Author: Land8: Landscape Architects Network

Grand Canal Square, designed by Martha Schwartz Partners. The Dublin Docklands Development Authority (DDDA) was created in 1997, generating a whirlwind of fresh ideas to redeem the look of Dublin’s waterfront. Less than a year later, an old gasworks site was purchased that went on to become the site of the Grand Canal Square. Today, the square is characterized by influential architecture, teeming commerce, and one piece of unforgettable landscape design. Ironically, as this article sees publication, the DDDA exhales its final breath this May, at last dissolved – yet leaving behind a true legacy of growth and prosperity, with a tinge of red color. In the spring of 2005, DDDA instructed Martha Schwartz Partners (MSP) to design the landscape of the square – a piece of work that was to unify the disparate architectural components of the site and renew the space by embodying all its local characteristics, old and new. Just over two years later, in June 2007, the site was open; the swift turnaround of the project was an unusual, daring refocus – later to prove extremely beneficial.

Not only had the site been resurfaced two years previously, but the two major architectural commissions – Daniel Libeskind’s theater and Aires Mateus’ hotel – would be completed much later than the landscape. The square would therefore be left exposed to ferocious winds for at least three years until the buildings would shield it on the Western side. Interestingly, MSP was instructed not to communicate with the architectural teams. The economical downturn of 2008 was looming, but not foreseen, so a generous budget of 8 million Euros was bestowed upon this small piece of landscape – 10,000 square meters of marshland. The Design Team MSP’s team was led by head of design Shauna Gillies-Smith at their U.S. office, now the principal of her own influential firm, Ground. Gillies-Smith amalgamated a series of design concepts into a “Cracked Glass” surface of desire lines offering technical resolutions simultaneously, which provided a solid benchmark for a unique detailing process. A complex lighting system, designed by Speirs & Major, is superimposed into the preservation of existing granite pavers; pick-up stick poles and red bricks give theatricality, while planters cover the existing ventilation shafts over the underground car park; water, rocks and concrete sparkle, yet the seating, planting and lawns are soft and tactile. All these layers prove an astute understanding of the site and a spot-on design narrative in the best MSP tradition possible. The Floor Plan The floor design sprawls right up to the building’s façades – a bold transformation that seeks to expand the site and unify its components, demarcating all possible routes without impinging flow. Layer upon layer, the narrative continues with the introduction of red bricks forming a “red carpet” saluting the new theater, balancing its scale and leading the eye right to the waterfront. Vividness remains a focal point with the prominence of 36 eight-meter-high poles situated randomly at various angles. Strewn upon an extended dock, the poles mimic “pick-up sticks” to give a three-dimensional quality, brighten up the gray Dublin skyline, and provide the much sought-after energy the DDDA had asked for. What are those red polls? The red poles were designed to appear as a solid color, yet at night the upper parts – varying from 2.5 to 5 meters — illuminate the square and are operated via radar sensors, which detect movement. The drama of the new square certainly comes forth at night when the “red carpet” is LED-illuminated, too, as well as the “green path” made of concrete planters with marsh plants covering the ventilation shafts.  These illuminations follow the strong layout of the square, elements of which can be seen in the façade and roof of the theater. It is an exceptional project where the landscape design filled a void – indeed, making it harder for MSP to design initially with the absence of the buildings, their character and scale, but one no doubt that ended up being the jewel in the crown of the entire site. The Aftermath Some casualties of the economical downturn were sacrificed along the path of regeneration in the Dublin Docks, predominantly the U2 Tower. Some old features may not make it, either. The two Poolbeg Chimneys, standing 200 meters tall on the opposite side of the River Liffey, dating back to the 1970s with their pink and white stripes, were refused conservation status by the local authority recently. The Chimneys may be gone soon, but we can still enjoy the homage paid by MSP’s pick-up sticks poles. With U2 Tower and DDDA gone and quite possibly the Poolbeg Chimneys, Martha Schwartz Partners’ Grand Canal Square remains the bearer of prosperity in the Dublin Docks, illuminating its skyline every day and night of the year. Grand Canal Dock also featured in our Top 10 Imaginative Squares You may also be interested in these articles: Top 10 Influential Landscape Architects Top 10 Names In Landscape Architecture Today Article written by Amir Schlezinger

Sugar Beach is a public park created as part of the large, multi-stage Toronto Water Front revitalization program. This man made urban beach has transformed an old industrial area into a vital space for residents and tourists. Sugar Beach, designed by Claude Cormier architects paysagistes, was inaugurated in 2010. In an 8,500-square-meter site between Lake Ontario and the Corus Quay building, three areas were created: a triangular beach, a diagonal promenade, and a plaza.

