Author: LAN

What can we learn from nature’s natural architects to inspire our built environment.  We humans like to think of ourselves as the best architects and engineers on the planet, but for millions of years animals have been constructing their own low carbon cost-effective homes from what they find around them in their natural environment. In this article we look at what we can learn from the world’s natural builders through three of the best examples of animal architects.

Arguably the best builders in the (natural) world are termites. The mounds termites build are HUGE for their size. The collective homes of these social animals can reach 7.5 m (25 feet) in height, and up to 12 m (40 feet) in diameter. Given that the average termite is 1 cm (0.4 inches) long, that’s pretty incredible. Scaled up to human size we would have to build a skyscraper 1.4 Km (4,600 feet) tall to compete with those kind of statistics! To put that into perspective, currently the world’s tallest building is the Burj Khalifa in Dubai standing at 830 m (2,722 feet) tall. What’s particularly interesting about the form of Burj Khalifa is that it is remarkably similar to that of a termite mound. The tapering form of the tower has a lower center of gravity, thus increasing stability, and allowing for a taller building.

The Smallest Animals are the Best Architects, with the Biggest Structures

But their size is not the only thing which makes termite mounds so amazing. As well as being homes, termite mounds are also farms. These clever little critters cultivate a fungus (such as Termitomyces species) to break down their food into more easily digestible compounds. This, however requires the interior of the termite mound is kept at a constant 30 °C (87 °F), when the outside temperatures can range from a couple of degrees above freezing, to in excess of 40 °C (105 °F). The termites achieve this by creating a series of ventilation tunnels which extend from the base of the mound to a central shaft which then exits at the top. This creates convection currents which regulate the internal temperature of the mound. WATCH: Termite Mounds – Wallace & Gromit’s World of Invention Episode 1 Preview – BBC One This very concept inspired architect Mick Pearce to design the Eastgate Center in Harare, Zimbabwe. This 55,000 square meter mixed used development employs the passive environmental heating/cooling system used in termite mounds to enable the entire building to be run without conventional heating or air conditioning. All this means the building is able to run on a budget that is approximately only 10% of a similar conventional building.

The Best Engineers Make the Best Architects

Some animal architects create such large interventions that they physically alter their environment. These are known as engineer species. Beavers are known to create such extensive dams that they change the ecology of their surroundings. These types of organism are generally known as allogenic engineers.

There is a common miss-held belief that The Great Wall of China can be clearly seen from space. NASA has confirmed that this is generally not the case. However, there is a beaver dam on the edge of Wood Buffalo National Park in Northern Alberta, Canada, which CAN be seen from space. The dam, which has only recently been discovered, measures 850 m (2790 feet), and is thought to be the work of several beaver families working in cooperation. WATCH: Dam Those Beavers By contrast the largest man-made dam is the Three Gorges Dam in China, finally completed and fully operational since July 2012. The hydro-electric dam measures 2,335 m (7,660 feet), and can also be seen from space. But dams are not the only things we humans have borrowed from beavers. Defensive moats, methods of irrigation, and snow insulating roofs are all examples of humans imitating the building practices of beavers. Related Articles:

• Biomimicry: What is it, and What Does it Mean For Landscape Architects?
• Understanding the Basic Principles of Organic Design
• Biomimicry UK: Interview With Richard James MacCowan

Another great example of animal architecture is that of the humble honey bee. These much over-looked engineers construct hives of extreme complexity and subtle design. The honey comb (that most iconic of forms) is specifically designed to maximize the amount of space available to the bees. A hexagon shape allows for the maximum volume of honey to be stored in the smallest of spaces. Further more the tessellating shape of the honey comb affords the structure immense strength. So much strength in fact that Korean architect In-Cheurl Kim borrowed the idea for his striking building The Urban Hive located in Seoul. Less ‘Gangnam Style‘ and more beehive style, this building uses the principles of honeycomb to create large, extremely strong exterior walls which support the structure of the building. Gangnam Style? Other conventional buildings in the Gangnam district of Seoul use a more traditional steel frame and concrete curtain wall construction. But thanks to the unique construction of The Urban Hive there is no need for a separate steel skeleton. This allows the building to have larger, more multifunctional spaces, as well as minimizing construction costs. Incredible Examples of the Best Architects These are just three examples of incredible animal’s best architects, and how they can influence our design of buildings to make them taller, stronger, and more efficient. I believe there is a wealth of potential inspiration in the animal kingdom. Perhaps in our strive for greener, cheaper, more sustainable buildings we should be looking to the natural world for our muse? Feature image: HDR Tower Bridge by Robmcm CC2.0 Recommended reading:

• Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature by Dora Lee
• The Shark’s Paintbrush: Biomimicry and How Nature is Inspiring Innovation by Jay Harman

Article by Ashley Penn Return to Homepage

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

A deeper look at some truly awesome ways to use plants. Looking at examples from around the world. What are the most awesome, unique, awe inspiring, cool planting schemes and use of plants in the landscape and beyond?  Green roofs, living walls, green facades, phytoremediation, moss art, green graffiti, and mass plantings; there is too much to choose from . Whether it’s ecological, functional, sensory or just simply visually stunning, here’s 9 of my favourites.  What’s yours?

Awesome Ways to Use Plants

9. Muscari River, Keukenhof Gardens, Holland Consisting of Muscari armeniacum, also known as Grape Hyacinths, the Muscari or “Blue River” winds through 32 hectares of the gardens and woodland, at Keukenhof Gardens in Holland.  Without a doubt one of the most spectacular sights and most photographed scenes at Keukenhof. Along with the overpowering visual impact of the planting scheme, the scent from the Muscari helps establish a truly unique character for itself as an element of the landscape. WATCH: Keukenhof Gardens (Forward to 3:20 to see the Muscari River) 8. The Pothole Gardener Not content with waiting for potholes to be fixed with boring, depressing tarmac, a guerrilla gardener from East London who fills potholes with compost, colourful perennials/bedding plants and then adds toys, doll furniture, etc to create mini landscapes, often with a comedic edge. WATCH: Holes Of Happiness 7. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, Grant Associates The most iconic aspect of the Gardens by the Bay is the Supertree structures.  Steel structures, ranging in height from 25 to 50m.  These super structures harvest rainwater, generate energy through photo voltaics and function as ventilation channels for the parks’ biomes.  The structures are clad with a living wall; consisting of Bromeliads, Orchids and Ferns.  The living walls vegtation passively cools the air entering the ventilation channels into the biomes.

