Landscape Architecture

10 Best Tourist Spots for Landscape Architecture in Asia (part 4)

  1. Cheonggyecheon River Project – Seoul, South Korea

We need only a few words to say about the ChonGae Canal Redevelopment Project of Seoul, the capital of South Korea: It may be the best-restored river of the whole world. Before becoming a public gathering place for people in Seoul, the Cheonggyecheon River was highly polluted, covered wastewater and surrounded by elevated infrastructure dividing the city.

  1. Kontum Indochine Café – Kontum, Vietnam

Another bamboo project? Yes, but it is certainly one of the most beautiful ones. This architectural bamboo masterpiece is one part of a hotel café which desired to offer an outstanding dining experience. Indochine Café’s exceptional form of the bamboo columns was inspired by the traditional fishing baskets of Vietnamese.

The bamboo ceiling’s loose structure not only provides shade but also helps in maximizing the wind flow through the building. However, it resists some severe storms during the windy season due to the special characteristics. There is a shallow artificial lake sitting right next to the café, that reinforces the natural open space concept which has been established. The combination of bamboo, light, and water has resulted in an amazing creation, which is not to be missed on your next trip to Vietnam.

  1. Warde – Jerusalem, Israel

It is unclear to assign Israel to a continent. However, it geographically belongs to Asia and adds many wonderful landscape architecture projects to this continent. The art installation Warde, which offers a playful and interactive environment, is one typical example. Warde’s eye-catching red flowers have invited people not only to engage with them but also to notice a site which was previously neglected. The beautiful flowers open and close in reaction to people passing by them or whenever a tram arrives. These flowers provide shade at day and light at night by this inflation and deflation mechanism.

 

10 Best Tourist Spots for Landscape Architecture in Asia (part 3)

 

  1. LalaportToyosu – Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a city which seems to never sleep and always amazes not only its inhabitants but also its visitors from any part of the world. Japan’s capital is the successful combination between thousand-year-old cultural heritages and the latest trends. Among Tokyo’s famous tourist spots, located on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, LalaportToyosu is an art and shopping center which offers not only a mall with over 500 museums, shops, and a radio station but also a lot of open spaces. Especially, if you are a landscape architecture lover, its spectacular oceanic adventure offered through a park and public plaza will make you really amazed and surprised.

LalaportToyoso’s entire landscape was designed as an ocean – the ground plane emulates waves, benches are formed as corals, and seating elements imitate islands with a wavy surface. Moreover, there are many relics which remain as a reminder of its history, and many different fountains and water basins for children to play.

  1. The Blue Island – Matsu, Taiwan

Every year, many tourists travel to the beaches of Taiwan at night in order to witness the spectacle of bioluminescent algae. Matsu, a small town of Taiwan, is the home to the art installation The Blue Island by designer Island Chen. This glass box shows the bio-digital installation prototype of a visible ecosystem which recreates the natural habitat of the toxic bioluminescent algae.

The aim of The Blue Island is to act as an educational tool which helps people to understand that the aesthetically pleasing algae have detrimental effects on the marine environments. If you are planning your next trip to East Asia, you should really take the chance to not only enjoy the beautifully glowing waters at night of The Blue Island but also to educate yourself and support the installation as a viable and much safer option for eco-tourism.

10 Best Tourist Spots for Landscape Architecture in Asia (part 1)

Asia, the world’s biggest continent, seems to also be the most diverse part of the Earth. Therefore, it is not a surprise that there are hundreds of must-see places all over Asia. Although not many of those have the modern landscape architecture, you will find some of the world’s greatest landscape architecture in this list of 10 Asian landscape architecture spots.

  1. Cape Royale Resort – Sentosa, Singapore

Are you bored with lousy hotel gardens? Or do you want to enjoy a special treat while visiting Singapore? Try the Cape Royale Resort garden, which creates a peaceful reality in the middle of the rush of the busy city of Singapore. This resort with beautiful views of the sea is one of Singapore’s greatest tourist attractions. The hotel garden seems to magically connect sculptures, water features, original planting, and differentiated paving.

In the resort, there are a lot of pools in which you can swim, walk, and sunbathe on lounge chairs in shallow water areas. If you do not like to stay in the main garden, you can find your own serene spot under the native trees’ shade. Come and enjoy the high-end landscape architecture at Cape Royal Resort.