The beach has a harmonious design, with two perpendicular sides bordering the water — the largest side marked by wave-shaped boundaries.The promenade runs in the diagonal axis between the beach and the plaza, linking the Queens Quay sidewalk to the waterfront. The plaza features mounds and trees and is located next to the Corus Entertainment building. Its relationship to the neighboring glass edifice is made through a transparent green façade that allows those outside the building to visually access the inside space. As the park is contemporary to this green glass building, it is natural that they both are designed in a way that enables their integration. But it is for the connection with one of the few remaining factories operating in the harbor area that the park is known. Sugar Beach is a reference to Redpath sugar refinery located west of the park. The factory building might not entice people to view it if there were not an exciting place like the designed beach next to it. On the beach, while sitting on white chairs under the shade of pink umbrellas or under the pines and willows planted in the sand, it is possible to alternately observe the dock, where a crane unloads raw sugar from a cargo ship into the refinery; the Toronto skyline in the background; and the lake. By treading the sand and looking at the sugar being unloaded, the visitor can relate both granulated materials and make the connection between the beach and the factory. The sugar theme is also present in other components, but the design’s symbolic language allows for other interpretations. For instance, the red and white stripes that decorate the rock on the beach and the rocky mound in the plaza may refer to candies, honor the national flag, or even play with the images the sugar factory’s name can bring to mind. For visitors with different backgrounds, these relations might not be interpreted so easily; the parallel stripes could just be perceived as an invitation to have a seat on the rock to re-energize body and mind. If sugar cane is the language of the beach, maple trees are the theme of the promenade. Maple leaf patterns were built into granite on the pavement, and two lines of mature maple trees were planted along its edges. (as can be seen in picture of birdseye view above) When they grow, they will provide shade for the benches, creating a comfortable place to read, rest, or enjoy the different views of the park. More than a Canadian symbol, maple trees and their leaves may be seen as the local sugar in contrast to the more foreign sugar cane variety. Both are metaphors for energy that is essential to maintain the life; the harbor also can be seen as a meeting point where these goods are exchanged. In the opposite corner of the park, the visitor finds the plaza, formed by four grass mounds and a larger rock where red and white stripes relate coherently to the other rock on the beach. These elevated surfaces shape the space around in a way that works conveniently for performers as well as for the audience. In addition, the grass berms are perfect places to rest and sunbathe. To complete this urban beach park — where swimming is not allowed because it is located in the harbor area — water fountains were embedded in the granite pavement. They are a really fun way to cool off in the summer days. Toronto Sugar Beach is an inspiring example of how abandoned places can be reintegrated into the city. The harmonic composition, the relationship with the new buildings, and the reference to the history have produced a vibrant leisure space worth visiting. See more photographs of this project here. Article written by Tania Ramos Gianone

Maybe you see knitting as an old-fashioned hobby worthy of your grandmother. You would much rather do something cool, something trendy. And anyway, what does knitting have to do with landscape or landscape architecture?

The answer is – a lot!

The half-forgotten art of knitting has hit the streets with force. People all over the world are grabbing yarn or wool, crochet hooks and needles, and are learning how to knit. The colorful pieces they create are showing up on trees, lamp posts, monuments, benches, and other elements of everyday cityscape. It is anything but boring or old-fashioned! On the contrary — it is funky, inventive, and very, very fashionable!

Yarn Bombing

Also called guerrilla or urban knitting, yarn bombing is  a new form of art that has been invading our streets with its brilliant colors, sense of humor, and energy, bringing street art and craft together. Absolutely anything can be adorned in this way: Serious statues might be wearing scarves and socks; benches may be covered with soft woollen blankets; even cars and bicycles cannot avoid being cocooned in a soft, knitted package.

It Begins

The history of yarn bombing is lost in the mists of time and has been attributed to several different people. All that may be agreed on is that it started in Northern Europe or the United States at the beginning of the 21st century as a form of “inoffensive graffiti”. The movement gradually moved from simple “cozies” to so-called “stitched stories”. The development is mostly attributed to the activity of an English group acting under the name of “Knit the City”. The group, founded in 2009 in London, is famous for its signature sense of humor. It managed to make the art of yarnstorming fashionable worldwide. In fact, it has become so popular that an annual event, The International Yarnbombing Day, was founded on  June 11, 2011.

Inspirational Projects

Despite being a relatively new art form, yarn bombing can already boast several iconic projects. One of the most famous is the London phone box cozy by Knit the City. In Copenhagen, the citizens could admire a transformed tank — yarn bombed pink by a large group of people in a protest against the war in Iraq. The famous Wall Street bull got a new pink and purple coat crocheted by an artist called Olek. Responsibility helps all

Even such a joyful activity as yarn bombing might not be regarded all that well by some people. In certain areas yarn graffiti is still illegal and the artists may face punishment for littering or even vandalism. It must be admitted that decomposing yarn might be a bit of an issue in the public space. To keep the whole movement in the society’s good books, everyone engaging in yarnbombing should take responsibility for their art — be considerate while choosing the place for their installation and come back and remove it once it gets dirty and ugly.

Below: Olek and the Yarn Bombed Bull The installations can be any form, any size — from Yarn Bombed Potholes (Juliana Santacruz Herrera’s Parisian project) to 99 tree cozies in Austin, Texas, called “Knitted Wonderland,” by Magda Sayeg. The only rule is to make the space more cozy, colorful and personal.

Can I Do That?