6. ‘Bloom’ by Anna Schuleit “Bloom” was a temporary living art installation and later on, a social artwork, located within the walls of the now demolished Massachusetts Mental Health Centre. The installation celebrated over 90 years of the centre’s service and accomplishments, with the use of 28,000 flowers representing “how flowers are a symbol of healing when they are given to the sick, yet patients of psychiatric institutions rarely receive flowers. She decided to counteract this absence of colour and life”. Truly, haunting and thought provoking. WATCH: Bloom by Anna Schuleit Haber 5. Public Farm 1 by Architecture WORKS Public Farm 1 was constructed in 2008 as an educational and social space that functioned as an urban farm.  Edible vegetables, fruits, salads were located in raised planter columns which grave rise to an eye catching structure.  Along with the more obvious benefits, this planting scheme proved that urban farms could be designed to be aesthetically stunning, while still performing the desired function. WATCH: Public Farm 1 4. MFO Park, Zurich, Switzerland The steel structural facade houses an interior courtyard garden and elevated walkway while creating a historical link to Zurich’s industrial heritage.  The facade is colonised by numerous species of climbers, vines and shrubs. Read our full review of MFO park. The plant species is split between a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen; this allows for precious sunlight to penetrate into the interior courtyard garden providing warmth during winter, while providing shade in the summer as the vegetation re-colonizes the structure.  The spreading vegetation symbolizes Zurich’s progression from an industrial city to that of a sustainable and green one. 3. ‘A Wheatfield with Cypresses’ Green Wall, London’s Trafalgar Square, National Gallery Based on Van Gogh’s painting of the same name, this living wall is a carbon copy, with plant choices, based on the boldness of colour, arranged in blocks to represent the painter’s masterpiece.  The scene is brought to life with the added dynamics of texture and movement of the grasses in the wind. Read more about green walls in our article Going Vertical: The History of Green Walls WATCH:  ‘A Wheatfield with Cypresses’ Green Wall (Forward to 1:50) 2. Hitachi Seaside Park Forget that it’s a monoculture and all the negative associations with such a planting approach.  It’s awesome.  The images in the video say it all. WATCH: Hitachi Seaside Park 1. Wisteria at Ashikaga Park, in Japan. Magical.  Graceful.  Ethereal.  Awesome.  Need I say more? So there it is, what did you think? What’s your favourite and which projects do think deserve to be on this list (or the next one!)?  I hope you enjoyed my countdown and are making a mental note of where to take your next landscape adventure! Recommended reading:

• Planting: A New Perspective by Noel Kingsbury
• Botany for Designers: A Practical Guide for Landscape Architects and Other Professionals by Kimberly Duff Turner

Article by Joseph Clancy Return to Homepage

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

Looking to interject color into a blighted landscape?  It may be easier than you think. Combine clay, compost, native seeds and water, and you have the fixings for a classic clay seed ball.  The seed ball, a preferred weapon of the guerrilla gardener, is an inexpensive way to cover expansive areas in a short period of time. The first recorded use of the term “guerrilla gardening” was in New York’s Bowery-Houston area by Liz Christy in 1973.  Christy and her group transformed a neglected private lot into a garden.  Today, this space still exists, maintained by volunteers and overseen by the parks department.  Since the 1970’s, Guerrilla Gardening has exploded in popularity and use as a method of improving our abandoned spaces.

Johnny Appleseed and The Diggers Surprisingly this methodology dates back to the 17^th century when Gerrard Winstanley and John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, fought for the right to cultivate land.  Winstanley founded an activist group titled “True Levellers,” and as a collective force they acquired public land to plant crops.  Due to their actions they became known as “Diggers.”  Their objective was to restore the social order by imbuing their pastoral lifestyle and values to create equality among communities. There is a book dedicated to Gerrard Winstanley you can see here! Similarly, Johnny Appleseed traveled and planted nurseries, constructing fences to protect them from livestock and enlisting a caretaker for each property.  Trees were sold on shares, and Appleseed returned regularly to tend the nurseries.  On a significantly smaller scale related practices are emerging worldwide. Richard Reynolds, a guerrilla gardener himself, established the blog Guerrilla Gardening.  Here he highlighted his solo gardening work outside of Perronet House in London, and it quickly thrived into an international movement.  Originally his motivation was to beautify the neighborhood, but by doing so he captivated a following of guerrilla gardeners. You can get Richard’s book: On Guerrilla Gardening: A Handbook for Gardening Without Boundaries No Rules, No Permission! Guerrilla gardening can be defined as “the cultivation of someone else’s land without permission”.  Orphaned land is readily abundant in many post-industrial cities and towns and often remains an underutilized asset.  This form of gardening involves a broad range of individuals from enthusiasts to those who use it as a mechanism to provoke change.  It serves as a means to mobilize gardeners without land to employ their creative energy.  Spaces exhibiting no prior meaning are converted into shared places, enhancing the “sense of community.” Who does it? Attracting a mix of individuals, reasons for participating are encompassing; first, many do not have land to own a garden, and consequently they resort to alternative venues such as guerrilla gardening.  Perhaps the magnitude of abandoned clusters of land in your neighborhood has you aspiring to remedy the situation, or your street needs aesthetic improvements; additionally, this activity could serve as a vehicle for political change regarding the urban environment and land development.  For others, illicit gardening is a tactic for survival and a source of food. WATCH: Ron Finley: A guerilla gardener in South Central LA The Ideal Operation Easily accessible plots of underappreciated land can be enlightened by the use of plants from local suppliers or a friend’s private garden.  When acquiring plants ask your supplier if he or she would be willing to donate.  Or if your friend agrees, his or her garden can function as a staging area for harvesting seeds and cuttings and preparing for your task.  Select plants that are hardy and impactful; these plants need to be largely self-dependent and adaptable to little water, contrasting temperatures, and foot traffic.  However, not all areas are attainable for planting. Bombs Away! For those tough-to-reach plots, gardeners engage in seed bombing.  This technique allows seeds to be sown as the capsule degrades.  The most basic and economical design is the classic clay seed ball.  Japanese biologist and farmer Masanobu Fukuoka is credited with this invention, and it has proven to be the most popular method.  Feeling experimental?  Consider Seedbom, VisuaLingual, or Greenaid DIY mixes. Seedboms are handmade from reclaimed and recycled materials (usually post-consumer paper) and contain organic peat free compost, organic fertilizer, and an array of seeds.  Mixes offered include: sunflowers, native wildflowers, cornfield flowers, and nasturtiums. Shopping for the latest Guerrilla Gardening Products VisuaLingual carries an assortment of seed bomb pouches containing mixes dedicated to specific regions throughout the USA and special bee, butterfly, and bird blends.  Five balls are packed into each pouch and should be planted in the spring, summer, or early fall.  On impact the balls will burst, with rain they will further disintegrate, and over time you can watch them grow! Who enjoys salsa?  Through Greenaid’s Garden Salsa mix, radical gardeners can incorporate produce production into their practice.  Each recycled cardboard sleeve contains six seed bombs and includes two of the following: organic cilantro, organic tomato, and organic jalapeño pepper. STOP! You’re Breaking The Law Although illegal, guerrilla gardeners are more active than ever.  Many spectators that witness the act understand the message and have no intention of calling the police.  To some, guerrilla gardening may seem anarchic, but make no mistake these individuals are well strategized, educated, and culturally aware. WATCH: The Cool Video into the Elusive World of Guerrilla Gardening In London, where Reynold’s group is strong, police often stop to have a quick glance and continue on.  With these thoughts in mind, it is clear that guerrilla gardening is a worthwhile and valued activity.  It brings amenity green space into the areas that need it most, that can’t afford the expertise of a landscape architect and have long been abandoned by those who drive investment.  Guerrilla gardens are the true reflections of a community and its desires.  The difference between the past and present is now people have the tools and know how they need to get the job done! Stick to these three rules:

