Blog

Article by Alexis Alvey – We explore 10 of the best books out there for anyone who is an urban designer or who just loves urban design. The design of our cities and other urban spaces has a huge impact on the wellbeing and day-to-day life of residents. What makes an urban space appealing is often below the conscious awareness of its inhabitants, but nevertheless is still deeply felt. As landscape architecture continues to expand its traditional role, successful urban design and planning becomes more and more relevant for our profession. What constitutes successful urban design is, in itself, a challenging question. Over the years, many authors have attempted to elucidate the complex process of urban design and planning. Become a Better Urban Designer Below are the top ten books to he...Read More

In one of my previous posts, I took a look at the promise of Vectorworks software for landscape architecture. I was impressed by the host of features the software has to offer through its multiple platforms: basic 2D/3D modeling with Fundamentals, landscape-specific tools with Landmark, and slick output with Renderworks. On top of these, the software utilizes a BIM approach to improve understanding of design decisions and coordination with related professionals in order to better steer final outcomes. It is aiming to place tools in the hands of landscape architects to design and interact on the same level as our architect counterparts. I have spent a fair number of hours learning Vectorworks and getting used to how it handles in order to assess how well the software delivers. The article c...Read More

Landscape Architects Network features a company profile for ASPECT Studios. ASPECT Studios is a multidisciplinary firm solving a range of services within the public realm, which can be seen making headlines in the landscape architecture profession. The company is made up of studios across Australia (Adelaide, Sydney, and Melbourne) and in Shanghai, China. Chris Razzell, who is one of the nine directors, founded ASPECT Studios in 1993 in Melbourne, then expanded to Sydney and Shanghai. The range of services provided are a reflection of the arts, sciences, and technology, working for an array of clients from the local, regional, and international markets, including many levels of government and the private sector. They delve into landscape architecture, urbanism, living architecture/green in...Read More

Article by Joanna Łaska – UTS Alumni Green by ASPECT Studios, in UTS City Campus, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia Who says that university campus grounds have to be dull and boring? ASPECT Studios strikes again, proving that thinking outside the box can transform a student-only campus site into a green and lively space for everybody to enjoy. UTS Alumni Green by ASPECT Studios won a competition held by the University of Technology, Sydney, to breathe new life into the future of Alumni Green, the university’s main outdoor space. The project, which was inspired by the world’s iconic public spaces, creates a new, multifunctional meeting point for students, staff and the public at large. UTS Alumni Green Compromising to Meet Everyone’s Needs The brilliance of the design lies in the detail...Read More

Article by Radenka Kolarov – In this article, we explore how the popular game Minecraft has an influence on and similarities to real life and landscape architecture. The point of Minecraft seems simple: build practically anything you can imagine. Some players recreate famous pieces of architecture; others express their creativity through grand designs. But what makes Minecraft such an irresistible game? Through the unexpected journey that this article will take you on, you are going to find a whole new level of skills and knowledge that lies behind this game. It’s like it was made for landscape architects! Relax with the following playlist that will not leave you indifferent, whether you are a fan of Minecraft or not. WATCH >>> Minecraft Music [Full Playlist] With Download L...Read More

Article by Win Phyo – A full review of Glenelg Foreshore Playspace , by WAX Design, in Glenelg, South Australia.  Playgrounds have the potential to be magical and exciting places for children. In fact, earlier this year, we featured some of the best playgrounds in the world, which shows that the standards of play for children have evolved over the 21st century and continue to do so. Nobody quite knows what the perfect formula is but we are getting closer. Glenelg Foreshore Playspace, in our opinion, has got it right. You see, research is revealing that risk in play has proven to be a beneficial thing as children get to learn about their own competence. Hence natural play has been getting popular amongst parents. However, to develop this concept further, one has to think about other f...Read More

Article by Domenico Pistone – A review of Coro Field: Phase I, by Integrated Field Co.,ltd., in Suan Pheung, Ratchaburi, Thailand, helps us answer the question, how can nature facilitate design? This new design uses a simple, straightforward intervention, which is reflected very well in the project. Everything is marked by nature, the true protagonist of the project, a nature that takes its time and that gives to visitors. Perhaps this is the beauty of the project: Coro, in the local language means “time” and the name itself hints at what the purpose of this place is, that is not a simple farm or even a simple restaurant; it is an experience. Coro Field is now a place that has about 2,000 visitors a day, a place where time becomes liquid and is able to irrigate organic pl...Read More

Article by Nick Shannon – We take a look at this innovate urban project, which takes a dumpster and turns it into a growing ground for life.  Great conversations are often sparked by something out of the ordinary. If something disrupts your mundane daily activities, it often leads to more thought, questioning, and conversing with others. In the field of landscape architecture, we have the amazing opportunity to utilize this force and intervene in sites to catalyze the user’s perception of environmental issues. In New York City’s Gowanus neighborhood, dumpsters are taking on this purpose to educate the community through a temporary art installation/nursery that provides a visualization of the amount of stormwater a bio-swale can handle. It brings attention to the issue of combined sew...Read More

Article by Jeanne Connolly – We explore 10 projects that feature unique uses of paving in landscape design , exploring what works with this fundamental landscape feature.  Plants aren’t the only material landscape architects are trained to use. The ground beneath your feet is an important detail that can make a bigger impact than you think. While paving material is sometimes overlooked, it is an important piece of the landscape palette that can make or break a design. A skilled designer chooses every material thoughtfully, relating to the meaning or concept of the site or context. Paving in Landscape Design Here are 10 unique projects that display different ways paving can impact the experience of a space: 1. Place d’Youville Claude Cormier uses wood, concrete, granite, and lim...Read More

We explore the world of hydroponics and how you can garden year round with this clever application that enables you to achieve great results. Nowadays, most foods that we eat are mass-produced from commercial farms. There is a growing sentiment that commercially-grown plants are not any better for our health. This is because of the use of chemicals such as pesticides and other chemical fertilizers in order to ensure a good harvest for farm owners. You might be someone who lives in the city or possibly someone who lives in the country and want an alternative way to grow their own vegetables and fruit for personal consumption to make sure that what they eat is free from such chemicals. Therefore, eating your own vegetables is much safer. There are many ways to grow your own plants at home. T...Read More

Article by Amela Đurakovac – We highlight 6 top shows and expos for landscape architectures that are packed with information and inspiration to keep you motivated.  In the field of landscape architecture, there are many events over the year bringing together all the great news from the profession. In almost all countries, organized events are held which have a lot to offer like a variety of workshops, lectures, seminars with exhibitions, installations, trending products, new services, key skills and new trends and they represent a real pleasure for all visitors and exhibitors. In addition to offering knowledge and entertainment, these events also may provide important business opportunities for every professional. Every landscape architect should know where some of the best shows and...Read More

Article by Irmak Bilir – Square des Frères-Charon, by Affleck + de la Riva Architects, in Montreal, Canada. Small beautiful public spaces can be the signature of the cities to which they belong. Square des Frères-Charon is this kind of public space in Montreal, Canada, designed by Affleck + de la Riva Architects. It has become an essential component of McGill Street’s larger network of historic spaces and a key element in Montreal’s cultural tourism branding strategy. It provides identity, civic pride, and generous outdoor areas for all-season public use. In the year 2009, when the project was constructed, it won three design awards. There are various components which make the square fascinating but some reasons are at the forefront like respecting its history, cooperation, and parti...Read More