Under freeway landscape

     I remember last semester I try to find some good under freeway designs,but I didn't found any good one. This is Mexico City's High Line Park, I think this is a successful project that create an amazing example for public reused space in the city.This design was not only have the functional connection for pedestrains and bicycles, but also considered the aesthetic factors.

     Mostly, the under freeway part is not looks very well, so I think for the under freeway design might have a lot of potential for designers. Details could not only shows the designer's soul, but also effects the whole city's beauty and the overall urban planning. For example, in this design I see the designer have fully thinking about the functional activities and landscaping factors which totally changed the scenery of under-freeway. Also, the paving materials, the shrubs, and the hanging plants that the designer choose was very helpful to change the ugly scenery before. All in all, I think it is necessary to pay more attention to the harmony and unity in urban design and individual design to meet the needs of different person's view of aesthetics and the overall urban development.

sculpture fountain

    This design was one part of  Hargreaves Associates design for "One Island East" in Hongkong.I called this is"sculpture fountain". It's hard to say this is sculpture or fountain, but looks very special and unique.The same as landscape Aritecture, I think for landscape designer we need to think each elements within our design and make these elements to support our design and thinking. Which I mean is how to provide an elegant open space within landscape. Details could be highlight our design. For designer, they need to create beautiful, enlarge these beautiful sense and bring these beautiful to people's life. 

     Each design should have its functionality and reasonability. Designers should overcome barriers to enable this functionality and aesthetica. For example, I think this design not only meets its functional requirements of fountain, sculpture,but also meet the aesthetic requirements.

Give Peace a Chance

Designers: Linda Covit, artiste and Groupe Cardinal Hardy & Marie-Claude Séguin, landscape architect
Location: Mount-Royal Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Client: City of Montreal

Project Year: 2010

“The work Give Peace a Chance is an homage to the tolerance, openness and diversity of Montréal, as well as to one of its most important symbols, Mount Royal. The inauguration of this artwork is also a good illustration of the enthusiasm of our creators for using their talent for the benefit of public art. It is an invaluable contribution to Montréal’s reputation as a city of creators and a cultural metropolis,” declared Mayor Gérald Tremblay.

This design is made of approximately 180 limestones on a flat ground, and the phrase " Give Peace a Chance" is engraved in relief in 40 languages.The designer integrate an artwork into the landscape which makes the public space more interesting. I think landscape Architect should have this talent to make our environment more special and beautiful. Even the budget might be huge, but for a good work I think is worth it . Also, I think we should fully consider the aesthetic value and functional value. The aesthetic value is as important as functional in one design.

Landscape should be fun and functional~

   

     Interesting design, I like this unique design thinking.The designer success attracted my attention. Even the pattern is tilted, but it looks balance and well. It combined the planting area with the paving pattern in a good way. Even the pattern make this space looks a little busy, but it still give this space more potential. I hope one day I can go and see this real space. Which I mean is I think Landscape should be fun and functional. 

curving benches

Architects: Cliff Garten Studio

Location: San Francisco, CA, USA

Area: 21,840 sqft

Year: 2013

     I like this curving design in this design, the whole layout is classical symmetry, but the designer balance the symmetry with the curve elements which makes this courtyard looks more interesting. The curve lines give a impression that it create a three dimensional interwoven form to make this space more dynamic. And this is what I need to study. 

     Sometimes I really don't know how to balance each spaces and each elements in a good way. This is an example for me. Also, I think for a landscape student, I will think more about ecological factors. With the development of urbanization, increasing demand and supply, there appeared a series of urban environmental problems. So for my goal is to balance the urban development with ecological context. So for my design, first, I will think more about how to create interesting green spaces in people's life. Second, I will think how to combine my design with the the ecological factors. For example:  some sustainable technologies.