1. Use only land that is unused or undesired
2. Leave the land in better condition than prior to finding it
3. Plan ahead

After all, what is subversive about planting flowers? Recommended Reading: Guerrilla Gardening: A Manualfesto  by David Tracey Article written by Brett Lezon Return to Homepage View LAN’s most popular articles HERE! Featured image: Guerilla Garden in front of Flying Pigeon LA. By Umberto Brayj CC 2.0

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

Some pieces of art are meant to be admired from above, from a bird’s-eye view. They are always large, usually very impressive, and have been known to humanity for quite a while – long before the Google Earth era. Some of the notable examples that must be mentioned include the Uffington White Horse, Cerne Abbas giant, the Long Man of Wilmington, Osmington White Horse, the Nazca lines in Peru and some of the modern ones – the works of Jim Denevan or Jaroslaw Koziara. The role of these prehistoric pieces is often uncertain and a matter of much speculation; the modern installations are a part of the land art movement, which brings together art and landscape.

There are many artists worth mentioning and numerous land art installations deserving of an article. However, one piece is particularly surreal – a giant toy rabbit lying on side of Coletto Fara Mountain, right above a village of Artesina in Italy. The Interactive Art This queer addition to the mountainous landscape feels like its taken straight from Alice in Wonderland. Responsible for it is a group of artists by the name of Gelitin. The four Austrians: Ali Janka, Wolfgang Gantner, Tobias Urban and Florian Reither met in 1978 at a summer camp. Since then, as their website states, “they have been playing and working together”. Their work surely looks like they are having a lot of fun! They are known for a provocative sculpture titled “Arc de Triomphe”, representing a man bent over backwards and urinating into his own mouth. This piece caused a scandal in Salzburg and was taken down before the visit of Prince Charles. Their works demand the viewer’s attention and action, they are not meant to be appreciated in a quiet, serious environment of an art gallery. They are very much alive and living their own, independent lives – that is what the pink rabbit is all about. Visible From Space The sculpture is mostly composed of straw and wool. It is 60 metres long, 6 metres high and is visible from space. The legend (spread by the group itself) has it, that dozens of grannies made its “skin” out of a ton of pink wool. The artists took the pieces and sewed them together on the site, in their carefully chosen location. The Hase (German word for hare) is lying on a hill slope like on a bed, looking like a once loved, but now abandoned, giant’s kid toy. It is lacking one eye, its mouth is open as in a mute scream and its intestines and red heart are ripped out from its round, pink belly. Tourism Magnet Nonetheless, it is adored by the locals and the tourists. The artists claim that “as soon as there’s a ladder, someone from the village comes up with sewing kit in hand and repairs him”. Only the people from the other, neighboring villages do not appreciate this new inhabitant of the mountainside – but they are probably just jealous of all the attention it is getting! Hundreds of tourists make the exhausting journey up the mountain path to see it, take pictures or simply lie on its warm, soft belly, becoming a part of it for a while. The skiers in winter use it as a jump, the tourists in the summer – as a giant sun bed. It’s Unique Relationship with the People The artists themselves describe it as a “decaying corpse” and “Gulliver”, while its human visitors are “maggots” and “Lilliputs“. They are supposed to feel tiny in comparison to the rabbit, climb on it like on a mountain, discovering its summits and valleys. The sculpture is a landscape in its own right! Becoming an Eternal Part of the Landscape The rabbit is slowly growing into the landscape. When the autumn mists are lifting, it looks like it is still breathing. Moss and grass are sprouting from its belly and the animals are burrowing in its body. The weather and the visitors are taking their toll. It is gradually decomposing. It is meant to stay on the site from 2005 until 2025, by which time it is predicted to completely disappear. The interaction of the rabbit with the human factor and the surrounding landscape is the integral part of Gelitin’s art. They want to see it become the part of the mountainside, but also the visitors to climb on it, use it and abuse it, marvel at it and above all – simply enjoy it and love it. And the artists promise it loves them back! The rabbit is supposed to bring happiness, just like the rest of Gelitin’s work, which might be a bit tasteless, slightly psychedelic, quite silly, might even be bordering kitsch, but which always means pure, un-spoilt fun. Article by Marta Ratajszczak

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This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

Biomimicry or biomimetics refers to the direct study of nature, its organisms, ecosystems, and processes to inspire solutions to anthropogenic problems. It is based on the Darwinian principle of evolution through natural selection -the basic premise that species survive because they are well adapted to their environment. Traditionally, when researching for a product, designers will look at what products have gone before. Building on the successes of the previous models, designers then add new innovations to hopefully make a better product. This is commonly known as research and development or ‘R&D’ for short. In biomimetics designers look to how nature has solved problems. This is then studied and copied. This method of copying nature takes full advantage of the 3.5 billion years of ‘R&D’ that nature has undergone, through natural selection.