  1. Wadi Al Azeiba Park – Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 

Oman is said to be the obvious choice for those who are seeking out the modern face of Arabia while still want to sense its ancient soul. Indeed, this country holds various natural beauty and towns with their traditional charms.

One of these towns is Oman’s capital, Muscat, the home to a well-known park called Wadi Al Azeiba.  The word “wadi” means the gateway for water on storms in the rainy season. The city of Muscat embedded its formerly abandoned wadi into a new park. The ground contains the naturally planted area with walkways below the lawn and palm tree part reaching out to the surrounding neighborhoods. This modern park serves as the city’s new greenway which is central to many hubs of activity and is one of the reasons to visit the beautiful city of Muscat.

TOP CITIES WITH THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE IN EUROPE

Europe is one of the best places for architecture buffs in the world. It is a wonderland for design lovers because it has a rich cultural and architectural history. From the classical styles of the Greek and Roman period to the florid Baroque and Art Nouveau, architecture in Europe contains everything of all taste. Each European city has a distinct look and makes you feel that you can identify each one by how the structures are built. The list of the beautiful cities in Europe is so long, but these are the ones which owe their fame mostly to their landscape architecture.
1. Barcelona, Spain


Have you ever heard of Antoni Gaudi? He is a famous Spanish architect whose works were greatly influenced by nature. And the best place in the world to experience his art is Barcelona. His works have made Barcelona become the center of Modernism. This city is dynamic, creative, and has many delicious foods, too. When you visit Barcelona, don’t miss the dream-like buildings of Gaudi, especially his most famous work, the unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral.
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands


Amsterdam, Netherlands’ capital, is famous for its canal and boat homes. Along the river, you can find the picturesque houses converted into museums, hotels, and offices. The most excellent way to travel around Amsterdam is walking or driving a bike, that can help you see the canal district and Renaissance architecture that makes Amsterdam so stunning. Just enjoy the cafes by day, the bars by night, and visit some world-class museums in between.
3. Rome, Italy


Rome, the ancient city with Roman ruins, fountains, churches, and squares, will not disappoint any travelers. As a cradle of culture, the city is a typical symbol of Roman architecture, especially the Colosseum, Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Staying everywhere in Rome, you will be surrounded by world-class architecture.
4. Stockholm, Sweden


AS a breathtaking coastal capital spread across 14 islands, with the world’s very first twisting skyscraper, Stockholm offers some of Europe’s most diverse architectural landscapes. It instantly impresses everyone with charming medieval streets, traditionally painted homes, immaculate blooming parks, and vibrant waterfront promenades. It sometimes makes you forget that the city has escaped heavy destruction from war.
5. Venice, Italy


It can be said that Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Just wondering through the city can give you the feeling of the most beautiful architecture in Europe that you’re not likely to see anywhere else. Just ride through the small canals to get a perfect look at Venetian Gothic architecture. Don’t forget to check out Saint Mark’s Basilica, and spend the afternoon in the beautiful Peggy Guggenheim museum.

The Voices Behind the Blasen Landscape Architecture

As modern landscape architecture is becoming popularised in everyday homes – certain designers, such as Blasen Landscape Architecture, are being highly sought out due to their stunning work. The company was founded in 1993, and they are currently based in San Anselmo, California. While they do create stunning landscape architecture for homes, their work can also be found at various workshops, schools., and high-profile corporate offices.

Gardens of Tomorrow

The Blasens – Eric and Silvina, are some of the most thoughtful creators in the landscape architecture industry. This is shown by their array of clients who range from the everyday homeowner to billionaires prevalent in Hollywood. Recently, their garden collection has gained more attention, and they decided to personally CommNet of the thoughts regarding their work. Silvina compared gardens to a meditation area where people can just reflect and escape or a while. She then goes on to add how she is proud that their work respects nature and instead of changing it – they just add more beauty to the preexisting one. Eric continued that sustainability is the core idea of every project. On the Blasen official website – they feature some of their top work and shows how the instead try to incorporate natural changes to the environment instead of completely changing it for the client. Each work features a vast amount of greenery, nature, and beautiful additions.

The Blasen Landscape Architecture Process


The landscape architecture company follows a series of five steps for each one of their projects: sustainability, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration. No matter the project, each one of these steps are closely followed and thoroughly checked for any issues to assure that the result will be idea.

