastructure and identity with public space Today, Beirut is a city at a crossroads. The destruction of the capital was immeasurable. With so much of the city’s physical infrastructure destroyed, much of Beirut has had to be rebuilt from scratch. Even worse, the war has left the community divided. However, Beirut now has an opportunity to forge a new image for itself. It aims to build a city that reflects the country’s post-war identity while still respecting the historical context and, above all, reunites an urban community divided by war and strife.

Public works will play a key role in the path to achieving these ideals. Community spaces are essential to reconnecting and rebuilding damaged communities. By creating safe and inclusive public space, the city hopes to unite its people, create a sense of community solidarity, and facilitate the healing process for its people.

Zeytouneh Square: a transitional space

Zeytouneh Square is a keystone project in this redevelopment. Designed by award-winning landscape architecture firm Gustafson Porter and opened to the public in 2012, Zeytouneh Square is one public space part of larger project: Beirut’s Shoreline Walk, a linear corridor of public spaces through the heart of downtown.

Representing a transition between old and new This project will showcase the best in urban design, and create an inviting downtown corridor. The walk represents the physical edge of the ancient city and the modern, newly developed district built on top of a landfill. It serves not only as a movement corridor in the city’s downtown, but also as a transitional space between the old city and the new. The space also represents the metaphorical transitions the city is undergoing: from pre- to post-war Lebanon, and from divided to a united community. Daring, unique and dramatic Gustafson Porter seems to have experimented with this project, and by pushing the limits, has once again managed to create a truly unique space.  Dramatic water features and paving give the site a distinctive look. The sleek, bold, ultra-modern look of the square matches the character of the surrounding buildings and gives us the impression of a more modern, edgy Beirut. The paving pattern also extends into the adjacent spaces, eliminating hard edges and adding a dramatic flare to the nearby buildings and streets. These bold patterns make quite an impression from the ground level, but also create a spectacular display from above, seen by those in the adjacent high-rise buildings. But the bold black-and-white paving isn’t just for drama — it was inspired by the layering of black-and-white basalt and limestone, iconic in Middle Eastern architecture. Even the patterns in which the contrasting patterns are laid refer to the land’s topography. Related Articles:

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The use of water on site is also significant. Simple pools with jets and a stream-like water feature contribute to the atmosphere, creating relaxing, ambient sounds while injecting animation and life into the space. These features are open and accessible to users, allowing for opportunities for direct interaction and water play.

Unfortunately, though, the site lacks vegetation, with only a few trees to break up the dominating hardscape and provide shade to users. A place to foster community ties In addition to its function as a passive recreational space and movement corridor, Zeytouneh Square will also function as a space for community events, gatherings, and festivals. As a part of the Shoreline Walk, the site will have a near-constant flow of people coming through, making it an ideal location for cultural events and gatherings — activities that are essential to strengthening community ties. The designers have even purposefully incorporated slopes and terracing in order to create an informal space where music, theater, and films can be shown. A community reconnected? Zeytouneh Square is a unique public space that goes beyond being simply a space for people: It aims to reconnect communities and to celebrate Beirut’s new identity It’s too soon to know how the community might be affected by Beirut’s investment in this type of community-oriented public space, but there is one thing we can say with certainty: Building a sense of community is key to successful cities, and public space is essential to establishing and building community ties. Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Michelle Biggs Return to Homepage

Mesa City Center, The Wind Dancer — Colwell Shelor + West 8 + Weddle Gilmore, Mesa, Arizona, USA. I bet that if you aren’t American, you have never heard of the city of Mesa, right? And why should you, even though it’s the third-largest city in the state of Arizona. It is an American city similar to many others. Spread over 133 square miles (344.5 square kilometers), Mesa is part of the large metropolitan area of Phoenix. It is a typical American suburb surrounded by highways, with no significant landmark to distinguish its identity from the rest. So what is Mesa doing to get our attention? Well, city officials have decided to create what they don’t have – a landmark to give the city a new identity and a public space that will increase the quality of life for its citizens, invite diverse activities into the city center, and serve as an activator for the densification and high-intensity redevelopment process downtown.

Mesa City Design Competition

The idea for a new public space design was approved in 2012 by city residents, who voted to fund the project with park bonds. At the end of 2013, the city launched a competition seeking designs for the space. The design teams worked intensely with the community and strongly considered public opinions in order to address the inhabitants’ needs. The three final designs were announced in August 2014, and after public discussions, the design team of Colwell Shelor, West 8, and Weddle Gilmore was selected as the winner.