A Brief History of Velcro Perhaps the best known example of biomimicry is Velcro. That well known staple of kindergarten shoes was originally developed by Swiss engineer George de Mestral in 1941. Whenever Mestral returned from his walk he would always have to brush the burs of seed heads from his dog’s fur.  He wondered how it was that the seed heads came to be so entangled in his dog’s fur. When he studied the burs on the seed heads he noticed how they had tiny hooks on them. The many burs acted together to ‘grip’ onto the fur of the dog. Thus he designed a product which had tiny hooks on one side, and loops on the other. Biomimetics can be a very smelly idea! Biomimetics is much older than the 20^th century though. Arguably the earliest and simplest form of biomimicry would be the use of dung when hunting. Early hunters noticed that if they disguised their smell with the dung / faeces of their prey, then they were able to get much closer without frightening them away.  Another example is human flight. The ability to fly, using planes and gliders, is directly linked to our early inspiration drawn from birds. We copied the wings and the aerodynamic shapes of birds until eventually in 1903 the Wright brothers took the first manned flight. The Difference Between Domestication and Biomimicry To understand biomimetics it is important to make the clear distinction between domestication and biomimicry. Domestication is where humans use an organism directly to solve an anthropogenic problem. Perhaps the most obvious example of this is farming. We simply grow the plan / animal / fungi and then eat it. A more sophisticated example of domestication is phytoremediation. Examples of phytoremediation can be seen in the following articles: Developing on Inner City Brownfield Sites Top 10 Reused Industrial Landscapes In the example above humans use an organism or natural process directly to achieve their aims. The plants used in phytoremediation are simply domesticated in exactly the same as wheat in a field. Biomimicry, however, differs in that designers look to see what it is that the organism is doing, how they are doing it, and then sees if it can be replicated in a cost effective and performance enhancing way. Who REALLY deserves an Olympic gold medal? In 2008 Michael Phelps received much well-deserved attention as he won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics. But during the Beijing Olympics the swimsuits of some of the top athletes received as much attention as the athletes themselves. Sharkskin suits had been around for a while, but their unprecedented success from 2000 to 2008 won them notoriety. Speedo had developed an all body swimsuit which took inspiration from the skin of sharks. Sharks’ skin is covered in dermal denticles, or ‘skin teeth’. These tiny scales have grooves running along their length in line with the direction of water flow, thus breaking the water tension and minimising turbulence.  Speedo’s ‘Fastskin’ swimsuit is also covered in tiny artificial dermal denticles. This gives the athlete an advantage as they are more hydrodynamic. Biomimicry in Landscape Architecture Another aquatic example of biomimicry, which is more closely aligned with Landscape Architecture, is the wind turbine blade developed by Whalepower. The turbine blade is based on research carried out by Duke University, West Chester University, and the US Naval Academy. In this research scientists studied the bumps on the fins of whales, and concluded (perhaps counter-intuitively) that these bumps help reduce drag by 32% and increase lift by 8%! Today many landscape architects are engaged in planning battles over the landscape and visual impact of wind farms. One of the main considerations of wind turbines is the noise they make. The turbine blades developed by Whalepower are similar in shape to whale flippers and help to increase efficiency whilst reducing noise. So much of the inspiration behind biomimetics comes from the sea. This is perhaps not surprising as 70% of the earth’s surface is water, and it is estimated that the majority of the earth’s biomass lives in its oceans. Furthermore it is a commonly held belief that life began in oceans, and so there has been a longer time for evolution’s ‘R&D’ to develop advanced solutions to problems. The Future of Biomimetics The future of biomimetics is set to revolutionise urban design as Janine Benyus, author of Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature, turns her attention to introducing biomimetics to town planning, together with architectural firm HOK.  The basic principle is that if Town Planners, Urban Designers, Landscape Architects and Architects can design cities to be more like functioning ecosystems then we can design out problems of water attenuation, air pollution, and carbon retention.

Whilst still in its early stages, the joint venture hopes to both create new cities which thrive, and retrofit failing cities with biomimetic infrastructure. Many of the ‘tools’ for this will be familiar to fans of Landscape Architecture; greenways, undeveloped flood plains, green walls / roofs, permeable paving, etc. But the key is to use all these tools to create a city which behaves like an ecosystem. Projects are already under way in China and India.

From the microscopic scale of dermal denticles to the macroscopic scale of city planning, biomimicry and biomimetics can offer a wealth of design inspiration to product, architectural, and landscape design. It would seem the possibilities are as endless as life is diverse. Recommended reading: Biomimicry: Inventions Inspired by Nature by Dora Lee The Shark’s Paintbrush: Biomimicry and How Nature is Inspiring Innovation by Jay Harman Article written by Ashley Penn Return to Homepage

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

Have you ever walked in a park between old industrial buildings getting a scent of the industrial era, while having a thousand things to explore? The park area, located in the northern part of Duisburg, was abandoned by the steel industry, Thyssen AG, in 1985 and began decaying before 1989.  It became a part of the International Building exhibition, “IBA EmscherPark“, and was converted to what it is now. It was a segment of a ten-year transformation process combining more than one hundred projects, revitalizing a former industrial stretch of more than 300 km along the Emscher River. The Duisburg-Nord innovative landscape masterpiece took about ten years to complete and is constantly changing. The first part opened in 1994. Industrial Landscapes The aim of IBA Emscherpark project was to set new guidelines and standards in planning for a quality environmental, social, and economic design. Having in mind the objectives of ecological recovery, modern drainage systems, of the river, preservation of the industrial legacy and the social and cultural aspects, Latz + Partner made a project manifesting the industrial heritage of the area through landscape design.

The plan incorporated play, nature, culture, and history in different forms to create a vital environment of functions, activities, and events. The former industrial buildings were kept and integrated as part of the new landscape using imagination and creativity. The total area of the park is 230 ha and was planned by combining a variety of thematic elements. The Blast Furnace Park – The main gathering point and symbol in the park is Piazza Metalica. Made out of pig iron casting, this area represents the connection between the past and present. If you are looking for an amazing view of the city you should climb on top Blast Furnace 5 where a panoramic platform is placed. Inside you get even more surprised, finding a hospitable food outlet welcoming you in a very untraditional interior. Waterfront – The canal previously took away wastewater from the factory.  Now it is a clean water canal, which you can cross by bridges or paths or just sit by and enjoy the view, letting your imagination flow in the landscape. Watch: An overview of Landschaftspark Duisburg – Nord

Play points – Maybe when you hear the word “play” you relate it to kids, but at Duisburg-Nord there are play points for everyone. You can find diving courses in the former Gasometer, now among the most innovative diving center in Germany. Also, high ropes and climbing walls, which are built on the ore bunker.  There is also horse riding, archery courses, BMX riding, and lots of kid’s playgrounds full of surprises!

