28-September-15 The Latest News in Landscape Architecture 2015 is sponsored by ZinCo – Life on Green Roofs – Ecological and Economical Green Roofs, worldwide. In this week’s Latest News in Landscape Architecture we feature an intriguing conversation with the recipient of the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Award (Shane Coen), highlight a fascinating study about how our bodies react to urban design, and celebrate World Car Free Day. Did you know that this year Paris hosted its first car-free day closing one quarter of the city to vehicular traffic for the day! 5 Stories In The News This Week:
- National Aquarium in Baltimore
- Sunday Conversation with Shane Coen, landscape architect
- This is Your Brain on Urban Design
- Biomimicry: Designing Cities According to Nature
- Car-Free Europe? Paris, Brussels, Stockholm Try it For A Day
(Click the headline for the full story)
Latest News in Landscape Architecture
- National Aquarium in Baltimore: World Landscape Architecture
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the National Aquarium underwent a major expansion to improve the adjacent outdoor space, while responding to the Aquarium’s environmental stewardship. Designed by Rhodeside & Harwell, the finished design stays true to its Atlantic coast roots and features a new, expansive waterfront park, sustainable elements such as underground cisterns, lush plantings, interpretive signage and much more. In early September, the National Aquarium welcomed its 50 millionth visitor.
- Sunday Conversation with Shane Coen, landscape architect: Star Tribune
In a thoughtful interview, Principal and Founder of Minneapolis-based Coen + Partners, Shane Coen, explores a range of topics from the increase in competition to the future of landscape architecture. Ultimately, Coen believes that the profession will only continue to grow. “I think globally the scope of landscape architecture will increase to be even more environmental and infrastructure based. And then within cities, I think the importance of great designed spaces will continue to be the driver for development and urban living,” said Shane Coen. WATCH: Shane Coen: University of Michigan Taubman College Future of Design
- This is Your Brain on Urban Design: Toronto Star
While it’s known that street traffic has a negative effect on our wellbeing, the extent and metrics were unknown until now. Neuroscientist Colin Ellard always had a fascination for studying animal habitats, yet wasn’t sure which animal to focus on. However, after years of observing Mongolian gerbils he finally decided upon the perfect one—humans! Subsequently, over the past ten years, Ellard has studied how we [humans] react to the sights and sounds of the world’s most populous cities including Berlin, New York, and Mumbai. Through his part exhibition, part experiment, Ellard established Psychology on the Street and is based at the Urbanspace Gallery in Toronto. “I think this kind of research, by showing how people respond to the places that are here, can highlight some of the key principles that can be useful in designing better public places,” exclaimed Ellard. Related Article: The Dark Secrets Behind Sustainable Urban Design Revealed in Şışhane Park
The fast growing field of biomimicry is an approach to innovation, which emulates nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies and applies them to the built environment. While many firms have evolved, one leading group is the London-based practice Exploration Architecture consisting of architects, designers, and researchers. On September 29th, Yaniv Peer (Associate at Exploration Architecture) along with many of the top visionaries in biomimcry will be hosting a one-day event titled Demand Solutions: Ideas for Improving Lives in Cities. This event will take place in Washington, DC. Register here to attend or join the live stream. Related Article: Biomimicry UK: Interview with Richard James MacCowan WATCH: Learning from nature | Michael Pawlyn | TEDxLondonCity2.0
On Tuesday, September 22nd, the globe celebrated World Car Free Day. While most of Europe’s major cities such as Madrid, Budapest, and Stockholm participated some of the most bicycle friendly cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam chose not to partake. Additionally, Paris banned automobiles from the city center from 11am to 6pm on Sunday, September 27 in an effort to decrease pollution. Related Article: Top 10 Walkable Cities WATCH: Paris Streets Go Car-Free For The Day – Newsy
–
Latest News in Landscape Architecture 2015
News report by Brett Lezon
The Latest News in Landscape Architecture was brought to you by Landscape Architects Network and our sponsors ZinCo – Life on Green Roofs – Ecological and Economical Green Roofs, worldwide.
For all of the hottest news continue to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Have news to share? Send to office@landarchs.com
Published in Blog