Sustainability

In this step – the designers take a closer look at the location and any unique features. This allows them to create stunning landscape architecture choices that will flow beautifully with the land and any surrounding areas. Due to the Blasen’s deep care for the environment, having this step in their design and creation process will allow them to have minimal overall disturbances to the natural land. Plus, the company are current members of the United States Green Building Council – which proves their dedication to their work and its impact on the natural environment.

Schematic design

This step is filled with other internal steps, but the overall idea is to meet with the clients, discuss ideas, begin the process of measuring and accessing the land and the estimated cost of the project. Finally, they meet with a final presentation to the planning department to make sure everything is going to be approved and to squish any misunderstandings.

Design development

During this step, the company begins the process of allocating all the desired and needed materials to begin the process of creating the landscape architecture. This step is usually filled with professional emails and phone calls between suppliers and the Blasen company.

Construction documentation

This step in the process detail outlines for other aspects of the landscape project, such as layout plans, planting plans, lighting plans, etc. After the plans are created, the company and other consultants in charge of certain parts of the plans will discuss and iron out any issues before beginning the building process.

Construction administration

This step is prominent in the actual process of building. This step entails another review of the plans and contracts before the building takes place, pre-demolition, occasion site visits to assure productivity and correctness, and a final site inspection to check for any possible issues.

The Rehabilitation of Detroit’s Waterfront

The Rehabilitation of Detroit’s Waterfront is set to get a makeover as the city works to re-establish itself and return itself to the days when people lived, worked and enjoyed the city. Twenty-two acres of prime riverfront in Detroit will soon become its new front yard so to speak as revitalization gets underway. The riverfront spans 5.5 miles and is in the eastern part of the city.

Currently, over 3 miles of the new Riverwalk has been completed and along it features spaces for events such as entertainment, cultural locations, hotels and parks as well as sculpture gardens. The areas is located in the more stable areas of the city, however, prior to the revitalization project, the park was barren with little offered. It’s previously housed a large warehouse owned by the Detroit Free Press that was torn down after being purchased by the Conservancy in 2014, who then installed a temporary park.

The Revitalization Project

The process towards this areas revitalization has been a community affair with both local and professional input being critical to the process. The conservancy accessed the expertise of area residents to help with its design and the spaces they would like to see. Many of those providing input traveled to other city waterfronts to see what become of the space with trips to Chicago, New York, Boston and others. Once all information was collected, and input received, the design process began.

The plan is to include a variety of pavilions along the waterfront to accommodate various social activities such as those for children and seniors. The goal is to create an urban environment that is considered cutting-edge and becomes a draw to the city to generate interest for companies to open businesses and people to choose Detroit as their home city. The pavilions will include pools for swimming lessons and playgrounds so as to create a multi-generational space that all can enjoy and be proud of.

Park to Include Pier for Fishing, Hiking Trails and Beach


The master plan will include a fishing pier, not a common inclusion in most urban planning initiatives. Also expected is a large 3-acre playground that will provide space by the beach for sports and other activities. The fishing pier will face out onto the river, and its topography will have dunelike areas that act as a floating stage of sorts.

The plan is being dubbed “Seedling Park” as the city works to clean up its tarnished images as an unsafe city littered with abandoned houses and high crime rates. The park will be completed in three stages, the first of those will include the creation of large green plant walls that will be used to help educate the public on the importance of living green in an urban area. The other remaining stages will focus on the construction of the planned inclusions and buildings as well as the pier and playground. It also will see the addition of an amphitheater as well as pedestrian paths that connect to various areas of the city.

The Landscape Architecture of California Academy of Sciences

The Landscape Architecture of California Academy of Sciences

The building of California Academy of Sciences is nestled on the vast Golden Gate Park of South Francisco. It has become a mixture of different wings that dates back during the year 1916. The original structure is still standing up to this day. There have been some notable changes on the architectural design over the past few years such as the glass trellis that has been implanted with solar cells. Last 2008, the new building of the Academy which was designed by Renzo Piano, a renowned architect, has been opened to the public. The landscape architecture design of the place has astonished various visitors from all over the world.

An Overview of the California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences

The new structure has the same colour, height, and size of the old building. It still highlights the flat, white wall of concrete. The whole structure has been intended to become energy efficient and was designed to house a new scientific lab, planetarium, aquarium, and museum. Due to the damage that the structure acquired last 1989 due to the Loma Prieta earthquake and the decreasing number of visitors, the authority believes that the structure requires to be updated.