Key Questions During Design Process The future central square — currently covered by vast parking lots and a few municipal buildings — cannot be defined as having a sense of place or being any kind of a pedestrian accessible or public space, so the designers’ task wasn’t easy. Crucial to the success of the winning team’s proposal was the integration of public opinion into the design strategy by asking these three questions before they went to the drawing board:

• What are your priorities?
• How could this project be a catalyst for reinvigorating downtown Mesa?
• What would make you come here again and again?

Basing their work on the numerous discussions with the community and the goals defined by the city, the team developed five design principles to guide their proposal. 1. Create a connected district By designing friendly and walkable streets, adding a green network of trees and identity spaces, and providing connections to light rail, bike lanes, and parking, access to the city center was assured. 2. Create an icon for the city A large copper structure called “The Wind Dancer” was created for the central events plaza, turning Mesa into the must-see destination in the Phoenix valley. The passive, evaporative cooling tower integrated into the structure will help to cool the plaza by 15 degrees during hot summer days. Right next to it, a water feature will provide a summer paradise; in the winter, it will transform into an ice rink. 3. Create many types of shade To respond to the number one request of the community, the team decided that the project will provide shade on day one of its implementation. Keeping valuable trees already on site, adding more than 500 new ones, and building permanent shade structures will assure the presence of enough shade straight away. 4. Invite activities Answering the community’s demand for comfortable places to sit, but also fulfilling the demand of the city to have a major world-class events place, this principle serves to create diverse activity areas mixing a variety of interests in one place. Having calm corners to sit and relax as well as the unique events plaza with the Wind Dancer monument, together with a farmers market and places to grab a drink or some food, makes downtown the heart of the city’s public life. 5. Make a feasible, one-phase proposal Keeping and revitalizing the existing onsite buildings will save on expensive demolition costs and provide space for activities on the ground floors. A makeover for City Hall will make it a part of the “town square with a twist”, as the designers call it. A new, publicly accessible sky lounge on its rooftop will provide an exceptional experience. Related Articles:

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• Visionary Smart Cities Offer a Glimpse of The Future
• Stunning New Train Station Brings Landscape to Center of City

Key to Creating Successful Public Spaces Embracing these principles has won over the public, and an important lesson to take from this is that it’s one of the rare cases where the community has been given the chance to participate throughout the whole process, from deciding on the idea for the project through the design process to the final decision-making. That is an important step on the way to creating successful public spaces to which people will return again and again. “first step toward creating an integrated and pedestrian-friendly city center for Mesa.” This design competition can be considered as the first step toward creating an integrated and pedestrian-friendly city center for Mesa, and provides a driving example, as the designers have put it, in order to transform the quality of life for its citizens. However, what the community is concerned about is where the city will get the necessary $50 million to complete the project. As one of the participants put it, “I want to see more than just pretty pictures.” Looking at the larger scale, the project is just a minuscule part of an enormously spread-out city that will need a lot more that just one such project to transform its quality of life. But it is the start of a process we’ll hopefully see unfold in the future. What do you think? Recommended Reading:

• Site Engineering for Landscape Architects by Steven Strom
• The Artful Garden: Creative Inspiration for Landscape Design  by James van Sweden

Article by Yuliya Georgieva Return to Homepage

This week’s Sketchy Saturday top 10. Whoa, it’s great to be back, with the might Sketchy Saturday. We expect 2015 to be our most popular Sketchy Saturday ever. The first edition of the top 10 does not disappoint as we feature everything from the raw drawing talent to the more polished finished artwork. Each one special in its own unique way. Offering us something different to be appreciated every time.  What I really loved about this week’s featured top 10 was the depth of thought that some of the artists went into.  Nothing quite gives work meaning than the deep thinking that supports it, helping to manifest beauty and intrigue. Enjoy this week’s Sketchy Saturday top 10! 10. by B. Bernik, student of the 5th year in Faculty of Architecture in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