Of course! Have a look at the wonderful pictures in this article and at those available online, get inspired, but do not be afraid to try your own ideas. It is very simple — you only need a pair of needles or a crochet hook, some yarn, and some imagination. You can start very small – even a colorful bicycle stand or a scarf on a statue’s neck may brighten someone’s day. Urban knitting is truly for everyone — and everyone can contribute to making their city a happier, friendlier, and fluffier place!

Recommended reading: Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti by Mandy Moore Art of Yarn Bombing: No Pattern Required by Ilianthe Kalloniatis

Article written by Marta Ratajszczak

The urban population is growing by the day, straining cities and causing a series of modifications – changes in the urban climate among them. The demand for more resources can make a city vulnerable to disasters such as floods (due to higher sea levels and excessive rain), heat waves, spread of diseases, etc. These negative consequences can be avoided through the implementation of specific strategies, such as climate-sensitive planning, that compromise thermal comfort and the consequent livability of cities. Copenhagen as role model Denmark is a country seriously committed to promoting awareness of urban resilience – the capacity of a city to recover from a difficulty (in this context, related to climate). St. Kjeld, in Østerbro, will be the first neighborhood in Copenhagen to have its layout adjusted to avoid disasters caused by climate change. The choice of this neighborhood in particular is related to its unnecessarily wide streets. Streets with more modest dimensions — still able to manage local traffic — would allow for better use of the urban space and significantly improve the lives of residents.

The main problem that affects the city is flood. The amount of rain water is such that the sewer system has not been enough; therefore, management of water resources is a priority in the interventions. To overcome this challenge, water towers and greener courtyards are being constructed, as well as rain gardens and more green areas (to provide more permeable surface). The Klimakvarter project is an initiative of the city of Copenhagen that aims to reach zero carbon emissions by 2025, as well as adapting the city’s structure. The talented architecture firm Tredje Natur is in charge of the planning and implementation of these innovative solutions. The architects are also counting on intense participation by local residents to make the most of the neighborhood’s potential. The project focuses on the following locations: Bryggervangen: They aim to create a green stream through the neighborhood, which will conduct excessive water to the harbors during heavy rains. St. Kjeld Square: This is a huge roundabout where the main neighborhood streets intersect. These streets are three times wider than local traffic demands, so the square will be expanded to reduce the paved area. This will be the “green heart” of the neighborhood. Tasinge Square: Today, Tåsinge Square is an overgrown bunker, rarely used by residents living around the square. The green area of the bunker is surrounded by beautiful buildings and sunny most of the day, which is why Tåsinge Square has a great potential to become a green venue where local cafés and cultural life can thrive. This square will be transformed into the cultural center of St. Kjeld. The streets here are oversized, which is detrimental to all; therefore, it is proposed that a street be closed for expansion of the green area, creating a better situation for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. In addition to the areas mentioned above, enclosed courtyards will also be included in the planning. Their intimate character will be preserved to encourage more use. Urban planning + urban climatology The main objective of the project is to make St. Kjeld more resistant to the climate changes predicted for the particular reality of Copenhagen, but it goes beyond that: Adapting the neighborhood and offering solutions that will leave the city (even more) attractive will make it a beautiful and inspiring example for us all, demonstrating environmental, cultural, economical, and social concern. Within the overall context of the uncertainty surrounding climate change, cities should provide a pleasant experience for the population, improving the quality of urban life and encouraging the use of outdoor spaces. Given the current concern about sustainable development, landscape architects and urban planners are now paying more attention to the aspects of urban climate parameters and incorporating them into their work as design parameters. Indeed, a better understanding of the urban climate can serve as an important guide in building more sustainable cities. To reverse the fragile situation of cities is a challenge for many – landscape architects and urban planners included. For more information on this incredible initiative check out their PDF Or visit their website www.tredjenatur.dk Article written by Julia Lucchese

The Pool at Pyne by TROP Terrain+Openspace Monotony and lack of inspiration are problems faced by even the greatest of designers. So in 2010, when designer Pok Kobkongsanti of T.R.O.P. Terrain + Openspace was faced with creating another “Sky Pool” in Bangkok, he decided to look up for inspiration. The pool at the Pyne by Sansari is an artistic expression that proves that designers are not limited to the ground plane. Sometimes, the best real estate for design is located above, not below. The Pyne by Sansiri is a high-end condominium in Bangkok, centrally located in a busy urban district within walking distance of the city’s largest shopping centers.

