Landscape Architecture

Top Influential Landscape Architects of the World (part 3)

7. Thomas Church (1902-1978)

American landscaper Thomas Church was well-known for developing the modern movement in landscape architecture by mixing innovative principles of modern style with these following four design principles:

  • He considered the garden and the house as a whole and the garden is an extra living room.
  • He focused on the function of the site and respecting its beauty.
  • He connected the place with the surrounding space.
  • He advocated a project’s simplicity for aesthetic reasons.

He designed many projects, among the best known may be the icon of modern style Donnell Gardens. Above all, Thomas Church is the father of a whole generation of American landscape architects that have made their mark on the American landscape.

Donnell Gardens

8. Pechère René (1908-2002)

Pechère René, a Belgian landscape architect, participated in the outdoor facilities design for the Universal Exhibition of 1958. He was internationally known by the gardens of the Congo and the Four Seasons that he made for this event. During his career, Pechère designed about 900 public and private gardens in Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

His philosophy was to design the garden contributing to the joy of living. His designs also highlighted the importance of the knowledge of many froms of art like sculpture, drawing, history, etc. His work used plants and architectural elements, taking into account sunlight, shadows, and colors. Besides the Mont des Arts or Botany Park in Brussels, Pechère is also known to have collected countless books about garden art, which are now gathered at the René Pechère Library.

9. Roberto Burle Marx (1909-1994)

Brazil landscaper, artist, ecologist, naturalist, musician, and painter Burle Marx has been widely recognized for his parks and gardens. Before creating his first garden at a private residence, he studied the fine arts long. He also created a collection of plants which is kept in Guaratiba, presently owned by the state and considered a national monument. Some plants also bear his name, for example, Calathea “Burle Marx”.

Top Influential Landscape Architects of the World (part 2)

  1. Peter Joseph Lenné (1789-1866)

Prussian landscaper Peter Joseph Lenné was born in a family of castle gardeners. Learned from big names in early 19th century landscape architecture, he became a fine connoisseur of plants. Lenné created Park Klosterberge in Magdeburg, one of the first public parks in Germany. However, his major works were to redesign the park at Sanssouci in Potsdam and the Tiergarten in Berlin. Lenné has the ability of mixxing utility and beauty as well as extensive botanical knowledge. Up to now, he still remains as a source of inspiration for many artists and landscape architects.

  1. Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903)

When thinking of the iconic American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, most of us think of the Central Park of New York City. But in fact, he was a man of many passions and studied engineering, agronomy, and journalism. Olmsted was passionate about nature as well as its preservation. He played an important role in the protection of nature. He created the Niagara Reservation in association with Calvert Vaux (1824-1895). Besides the Central Park, Olmsted left his footprint on many parks and urban projects such as the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

  1. Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932)

English landscape architect Gertrude Jekyll was one of the first famous women in the profession with most contribution residing mainly in the publication of many articles and books that focused on her research into landscape compositions. Her creations showed the importance of color balance, proportion, and the use of textures and fragrances in plantations. During her career, she created up to 400 gardens in England, and some in America and Europe, but few have been preserved. She was also passionate about creepers and roses and Rosa Gertrude Jekyll was named in her honor.

  1. Geoffrey Jellicoe (1900-1996)

Geoffrey Jellicoe is an English landscape architect and theoretician, who had a vast knowledge of landscape history. In 1948, he became the founding president of IFLA – the International Federation of Landscape Architects. Some of his projects such as the Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede are significant works of landscape architecture.

Top Influential Landscape Architects of the World (part 1)

 

Many people are surprised that landscapes can be designed. The assumption is that landscapes just happen and emerge almost accidentally, from the countless activities occurring on the land. However, there are innumerable instances that landscape has been intervened in with aesthetic intent and has been the outcome of considered planning and design.  In 1857, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux gave a name for this activity as describing themselves as ‘landscape architects’ when winning competition entry for the Central Park of New York. However, ‘landscape architecture’ had been going on for many centuries under different designations like ‘place-making’, ‘master-gardening’, and ‘landscape gardening’. Here is the list of the world’s top influential landscape architects, who have made their mark on the history of landscape architecture.

