Is Architectural Engineering Paving the Way for New Opportunities in Landscape Architecture?

Architectural Engineering and it’s potential to create exciting opportunities for landscape architecture. Since its early days, landscape architecture has evolved to become a diverse and all-encompassing discipline that shares common ground with a range of other professions, including engineering, architecture, ecology, horticulture, and arboriculture. At one time, landscape architecture was primarily concerned with the use and arrangement of land; today, the profession increasingly finds itself drawn into areas not directly connected to the surface of our earth. For example, if one looks to many of the most famous (or infamous) projects of recent years, it is immediately apparent that projects that garner attention are to be found high above the ground or suspended over water. And t...Read More

Mariahilferstrasse, by Bureau B+B & Orso.Pitro (ULRIKE PITRO, FRANZISKA ORSO), in Vienna, Austria. What is amazing about landscape architecture design is that the paper one uses is never blank. There are always several parameters to consider, many things that are given, and various restrictions. It might seem discouraging at first, but remarkable projects emerge from sites loaded with obstacles and limitations. The redevelopment of Mariahilferstrasse in Vienna, by Bureau B+B and Orso.Pitro, is an excellent example. Restrictions and design difficulties have contributed to the development of the project in the most creative way. Mariahilferstrasse in Context Mariahilferstrasse is a 1.6-kilometer-long street that is considered to be the most important shopping area in the heart of Vienna....Read More

Vinaros Microcoasts, by Guallart Architects, Vinaròs,Castellón. Spain. There is a section of coastline along the Mediterranean in the town of Vinaros, Spain that is a true example of a landscape of change. In recent years, tourism has increased as a major industry in Vinaros compared to neighboring towns. This has led to development throughout the town and particularly along the seafront at a rapid rate. Single family detached homes dot the coastline and dominate much of the available land adjacent to prime views of the coast. Much of Vinaros is lacking in infrastructural development but there is a small road that divides the residential lots and the coastline as the shore is rocky, turbulent, and ever changing. The Goals of Vinaros Microcoasts Considering the existing conditions, architec...Read More

Landscape Architects Network make landmark announcements as we embark on a new year. With another year in the books, LAN is grateful for the loyal support we’ve received from our tremendous fans! While 2014 was the year of public spaces—both large and small—at LAN we’re proud to announce the best and brightest on our end. From the article of the year to the top projects of 2014—here is a snapshot of Landscape Architects Network in 2014. The quest for 1 million Facebook fans continues… LAN 2015 Announcements Writer of the Year: Erin Tharp Erin joined LAN in May and has since written 25 articles about a wide range of topics including Can Copenhagen Become The Best Cycling City in the World? and 5 Amazing Facts About Green Walls That You Didn’t Know. When she’s not busy writ...Read More

I have pending a couple of articles about my work system. Today I bring you a video that condenses an hour photoshop landscape design in just 5 min. In this case, the project consists of a Mediterranean villa garden in San Fulgencio, Alicante, Spain. Housing has two very defined environments: On the one hand the access area, in which a Mediterranean clipping welcomes us and on the other the back space, opens to housing where the pool is located. Soon I’ll upload more information but while I share with you my last project video. And you, which methods do use you to draw landscape?  

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort by Enviro Tec. To design stimulating environments where occupants can enjoy a rich sensory experience is a challenge worth talking about in landscape architecture — especially when it comes to heavenly scenery such as in Bali, Indonesia, where the natural landscape is a delight on its own. Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, with its design concept inspired by traditional Balinese architecture, surely succeeds in providing an indulgent experience for the senses through the mesmerizing sound of the waves, the gentle touch of the breeze, the smell of the exotic native flora, the taste of the delicate local food, and the breathtaking sight of the sea. A Tourist Resort with a View of Paradise Comprising an area of 3.2 hectares, the project is divided into two main zones:...Read More

The Beijing Sunken Gardens by Plasma Studio and Groundlab, Beijing, China. When I first saw pictures of the Beijing Sunken Gardens I could not quite get what those massive concrete plant beds were all about, which lead me to the designer’s website to get a better idea of the concept. My mind was blown away by the beautiful description by Plasma Studio of their own work, reflecting the elegance and mystery of classic Chinese garden design. The beauty of Beijing Sunken Gardens is not only in the project itself but also in the rich tradition that backs it up, which requires us to look back to try to understand a bit more of their culture. Classic Chinese Garden Design Traditional Chinese garden design is heavily based on symbolism. It’s well known that, in about 140 B. C., the Emp...Read More

A showcase of some of Switzerland’s best landscape architecture projects. Dipped in the center of Europe, surrounded by the Alps, Switzerland has always projected the image of mountain life and communion with nature. But Switzerland is also a country with a deep respect for order. Over the last 10 years, Switzerland has seen an increased interest in landscape architecture, with many of its cities introducing creative and contemporary urban projects. Here you can find a Top 5 list of the best landscape architecture projects in Switzerland. Take a look! Landscape Architecture in Switzerland 5. Tree Museum / Designer: Enea – Location: Rapperswil-Jona b This museum is a collection of trees designed as a piece of art. On a surface of 75,000 square meters, the Swiss landscape firm En...Read More

Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve, Hershberger Design, Grand Teton National Park. Many know Wyoming for being the home where the buffalo roam, and while this is true, it is also home to one of the most breathtaking National Parks that America has to offer. Grand Teton National Park boasts the magnificent Teton Mountain Range, the mighty Snake River, and more than 200 miles of winding trails. It is now also home to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve. The people of Wyoming are steadfast in their love for the land on which they live, play, and work, and seek above all else to protect and preserve the beauty that surrounds them. So it comes as no surprise that the LSR Preserve was designed to reduce congestion in the area and to provide visitors with a place to enjoy the solitude of the park ...Read More

Phase 1 of Governors Island, by West 8, New York City, New York, USA. Everyone has seen such places: Sites that have been abandoned and sunken into oblivion. They are often described as moonscapes, landscapes in emergency, or even eyesores. Despite those various definitions, they all have one thing in common: the unpleasant feeling they give to people. As we all know, ignoring the problem won’t make it go away. So, instead of searching for new virgin territories in which to expand our cities, we should first consider deserted landscapes that could be transformed into “green” jewels. Governors Island A perfect example of such a dramatic transformation is the Governors Island Project in New York City. A former military base with a central location near Manhattan, it was once invisible to cit...Read More

Simon Beck Snow Art, published by S-Editions, 2014. Hardcover, 167pp. Is it possible to transform your passions into a profession? And to unite artwork with an outdoor activity that can be compared to the most challenging sports? Despite not exactly aiming to address these questions, Simon Beck, in his book Snow Art, shows how he has been creating a difficult but pleasing art that combines all of the subjects about which he is passionate – snow, the outdoors, drawing, and orienteering. Although the book is not a guide on how to make this kind of art, the reader will find some practical tips in the easy-to-read texts, written in English and French and accompanied by a large number of pictures. It is a valuable book for those interested in this incomparable work that transforms the flat surf...Read More