Ore Bunker Gallery – It is a labyrinth of spaces designed with the help of artists from the Lehmbruck Museum, which is not only a gallery, but a discovery of gardens, sounds, and views stretching through the designed bridges, pathways, and wall openings. Related Articles: Top 10 Reused Industrial Landscapes Community Turn Abandoned Industrial Site into Public Park Industrial Site Transforms into Beautiful Landscape

There is great balance between architecture, history, and nature, which is being maintained and developed through time. You can find ecological farming and agriculture that composed the landscape before the industrial era. Now they form the environmental education program, with classes for children, teaching them about food and animals. The West Ruhr region’s biological station is also located on the territory of the park. Landscape Park Duinsburg-Nord has been evolving since it opened.  Now it is hosting numerous events, such as festivals, exhibitions, sports events, trade fairs, summer cinema, local arts festivals (Ruhrtriennale), parties, and many more. The old administrative building of the AGThyssen industry is now a youth hostel, bringing life to the park. It is an amazing, successful example of how to treat abandoned post-industrial sites.  This park transformed such sites into an incredible space, combining natural and urban features. Explore it yourself! Recommended reading:  Industrial Landscapes by Bernd Becher Landscape Architecture Construction (3rd Edition) by Harlow Landphair Article written by Yuliya Georgieva Featured image: Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord – Landschaft. Credit: © Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

Dyslexia in Design – A deeper look at how Dyslexia has bonded with the world of design.  The lexicography of the word dyslexia translates as ‘trouble with words’ from the Greek ‘dys’ meaning ‘bad, abnormal or difficult’ and ‘lexis’ meaning ‘word’.  In popular culture the term dyslexia is primarily employed to describe children and young people who have a specific learning disability with regards to written language.  Historically, other terms used synonymously with dyslexia have included ‘word blindness’ and ‘strephosymbolia’. Both of these terms focus on the difficulties faced by dyslexics, thus defining them by what they can’t do, rather than what they can.

Dyslexia in Design

The Problem It is estimated that dyslexia affects 4-5% of the UK population. With such low figures, it is, perhaps, surprising that dyslexia remains such an important issue for learning. Difficulties in other areas of the school curriculum are not so well documented. For example, some people find playing the piano difficult. No matter how hard they try they simply never master it. Despite this lack of ability, there is no term to describe people for whom playing the piano is difficult. This is because in modern society the ability to play the piano fluently is simply not as important as the ability to read and write. The ability to read is fundamental to how we are taught at school, college, and university.   Dyslexics, therefore, might well feel disadvantaged, or marginalized by mainstream academia. Background

The historical understanding of dyslexia as a form of ‘word blindness’ is unhelpful. Dyslexia is much more than a difficulty with words. There are several cognitive differences between the dyslexic and non-dyslexic brain. Whilst the academic manifestations of these differences may present as a disability, there are some significant, (if specific) advantages to being dyslexic! Dyslexia is thought to be a hereditary condition which affects the temporal parietal lobe of the brain which is partly responsible for interpretation of sensory information, including visual stimuli. The image above shows two brains engaged in the act of reading. On the left a non-dyslexic brain is showing activity in a range of areas throughout the brain, whilst the dyslexic brain on the right utilizes fewer areas of the brain. A dyslexic utilizes less of their posterior (rear) brain when reading and thus uses more of their anterior (front) brain to compensate. It is the frontal sections of the brain that are responsible for emotion, problem-solving, reasoning, and planning.  These are all areas in which dyslexics have been found to be strong. Dyslexics are often of above average intelligence with good problem solving skills. Leonardo Da Vinci was thought to be dyslexic. Much of his work exhibited the tell-tale signs of being disorganized and non-sequential. However, he is generally thought of as having one of the most creative minds in history. From inventing new methods of painting (including improving oil paints and inventing a new form of fresco painting), to inventing the world’s first parachute and an early prototype of a helicopter, Da Vinci never stopped thinking and creating. Dyslexics Are Often Very Inquisitive Da Vinci is quoted as saying ‘I want to know everything’. He set about doing this by working tirelessly on art, science, architecture, mechanics and music. Albert Einstein did not talk until he was 3 years old and was generally thought of as being unintelligent, even dropping out of school early.  It is now widely recognized that Einstein was probably dyslexic. Einstein’s preferred method of working involved ‘thought experiments’. These experiments involved a little more than simply thinking about a problem and all its possible solutions until the most likely solution presented itself. Many people would describe this as ‘day-dreaming’, which is, of course, what many dyslexic children are criticized for in class! But daydreaming is an important tool for creativity. In this interview Richard Rogers (now Baron Richard of Riverside), talks about his dyslexia and overcoming his academic failings in early life, to become one of the world’s most celebrated architects. His former business partner and equally celebrated architect, Norman Foster (now Baron Foster of Thames Bank), is also alleged to be dyslexic. Good Spatial Understanding Is Vital To Being An Architect Dyslexics often have an increased spatial awareness and are able to think of abstract objects in three dimensions. This makes them extremely attractive to employers seeking spatial awareness. It is rumored that NASA actively employs dyslexics for their spatial awareness and problem solving skills – over 50% of their employees are dyslexic. For many dyslexics, there is a real struggle and stigma attached to the traditional interpretation of dyslexia as a disability. However, in the design and creativity industry it would appear there are some distinct advantages to being dyslexic. Recommended reading:

• The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain by Brock L. Eide M.D. M.A.

Article by Ashley Penn Return to Homepage Featured image: Source, licensed under creative commons.

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

In landscape architecture or architecture itself, major concepts often come in small packages. A little detail can make the base of a whole project; it is often these elements that make a building stand out or have a unique character which improves its overall look and function. One of these elements can definitely be represented by grass or green roofs, and though this may seem like another new feature for houses in the flooding wave of the eco trend, grass roofs are actually a very old invention, dating from many centuries back. Grass or sod roofs, as they can also be called, were used by the Vikings in most of Scotland and Ireland, and though this particular architectural design may be a feature of the northern, cold bearing civilizations, its use was quite motivated even from those times and has been developed further to this day.