Fort Werk aan ‘t Spoel

Architects: Rietveld Landscape+Atelier de Lyon
Location: Culemborg, The Netherlands
Project Year: 2011
Photographs: Rob't Hart
Client: Municipality of Culembor

 This design attract me a lot. Firstly, it is kind of an enormous grass sculpture that integrating both sunken plaza space and amphitheatre. It forms a type of  public domain that brings a lot of activities for people. Secondly, from the plan view, we can see it shows a good combination of topography and circulations. No matter the stairs connected to the building or the ramp connected with the terrace, they all very well designed. People in here can enjoy the good sunshine, quiet and beautiful environment. Thirdly, this design brings a lot of green area for people's life. For a landscape designer, it is an important consideration. Fourthly, it shows me a good example of how to make changes in elevation. Even there is an elevation changes, but the space still looks harmonious and unique. Finally, some picture is kind of "phtoshop", they add children's activities, people's activities to enrich the whole space. This is an effective way to let client know the function and characteristic of the site. Also, I think this is a natural and intutive way to show the scale of this site. All in all, I like this design very much. The design create a new type of public space design. It is not only increase the  city's green area , but also create prople a good recreational space. I can say it could be a public attraction and a landmark in the city!

Governors Island / West 8

This design include Rogers Marvel Architects, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Mathews Nielsen that led by West8.

I really like these pictures that they created. Firstly, these pictures gives me an intuitive impression of this site. The distant view is grey and blur which is better highlighted the near view. Secondly, peoples' activities are very rich in these perspectives, so I can imaging they have a lot of fun in this site. Thirdly, the scale looks very nice. The different scale person between background and foreground make this site looks more real. Fourthly, I like the way that they expressed the sunlight, the shadows all in a same angele and direction. It was an effective way to make this site looks more reasonable. Next,I can see each layers are very well-organized in these perspectives. The designers have a mature thinking of this site feeling they want to create. Finally, the birds flight direction shows a very good perspective relationship of this site. It can guide people to image the changing of this whole space.

I learned a lot from these perspectives. It gives me a new thinking of how to show my perspectives.I think it's a good way to use some bright colors in the foreground to show the main attractions and attract people's attention. Also, I think the activities person are very useful in the perspecitive, because it makes the space looks active. Next, I think the natural transition of the colors and shadows are also very important. It can make the site looks more realistic.

Estoril beach Portugal

James Richards fasla

Taken on February 9, 2012

Estoril, Lisbon, PT

     I really like this rendering! From this rendering I learned a lot. Firstly, the colors are really attractive, he used some bright watercolor to show the beautiful scenery of the coastline. It is obvious about the contrast of the background and foreground color changing. Secondly, I like the way he used some dark color to stress the shadow and water view. It makes this drawing looks real. Thirdly, I think he deal with the perspective in an effective way, even thousands of objects in his drawing, but it seems harmonious and organized. I really like the way he deal with these details, It looks so nice and attractive. Even people is so small, but I can see they have a lot of fun here. Fourthly, this drawing is kind of free hand drawing, but the lines are very clearly and smoothly. The whole space is complete, that I can image the coast view of Lisbon. I hope one day I can be there.

Pearl River Beer Factory Landscape

Architects: Atelier cnS

Location: Guangzhou, China

Architect: Atelier cnS

Area: 25,000 sqm

Year: 2010

Photographs: Courtesy of Atelier cnS

     Firstly, I think this design shows a good example that how landscape combine with architecture, no matter the functionality of each material and forms. The designer used the cruve element to show this space. It's not only try to active this space, but also compared and balanced  the shape with the building.

    Also, from their introduction, I found they choosed the local materials to reach the cost-effective priniciple which is really good, because they are not only satisfied the different needs, but also adjusted to local conditions.  For example: the building materials, the paving stones, local trees, shrubs......

     Thirdly, because of Pearl River Beer Factory located opposite the Haixinsha Island, where the Asian Games Commencement Ceremony took place, so for the preparation of Asian Games, the beauty landscapes was needed for the sides of the Pearl River. Then they create this beautiful landscape public space for activity within the city. Moreover, because of this beautiful landscape and the elegant architecture here, so I think it could be another landmark in Guangzhou. Also, the Pearl River Delta is one of the important industrial development district, so I think the designer created an alternative activity space for the public and future commercial activities.