  1. André Le Nôtre (1613-1700)

André Le Nôtre, a son and grandson of gardeners of the French court, learned about art and architecture from his very early childhood. He grew up to become a gardener of the king’s brother and other French lords. His first gardens sowed the seeds of his unique landscape architecture perspective and made King Louis XIV to appoint him to restore the gardens of Versailles and design the king’s garden. The number of André Le Nôtre’s creations can’t be counted on two hands’ fingers. Some of them remain iconic, such as his masterpieces the gardens of Versailles and the Garden of Vaux-le-Vicomte.

  1. Lancelot “Capability” Brown (1716-1783)

English landscape architect Lancelot Brown was often known by his nickname, Capability. He earned the moniker as he usually told his customers that their sites had good “capability” for landscaping. Following in the footsteps of William Kent (1685-1748), Brown advocated a more naturalistic style by using water bodies with irregular shapes and large expanses of undulating grass. This caused the criticism against him during his time; however, his style was a key innovation in the history of landscape architecture, which gave birth to the modern English garden. Many of his 170 gardens still remain in the present, including Blenheim Palace, Kew Gardens, and Chatsworth House.

FOUR AMAZINGLY DESIGNED CASINOS IN THE WORLD (PART 1)

 

Casino design is an interesting subject that is full of intrigue, subterfuge, and secrecy. Casinos must be appealing to high-rollers, standard players, as well as casual visitors. They also need to stand out in the surrounding landscape but not be too garish to put off locals and potential customers. It’s a tricky business for any architect who wants to design a casino that can appeal to everyone.

It gets even more interesting to come inside the building. There are famous casinos of which the floor design mimics a fairy-tale maze’s layout out, with temptation in every corner in order to make punters become less inclined to leave without having one more flutter.

However, above all, most casinos are designed to be eye-catching and opulent, both inside and out. Many casinos around the world took the design of their facilities to greater heights to make guests’ playing experience even more memorable. Let’s take a look at the most amazing casinos in the world.

Morpheus Casino, Macau 

Zaha Habid, a famous Iraqi-British architect, was the first woman in the world to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and one of her last designs before her death in 2016 was the stunning Morpheus Casino in Macau.

The building with 42-storey was designed as an intriguing exoskeleton, cost about $1.1 billion to erect and helped its owners realize their dream of creating a building which was flamboyant and ‘insane’. It features a hotel and a casino, demonstrating stunning futuristic architecture which makes it stand out in a heaving metropolis.

Morpheus is the fifth and final hotel tower in Macau, the ‘Vegas of the East’. It goes all out to achieve the aim that casinos must do in Macau: standing out from the crowd. Owned by Malco Resorts, Morpheus offers about 500 gaming tables including blackjack, poker, and roulette, as well as exclusive ‘gaming salons’ where visitors can request access.

2019 TRENDS IN GARDEN DESIGN (PART 3)

  1. INCLUDING UNEXPECTED ELEMENTS IN YOUR ARRANGEMENTS

Although specimens like sticks, leaves, fruits are not traditionally used in arrangements, they have become more and more popular in the floral design world. And you may already have something unique which can truly reflect the season right in your own backyard. If yes, we believe that stepping outside and looking at your green plants is a refreshing pursuit that is good for your soul.

  1. INCLUDING FOOD IN LANDSCAPES OF ALL SIZES

Growing food is not a new trend; however, it seems that consumers are now more and more interested in where their food comes from and how it has been grown. And the ability to grow your own food is not limited to any people, even ones with acres of land because gardeners find that they can grow a surprising amount of food in just limited space.

If you want to try growing food but don’t think you have the room, consider:

  • Adding a pot on your front or back porch.
  • Researching ornamental edibles which you can combine in your current planting design.
  • Hanging planters in front of a kitchen window or from your home’s eaves.
  • Planting herbs on your walls with a vertical planter which can be mounted indoors or out.
  1. GIVING BACK WITH GARDENS

Homeowners have become increasingly aware that their gardens have the potential to be more than a land plot that is pretty to look at. There are a variety of ways to give back with your garden, for example:

  • Find the way to make your garden a Certified Wildlife Habitat to benefit wildlife and then inspire your neighbors to do the same.
  • Share your fresh products with your neighbors or donate them to your local food bank to foster a sense of community.
  • Use natural ways instead of weeds and control garden pests such as grubs and Japanese beetles.
  • Include plants which attract pollinators like butterflies.
  • Design your garden with wildlife in mind.