“My motivation, for doing sketches, is all about the process how I see the things and how I transform them on the paper. I like to draw, drawing calms me and it’s good exercise for my brain and hand. My wish is to travel to different countries, and sketch their famous buildings, monuments, architecture. Location: Greece, Athens Temple of the Olympian Zeus. Style: First I do a fast sketch with pencil, then I go over with a dark pen and in the end I color it with different markers. Material: Sketchbook A4, Pencil 0.5, dark pen 0.5, markers (Forest Green, Powder Blue, Khaki, Gres, Cool gray).” 9. by Maria Rochowiak, landscape architecture student, Agricultural University of Kraków. “I was inspired by a photo. It shows an old town street in Lublin.  Lublin is one of the biggest and oldest  cities in East Poland The old town’s street was a topic before my drawing exam in 2012 and I decided to draw another street in Lublin. I did this in the summer time and I found a lot of beautiful photos of this street. It is a fast sketch made from black ink and gray, blue markers”. 8. by Tim Gämperle, student at the University of Applied Science Garden & Landscape architect in Velp, Nederland. “I’m in my first year and I love drawing. The style is conception from a new park in Arnhem. This drawing was drawn for a first project at school. I used GraphGear 500 0.7 6B and BRUYNZEEL 4B and 2B.” 7. by Briez Camille, student landscaper in ESA, Higher Education and Research in Agriculture/ Angers-France.  “I use a variety of materials including, ink, graphite markers, and sometimes watercolors.   It is an atmospheric sketch to illustrate a part of a Japenese garden which I designed for a school project. For this particular sketch, I used ink (Rotring) and graphite markets for the shadows.” 6. by Isa Eren AKBIYIK – Landscape Architect – Nota Design Landscape Architecture Office Owner – Antalya/Turkey “It’s a conceptual sketch for Crystal Hotels Waterworld (5*) 2-point perspective with 0.05 – 0.1 – 0.3 – 0.5 drawing pen on A3 sized paper. Marker pen and PS used for brightness and contrast levels. Location – Bogazkent/Antalya/Turkey.” 5. by Ioana Maria Nanis, Architecture student, Bucharest, Romania “I made this sketch for an assignment using ink and watercolor on A2. We had to represent Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. ” 4.  by Tino Beck, a self-employed artist, Germany “The architects plan was to save the down-and-out building from 1851 by several reorganizations. Based just on some historic construction plans, I created this imaginary birds-eye-view by hand, mainly with watercolors in around A3. Its job was simply to represent how nice the living could be after the complex and expensive rescue: Greens in the backyard away from the street, balconies southbound, an extensive apartment on top of a parking space.” 3. by Devin S. Kimmel, ASLA, Assoc. AIA. “This sketch is of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, Maryland. It was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe in a neoclassical style. I wanted to make this sketch in order to better understand the proportions and details of the building. It’s one of my favorites in Baltimore. It is a 2-point perspective in ink and wash.” 2. by Amaury Neto, a landscape architect from São Paulo Brasil. ” I did this sketch a little time ago, to practice my free hand drawing skills and I choose the Fallingwater because it’s such an iconic building in architecture history, and I love how the textures combine with each other.” 1. by Farnaz Dehghani, painter, architect ” As a painter I always needed a viewer ,who could communicate with your work, who could hear your message through art….. who could see you without barriers, go-between, galleries provide this aspect for artist.  This is an open museum of human activity, in other words an open art museum for painters ,sculptors,…. some cities as Tehran are such crowded, without a plaza unlike many historical cities, that could prepare a free space for creating . City, needs a spiritual gift, like when a passenger attracts to a street artist’s work, cities are our second home, and home is not a factory of machines ,we are not robots,we are soul, we need to see and feel colors as we walk …..” – That’s this week’s Sketchy Saturday Top 10, congratulations to all of you who featured, you have come out on top of a very talented bunch of people. Check out the Sketchy Saturday official Facebook album and see literally 1,000′s of incredible sketches! Follow all the winning entries on our dedicated Sketchy Saturday Pinterest page. If you want to take part send your entries to us at office@landarchs.com Recommended reading:

• Sketching from the Imagination: An Insight into Creative Drawing by 3DTotal
• Architectural Drawing Course by Mo Zell

Article by Scott D. Renwick Return to Homepage

Waterfront Landscape Park of Aiyi River, by BLVD International, in Yinchuan, Ningxia Region, China. China is currently experiencing the world’s biggest boom in landscape architecture. Investing billions of dollars in environmental projects and public spaces, China is not only transforming its landscape, but its global image, as well. Waterfront areas are key to China’s redevelopment. Historically, water has been important as a tool for the country’s agricultural and industrial development. Rerouted for irrigation, reclaimed as agricultural land, and heavily polluted by industry, the conditions of China’s waterways have reached a critical state. As a result, China is making huge efforts to remediate, protect, and transform its relationship with water.