Railroad Park

Project Name:

Railroad Park

Location:

Birmingham, Alabama 

Size:

19 acres 

Budget:

$17.5 million 

Client:

City of Birmingham/ Railroad Park Foundation 

Completion:

2010 

TLS Team Credits:

Akiko Ono, Gabe Meil, Ivan Valin, Kathryn Drinkhouse, Paul Burgin, Roman Chiu, Sarah Cowels, Sara Peschel & Tom McMillan

Background:

     TLS spent five years working extensively with a public / private partnership to build this downtown central park and master plan the rail corridor. 

    The park site is a former warehouse and brick-making site and much of the park is formed with materials recovered from historic uses. The park is four blocks long by one block wide and was historically, the lowest point in town.

    The “Rail Trail”, located atop this little mountain range is a series of on-grade and bridge connections which allow train-spotting up close, views over downtown and of the frequent large music events and parties within the park. The park contains performance venues of varying scales from small to extra large such as the annual “Crawfish Boil” attracting 30,000 music fans. Noisy or quiet, day or night, the park is only completed by the industrial ballet of freight cars slowly rolling in both directions.( online resources)

     For me, I think this park looks so beautiful, if I have chance I'd like to go  and see this park. From the picture we can see this park combine the nature and urban city in a good way. It looks harmonious and balance. Also, the designs in this park was very delicate, no matter the curve lines,the straight lines or some entertainment facilities. Moreover, we can see people like this park, because they have a lot of activities in this park. A good urban park need to have this function to invite people come and enjoy their life . I think this park did this in a very good way. It makes people think even they lived in a urban city, but they can still enjoy the green scene and beautiful environment. For a landscape designer, this is what we need to study and solve. We need to provide a healthier living environment for people and help them close to the nature.

Edward M. Crough Center

                                     
                   
Project Name:Edward M. Crough Center
Project Term:Paul Lewis, Marc Tsurumaki, David J. Lewis; Emily Greene, Jessie Turnbull, Irene Brisson, Naoki Kamitani, Ting Ting Jin, Alan Ford, Clare Reidy, Kristen Chin
Location:The Catholic University of America- Achool of Architecture and Planning
Washington, DC
Size:
76,000 sq. ft.
Client:  Catholic University

     This design aimed to renovate and expand the existing Edward M. Crough Center, cultivate its existing historic building to meet the requirments of expanded studio, faculty and exhibition space. 

     LTL's approach to this project is to strengthen the underlying design imperative of the 1989 renovation that placed the studios as a shared resource at the heart of the school. The design creates new strategic additions to the north and east of the Old Gym that accommodate faculty offices, a relocated lecture hall, exhibition spaces, pinup areas, classrooms and fabrication spaces.By consolidating these functions in the new additions, the design studios are able to be accommodated within the main exposed trussed drill hall of the original structure.  At the same time the design establishes a new entry and sequence of public spaces at what was formerly the rear of the building, engaging evolving pedestrian circulation patterns and establishing a connection to the broader campus landscape.(LTL introduction of Edward M. Crough Center)

     For me, firstly, I think this design is very attractive,because the rendering and the 3D model looks so beautiful. They used the “transparent" person to stress the freedom and fluency in this modern building design.Even the person was grey and transparant, but their activities looks very rich and real.Secondly, I like the color they used in this design, it's looks harmonious. And the color changing is very effective highlighted the part they want to express. For example, highlight the appearance of the building,the building section and the utilization of structure space.