Like most other condominiums in Bangkok, the residential tower is constructed on top of the parking garage, which has a larger floor plan than the actual tower. To make good use of the extra space, this podium is usually designated for the swimming pool, as it is in the case of the Pyne. The 370-square-meter rectangular terrace is on the eighth story of the 42-floor residential complex. The building is surrounded on all sides by old buildings, trapping the Pyne within a sea of concrete. Pok was concerned not only about the boxed-in feeling he had in the space, but also about the imposing Bangkok Train Station that sits directly across from the it (which helped sell out the units in one day). The station is about a hundred meters long and three- to four stories high — a nightmare for designers who want to be able to take advantage of pleasing views. Pok’s first priority became creating a “loosed” floor plan to mitigate the surroundings and create a visually beautiful space to be viewed from above. The design avoids the expected by forfeiting the usual rectangular pool deck and instead opts for individual wooden terraces to create a loose, relaxed atmosphere that serves to contradict the surrounding urban landscape. These terraces are filled with modern, white furnishings to encourage lounging and relaxation. Angled lines and rounded corners form a unique geometry for the pool’s edge and allow the pool to flow through the space instead of simply sitting inside it. Completing the space are lush plantings outlining the pool that create a luxurious oasis within the crowded city. The textural plantings frame the space without overpowering it, which is accomplished by the use of a monotone color scheme. Finally, Pok took advantage of the overhead views from the building itself, as well as the view from the neighboring train station, and created an overhead concrete skeleton structure to frame in the space and connect the pool to the architecture of the building. “To make our pool different than others, the ‘Skeleton’, a light clad structure, was proposed to frame the swimming pool three-dimensionally. Before, the so-called sky pool is just a flat piece of water on top of the building. Sure, swimmers can enjoy a great prospect view outside, but, looking back to the building, nobody recognizes the presence of the pool below,” Pok said. As stated by Pok, the skeleton structure not only serves as an artistic overhang, but also houses the low-level lights that help to welcome nighttime swimmers. From above, the glowing “Skeleton” slices the pool into individual sections. From below, it creates an intimate space in a vast urban landscape. By creating an open, geometric structure, the sense of a canopy is achieved, but at the same time the space still appears to be seamless with the surrounding city. The designer’s thoughtful design proves that spaces should be three-dimensional and not flat. By including the plane above, he creates a more authentic space that is more true to the landscape surrounding it. The pool at the Pyne proves the theory that when designing for a place, the spaces and the neighborhood should play vital roles in the design. Also see: The Garden of Hilton Pattaya by TROP : terrains + open space Top 10 Names In Landscape Architecture Today Article written by Erin Tharp

The east side of London has experienced significant public space improvements over the past decade. Public spaces in London and worldwide are being rethought and redesigned for pedestrians. Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill (SOM) designed the new Finsbury Avenue Square in 2001. A series of public space renovations within the Broadgate Financial District have revitalized this area of the city. The Broadgate district is quickly becoming the center of the east side of London. A thoughtful redesign The Finsbury Avenue Square was seen as a dark and unwelcoming plaza that people avoided at all hours of the day. SOM’s redesign is centered around an intricate lighting installation built into a matrix on the ground. Over 100,000 LED lights and 650 fixtures illuminate a variety of scenes during the day and night.

These color changing LED lights provide numerous color choices. Scenes are illuminated through frosted glass strips as pedestrians walk across the plaza in a variety of scenes. Subtle color changes to dynamic light shows activate this space. Cool blues and apple greens mix with intense reds and purples to generate a variety of moods which are reflected in the adjacent buildings’ glass windows. The square is a now a representative landmark Visitors can come back throughout the year to experience Finsbury Avenue Square during different seasons. During fall the yellow from the leaves works differently with the pulsing lights. Even more impressive is the glow which is created on the ground from melting winter snow  and rain. Lighting isn’t the only thing to check out while visiting. A sculpture piece named ‘Rush Hour’ by American sculpture George Segal portrays six people as they walk through the daily grind of a worker’s commute. This is appropriately placed here as the square is surrounded by a bustling financial district. True to the intent of the city and designers, the square has been revitalized. Local events populate the space. Now ahabitable public space, people are using this space for daily lunches and civic events. Action Aid has set up booths during dreary days to boost public emotion. BT artboxes have been displayed, engaging the public in visual communications. Table tennis events are hosted here. There has even been an appearance by Sydney’s dance company as part of city festivals. Invites people to engage The space is designed equally as well as it is used. The design has taken cues from the sustainability goals of the Broadgate developers. LED lights reduce energy consumption, water is harvested, tree canopy is introduced, and recycling efforts are in place. The site has also transformed from a sunken garden feel to a level plaza which invites people to engage and play with the lighting. One of the lighting schemes invites users to follow a maze-like lighting band as it traces around the squares surface. Below: Finsbury Avenue Square film produced for MBLD Even more intriguing is the way that seating is arranged on the square. The glass strips which extend from the main matrix protrude from the ground and hold each of the benches in the air. These LED-lit supports are a great source of light. Certainly the designers have not only introduced a new engaging space to the city of London. They have also created a space which connects users to a variety of other open spaces. With entries and exits on each side of the square people are connected to Finsbury Square Gardens, Devonshire Row, Finsbury Circus and Broadgate Circle, which is currently undergoing a revitalization of its own. The designers have been recognized worldwide for their ingenious remake of a common underused public space. Chalk-up one more victory for public spaces. You may also be interested in: Top 10 Public Squares of the World Article written by Cameron Rodman.