Aiyi River Landscape Park: Yinchuan’s New Waterfront

Designed by BLVD International and built in 2013, the Aiyi River Landscape Park is just one of the hundreds of recent projects in China that are transforming urban waterways and reconnecting people with nature. The 192,000-square-meter (approximately 50-acre) river park is located in the city of Yinchuan in the region of Ningxia. The River represents an important axis in Northwestern China and connects many major cities. Ningxia’s arid, desert-like climate makes the region particularly reliant on the river for its economic and agricultural prosperity. Water plays an important role in day-to-day life, and the protection of waterways is essential to economic security. 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

Located adjacently to a recently redeveloped area of the city, the park consists of a network of boardwalks, bridges, and viewpoints that offer opportunities for locals to explore the previously inaccessible waterfront area.

BLVD International: In Pursuit of Perfection BLVD International is well known for its work in interior design and architecture, as well as in landscape design, specializing in waterfront design and redevelopment. BLVD states that its philosophy is the pursuit of perfection in design: a careful balancing act among art, science, and nature. BLVD focuses on creating spaces where man and nature can coexist in complete harmony. The firm has a distinct design esthetic, characterized by abstract, minimalist, and geometric forms, which has helped it to create a portfolio of unique and memorable projects.

Social Redevelopment: Reconnecting the Community to Aiyi River

As Yinchuan has become increasingly urbanized, many locals have lost touch with nature. BLVD’s primary design objective in this project was to reconnect people with the river.

The river’s state prior to redevelopment was appalling. The river was inaccessible and polluted. Little thought had been put into the planning, management, or conservation of the river. In response, BLVD developed a snaking, zigzagging pathway system that opens up the riverfront to people. The design breaks up the hard edges of city and waterfront, decreasing both the physical and psychological distance between the city and the water. Now, for the first time in decades, locals have access to the river. Ecological Redevelopment: Preserving and Protecting the River Growth and Urbanization in Yinchuan have made the protection and improvement of the waterfront area critical. BLVD’s design attempts to respond to this need to conserve the riverfront environment and to support its ecological recovery. The use of elevated pathways and lookouts minimizes human impact on the site while allowing natural succession and ecological recovery to occur. The design also strives to showcase the region’s natural landscape, by highlighting rather than competing with these natural features. The network of pathways and lookouts creates a unique series of views, highlighting the local landscape of rivers and mountains. Finally, by allowing locals to explore and experience the riverfront, the design strives to foster a renewed appreciation and understanding of the natural environment. Cultural Redevelopment: Creating a Cultural Landmark BLVD hoped to create a distinct and memorable landmark for the city of Yinchuan. It was also necessary to integrate the site with the city’s redeveloped areas while still remaining true to the region’s heritage. BLVD used the site as an opportunity to showcase the best of the region, describing the design as an abstraction of local culture, history, and tradition. Architectural elements, colors, and forms all take cues from the city’s and the region’s physical character and cultural traditions. Even the pattern of pathways is intended to mimic the rhythmic movement of water, the lapping of waves against the shores. The careful sequencing of space through pathways and viewpoints creates a unique experience of the river, one that was never before possible, while still remaining relevant to the past, present, and future of the city. Is China’s Relationship to Environment Transforming? BLVD international hoped that Aiyi River Landscape Park would not only create a landmark in Yinchuan, but also reconnect locals with the river. The focus is not only on a physical, environmental transformation of the waterfront, but also on a transformation of people’s relationship with their physical environment. It’s difficult to measure exactly how the Chinese people’s relationship with the environment is changing, but China’s massive investments in ecological conservation projects seems to suggest that a change is indeed occurring and that China will continue to prove itself as a leader in environmental design. Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Michelle Biggs Return to Homepage

The Klyde Warren Park, Dallas, Texas, USA, by the Office of James Burnett – OJB The Dallas community has taken a bold step by deciding to construct a park over the existing Woodall Rogers Freeway in a busy area of the city. As a result of this initiative, the city’s Klyde Warren Park offers a new perspective on urban revitalization, showing that it does not need to be restricted to sites left behind with economic decline. It is a process that can also create new spaces that coexist with current users while enabling new functions.