2019 TRENDS IN GARDEN DESIGN (PART 2)

 

  1. MAKING BACKYARD STRUCTURES FOCAL POINTS

Some structures in the garden, for example, walls, sheds, pool, pool equipment boxes, are very important. Because you will see these things every day, why not make them beautiful?

If yes, try these creative ideas:

  • Use salvaged materials like antique iron and rough barn wood gates in order to create a rustic pool house.
  • Reuse an existing structure such as an old stable to make an outdoor dining pavilion.
  • Take inspiration from the garden of anyone else by mimicking its design or using materials.
  • Use a kit to build the garden structure you like.
  1. INCLUDING PRIVATE PLACES

A small private place within a large garden seems like a getaway. It is more and more popular to create such a perfect space to read, meditate, or relax because finding ways to decompress has become a priority for people. Whether you need a spa to pamper yourself after a long working day or you’d like to create an outdoor yoga room with the quiet surroundings necessary for meditation, the garden is a great place to unwind.

These are easy ways to create a private place for yourself:

  • Provide just enough space for two.
  • Surround the space with lush plants.
  • Include a simple water feature.
  • Use tall narrow plants as a privacy screen.
  • Build a wall to separate this space from the rest of the garden.
  • Use neutral color palette to evoke a sense of calm.
  1. CREATING A NOTABLE FIRST IMPRESSION

It is necessary to create a sense of joy for you whenever you return home. Many people have found creative ways to make an impactful entrance for their houses. And here are some ideas to try in yours:

  • Include plants and flowers along the entry pathway.
  • Adding seasonal containers.
  • Installing lighting to make the entry pathway dramatic and easy to navigate.
  • Putting plants between stones and in crevices within walkways to add interest.

2019 TRENDS IN GARDEN DESIGN (PART 1)

From designing a garden which allows you to be more mindful, to growing your own food to help you safely feed your family, it is predicted that the 2019 tendencies of gardening are heavily leaning toward creating a space which brings you health, relaxation, and happiness.

Now, we share 10 important trends which are shaping the gardening world in 2019.

  1. KEEPING IT LOW MAINTENANCE

The saying “More mess equals more stress” is not only limited to the indoors, which is the reason why a disheveled garden can make the homeowners feel overwhelmed. With the busy world that we live in, the gardeners must be trying to simplify their gardens in 2019.

  • Grow mostly perennial plants which will come back every year and group them based on the watering level they need. When it comes to plant suggestions, attend a local garden tour to get ideas or talk to a master gardener in your community.
  • Remove messy trees or shrubs which don’t provide any ecological benefits. For example, trees which drop too many leaves into your pool or pond, shrubs which creep into an oft-used pathway.
  • Invest to set up an irrigation system which can help you do the dirty work when you’re away.
  • Look for information when selecting hardscaping materials. Select quality stones which don’t require repair after just a short amount of time or pavers which don’t need to be cleaned constantly. Also, use gravel pathways with robust edging.
  1. CREATING A STAYCATION SPOT

Designer Scott Shrader says, “Why go on vacation once a year when you can make your yard feel like you’re on vacation all year round?” Gardeners are making more ways to enjoy a staycation in their own backyard rather than waiting at the airport and living out of a suitcase.

There is some inspiration:

  • Keep it low maintenance (as above).
  • Set up an outdoor kitchen if you love to cook.
  • Set up a weatherproof speaker system to enjoy music.
  • Invest in outdoor furniture which you actually want to sit in.
  • Site destination spaces in a spot which will draw people outside.

Top 10 stadiums and sports centers in the world (part 2)

 

US Bank Stadium, USA, by HKS and Vikings Stadium Consortium

Designed by HKS and a consortium of architects such as Studio Hive, Lawal Scott Erickson Architects, and Studio Five, the US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, the USA, is the new home to America’s football team the Minnesota Vikings.

The stadium with angular protrusions and a roof which is partly made of the plastic film came to global attention in 2018 due to its becoming the venue for this year’s Super Bowl.

Cheomdan Badminton Court, South Korea, by JHW IROJE Architects

JHW IROJE Architects built the riverside Cheomdan Badminton Court in Gwangju, South Korea.

The badminton center is made from concrete which is colored to match the surrounding earth, with skylights clad in steel providing light for the large hall.

