Structures in landscape

Introduction

  • Overview of today's content focused on structures and materials in landscape architecture.
  • Emphasis on sustainable materials.
  • Mention of innovations applicable in both landscape architecture and architecture.

Refresher Exercise

  • Engaging scenario provided to the students.
    • Students role-play as licensed landscape architects tasked with designing a 0.4-acre plot of commercial land on Grand Avenue in Pullman.
    • Purpose: Stimulate thought about landscape architecture principles.
  • Description of the site location.
    • Near Safeway, adjacent to residential zones, dedicated to commercial use.

Design Ideas Discussion

  • Students brainstorm site possibilities: outdoor classroom, food cart hub, labyrinth, skate park, wildflower garden, etc.
  • Considerations for making ideas a reality:
    • Site conditions including slope, soils, weather, climate, traffic, demographics, water bodies, site history, and roadway proximity.

Group Interaction

  • Students work with partners to decide and discuss their sites.
  • Sharing of proposed ideas among students:
    • Suggestions included: dog park, pollinator garden, vegetable garden, community gardens with art sheds.

Design Considerations

  • Key criteria for proposals:
    • Hydrology: Managing water flow to prevent site flooding (grading and drainage).
    • Zoning laws: Understanding limitations within commercial zones (setbacks, plant materials).
    • Accessibility: Importance of location for user engagement and transportation accessibility.
    • Funding: The effect of financial considerations on design execution.

Collaboration in Design

  • Collaborators needed include:
    • Construction managers, engineers, interior designers, and specialists.
    • Importance of community input highlighted, along with potential conflicts in community desires and professional visions.

Landscape Architecture Process Overview

  • Iterative design process described:
    • Duration can range from three months to two years.
  • Importance of various disciplines collaborating in projects.

Structures Discussion

  • Reference to a notable Finnish project (Snowetta - reindeer viewing pavilion).
  • Example of local community engagement in design.
  • Definition of Landscape Architecture:
    • Blend of humanities, art, technology, engineering, and the natural environment.
    • Ethical approach informed by intergenerational knowledge (artist mother, ecologist grandfather).

Sustainability in Design

  • Conflict awareness in design through the concept of the three E's of sustainability:
    • Environment: Natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
    • Equity: Social justice and equality in community access.
    • Economy: Financial viability of projects.
  • Challenges faced when one element is prioritized over others.

Legal Boundaries of Landscape Architects

  • Clarification on landscape architect roles:
    • Full reign over land and plant design, including grading and drainage.
    • Cannot alter building structures directly.

Example Project Discussion (River Oaks, Houston)

  • Presentation of a residential landscape project:
    • Notable costs associated with complex designs ($8 million total).
    • Importance of thorough planning and legal compliance discussed.

Sequential Design Process Creation

  1. Initial Design Plan: First iteration created.
  2. Illustrative Design: Formal presentation of ideas.
  3. Construction Documents: Detailed technical drawings for contractor execution.

Project Value and Compensation

  • Understanding professional billing rates:
    • Ranges from $150 to $250 per hour, depending on geographic location.

Groundform Discussion

  • Groundform as a key component in landscape architecture:
    • User experience and movement through spaces.
    • Importance of design in functional and aesthetically pleasing ways.

Softscape vs. Hardscape Elements

  • Softscape: Grass, shrubs, vegetative cover; exemplified by pollinator gardens.
  • Hardscape: Involves structural elements like pavements, walls, and benches. Examples discussed include:
    • Retaining walls: Importance of structural integrity and aesthetics.
    • Design aesthetics discussed through various landscape public spaces.

Structural Design Principles

  • Key principles governing functional structures:
    • Soundness of design, functionality, economic costs, and aesthetic appeal.
  • Examples of effective pathways emphasizing user flow.
  • Integration of ADA compliant features.

Importance of Design Details

  • Discussed the role of design in everyday features like:
    • Trash receptacles and light posts.
    • Unique designs can enhance user experience and accessibility.

Retention and Detention Ponds

  • Clarification of the differences:
    • Retention Ponds: Hold water for extended periods (permanent).
    • Detention Ponds: Temporarily hold water during overflow events.

Innovative Techniques in Sustainable Design

  • Discussion on sustainable materials and technology innovations:
    • Upcycling construction waste, bioplastics, and 3D-printed architecture.
    • Ways to upcycle materials (e.g., using building components effectively).

Innovative Examples

  • Sustainable materials:
    • Biobricks made from recyclable materials, algae-based building constructs.