Landscape architecture is a multi-disciplinary field, incorporating aspects of urban design, architecture, geography, ecology, civil engineering, structural engineering, horticulture, environmental psychology, industrial design, soil sciences, botany, and fine arts. The activities of a landscape architect can range from the creation of public parks and parkways to site planning for campuses and corporate office parks; from the design of residential estates to the design of civil infrastructure; and from the management of large wilderness areas to reclamation of degraded landscapes such as mines or landfills.
Neglected spaces that contains industrial wastes, or industrial land which is no longer in use, disuse land or any other public area which need special attention as a community. Landscape architects work to transform or recreate these type of areas, for the betterment of our environment, communities and for the essence of that space.
Here are few examples which are inspiring and have created a impact in society.
HIGH LINE – JAMES CORNER
The High Line, a 1.5 mile long park on an abandoned elevated railway, in New York. The High Line is designed by landscape designers James Corner Field Operations and architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Inspired by the wild seeded landscape left after the railway line had been abandoned. ”Through a strategy of agri-tecture – part agriculture, part architecture – the High Line surface is digitized into discrete units of paving and planting which are assembled along the 1.5 miles into a variety of gradients from 100% paving to 100% soft, richly vegetated biotopes,”. This undefined and unobtrusive environment allows the public to meander and experience the park as they wish. The paving system consists of individual pre–cast concrete planks with open joints to encourage emergent growth like wild grass through cracks in the sidewalk. The long paving units have tapered ends that comb into planting beds creating a textured, “pathless” landscape where the public can meander in unscripted ways.
THE BENTWAY
“A vital artery for pedestrians and cyclists“. The Bentway is transforming a 1.75km space under Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway into a vibrant public place where visitors can experience a diverse mix of activities and programs. The multifunctional space is an expression of Toronto’s unique creative energy and serves as an example of how the re-use of infrastructure can support new forms of public life. It was funded through a unique public-private partnership between the City of Toronto and philanthropists Judy and Wilmot Matthews, who contributed $25-million to the project. Judy and Wil were inspired by the vision of urbanist Ken Greenberg and landscape architecture firm PUBLIC WORK to re-imagine the expressway –arguably the city’s most divisive symbol of 20th-century transportation planning – as a new model of shared public space activated by year-round programming. The expressway provides a canopy at varying heights from intimate to a majestic 15-meters high, with the bents offering structural support for clamps, cables, power, and lighting – which are designed to meet both the requirements of large performance groups and the needs of fringe productions. Pillars, which are used as markers along the pathway below, also create nooks for different outdoor zones. Existing numbers that were originally used to mark for repair purposes are now reinterpreted for wayfinding.
LUTCHSINGLE BRIDGE
Hofplein was once a lively spot in the heart of Rotterdam. After twenty years, this area has been neglected and detached. The Hofplein surroundings illustrate a blind spot in the centre of the city. Rotterdam Central District carries the advantage of being a prime location in the city, however it is dominated by abandoned open spaces and vacant high rise buildings. In the context of the current market oriented economy it would take years for redevelopment to begin. The city cannot afford to wait: the question of space is too complex to address in the future. Therefore it is the responsibility of Rotterdam to react to the problem of abandoned and derelict spaces. In order to achieve this, new entrepreneurs and residents should be enthused to contribute to the development of a progressive public space.
The Luchtsingel is a 390 meter wooden bridge for pedestrians that connects the Center and the North of Rotterdam. It is a triggering force for new developments in a part of the city that has been forgotten for a long time. The bridge is also a catalyst for economical growth. Because of its length and its complex structure, the bridge is built and assembled in segments. There were a total of six phases for construction. The first phase was realized in 2012 and the last part was built in August of 2014. The official opening of the Luchtsingel was on August 20th of 2015.
DakAkker (Rooftop Garden)
On the roof of the Schieblock hotel, is the first harvestable garden in the Netherlands, cultivating fruits, vegetables, herbs and even honey. It functions as a space for experimentation with different manners of growing vegetables on building rooftops.
Station Hofplein
In collaboration with Hofbogen b.v. and local entrepreneurs the roof of the Hofbogen will be the landing site of the Luchtsingel. The roof will house both events and small-scale initiatives. Greening the roof will create a unique place to picnic or walk with magnificent views of the city. The potential of the roof has already contributed to a positive business climate for entrepreneurs in and around the Hofbogen area.
Park Pompenburg
Pompenburg was a storage area situated between busy roads and rail, but has been transformed into a unique place for Rotterdam: Park Pompenburg. The surrounding landscape provides space for recreation and urban agriculture, such as a lawn, a coopperative quarter, sports courts and barbecue areas. The park is the pivoting point within a larger network of public green.
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