13-July-2015 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 showcase a proposed lakefront park in Milwaukee, highlight the clever and practical Danish-Icelandic artist known as Olafur Eliasson, and discuss rooftop farming in Chicago. Did you know that Chicago has more than 5.5 million square feet of green roofs, however that represents less than one-tenth of 1% of Chicago’s buildings! (Click the headline for the full story)
The Latest News in Landscape Architecture 2015
For many years the Danish-Icelandic artist known as Olafur Eliasson has been exploring the intersection of nature, science, and human perception. A large body of his work has been erected in public space including the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, Green River, and New York City Waterfalls. Most recently he was commissioned by the Nordea-fonden to create an artistic landmark for the City of Copenhagen, while improving mobility. Titled Cirkelbroen (Circle Bridge), this structure represents the last link needed to make the entire perimeter of the city’s harbor accessible to pedestrians and cyclists and will open August 22, 2015. Throughout the provocative interview, Eliasson discusses Copenhagen’s maritime history, why art should be hard work, and why public spaces should be performative spaces. Related Article: The Dark Secrets Behind Sustainable Urban Design Revealed in Şışhane Park
Photo Credit: Sishane Park by SANALarc by Olivia Wimmer
According to the Seasteading Institute, the world’s first floating city is on target to launch by 2020. While there have been many different visions, ultimately DeltaSync’s vision was selected as the most viable option. Consisting of modular platforms in either squares or pentagons, the floating platforms can be connected and arranged in varying “branch-like” structures. In addition to residences, the floating community will feature aquaculture, a business park, a research institute, tourism, and a power plant. Related Article: How Pier 55 Floating Park is Making the Impossible, Possible WATCH:Why Seastead? The Seasteading Institute Promotional Video
- Inside the Lakefront Gateway Designs: AECOM’s ‘Hanging Gardens’ Takes Cues from Frederick Law Olmsted’s Lake Park: Milwaukee Business Journal
The City of Milwaukee is currently reviewing four concepts for a new lakefront public space at Lincoln Memorial Drive and East Michigan Street. Among the finalists is AECOM’s proposal for a pedestrian bridge, amphitheater, lush plantings, and several other features. Coined “The Hanging Gardens”, their concept draws inspiration from Frederick Law Olmsted’s Lake Park in Milwaukee. A key element requested by the city is a bridge over Lincoln Memorial, which AECOM delicately designed to avoid a bulky structure, while preserving views of the lake. “It all became a balancing act between the structure and the planting material,” said Gonzalo Cruz, design director of AECOM’s New York City landscape architecture studio.
The international practice known as Benoy announced the official launch of their newly opened Representative and Liaison Office in Melbourne, Australia. Benoy hopes that their strong relationships with some of Australia’s top developers and consultants will translate into success in the Australian market. “We are incredibly excited to be consolidating our position in Australia; the country presents such great opportunities,” said Tom Cartledge, Benoy Global Director.
While Chicago has been at the forefront of the green roof movement for over a decade, now the Windy City seeks to become the epicenter for rooftop farming in the US. Currently, there are at least 13 rooftop farms in Chicago and the city hopes that the zoning ordinance (passed in 2011) allowing rooftop farms to be constructed continues to promote rooftop farming. In August, the supposed largest rooftop farm in the US will open in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood by the New York based company Gotham Greens. “There’s a longing for people living in densely developed cities to reconnect to farming and to nature, to rooftop agriculture,” said Steven Peck, founder and president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. Related Article: 9 Ways to Incorporate Edible Planting into the Urban Landscape WATCH: Green Roofs | Green Roofs For Healthy Cities
- 8 Ways to Discover the Singapore Botanic Gardens this Month: Malay Mail Online
Featuring a diverse host of trees, plants, and flowers, the 74-hectare gem known as the Singapore Botanic Gardens is among the top in the world! The 156-year old botanic garden recently became the first Unesco World Heritage Site in Singapore. Besides plants there are many events and sights to see—particularly this month. From a rainforest tour to movie screening and nature sketching—you can’t go wrong with the Singapore Botanic Gardens! Related Article: Queens Botanical Garden leads us into a Future of Sustainability WATCH:Singapore Botanic Gardens – A World Heritage Site
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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.
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