Natural Insulation  There are a lot of reasons why grass roofs are still around today and becoming a popular element in more and more homes. Just think of the people living up north; exactly, it’s cold! Green roofs, whether they are from grass or different plants make a perfect natural insulation element for your home roof, keeping the cold out in winter and maintaining a cool atmosphere in summer, in case your house isn’t in a chilly country. Not to mention that it may be a lot cheaper than other products and it cuts your bills! If your dwelling is saved from the cold, but drenched every day in rain, you may want to consider installing such a grass roof as it is a very efficient rain water absorbent, in addition to regulating its temperature and filtering it in case of quantity overflow; so, in case your area has lots of rain fall, a grass roof may improve your rain stats, especially if you have a flat roof. Sound barrier Even Chicago City Hall has been taking into the trend of green roofs, creating a delightful but very practical environment on their main building. In such a big and crowded city as Chicago, the natural roof can also prove to be a great sound insulator, keeping the employees undisturbed by the sound of traffic and big city life. This can also apply to private homes that are situated in crowded areas. City Pollution Big city life also implies other disadvantages like pollution; it is a known fact that plants and greenery in general help reduce the levels of artificial pollutants and even filter them and high levels of carbon dioxide from the surrounding area. Grass roofs on industrial or public buildings are an added bonus to the environment, and in residential areas insure that you create the best conditions for you and your family. Biodiversity Plants can make a lot of difference to an environment if used correctly.  Not only is it beneficial for people’s health and mood but it also helps the local wildlife. The green roofs can become little ecosystems for insects, local plants and even animals, if the conditions are right. However, green roofs are not without their drawbacks.  Cost is perhaps the most prohibiting factor, in terms of installation and maintenance.  Another problem is plant failure on a green roof, which can affect the overall performance, although this is usually down to bad design. Increase Market Value A natural grass covering is also beneficial for the building itself because it increases the lifespan of the roof by protecting it efficiently against the elements. An intriguing thing about having your own green roof is that you can actually save money; because in some countries or states there are tax reductions for installing such a roof and if at any point you plan to sell your home, the unique roof will increase its market value. So really, you should have a grass roof if you want to be more eco-friendly, healthier and happier. Just make sure that you do your research into proper types and installers so that you choose the best option for your ideal green roof!  Green roofs have come a long way; from being a common element in the Scandinavian countryside, to a worldwide design fad to a symbol of commitment to sustainability in cities around the world.  With exacerbating effects from climate change and the role of green roofs in mitigation, the grass on grass roof won’t be disappearing anytime soon! Recommended reading: The Professional Design Guide to Green Roofs by Mindy Pantiel Article written by Oana Anghelache RETURN TO HOME PAGE Featured image:  The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 Marlith – Eigenes Werk

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

Joseph Clancy, emerging expert on biophilia looks at what makes a biophilic city. To what degree must a city engage in biophilia to be classed as a “biophilic city”?  Timothy Beatley describes a biophilic city as being “partly defined by the qualities and biodiversity present and designed into urban life, but also the many activities and lifestyle choices and patterns, the many opportunities residents have to learn about and be engaged directly in nature, and the local institutions and commitments expressed, for instance, in local government budgets and policies”. So how do we classify a city as a biophilic city?

According to the works of Timothy Beatley, Biophilic Cities can be indicated by the following qualities:

• Biophilic cities have abundant nature in close proximity to large numbers of urbanites

Green infrastructure programs, parklets & a high percentage land cover of green space would be steps towards fulfilling this aspect of a biophilic city.  New York City qualifies as a biophilic city in this regard by PlaNYC’s goal of a public green space within a 10 minute walk of every resident by 2030, while Seattle P-Patch program aims for one community garden per 2,500 city inhabitants!

• In biophilic cities, residents feel a deep affinity with the unique flora, fauna and fungi found there

Incentive, education and encouragement from city authorities are necessary to catalyze this goal.  It measures not just the environmental values of inhabitants, but their knowledge of local and native species.  In New Zealand, the city of Wellington also has over sixty community conservation groups! In the last two years alone, volunteer environmental groups have performed 28,000 hours of service on Wellington’s 4,000 hectares of nature reserves.  While in Oslo, Norway, over 81% of inhabitants had visited the city’s surrounding forests in the last year, proving residents appreciation of the natural landscape.

• Biophilic cities are cities that provide abundant opportunities to be outside and to enjoy nature

Urbanization causes severe fragmentation of habitats and nature, with land value at a premium, resulting in little room for green space.  Well connected green spaces and green corridors can counter this problem, easing accessibility for urban inhabitants.  Singapore has an extensive park system, integrated by 200-kilometers of Park Connectors, in the form of elevated walkways.  Oslo, Norway is perhaps the leader in this category however, with an estimated 94% of the city’s residents living within 300 meters of a park!  Anchorage, Alaska has 1 mile (1.6Km) of natural walking trails per 1,000 residents.  The trails are multi use and seasonal, offering everything from hiking to skiing.

• Biophilic cities are rich multisensory environments, where the sounds of nature are as appreciated as much as the visual or ocular experience

The integration of natural spaces and ecological corridors into the urban fabric can create the conditions necessary for multisensory, nature rich environments.  Implementing a Noise Reduction Plan or reducing levels of vehicular transport, would create “quiet zones”, with noise levels below 50 decibels (dB).  Oslo, Norway is attempting an initiative of daylighting all eight of the city’s rivers.  This will form part of the Akersleva, a combined green and blue infrastructure corridor, connecting the city centre inhabitants with nature in the very heart of the city, with 14 quiet zones planned within the corridor.

• Biophilic cities invest in the social and physical infrastructure that helps to bring urbanites in closer connection and understanding of nature

Investment in biophilic projects is an excellent indicator of a biophilic city.  Timothy Beatley identifies 5% of a cities budget dedicated to biodiversity and at least 1 current biophilic project in operation as indicative of governance in a biophilic city.  Portland, Oregon, exceeds this and has invested heavily in social & green infrastructure, with Portland having the highest parks per-capita acreage in America.  While Singapore’s N’Parks have an incentive program, entitled Skyrise Greenery, for green roofs & living walls, offering up to 75% of the cost.

• Biophilic cities place importance on education about nature and biodiversity, and on providing many and varied opportunities to learn about and directly experience nature

Education can result in reinforcing positive feelings about nature and encouraging sustainable living among the general population.  In Limerick City, Ireland, several environmental groups are working with the support of the city council to educate the city’s population on biodiversity and native wildlife species.  Urban Tree Project and Limerick City Biodiversity Network have engaged the local population with nature, while providing guided walks, lectures and online resources to educate the city’s inhabitants on the importance of biodiversity.

