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.