Welcome to another of our increasingly popular Sketchy Saturdays, this week we present to you a diverse range of talent highlighting nature, design and a work which displays beautiful and historic character, really pulling you into a different place and time as you appreciate every stroke and choice of shade and colour. There’s no doubt about it, the contributing artists make Sketchy Saturday what it is, so be inspired, keep on sending in your work and allow others to see your awesome talent! Enjoy this weeks excellent, amazing and consistently fabulous Sketchy Saturday top 10: 10. by Maria Rochowiak, landscape architecture student at Agricultural University of Kraków

“I was inspired by a forest in my neighborhood where there are a lot of wonderful place like this one. I wanted to show the  singularity of that place. I made this sketch in October 2013. It shows the forest in late autumn. In the foreground there is a lonely tree over the water. In the backgroud we can see the other trees. To make this I used B2 pencil”. 9. Jakub Zdybel, landscape architect Poland “Zamosc is a Renaissance city-fortress built by Jan Zamoyski in 1576 designed by Italian Architect Bernardo Morando. Recently – Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. My drawing was created in my home studio on a piece of paper using a color pencil technique. In my sketch I wanted to show beauty and form of the old city building”. 8. by Oksana Gribaite, BSc Architecture graduate from Waterford, Ireland “I love drawing, it’s a great way to relax. This sketch started as a ballpoint drawing of fictional place, based on a book I was reading at the time. Only a few weeks later I added some watercolour to the drawing”. 7. by  Klára Zuskinová, graduated in 2012 as an Engineer in Landscape Architecture at the Slovak Technical University in Bratislava, Slovakia. This looks like a scene from a space age movie, a picture of life on another planet in another city. The skyscrapers look like giant crystals, so sterile and yet so interesting, perhaps a model or a visionary interpretation of things to come. “This is a study of a piece from Hugh Ferris’s 1916 New York datascape drawings for proposed skyline regulations as part of my masters project research; freehand, pencil and graphite on paper 2014.” 4. by Denisa Enache, landscape architecture student from Romania A simple sketch that would make a great cover for the front of a book, certainly the style of unlocked bicycle creates a feeling of older and simpler  times. The line style used to create the old brickwork and small wooden doors make this drawing very nostalgic. 3. by Karolina Ciok student of Landscape Architecture in Warsaw University od Live Sciences (SGGW) This sketch is all about one thing, that dramatic burst of light, creating and enhancing the entire scene. Turn off the light and you’ve got a completely different scenario. The striking shine literally pulsates the entire drawing with energy and charges it with an eclectic feeling in the air, something magical is about to happen! 2. by Anh Thi Ngoc Le, Msc. Sustainable Architecture student at Politecnico di Milano, Italy. “This sketch was drawn in color when I was doing my bachelor’s degree. This is the gate to enter  a small garden corner in Lang pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam. I love to sit in the cozy garden corner to observe things passing through that gate. Coloring pencil is a perfect material to express the traces of time on the arch”. 1. by Alan Ramiro Manning, Senior architecture student at Woodbury University, Burbank, Ca, USA. Thank you Alan for this brilliant sketch which slotted you in for a rightly deserved first place in this weeks Sketchy Saturday, the narrow pedestrian alley, the scooter and even the drain pipes all come together to perfectly deliver this intriguing space. “I was drawn by the narrow streets of Menton, France, a lovely village on the south coast border of Italy. Filled with character, wonder and authentic age, this perspective was irresistible not to do an urban sketch. The sketch was done with Micron pen and Winsor & Newton watercolors on a Moleskine watercolor notebook, size (cm) 21×13. Daily sketches can be followed through my Instagram @seethelines. ” Keep sketching with this really great value pencil set from Amazon: Pro Art 36-Piece Artist Pencil Set by PRO ART Check out the Sketchy Saturday official Facebook album and see literally hundreds of incredible sketches! If you want to take part send your entries into us at office@landarchs.com Article written by Scott D. Renwick

Atenistas takes run down street and turns it into a fun and functional public space! The playful Perikleous Street public intervention marries beautification with community engagement to transform a formerly neglected alley into a pleasant public space. The street was once a space inundated with trash, a dark and unwelcoming passageway, a dilapidated façade for graffiti, and a neglected piece of the city of Athens, Greece but now stands as a prime example of urban revitalization. The vision

The goal of the design intervention by Atenistas was to incorporate everyday items into a streetscape that would engage visitors, enliven the space, and make a statement with public art. The project was a joint effort and utilized connections with local business owners, residents, and the public lighting division. After 3 weeks of design, planning, and preparation, construction began on the morning of January 18th, 2014. The street was transformed in a matter of 11 hours with the help of 40 volunteers. The Design “Flying” AC Units: AC units that look like they are flying above the cityscape are some of the most playful and lighthearted pieces of the installation. Instead of looking at the AC units as a disruption or obstacle to the overall vision, they were embraced and became a focal point of the design. Pallet Furniture: Seating elements were carefully designed to allow for groups and individuals to coexist in the space. Stacked pallets with attached chair backs invite visitors to linger and converse. Other stacks of pallets form planter boxes and create mini outdoor rooms. Cityscape Mural: The minimalistic design of the urban mural evokes a sense of unity and feeling of security or comfort. A minimal color pallet is used so the bright yellow acts as an accent and highlight in the mural. Lights: One major key to the design was the installation of new lights in the alleyway by the public lighting division. This created a space where visitors felt safe at night. The newly redesigned alleyway along Perikleous Street creates a welcoming space and stands as a product of community collaboration. It is one of many examples of rapid landscape architecture in the city that is taking over streets, blocks, building facades, and parks all around the world. Lessons from Perikleous Street: Firms like Atenistas are setting the bar with design projects such as the one completed along Perikleous Street. Simplicity is best and helps create a cohesive and manageable design. If designers had sketched out elaborate murals or complex planters, it would have required more skilled volunteers and more expensive materials. Utilizing materials at our fingertips in designs help create local character that is unique to one space as well as holding down the project costs. The monetary investment was minimal but the time investment by designers and community members is what really transformed the space. After the idea was put onto paper, it took a team of people to come together to make the idea a reality. When community members have a stake in a project they immediately feel a sense of ownership and pride in their town and the project. This lesson on community collaboration and involvement is one of many that we can take away from projects such as Perikleous Street. See also: Top 10 Examples of Rapid Landscape Architecture Article written by Rachel Lynn Kruse