• Biophilic cities take steps to actively support the conservation of global nature

With cities being the epicentre of governance, innovation, employment and population, they have a necessary role in the conservation of nature on a regional, national and international scale, given their ecological footprint and negative impacts upon the environment.  Such measures include; set aside of land, designation for protected sites, the creation of a biodiversity action plan and focus on compact development.  In the city of Nagoya, Japan, 10% of urban land cover is set aside to be left in an unmanaged wild state as nature preserves. Below: The Nature of Cities TRAILER While Phoenix, Arizona has taken this a step further by purchasing over 17,000 acres of natural desert for nature conservation, to help mitigate the negative effects of Phoenix’s urban sprawl.  Then there is Vitoria-Gasteiz, in Basque country, encircled by a green belt to restrict encroaching development and to protect the internationally important restored wetland, the Salburua. However, the city still intends to create the Anilla Verde Interior—“the interior green belt”! These indicators focus on the protection, enhancement and introduction of nature into our cities, while encouraging interaction with nature by the city’s inhabitants through the process of environmental education and habitat restoration.  With more than half of the world’s population living in urban centres devoid of nature, biophilic cities are no longer a choice.  The benefits & criteria have been discussed, in my next article I will countdown the Top Ten Biophilic Cities. Recommended reading: Biophilia by Edward O. Wilson Design with Nature by Ian L. McHarg Article written by Joseph Clancy Featured image: MEC’s green roof. Credit:  sookie – Flickr CC BY 2.0

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near Mevagissey in Cornwall, are one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK. The name of the gardens is derived from the Cornish word- helygen meaning ‘willow tree’. The gardens created by members of the Cornish Tremayne family extend to some 80 acres. Today, it is the site of the largest garden restoration in Europe, the extraordinary plant collection together with exotic glasshouses and mild Cornish climate makes it a popular tourist attraction. Heligan manor was first built in the 1200s. With historic planting over 150 years old, the pleasure grounds are also a home to the National collection of Camellias and Rhododendrons introduced to Heligan pre-1920.  In 1914-18, the Heligan house was tenanted as it was used by the American troops as a base, and the shelter trees were cut down for the war effort. The gardens were neglected after the First World War, and only restored in the 1990s, a restoration that was the result of several popular television programs and books.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are so much more than a garden restored; its own special atmosphere encourages exploration and deep thought, satisfying the broadest range of horticultural and wildlife interest. Not only this, it also promotes local networks of sustainable access routes, linking impressive industrial and horticultural heritage sites with stunning coastal, moorland and woodland habitats. The gardens now boast a fabulous collection of aged and colossal rhododendrons and camellias, a series of lakes fed by a ram pump over a hundred years old, highly productive flower and vegetable gardens, an Italian garden, and a stunning wild area filled with original state-looking sub-tropical tree ferns called “The Jungle”. The gardens also have Europe’s only remaining pineapple pit, warmed by rotting manure, and two figures made from rocks and plants known as the Mud Maid and the Giant’s Head. This garden flowing with enthusiasm, hosting a riot of luxuriant foliage and outstanding trees, exotic plantings and inspiring views takes us on a journey of discovery and exploration. This Cornish jewel lets you lose yourself amongst towering bamboo tunnels and banana plantations, travel along the snaking boardwalk past ‘giant rhubarb’ and palm-lined avenues and discover a world of adventure. Below: Inspirational short video of The Lost Gardens of Heligan Take a trip for yourself and discover the delights of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, explore, be inspired and for brief moment, allow yourself to get lost in its green embrace. You may also like: Top Ten Show Gardens: RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2013 Article written by Kanica Walia

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

Plants, often serve many precise functions, many of which are in harmony with their environment, but what happens when the function is to infect and harm anyone who comes into contact with it. Is it still harmonious with its enviornment, is it trying to protect for survival or trying to attack to takeover? Beautiful colourful plants and flowers are sometimes just as dangerous as a poisonous snake. Their only defense is to cause harm to its predator, it may be in the form of thorns, like the prickly Mala Mujer, or in the form of toxins that affect the victim when the plant is ingested. This article is all about danger in nature and how it can spell doom for anyone unfortunate enough to ingest or come in contact with these poisonous plants, enjoy: 10. Daphne spp.

Daphne, also called spurge laurel, lady laurel, paradise plant, or dwarf bay, is a small shrub about 1–1.5 meters high and very popular in North America. All parts of Daphne contain extremely active toxins, but the greatest concentrations occur in the bark, sap and berries. Some researchers suggest that Daphne’s extracts may have potential for treating leukemia; the plant is also known to be co-carcinogenic in the presence of low doses of carcinogenic compounds. The showy colors of the berries often attract children, so if you have Daphne in your garden, care enough to keep them away from it. Even a single berry chewed but not swallowed can cause intense burning in the throat and mouth. Consumption of a few berries can cause upset stomach, headaches, diarrhea, delirium, and convulsions. If the victim falls into a coma, death can ensue. 9. Oleander, Nerium oleander It is one of the deadliest plants on earth. Widely used for decoration, this plant is so venomous that one single leaf is enough to kill an adult human. It contains several toxins in its flowers, twigs, leaves, and berries. When ingested it affects the heart, digestive tract, and the nervous system almost immediately. Though native in parts of the Mediterranean and Asia, it is now widely cultivated throughout the world. It is beautiful shrub but a very poisonous one. 8. Nightshade, Atropa belladonna Also known as the devil’s cherry, black cherry, great morel and belladonna, the nightshade is totally toxic. Once ingested it results in a sudden loss of voice, followed by a respiratory trouble and convulsions. Oddly, horses, birds, sheep, goats and pigs seem to be immune to the effects of nightshade. The Greek historian Plutarch spoke of armies being wiped out by nightshades, and legend has it that Macbeth’s soldiers poisoned the invading Danes with wine made from this sweet fruit. 7. Water Hemlock, Cicuta maculata A member of the carrot family, the water hemlock is considered to be the most toxic plant in North America by the USDA. The small white flowers and their stems aren’t harmful; the stalks of the water hemlock, however, are full of a sap that contains cicutoxin. Ingesting just a small amount of the cicutoxin can affect the nervous system and cause a grand mal seizure. Oral contact with this dangerous plant is typically fatal. 6. Datura spp. The angels’ trumpet flower is often found in home gardens and is known for its distinct fragrance. Experts say all parts of the plant are poisonous. Angel’s trumpet has hallucinogenic effects; there have been many horror stories of after effects of consuming this plant. Effects of ingestion can include paralysis of smooth muscles, confusion, tachycardia, dry mouth, diarrhea, migraine headaches, visual and auditory hallucinations, mydriasis, rapid onset cycloplegia, and death. 5. Castor bean plant, Ricinus communis An ingredient in the castor bean just happens to be the deadliest plant poison on earth. The plant is the current holder of the Guinness Book of World Records title for world’s most poisonous plant. Literally, just one tiny castor bean is enough to kill an adult within a few minutes. Castor oil is made safe with the removable of the lethal compound known as ricin. Ingestion of the seeds can lead to burning sensations in the mouth and throat, intense abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea within 36 hours, and can lead to death within 3-5 days if left untreated. Amazingly, castor bean plants are grown for decorative purpose all over the world, particularly in California. 4. Moonseed plant, Menispermum canadense Moonseed is a woody vine with cluster of several small fruits, or drupes, which resemble grapes. This stone fruit plant is generally found in eastern North America, and it is extremely toxic for humans, if ingested, though birds can eat it. They have been mistaken by people foraging for wild grapes, but fruits of Canada Moonseed can be fatal, so care needs to be taken. The key to recognizing moonseed drupes is that they have only one large crescent-shaped seed, while grapes have many seeds. 3. Winter sweet, Acokanthera spectabilis. Bushman’s poison, Wintersweet The winter sweet also known as the Bushman’s poison has famously been used by the Khoisan of South Africa to poison the tips of their arrows. Though the plant produces pleasantly scented flowers and a tasty plum-like berry, the milky sap can be fatal. The leaves, however, have medicinal properties, but all in all this is a garden plant that should be avoided. 2. Dumb cane, Dieffenbachia sp. The distinctive leaf pattern of the very popular Dieffenbachia species is seen in many homes. Painful and immediate swelling of the mouth and throat occurs after chewing on dumb cane. Speech impediment can occur, sometimes lasting for several days.