Keyaki Plaza

Name: Keyaki Plaza

Designer: Yoji Sasaki

Location: In the heart of Saitama city, Japan

Size: Covers an area of 23687 square meters

        The square covers 11100 square meters

        The construction area of 10136 square meters

In this design, Sasaki has successfully created new Japanese landscapes using  "Zen Buddhism" based on actual situation by combining modern technology and gardening skill.In Keyaki Plaza, he transplanted 220 zelkova trees to a seven meters high rack in a two-story building.He considered sunshine, shadow, environment, building colors, tree shape and surrounding residential spaces. Sasaki tried to combine these elements and create a simplistic beautiful garden. Also, he uses most primitive techniques to let people feel that the nature is surrounding them.For example: the stone materials and plant materials.

Next,in this design, Yoji Sasaki tried to pursue artistic landscapes. He used some circle, square and layer strip elements to shape landscape and create an elegant space. For example, he used some underground lights to show the different views between day and night. Also, he used some fine pavings and wood benches and tables to express this pleasant landscape space. Moreover, we can see Sasaki really pay attention to some details of his design, like the shape of the trees, shape of the stones and material of facilities.

All in all, I think Sasaki's design defines "Humanistic design". His design looks like a magic key to connect people with nature and serve people through attention to their social and funcitional requirements. For a designer, we need to respect nature and try to make a comfortable, practical, dedelicate design to meet different people's different needs and give people a sense of nature is close to their lives.

      

10/04

    

     With the development of human society and unrestrained use of ecological resources, our ecological environment has been destroyed a lot. For example: climate change, habitat loss, invasive species and so on. I think landscape design is the nature of human life and an integral part of the environment. So I believe landscape could use a philosophy ways to guide human living environment and natural environment in a harmony way. The more we understand nature and respect of ecology, the more we can put nature to work for people. Therefore, I think landscape Architect need to stand out to figure out and try their best to save our unique nature heritage and sustaining our nature of beauty.

     In this landscape design, I see the designer try to combine nature and artifical in a harmony way. It's definitely a good example. Firstly, the form is very special, the designer repeat the simple circle pattern, but create an unique landscape sitting area. It's looks very beautiful and romantic, when you sit in it, you will feel that you are sitting in a big flower. In this exterior garden, you can hear the bird singing, smell the flowers and look this beautiful scenery. Secondly, the material looks good,  the designer used red brick and several small circle shapes to emphasize the flower bed. Also, the designer choose the iron table and chairs in this exterior design which not only looks very beautiful, but also practical. Finally, I like the color shows in this design, it looks very fresh and harmonious. Red, purple, white combine with green, it create a wonderful landscape feeling. And this is what I still need to learn in my later study!

Simple is the best!

This picture gave me a fresh thinking about how to compare hardscape and softscape in a very good way.Even it looks simple, but there is a lot of details in it. This space around are contours. It looks like a city's quare.The designer use some trees and grasses to block the noise and wind. Then people can enjoy the good sunshine, beautiful weather here. I really like this design, because even it looks simple,but everything is in order,no matter the shape of the grassland, shrubs, trees or the benches.

Simplicity and complexity need each other.Also,simplicity and complexity always reinforce each other.I think this is a good example to show how to plant grasses, flowers and some other plants in one space. They all planting in a rectangular grid, but they looks very beautiful and harmonious. Also, the color they use, the material they choose are perfect combinations of moderen design and classic design. 

Nature makes nature

This picture give me a sense of “Nature Makes Nature”. Nature makes nature is like a panacea that can save earth itself. I think the water, wind, soil, sunlight, vegetation, grassland, roads, hedgerows, lakes, rivers, forest, stones...... all become the major factors that will be affect people’s life. Our living environment damaged a lot these years, even the nature can restore it by itself, but we still need to set a human’s goals of cleaner water, fresher air, healthier waterways and wildlife habitat to give people a warning of their activities. For a landscape Architect, we need to work with nature, so how to restore ecology and use nature make nature is what we really need to think.
From this picture we can see some part is nature, some part is man made, but they combinated these good elements to get functionality that human want. The vegetation, wood,   pavement here looks very harmonious. And we can see all the elements are in order, looks very nice. Moreover, I like the color shows on this picture, it looks very fresh. I believe when I walk here, it will give me a special feeling and experiencing!