The Chinese Garden by Bianca Maria Rinaldi The modern landscaped garden certainly has some well established roots. The English, Japanese, French, and, not lastly, Chinese were pioneers in organizing all the elements of a garden to create an inspiring and unique space most often regarded as a piece of art. As we wish to explore every aspect of modern landscape architecture and its every implementation, we search the past to inspire the future. To do that, we have chosen Bianca Maria Rinaldi’s book “The Chinese Garden” as a great reference for gardeners and landscape architects alike. Overview 

My first impression of the book was quite positive. Even for an expert in the domain, “The Chinese Garden” seems like a complete guide to all the aspects concerning the design, history, and influences of the traditional Chinese garden. With a foreword by Franco Panzini, who punctuates the evolution and importance of the Chinese garden in a clear timeline, this book has no trouble persuading the reader to explore its pages. The general aim of this book is to encompass the complete collection of Chinese gardens, old and new, for the purpose of posing various perspectives on garden design and contemporary landscapes. Besides tapping into the full evolution and principles on which the typical Chinese garden is based, Rinaldi manages to present the true science of the compositional works, the traditions behind the design decisions, and the influence these works have had on contemporary interpretations from around the world. Structure and content Rinaldi starts the book with an overview of the Chinese garden’s principles and ethics, after which she makes a presentation of the evolution of garden design and all its particularities, based on the Chinese dynasties that shaped them. The bulk of the book is very much focused on the effect and composition of the gardens, as well as on the pure elements that make up these types of manipulation of nature. A very interesting aspect is the detailing of modern and foreign interpretations of the traditional Chinese garden. This gives the book its whole and makes it that much more attractive and informative for potential readers. The expansiveness of the content even contains short portraits of the most well-known Chinese parks and gardens, from the imperial era to the contemporary, from the heart of China to New York City. This is a hefty hardcover book with thick pages, perfect to withstand wear and tear, and, of course, intensive reading. The book’s composition itself is marvelous. From stunning photos and detailed sketches and plans to well-thought-out text, the harmony of its structure entices the reader. It could be said that the very book is based on the construction principles of a traditional garden. Get it Here! So why choose this book? In LAN’s opinion, this may be the complete “dictionary” on the topic of Chinese gardens and is well worth a read by professionals and enthusiasts alike. “The Chinese Garden” encompasses wit, information, and visual representations that will wow anyone, not to mention give them a full schooling on the topic. In the words of Franco Panzini: “Studying the compositional methods of Chinese gardens is not only a deeper way to understand one of the great adventures in humanity’s relation with nature, but also an important contribution to the evolution of contemporary landscape architecture.” About the author Bianca Maria Rinaldi studied architecture at the University of Camerino, Italy, and landscape architecture at the Leibniz University in Hanover, Germany. She was assistant professor at the Institute for Landscape Architecture of the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences in Vienna and at the Institute for Architecture and Landscape of Graz University of Technology, Austria. She is assistant professor for landscape architecture at the School of Architecture and Design of the University of Camerino, Italy. Get it Here! Publisher: Birkhauser; 1 edition (March 28, 2011) Type: Hardcover No. of pages: 176 pages Review written by Oana Anghelache Featured image; credit: Shutterstock.com

Anyone who is, or has been, a landscape architecture student knows the value of exploring past and present projects for both design ideas and inspiration. Anyone who is, or has been, a landscape architecture student also knows that free time is hard to come by. Rarely do you get the opportunity to take time out to scour the Internet for such designs. So, I am here to help. The following 10 projects for students are examples of incredible landscape architecture that every student needs to know about, representing more than simply the aesthetic and pushing the boundaries of what landscape architecture is and what it can be! 1. Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord Why? Duisburg Nord is considered an icon in the reclamation and reuse of a post-industrial landscapes. The designers built respectfully atop the existing site and procured new layers of meaning through enhancing found structures and integrating landscape, park, and garden design. The repurposing of this industrial site kick-started a change in how people think about existing spaces within the public realm. Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord also features in our Top 10 Reused Industrial Landscapes 2. Paley Park