 Again, all the parts of this plant are poisonous. One should avoid eye contact with the juices which can result in intense pain and swelling. It is a very popular indoor pot plant as it is useful for purifying indoor air.

1. White Snakeroot, Ageratina altissima

Commonly found growing wild, white snakeroot’s leaves, stems, and small white flowers are loaded with an unsaturated alcohol called tremetol. Snakeroot poses the greatest risk to cows and sheep. It is so potent that just drinking the milk or eating the meat of a cow that ingested the plant can lead to severe sickness and even death. Growth of this dangerous plant is usually controlled today to prevent livestock poisoning, but in the 1800s, milk sickness from contaminated animals was common as it was responsible for thousands of deaths at the time; including that of Abraham Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln. When we read such facts, the best realization can be one should not touch or eat anything without knowing the results of doing so. Often these facts are ignored or people are simply not aware. Looks can be deceiving; these plants prove that nothing should be judged by the way it looks, as beauty acts as an illusion. For that reason it becomes very important to be careful when experimenting with new or unseen nature. Make a note of these top 10 most dangerous plants on earth listed above if you’re visiting a garden or if you’re planting your own. Recommended reading: Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants  by Lewis S. Nelson Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World  by Michael Wink

Article written by Kanica Walia

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network

Sure we have all seen sculptures in art galleries that can stand the test of time. They vary in sizes, materials and like all art; they represent a certain meaning… the imagination of the artist that he or she has brought to life. What about art that can move through the test of time? Kinetic art is a three-dimensional sculpture work that has motion and expands into the world of The Art and Science of Wind Propelled Sculptures. Like the examples you will see in a short while, they have the ability to move through forces of nature such as wind, solar power, gravity or magnetism. The word motion is the key word here. Movement is a part of our daily lives; We are in motion for most parts of our day that it becomes a series of actions that go unnoticed. “Just as one can compose colors or forms, so one can compose motions.” – Alexander Calder Kinetic artists create to explore the science behind these motions and make the viewers appreciate the joy in motion. If you explore the process of these magnificent pieces, you will find that, many times, the initial step of imagining takes on the process of scientific theories, mathematical calculations and even working on computer software to finally bring it to life. Therefore it is apparent that to the kinetic artists, expressing movement becomes a critical element of the sculpture. Like a painter using colors to explore their form of expression, motion becomes a propelling tool of self-expression for kinetic artists, much like a dancer. Let’s go back through time and see how this tool of self-expression has developed over time to present day, where new technology and art in demand allow for artists to push the boundaries with a new palette of creations. 1913: Marcel Duchamp’s Bicycle Wheel: Marcel Duchamp was the pioneer of the kinetic art form. This piece of sculpture that consisted of a bicycle wheel attached to a stool started to question the possibilities of sculpture art. It was seen as a piece of kinetic art as the wheel could be spun. 1941:Alexander Calder’s Arc of Petals: This kinetic art is a hanging sculpture that uses natural organic forms. The careful balancing of materials and composition, with the larger heavier forms on top and lighter ones at the bottom, allow for gentle motions in light breezes. The work is suggestive of autumn leaves that fall to the ground at the sight indication of breeze. 1964: Bridget Riley’s Blaze: Another form of kinetic art was explored during the 1960s. This type of kinetic art uses perceptual optical illusions. Marcel Duchamp’s Bicycle may have well been the inspiration behind Bridget Riley’s Blaze. When the viewers look at this, they are given the impression of movement within the piece. At times, they themselves have to move backwards and forward in order to be able to ‘see’ the motion. 1990s-present day: Theo Jansen’s Strandbeest: These sculptures embody a life of their own and are bound to make us stop and wonder about our own movement patterns. Made of light plastic yellow tubes, these “new forms of life”, as described by Jansen, are powered only by the wind. With strong and slightly futuristic visions, Jansen almost makes the viewers, who encounter these creatures, wonder how these kinetic art forms can become a part of our society. Reuben Margolin’s Nebula: Made from 445 suspending cables and 15,000 shimmering bicycle reflectors, and coming to life through a series of mathematics equations combined with technology, this gigantic piece of kinetic art shows the motion of waves with a peaceful quality. The process behind the creation just goes to show how these kinetic art forms can be just as complicated as they can be simple. Kinetic Rain in Changi Airport, Singapore: The cooperation between artists, programmers and technologists made this a truly mesmerizing piece of art in motion. Kinetic Rain represents Singapore’s tropical climate. Each droplet changes in motion- at times moving in unity and other times by their own rhythm. Here, the notion of motion is represented very delicately that it almost seems musical. Behnaz Babazadeh’s Fermid:   Fermid depicts the natural movement that can be found in living organisms. What’s unique about this piece is that it incorporates lighting and realistic and sensitive motions to challenge the viewer’s “perception of body and space” as explained by Babazadeh. The sculpture successfully imitates the natural motions; the mechanical breathing movement is almost life-like. Fermid seems to have a life of its own and may just as well be a living form lurking under the sea, inhaling and exhaling…sitting and waiting… Fermid from Behnaz Babazadeh on Vimeo. The examples above show just how one idea of an art form, first initiated by one, can be explored and expressed through different mediums by many other artists. Kinetic art over time has been given multiple dimensions. It is also a great example of what can be achieved when multiple professions join to express creativity at a bigger and innovative scale. As technology becomes more advanced, the notion of motion through art is sure to be amplified and expressed further creatively in the future days to come. Article written by Win Phyo Featured image: shutterstock.com

This article was originally submitted to Landscape Architects Network