10 Fascinating Climate Change Facts You Should Know

With climate change being an increasingly hot topic, we give an overview of some startling facts on the subject today.  Climate has always changed and it always will. But in the past few decades, the climate has changed quickly, making it less predictable and leaving humans less able to adapt. There are many reasons for this climate change behavior, from natural factors such as the sun’s energy output to human activities that increase the release of gases into the air, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Some say climate change is just another Internet hoax or a political invention. Others believe it is really happening right now and that it will become even worse over time. What are the scientific facts? 10 Fascinating Climate Change Facts 1. There is More Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosph...Read More

We take a closer look at how landscape architecture is influencing architecture. Architecture and landscape architecture pursue the same aim: to provide mankind with diversified indoor or open spaces while addressing individual needs. However, landscape architects in most countries are paid less than architects for the same number of working hours. It is also too seldom the case that a landscape architect is consulted early in the design phase whenever architects and landscape architects work together on a project. This is in spite of the fact that early cooperation could lead to a successful merger between landscape and structure and provide the best outcome. “My belief that all good architecture begins with the land makes me value and appreciate landscape architects.” – Architect Frank H...Read More

Georgswall & Mayor Muller Plaza, by POLA in Aurich, Germany. There are projects that one can appreciate and comprehend their merits right away. Georgswall Park & Mayor Muller Plaza is definitely one of them. It presents very special qualities that catch one’s attention straight away. The city of Aurich, Germany, held a design competition for the area in 2008. The area contained the Mayor Muller Plaza, where the old harbor used to be, and Georgswall, the trace of the old city canal and part of the old city wall. The canal ends right on the plaza, creating a complex that demanded an overall design. Georgswall & Mayor Muller Plaza POLA won the competition, and its proposal for Georgswall Park & Mayor Muller Plaza has been constructed. The plaza and the adjacent area of the can...Read More

ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2014-15, by The Institute for Computational Design (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) of the University of Stuttgart (Germany), in Stuttgart, Germany. The Institute for Computational Design (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) of the University of Stuttgart (Germany) are known for their full-scale bionic research pavilions’ experiments, computational design, robotic fabrication strategies, functional integration, and material efficiency. One of the most recent structures at the university is the 2014-15 Research Pavilion, which demonstrates the architectural potential of a novel building method inspired by the underwater nest construction of the diving bell water spider, Agyroneda aqu...Read More

Zhengzhou Vanke Central Plaza, by Locus Associates, Zhengzhou, China.  If you think that social media is the best way to bring people closer together, you might want to think again. Places are what really help people interact and build connections. It has long been a trendy idea to design meeting points. But designing places where people want to be, modeled in a way to offer something for everyone, depends mainly on the quality of the design and remembering the needs and preferences of the people who will be using the place. In other words, those people should be involved, somehow, from beginning to end when it comes to conceiving public spaces. There are many projects out there that can illustrate what a great plaza could look like. Here, we are spotlighting a landscape project in China d...Read More

Plaza Victor J. Cuesta by DURAN&HERMIDA arquitectos asociados, in Vargas Machuca, Cuenca, Ecuador. What is the significance of public space? Many things can be said with regard to this particular question. In general, people perceive public space with a social connotation; others see it as an essential element in the sustainability of cities for political, economic, public health, and reasons of biodiversity. Public spaces include a variety of different places, from old historic city centers to suburban development sites. Residents of many countries have seen how local authorities are giving priority to open green spaces, urban renewal, and the revaluing of historical buildings. However, there is still a lot to be done. In South America, several countries face similar mobility problems...Read More

La Kagu, designed by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates, in Tokyo, Japan. The La Kagu building designed by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma and Associates was a project that turned an old book warehouse into a multipurpose space with a lifestyle store and café. The original warehouse was maintained by the Shinchosha publishing company, which asked architect Kengo Kuma to restore the building. Kuma, a long-term resident of the neighborhood, understood the needs of renovating such an historical building. The company’s goal was to create a solid link between the present and the past. La Kagu Reusing Materials to Enhance the Design From the beginning, the project showed a unique respect for the site conditions by reusing the existing steel structure of the building, constructed in 196...Read More

Freundschaftsinsel Potsdam, POLA, in Potsdam, Germany. Sitting between the Alte Fahrt and Neue Fahrt waterways in Berlin is the Freundschaftsinsel, which translates to “Friendship Island”. Freundschaftsinsel is located in the historic center of Potsdam, where old castles, gardens, and parks are waiting to be explored. Friendship Island is a local favorite, and a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. It is home to many little parks and garden areas, one of which was a botanical center started by none other than Karl Forester, famous for his work with perennials and the namesake of Calamagrostis x acutiflora, or Feather Reed Grass. An open theater, a children’s play area, and a popular coffeehouse are also attractions within the island. Competition Time A competition was held to re-design a...Read More

After the success of our first article on How to Draw Like an Artist with These 7 YouTube Tutorials, we had to follow it up with a second, more advanced collection. The list below is a diverse mix of tutorials giving tips on drawing with graphic pencils, pens, and charcoal. This time, we chose more advanced videos, since most of you already have basic drawing skills. The focus of this article is on landscape drawings and detail drawings that are helpful for every landscape architect or student. Here are 10 videos to boost your motivation for improving your drawings: 1. How to Draw Easy but Good-looking Trees One of the must-have skills for landscape architects is drawing trees. Not only do we need to be able to quickly sketch a few green lines, but it is also important to include some of t...Read More

Wet meadow site and source of the river Norges, by Territories Landscape Architects, in Norges-la-Ville, France. Landscape architecture has the power to transform any outdoor space into something genuinely amazing, with the best qualities of the respective space being brought to the surface. The project in question here was commissioned by Norges-la-Villes, a delightful French village located near Dijon. The talented minds from Territories took on the project, managing to successfully bond the richness and depth of the village with the natural source of the river Norges. Even though the landscape in the area was beautiful, it was not accessible. Given the reduced accessibility, it should come as no surprise that the local population was not able to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Apa...Read More

City Square Urban Park, by ONG & ONG, Singapore. Urban parks have an essential role in transforming and enriching our cities. They are indicators for the livability and sustainability of cities and play an important role as catalysts for community development and enhancement. City Square Urban Park was designed by ONG & ONG with the purpose to create a learning experience about ecology and the natural environment. Through this project, the landscape architects show a high level of creativity, excellence, and commitment. With their in-depth knowledge of the local context, culture, and regulation, they place importance on education as a key element in the philanthropic effort. Let’s find out the two most important benefits of an urban park for a neighborhood viewed through the lens o...Read More