Klyde Warren Park

Embraced by the citizens and adapted to existing elements An important characteristic of the park’s design was the fact that it has been idealized by the citizens despite having a large scale, which is usually associated with government initiatives. Some community leaders were able to see an opportunity to use the gap between the ground level, where the buildings and streets are located, and the sunken freeway to construct a deck to support an outdoor green area that is a mix of a pedestrian bridge and an urban park, connecting the Central Business District, Uptown, and the Arts District in downtown Dallas.

From the Initial Idea to its Completion The period between 2002 and 2004 was critical to define the leaders, identify the sponsors, and produce the studies of the project. Its main aim was to improve the quality of life in the busy center of Dallas by reducing traffic noise and air pollution through the construction of a park over the existing freeway. Properties Rise in Market Value An expected effect that engaged the real estate community in the project was the rise of the surrounding properties’ market value. As the idea evolved and demonstrated that it would bring many more benefits to the whole community, more people became interested in taking part in it, generating important donations. Although the park is owned by the city, the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation managed all stages of the project until its completion in 2012.

The Design Concept of Klyde Warren Park

The award-winning landscape architect Jim Burnett, the principal of the Office of James Burnett, was chosen to lead the design of the five-acre park. The choice for a designer who is well known for his multidisciplinary approach challenging the conventional boundaries of landscape architecture showed that the citizens were interested in an innovative solution that enabled their reconnection to the urban fabric.

Design of a World-class Public Space As community leaders were researching the best solutions that had been built in other places, they were no longer interested in the old models that dissociated the business centers from outdoor activities and pedestrian areas. Those leaders represented the well-informed and convicted clients to whom the landscape architecture firm should create a design of a world-class public space. The Solution The designers’ solution resulted in a place that offers amenities to the residents and workers, in addition to enabling visitors to feel they also belong to it by producing comfortable and relaxing spaces. These environments were intended to transport the users to their own residences by offering them the opportunity to enjoy diverse activities by discovering the different “rooms” of the park. Related Articles:

• Is This Park Design a Rival for the Famous Millennium Park?
• 30 Landscape Architecture Firms To Keep Your Eye On!
• 10 Great Places to Study Landscape Architecture in Europe

Spatial Organization A pedestrian promenade works as the element that organizes the park, inviting visitors to explore its different areas, including the children’s park with water features, the reading room, the restaurant, and the event lawn. The continuation of the pedestrian promenade over the adjacent street extends the visitors’ experience to the botanical garden, the dog park, the recreation lawn, and the games area. The Synthesis of Engineering and Landscape Design The concept, of building the park over the freeway, was only possible due to the combined efforts of engineers and landscape architects. More than 300 concrete beams were arranged with the slabs forming a structural deck to support the soil and enabling the construction of the stormwater system. The slab and beams system works as planter boxes to accommodate more than 300 trees and other native plants that are growing in the desired size in specially designed soil combined with Geofoam, which helps to reduce the load on the deck. The Positive Results The Klyde Warren Park fulfilled the citizens’ expectations by creating a layer with rooms of well-being to replace a typical modern urban landscape dominated by vehicles lanes. The locals and visitors now have a park where they can explore the outdoors and enjoy inspiring views of the surrounding buildings. WATCH: Dallas Klyde Warren Park Aerial Video: From Freeway to Greenway The general public can learn a lot from this case in relation to the community initiative to produce a healthier, beautiful, and more productive urban environment, which is a breakthrough in the urban model that has for years favored cars over people. And the landscape designers can celebrate the fact that their field of knowledge is playing a central role in the achievement of this goal. Photography by Liane Rochelle Photography, Dillon Diers, Mei Chun Jau, Thomas McConnell, Gary Zvonkovic Recommended Reading:

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

Article by Tania Gianone Return to Homepage

Quilotoa Crater Overlook, Zumbahua, Ecuador, by Jorge Javier Andrade Benítez, Javier Mera Luna, and Daniel Moreno. Lots of projects are being executed around the world that reinforce natural tourist attractions and are also appreciated by the critics. But projects in which the interventions of the client(s), users, and designer(s) fully reach expected outcomes remain rare. One such successful project is the Quilotoa Shalala Overlook in Zumbahua, Ecuador, a magical platform that enables visitors to step out over an active volcano or to quietly observe the natural beauty.