Bamboo Sports Hall, Thailand, by Chiangmai Life Architects

Bamboo Sports Hall in Chiangmai, Thailand is a zero-carbon sports hall which was built by Chiangmai Life Architects. As a specialist in building with bamboo, the sports hall will be used for futsal, basketball, badminton, and volleyball.

Golf Exécutif Montréal, Canada, by Architecture49

This clubhouse at a golf course in Montréal, Canada, is covered with a huge wooden roof which will shelter players by using driving ranges in case of bad weather.

The roof of this curved building is cantilevered out from the central building which contains an open-plan lounge with a pro shop, a bar, a reception hall, and some administrative offices.

Atlantic Pavilion, Portugal, by Valdemar Coutinho Arquitectos

The brutalist sports facility of Pedro Barbosa School, named the Atlantic Pavilion, is designed to be used by not only the school’s students but also the community of Viana do Castelo, Portugal.

The sports hall which is 650-square-meter is assessed from a concrete entrance pavilion which has angular surfaces in order to funnel the daylight into the public foyer.

 

3 Landscape Design Tips And Trends

 

Spring means the time to step outside and to update your outdoor space so that you can fully immerse in the warm-weather months. There are the favorite landscape design tips and trends of the top landscape designers and architects, from big-picture ideas to smaller details. I hope that they will help you enhance your backyard to enjoy all season long.

  1. Bring the Indoors Out

Many people want to enjoy their houses both indoors and outdoors without giving up the convenient features of the interior spaces. Lighting design both indoors and outdoors can give a wonderful ambiance to space. It adds the dimension and enhances the users’ ability to enjoy their outdoor spaces with family and friends.

  1. Create Comfortable Gathering & Entertaining Spaces

A trend which never goes out of style is seating arrangements providing spaces for gatherings, from small to large. By enlisting the interior decorator, you can make the outdoor living space an extension of your interior. To create a perfect outdoor space, there is a trend of including a full-service kitchen and bar combined with a lounging area. This can be more complete with a TV for watching shows, films, sports events, or a music player for some dancing or singing. Moreover, a screened in porch or gazebo is a great option to prevent insects, protect from the sun in the summer, and also add a little warmth in the fall and winter.

  1. Plant a Garden for the Kitchen

With the increased desire for healthy eating, there are more and more requests for herb gardens, potager gardens, and organic gardens so that fresh food is available from everyone’s own garden. A herb garden near the kitchen entry to the house is a good idea. For example, a parterre with the favorite herbs which are planted between the pattern of the boxwood hedges.

 

 

 

Top 10 stadiums and sports centers in the world (p1)

 

Thanks to the FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl, and the Winter Olympics, we can see the setting up of many great sports architecture. This is the list of the ten best stadiums and sports centers in the world up to now.

Luzhniki Stadium, Russia, by Speech

The Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow was the venue for both the opening and the final game of the World Cup 2018 and was the focus of the largest sporting event in this year.

The historic stadium was built in 1958 and overhauled by Speech, a Moscow-based studio, ahead of the tournament for FIFA standards and increased its spectator capacity from 78,000 to 81,000.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, USA, by HOK

The Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta, the USA, was designed by HOK for American football to replace the Georgia Dome as the home of the Atlanta Falcons.

The stadium with 71,000-capacity has a retractable roof which was made up of 8 large petals that can open and close just like a camera aperture.

Dolní Břežany sports hall, Czech Republic, by Sporadical

Dolní Břežany sports hall was built alongside a primary school in Dolní Břežany, south of Prague, Czech Republic. It is clad in reflective aluminum panels to disguise its size.

This sports hall is used for sporting activities by both the primary school and the town and also serves as a cultural venue.

Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Stadium, South Korea, by DaeLim Construction

Pyeongchang Winter Olympics Stadium is the centerpiece of the Paralympic Games and the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic. This stadium hosted both the opening and the closing ceremonies of the games.

The pentagonal 35,000-capacity arena was designed and built by DaeLim Construction.

Streetmekka Viborg Build, Denmark, by EFFEKT

Streetmekka Viborg Build was created by EFFEKT to be a skatepark as well as a youth center within an abandoned factory in the city of Viborg, Denmark, in 2018.

The sports building is wrapped in a translucent skin of polycarbonate. Besides a huge skating bowl, it contains basketball courts, maker workshops, and DJ facilities.