Perhaps the structurally astonishing and most renowned part of this structure is basically invisible when you are on the ground. The living field that has been sculpted into valley and hills above the structure symbolises the commitment of the organisation in saving the resources of the planet with its green design.

A Simple Yet Functional Design

Minimising the design is definitely a great decision. It provides an opportunity to be creative in designing the form of the structure. The architecture proves that he has the capacity to go beyond the standard rational shape and take advantage of the psychological, cultural, and natural sources. The concept of the roof is exceptionally beautiful. The swelling surface of the roof acts as a natural ventilation system of the area. This dramatically decreases the need of the place to have an air conditioning unit. The landscape architectural design on the building creates an ecosystem that supports insects and bird life.

The roof of the California Academy of Sciences resembles a carpet of greeneries that has cloaked the basketball. Perhaps some of the major exhibit in that building includes the balls under the carpet that forms a sphere. Besides the roof of the building, architectural landscape of the area does not literally draw attention, but it is truly functional. The concrete walls have the capacity to absorb heat during the day and slowly release the heat during the cold night. The positioning of the windows is also designed in a way that it will receive air naturally.

Some of the part of the old structure has been recreated such as the African Centre. You will still notice the classic design of the vaulted structured that was originally too damaged that the management can no longer preserve them. The new room has been designed with the old concept but with the latest and premium materials.

A Comparison of Modern Day Landscaping and Medieval Times Landscaping

A Comparison of Modern Day Landscaping and Medieval Times Landscaping

Landscape architecture has evolved since medieval times, and we have seen various changes regarding landscaping. As technology advances, we have seen various improvements in various aspects. These all aim at discovering better ways of doing things and hence a better experience for the people. Here are some of the notable changes that have taken place in landscape architecture.

Discovery of Better Architectural Drawing Technologies

Architectural Drawing Technologies

During the medieval times, landscaping architecture was done as a poorly sketched diagram. Amazingly, the landscapers were still able to interpret the drawings and came up with appropriate results that suited the times. As times went, technology started changing and as building architecture diagrams were evolving, the same was taking place in the landscaping environment. Therefore, the landscapers in the middle century had better architectural diagrams than those used in the medieval times. In the 20th century, it is possible to do a landscaping architecture diagram within a few hours.  Through this, people are able to achieve quicker and faster results as compared to medieval times.

Smaller Land Is Available in Modern Landscaping

The modern-day landscapers are faced with more challenges which are times hard to tackle. Compared to the mediaeval times, there was a larger space that could be utilised as the population was smaller then. However, the modern landscapers are forced to use the little available space economically to make sure space is enough for the many things they want to do with it. This is because of increased population. Both the residential areas in urban and rural areas have become smaller than used to be. The urban population is also growing rapidly leading to demand better utilisation of space. This has led to the start of various courses that are driven towards making sure the land is economically used. There are also advanced technologies that are aiming at ensuring a better economic use of space.

Advanced Designs in Landscaping

Advanced Designs in Landscaping

People have become better skilled, and this has led to advanced designs. The architectural designs are accommodating better landscaping designs in the modern-day landscaping. This is compared to the medieval times landscaping where landscaping involved simpler designs. Therefore, people are able to achieve more sophisticated designs than was the case in the medieval times.

Better Machinery Is Used in Modern Day Landscaping Than in Medieval Times

In the medieval times, people did not have advanced machinery like they have in the modern days. Therefore, it was often done using human labour and other inefficient tools meaning it took a long time to do landscaping than it takes in the modern-day landscaping. In the modern day landscaping, there are better tools which means that landscaping can be done faster than was the case in medieval times. The earth movers are a good example of some of the machines that are used in the modern day making it a good venture.

These are some of the differences between medieval times landscaping and modern-day landscaping. As times progress and mode discoveries are being made, we will see better landscaping methods being discovered and hence these changes will go on.

Top 5 Gardening Tools

It is important to have the right top 5 gardening tools to make the process of maintaining and planting your garden easier. Having the right tools also will make it more enjoyable and easier on your physically. Gardening is a relaxing and therapeutic way for people to spend time outdoors cultivating the beauty of nature.

As we look at the tools we often come across as we go about our duties in the garden, we have come to the understanding of which are most important in our collection. Below we look at those we feel make the difference and are must have’s for the recreational gardener.