Why? For its human scale and maximization of a small space. This tiny pocket park in midtown Manhattan is a superb example of a privately owned public space. Its location at street level lures pedestrians in, providing users with an intimate park experience and respite from the bustling city. 3. The High Line Why? As clichéd as it may be, it deserves to be here. The initiative and vision of two High Line neighborhood residents, Joshua David and Robert Hammond, resulted in the foundation of the Friends of the High Line. They advocated its reuse rather than demolition. Where others saw destruction, they saw opportunity. 4. The Eden Project Why? For its self-sufficiency and education. This former china clay quarry now acts as one of the largest plant enclosures in the world. No imported soil was used in the design.– Instead, green waste, surplus sand, and clay were manufactured into topsoil. Within the gardens are vast botanical and ecological collections that educate visitors about the relationship between plants and people around the world. 5. 9/11 Memorial Why? These sculptural voids represent one of the most infamous events in human history. Out of disaster has come a beautiful and touching memorial that preserves and honors citizens’ painful recollections. This high-use public spacesuccessfully portrays devastating loss while simultaneously celebrating rebirth and life. The 9/11 Memorial also features in our Top 10 Names In Landscape Architecture Today 6. Zhongshan Shipyard Park Why? For rejecting popular attitudes toward Chinese park design and for its acknowledgement of the Cultural Revolution. This former industrial shipyard represents 50 years of socialist China, and the designers recognized that the historic experiences encapsulated within it should be celebrated, not erased. It was this recognition and incorporation of the recent past that led to a new public park movement in China. See this project here! 7. Shanghai Houtan Park Why? For its landscape performance benefits and its showcasing of sustainable technologies. This former industrial site now serves as a linear corridor containing a series of natural and constructed wetlands. Not only is it an effective flood-control buffer, the site cleans up a whopping 634,000 gallons of polluted river water every day — purely through biological processes. Shanghai Houten Park also features in our article Contemporary Landscape Architecture in China: Beautiful or Dangerous? 8. Gardens By The Bay South Why? Gardens By They Bay South makes the list for its success in bringing sustainability to the masses and its integrated multidisciplinary approach. The site functions as both a tourist destination and educational tool for the conservation of diverse flora, with its environmental infrastructure allowing otherwise endangered plants to flourish. 9. Superkilen Why? For stimulating social integration within a multicultural urban environment. Community participation was a key driver in this kilometer-long park situated north of Copenhagen’s city center. In order to unify and support the diversity of more than 60 nationalities, the designers traveled abroad with locals and sourced objects to utilize in the park that symbolized their national identities. 10. Bingara and The Living Classroom Why? For its vision in future-proofing Australian rural communities. The Living Classroom master plan aims to transform a community’s 150-hectare town common into a self-sustaining and regenerative agricultural food forest. With the food-supply chain representing a major part of our environmental footprint, the project will solidify the town’s future economic prosperity and serve as an exemplar for surrounding regions. See it here! There you have it. These projects provide a great base for inspiration or exemplar designs, and represent at least part of a broad scope of the work the profession of landscape architecture entails. Readers, if you have suggestions for additional projects, please do comment! You may also be interested in the following: Top 10 World Class Landscape Architecture Projects of 2013 Article written by Paul McAtomney

Australia is a nation renowned for many things. Its vast array of killer creatures, alluring beaches, self-deprecating humour, backyard barbeques and inordinate beer consumption to name a few. Aussies are proud of their country and unique culture. I know this, being one myself. What I also know is that our nation has some of the best landscape architects in the world. Here are 10 examples showing why Australia is the leader in landscape architecture. 10. Bonython Park Playspace – WAX Design This premier playspace and community hub is located along a naturalistic river setting within the Adelaide Parklands. Through community involvement and collaborative design, carefully considered user focused solutions provide opportunities for children of all abilities to develop physical and social skills. The park features exhilarating flying foxes, climbing equipment, a hamster wheel, a water play area and a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round. 9. Southport Broadwater Parklands – AECOM Prior to redevelopment this urban parkland was a 1000 space car park. The sites proximity to the coastline, local river systems, and event hubs necessitated a creative approach to design and environmental initiatives.  A 2700m2 urban wetland filter cleanses stormwater runoff before entering the ocean, while 300 metres of solar paneling generate most of the sites electricity needs. The parklands now serve as an iconic gateway for the city of Gold Coast and provide an active green waterfront. 8.  Rio Tinto Naturescape, Kings Park & Botanic Gardens – Plan (E) This imaginative approach to a bushland setting within an urban environment utilises a natural creek system as a playspace for children, reconnecting them with nature. Water elements, wood sculptures, pathways, boardwalks and bridges all reinforce this sense of place within the bush, while also providing an educational experience and journey for adults and carers. 7. Victorian Desalination Plant Project Green Roof – Aspect Studios Aspect Studios project synthesises industry and landscape, visually blending the desalination plant’s architectural form into the coastline. This piece of green infrastructure not only mitigates any unwanted visual impacts, but also stores and cleans rainwater. Surrounded by 225 hectares of ecological reserve, this is land art on a grand scale. 6. Ballast Point Park – McGregor Coxall