Sometimes the designer’s greatest challenge is not what to do, but what not to do. How an already perfect natural site can be changed to meet human needs and still not be compromised is the real lesson here.

Quilotoa Crater Overlook: The enchanted beauty

The crater is located in the Andes, 3,974 meters above sea level and some 170 kilometers southeast of Quilotoa. The untouched natural beauty and geographical peculiarities have made the site a tourist attraction of growing popularity. What makes the site most beautiful and distinguishable is the turquoise-colored lake that has formed inside the crater thanks to the natural minerals dissolved in the water. The diameter of the crater is about three kilometers.

Another important feature of the site is the Andean Paramo ecosystem that prevails here. WATCH: Quilotoa Crater Lake What is Andean Paramo? Only found in the Andes, this high-altitude mountain region of mostly wide-open grassland possesses a distinct flora and fauna, making it the most interesting of the life zones of the Andes. These regions have been inhabited by humans for approximately 15,000 years. Paramo regions are very sensitive lands for a designer to touch. From that point of view, the overlook was a great challenge that could have been a failure in a blink. The designers had to be as concerned about the variety of mammals, birds, insects, amphibians, and reptiles as with the Paramo vegetation, such as large and small shrubs, stunted trees, cushion plants, herbs, and rosette plants that provide shelter to the wildlife. Does the overlook deserve to be here? After understanding the site and its ecosystem, we must question the justification of building the overlook. When asking that question, it is vital to understand the people who are going to use it and, most importantly, who will benefit from it. Indigenous people of the Ecuadorian sierra have traditionally inhabited this area. There are still some scattered communities close to Quilotoa. Shalala is one such community, whose inhabitants have an age-old connection with the volcano. They are the people who initiated the tourism here by offering guided visits, accommodations, and restaurants. The Quilotoa Crater Overlook is a response by the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador to aid the community-scale entrepreneurship by creating a gazebo and an access trail that connects with the existing tourism infrastructure on the slope of the volcano. The project was executed on the site in 2013, and it is already paying off. The tourist flow has significantly increased and the Shalala community is receiving revenue from the tourism business. What are the special considerations that made the project successful? The project’s main objectives were to:

• Accentuate the tourism business to support the Shalala community
• Complement nature and educate the people to preserve the Paramo
• Find a design solution that was least disturbing to the surrounding natural areas

So, let’s see what was done to achieve them. The gazebo is a structure that has two major platforms that give two totally different visual and physical experiences. The upper section extends far over the edge of the crater, giving visitors the chance to float over the volcano and experience a vertigo-like sensation. Below that, the other platform follows the natural slope, offering a place to sit, rest, and contemplate the landscape. The camouflaging access trail The access trail guides visitors to the viewpoint from the slope of the volcano. The trail had to be safe and walkable, while not altering the natural qualities of the Paramo landscape. So it was made by edging with stones and filled with gravel, which is not overpowering at all. Related Articles:

• Viewpoint Extends Over 600 Meter Vertical Drop for Breathtaking Views
• Rooftop Infinity Pool with Awesome Views
• The Garden of Hilton Pattaya by TROP : terrains + open space

Materials and colors The decision to use simple, uniform materials throughout the overlook gives the whole site the same aesthetic presence. The total structure is composed with an internal steel truss system, while the outer surface is dressed with teak wood that has a pre-weathered finish to easily blend in with the overgrown landscape. All the open edges are blocked with safety glass to ensure maximum uninterrupted views. Portability Each and every gesture of this intervention is an attempt to keep the present harmony of the site in place. That’s why the structure is designed in a way to be dismantled and removed if is is no longer needed. The Shalala community appreciated the project and is committed to keeping it in good condition. This is also an indicator that the intervention has been successful. The designers faced a major conceptual challenge in this project. While the total surroundings offer such magnificent views, what extra value can an overlook add? This question actually drove the design to complement nature, not to be a showcase of its own. It’s actually not trying to be attractive or overpowering; some design components are even hidden, making more room for the natural views. Photo Credits: Lorena Darquea – Pablo Puente – Javier Mera – Daniel Moreno Flores – Cynthia Macias Leiva – Santiago del Hierro Recommended Reading:

• Architecture in Northern Landscapes by Todd Saunders
• Site Engineering for Landscape Architects by Steven Strom

Article by Auditi Bridget Biswas Return to Homepage