Clearing Tools


Clearing tools are an integral part of maintaining your garden. They are versatile and designed to allow you to trim bushes, stems, vines, branches and roots. They help you to prevent overgrowth and maintain a proper balance within your garden. When purchasing clearing tools, it is best to purchase those that are rugged, designed to be resistant to rust and easy to use efficiently.

Shovel for Digging


If you were to ask anyone who has ventured into gardening, it is a safe bet to suggest a good shovel is one that they highly recommend and we agree. They are needed for many applications within your garden from digging a hole, mixing soil and spreading soil when adding and maintaining your garden. The design of shovels has come a long way since its earlier days and is ergonomically designed, made of steel, and sturdy enough so that it will not bend under pressure.

Spade for Edging


A spade for edging is another in our top 5 list. An edging spade will allow you to edge around flower beds, trees beds, driveways and sidewalks edges and more. They may also be used when undertaking various planting tasks. Ideally, for comfort, purchase one with a rubber pad as this will make it more comfortable on your foot.

Shears

Shears are perfect for when you need to cut branches or bushes. Shears will allow for you to cut branches that are up to 1.5 inches in diameter and are designed to let the tool itself do the work versus brute strength. They range in size, and it is ideal to have several within your collection so as to allow you flexibility when needed.

Pruners

When you need to maintain your flower beds and remove dead deadheads, small stems and twigs, pruners are the perfect solution. They are an excellent multi-purpose gardening tool that any respectable gardener will not be without. Pruners are designed more for gentle use and not cutting stems bigger than a half an inch in diameter.

Pruning Saw

A pruning saw is another in our top 5 must have’s. They come in a variety of sizes and are used when the need arises to prune branches that are too large for shears or smaller pruning tools. Many are designed to be compact and versatile; ideally, have several in varying sizes so as the task is easier based on the job at hand.

A Short History of the Taj Mahal Garden

A Short History of the Taj Mahal Garden

It is quite rare that a public garden will stimulate our senses and capture our imagination. Some of them include Villa D-Este, Nishat Baugh, Central Park and the more recent Parc Andre Citroen, which are all magnificent landscape architecture project. Another popular setting would be the Taj Mahal. The Mughal Garden has highlighted the love of Jahangir on gardening and landscape design.

An Overview of the Taj Mahal

The religion of Muslim has introduced different types of building in India. Among them was a structure in octagon form that is designed to house the tomb of prominent personalities. The Taj Mahal is situated on the bank of Yamuna River that is nestled at the expansive Mughal Garden. The structure was constructed by Shah Jahan to honour his wife. The construction started in the year 1632 which was completed at around 1648. Eventually, the cloisters and the outer courtyard have been introduced in 1653.

The Taj Mahal has been considered as the most significant architectural achievement in the state of Indo-Islamic Architecture. The perfect combination of light shadow, convex, and concave, voids, and solids has been recognised as a prime example of architectonic beauty. The domes and the arches of the structure have further magnified the aesthetic appeal of the structure.

The Mughal Garden of Taj Mahal

A Short History of the Taj Mahal Garden

Taj Garden has become an integral part of the Taj Mahal that serves as the highlight of your visit in this travel destination. It is filled with green leaves, chirping birds, plentiful fruits, and attractive flowers. It is also referred to as the Paradise Garden that covers a total area of 300x300m.

The gardens found in Taj Mahal have followed the concept of 4 which is known as the holiest number on the Islam religion. The place has been divided into 4 blocks which has been adorned with a glorious fountain that serves as the focal point of the garden. There are around 16 flowerbeds in every quarter that divided the raised lanes. There are around 400 flowers found in every flowerbed. The various elements in the garden have been arranged in a symmetrical form. The trees in the garden also carry meaning; for instance, the fruit-bearing tree signifies life and the Cyprus indicated death.

The northern edge of the structure has been occupied in order to create an elegant garden. At the heart of the garden, the elevated marble lotus that has been highlighted with cusped border has intensified the beauty of the garden. The clear image of the Taj Mahal has been reflected into its water. The waterways have also been arranged to in a manner that will give the visitors with a breathtaking view of the mausoleum. It is well-maintained that delivers the natural scene that offers a perfect photo ops.

The balanced proportion of the entire area emanates peacefulness. Shah Jahan has created the entire place to reward the spirit of his wife with a palace. The landscape architecture of Taj Mahal has captured the heart of the visitor and inspired other masterpiece particularly in Europe.