The reason why I like these ones are that the are very current and are addressing concerns that are very important today. I also looked at the range of different projects that a Landscape Architect may be undertaking - everything from master plans to landscape character assessments, large landscape design projects to food growing projects. I think it is interesting and important to understand that there are a number of different areas you can work in as a landscape architect.
By looking at different projects and identifying skills needed for the different projects I hope to find out areas where it would benefit me to get better knowledge in.
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Landscape character maps for Wales
Landuse Consultants
Landscape Institute Strategic Landscape Planning Award 2008
Landuse consultants has produced a new map of Wales - based on its changing landscape character. The map describes 48 different landscape areas, but what makes the map unique is that it doesn't just describe the geology, land form and biodiversity. It describes each areas distinctive sense of place.
The work is on going and the next step is public consultation in spring.
Not all landscape practices takes on this kind of work, but I think it add another dimension to the design work that a landscape architect does. It is important to understand the bigger picture when designing a space and I would like to have the opportunity to work on projects like these in the future.
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Offshots, Burnley - Permaculture project
Managed by Groundwork Penine Lancashire
Is a permaculture project in Burnley. It is a great example of sustainable food growing - but is also exemplar when it come to community engagement. It is located on a former site of the walled kitchen gardens of Townley Hall. It is managed
by Groundwork Penine Lancashire - they work principally as an organiser and facilitator. They help to get funding and has provided a master plan which has given a structure to work to and to allow a plan for development.
The Production gardens are the heart of the project. The produce is part of Burnley food link. There is also other ecological elements on site such as a cob building, community compost scheme, tree nursery, beekeeping initiative, reed beds and a sensory garden.
Offshoots involves people from the whole community, either through the composting project, as visitors to the site, as volunteers, or through colleges and schools running training courses - Offshoots is for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Offshoots was one of the first of schemes like these that are now becoming more usual and popular. I think it is great. It provides a sense of community and is a response to threat of climate change. Some people might not think it is beautiful and does schemes like these need landscape architects involved? I think landscape architects can play an important role in making sure that the space works as best as it can in turns of layout and the the way different spaces work together. A lot of the methods of processes in the projects - such as reed beds, composting, green roofs. etc is something that we as landscape architects should be experts in and we can also help to bring new ecological and sustainable processes to a project.
A well designed space should be well used, bring a sense of place and community and I think we can learn a lot from projects like these.
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Daniaoarken, Western Harbour in Malmo
Sweco
The park was created as part of a residential development in the harbour of Malmo Sweden. The park has no spatial boundaries part from the residential blocks at the back edge and is in a wind swept and open landscape. The elements of exposure and openness in the park make a strong contrast to the adjacent city district with its small, narrow alleys and squares. There are a few sheltered spots in the perennial terraces - but part from that you are really open to the elements here.
The platforms out to the sea are playful and kids love jumping off them in the summer time. There are also tall climbing walls to get back up again.
I like the simplicity and swedishness of this project. Being from Sweden I have always had a strong connection to the water - because of the many lakes and growing up spending my summers by the sea. I think the material use and openness is great.
I choose to look at this project cause it uses clean modern and playful design that work with the natural elements and responds and makes them stronger in the setting. I think that is another way of responding to nature and it brings attention to the sea and the possibilities of water. It brings out and connects with water without intruding.
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To sum up;
To find out more about what I need to do and what I need to learn to make myself emplyable when I finish univeristy I choose to look at some interesting and different projects in the landscape profession instead of looking at a particular practice. I think by looking at projects that I like and the principles of these projects I can identify what I like to learn more about and methods to try out in mys last projects this year.
In the play project we are working on at the moment I am interested in trying to combine a sensory hearing garden with play and food production to bring together a community in a playful way.
In the canal restoration project we just finished working on I will add some more management princilpes and really describe the ecolgical processes I use in the scheme. I will also try to describe how this can be used to create a sense of place and character that fits in the existing landscape.