This prominent headland overlooking Sydney Harbour was once a contaminated industrial site used for the production of lubricant. It now acts as a fascinating spot to play above the water for both residents and visitors alike. The project minimises it carbon footprint by incorporating site-wide stormwater bioflitration, recycled materials and wind turbines for on-site energy production. 5. South Bank Parklands – Cardno S.P.L.A.T Colloquially known as ‘Brisbane’s backyard’, South Bank Parklands is a world-class river-edge urban park located in the heart of the city’s cultural precinct. Complete with interactive water playgrounds, a kilometre long horticultural arbour and a man-made beach and lagoon facing the city, this diverse and programmable open space celebrates Brisbane’s subtropical outdoor environment and caters for over 6 million visitors per year. 4. Former BP Site – McGregor Coxall Formerly the home of the BP Corporation and its barrels of oil, this site’s polluted past has been transformed into a post-industrial waterfront park. Viewing decks and walking platforms float over the sites iconic sandstone cliffs, whilst stairs wrap over and around the various topographic levels. Historic remnants are wonderfully contrasted against contemporary structures, providing a design narrative through materiality. You can see it here. 3. Darling Quarter – Aspect Studios The foreshore of Darling Harbour is considered a landmark destination in Sydney and is one of the most visited in the country, being a magnet for local families, visitors and tourists. The centrepiece of this redevelopment is an innovative 4000m2 urban play space, with interactive play zones designed to suit specific age groups. Sustainability was a key focus of the project – with harvested rainwater irrigating the site and supplying water to the interactive play facilities. 2. The National Arboretum Canberra – Taylor Cullity Lethlean This utopian landscape project is in response to a series of ruinous bushfires south west of the nations capital in 2003, revealing vast, undulating topography. The project is centered on the creation of 100 forests, conserving 100 of the world’s most endangered botanic species. Embracing ideals of sustainability, biodiversity and public environmental concern, the design aims to protect these endangered species in times of imminent climate change. 1. The Australian Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne – Taylor Cullity Lethlean Using the rugged Australian landscape as inspiration, the garden takes users on a metaphorical journey and captures the quintessential qualities of our amazing country.  Drought tolerant horticulture, water sensitive design and sustainable material choices have resulted in a holistic and creative composition and demonstrate how landscape architecture can lead diverse teams of specialist disciplines to achieve an integrated design outcome. This list could go on and on, but I feel these 10 projects alone are perfect exemplars of the talented landscape architects Australia can call their own. How does your country stack up? You may also be interested in the following: The Australian Garden That Everyone’s Talking About! Article written by Paul McAtomney.

STPMJ Create World’s First Invisible Barn! Do you remember Parc de la Villette in Paris? The park was designed by the French architect Bernard Tschumi, who built it from 1984 to 1987. It hosts museums, concert halls, live performance stages, theaters, and children playgrounds. It’s one of the largest concentrations of cultural venues in Paris, including Europe’s largest science museum. But it is most famous for its 35 architectural follies. They are placed on a grid, forming a distinct organization within the park and acting as points of reference that help visitors navigate. What is a folly? In architecture, a folly is a building constructed mainly for decoration, but suggesting another purpose, or a structure so extravagant that it goes beyond the normal range of garden ornament. Follies are found worldwide and have been used since the 18th century. Mainly used in English and French gardens, follies often took the form of Roman temples, ruined gothic abbeys, or Egyptian pyramids. In Parc de la Villette, the iconic follies act as architectural representations of deconstruction. But what would a contemporary folly look like? The Architectural League’s Folly Competition is a contest that asks architects and designers to create a 21st century folly to be installed in the Socrates Sculpture Park in New York. The call is to explore the contemporary interpretation of the architectural folly. The designers should explore the boundary between sculpture and architecture, and the overlapping concepts and techniques between the two fields.

The design practice STPMJ has come up with a cool and extraordinary conceptual project: The Invisible Barn is designed to challenge visitors’ perceptions. The structure is made from two-by-four wooden surfaces covered in Mylar. The shiny material reflects its surroundings, creating the illusion that the building has disappeared. The Invisible Barn sits in the middle of a grove and reflects the trees and plants around it, the sky, the ground, and the seasonal changes. A few strategically placed cutouts support the illusion, creating floating windows to the surrounding landscape. The illusion is exceptional, especially when the visitor discovers that he can actually walk through the passageways like a door. Nobody would expect to not see the folly. The designers decided to hide the architectural construction and to emphasize the natural landscape around it, making it more challenging and interactive for the visitor. It steps back in order to celebrate nature Even though the project didn’t win the competition, this concept is an excellent example of the contemporary folly. For the sake of being cool, it wins all the points. Moreover, it implies a “coming back to nature” message that is clearly appreciated. Through the invisibility of the architectural construction, the focus is shifted from the manmade to the natural world. A traditionally attractive small-scale building or pavilion, part of a garden or landscape to frame a view, the folly takes different shape in the modern world we live in. This notable entry plays with the ever-changing environment, as well as with the perception of the visitor between the real and the mirrored surroundings. See more projects from stpmj You may also be interested in these other worlds of art: Incredible Public Art at Highway Underpass! Mark Nixon’s Chimecco Chime Bridge Follow the Invisible Barn’s Kickstarter project to give Invisible Barn a new home at Sagehen Creek Field Station, a research facility of UC Berkeley. Click here for more details Article written by Slavyana Popcheva