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CONTENTS

ON THE cOvEr: Edinburgh Gardens Rain Garden by GHD, photo by GHD THIS PAGE: Sahid Kuta Lifestyle Resort by PT. Enviro Tec Indonesia, photo by PT. Enviro Tec IndonesiaLEFT: Jurong Eco Garden, Singapore by Atelier Dreiseitl, photo by Atelier DreiseitlrIGHT: Akasya Acibadem Central Park by SdARCH Trivelli&Associati, photo by SdARCH Trivelli&Associati

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News

4 Bosco Verticale in Milan wins the International Highrise Award 2014

4 The 4th International Green Roof Congress is coming up!

5 Living Breakwaters wins 2014 Fuller Challenge

5 2015 Sustainable Water Management Conference

6 2nd International Conference on Changing Cities

6 Grant Associates unveils landscape designs for Capitol Singapore

7 Winner of Kai Tak Fantasy Competition announced

7 Future Landscape and Public Realm Abu Dhabi

wORKs

8 MK Landscape

16 Akasya Acibadem Central Park

22 Foundation for Polish Science Headquarters

FeATURes 28 Beiqijia Technology Business district

34 Edinburgh Gardens Rain Garden

40 Sahid Kuta Lifestyle Resort: The Garden oasis of Kuta, Bali

48 Novo Nordisk Nature Park

54 The Avenue

62 Rehabilitation of Templeuve Railway Station

68 Estrella Hall at Estrella Mountain Community College

74 SWT Design Campus Headquarters

80 Jurong Eco Garden, Singapore

INsIghTs

86 Sabarmati Riverfront Park

100 Porta Nuova Varesine

PlANNINg & COmPeTITION

110 Walter Gors Park

DesIgN exChANge

114 A System of Water Self–Sufficiency: The Botanical Garden of the University of Padova

117 Landscape Architecture Leads Rain Garden Retrofits

INTeRvIew

120 Water as a Resource and Inspiration of My Design - An interview with Tao Zhang, Sasaki Design

123 Below–Grade Exploration: Innovative Soil Solutions for Stormwater Management - An Interview with Bonnie Roy & Klaus Rausch, SWT

126 Water Garden: Passive Rainwater Management - An Interview with Nui Suwannatrai & Prang Jenpanichkarn, Openbox Architects

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Stormwater management StrategIeS

NEWS


Bosco Verticale in Milan wins the International Highrise Award 2014

The 4th International Green Roof Congress is coming up!

The jury of the International Highrise Award (IHP) 2014 resolved unanimously: the residential highrise Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy has won the prize, worth EUR 50,000, for the world’s most innovative highrise. Choosing for the Bosco Verticale designed by Boeri Studio (Stefano Boeri, Gianandrea Barreca, Giovanni La Varra),

now Stefano Boeri Architetti and Barreca & La Varra, and the developer Manfredi Catella (Hines Italia SGR S.p.A.), the IHP 2014 awarded a project that blazes the trail for greened highrises and can be considered a prototype for the cities of tomorrow.

The winner convinced the jury at several levels: The two greened residential highrises are based on simple rectangular footprints and differ in height, the one being 19, the other 27 stories high (80 and 112 meters respectively). Each of the 113 apartments in total is equipped with at least one balcony, which resembles a small garden or a small forest: several hundred trees, along with bushes and shrubs cover the façade. The plants ensure a natural climate in the apartments and

Is there room for nature in towns? This is a question that is increasingly being asked by building experts around the world who are faced with the challenges of urban densification. Under the motto “Explore Nature on Rooftops,” successful solutions for sustainable urban

project! It’s an expression of the extensive human need for green. The ‘wooded highrises’ are a striking example of a symbiosis of architecture and nature,” pronounced the jury of experts chaired by last IHP prize winner Christoph Ingenhoven.

The two relatively small residential towers are part of the comprehensive development of the district in north Milan. Alongside the emphatic sculptural quality and the innovative greening, the twin towers attract also for the context: The lobbies offer inhabitants not only an entrance zone complete with shared uses, but the future park that blends visually with them, interfacing directly with them, and is the continuation of the vertical greenery.

provide outstanding residential conditions. The pioneering work necessary to green a highrise façade in Europe was undertaken by Boeri Studio along with agronomist landscape consultants Laura Gatti and Emanuela Borio.

“Bosco Verticale is a marvelous

development and practical Green Roof technology will be presented, discussed and taught at the 4th International Green Roof Congress in Istanbul on 20-21 April, 2015, supported by the International

Green Roof Association (IGRA). The latest achievements in science and technology will also be presented.

The congress program will have a distinctively interactive style with lectures and workshops. Certified Green Roof experts, designers, landscape architects, landscape contractors, plant experts and delegates of municipal authorities will be sharing their knowledge and answering questions and queries in practice-oriented workshops.

This congress is for everyone whose profession brings them into contact with Green Roofs and who wishes to learn about the latest technology related to this field. The 2015 congress is a great opportunity to make contacts and to develop new markets.



2015 Sustainable Water Management Conference

The Sustainable Water Management Conference will be held in Portland, Oregon, March 15-18, 2015. This conference, hosted by American Water Works Association, is a unique, holistic event that brings together water sector organizations to develop relevant, current sessions that water professionals need to be efficient now. Sustainable water management encompasses a multitude of interrelated topics and requires a broad and inclusive approach.

This conference seeks to combine technical presentations with in-depth discussions on the critical matters facing the water sector today. The

conference will address a wide range of topics in sustainable water management, including managing water resources, water conservation, sustainable utilities and infrastructure, urban planning and design, energy efficiency, stormwater and reuse.

Established in 1881, the American Water Works

Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With approximately 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.

The Buckminster Fuller Institute (BFI) is pleased to announce that a comprehensive climate change adaptation and community development project, Living Breakwaters has been selected as the winner of the 2014 Fuller Challenge, “socially responsible design’s highest award.” The project was submitted by Scape / Landscape Architecture PLLC based in New York.

Living Breakwaters is a comprehensive design for coastal resiliency along the Northeastern Seaboard of the United States and beyond. This approach to climate change adaptation and flood mitigation includes the deployment of innovative, layered ecologically engineered breakwaters, the strengthening of biodiversity and coastal habitats through “reef streets,” the nurturing and resuscitation of fisheries and historic livelihoods, and deep community engagement through diverse partnerships and innovative educational programs. The transformative educational dimension amplifies impact to the next generation of shoreline stewards while leveraging the expertise of the members of the SCAPE Architecture team, who are making groundbreaking inroads into state and federal agencies, setting new precedents for multi-layered and systemic approaches to infrastructure planning.

“Living Breakwaters is about dissipating and working with natural energy rather than fighting it. It is on the one hand an engineering and infrastructure-related intervention, but it also

Living Breakwaters wins 2014 Fuller Challenge

has a unique biological function as well. The project team understand that you cannot keep back coastal flooding in the context of climate change, but what you can do is ameliorate the force and impact of 100 and 500 year storm surges to diminish the damage through ecological interventions, while simultaneously catalyzing dialog to nurture future stewards of the built environment,” said Bill Browning of Terrapin Bright Green, a 2014 senior advisor and jury

member.

The Living Breakwaters project integrates components ranging from ecologically engineered “Oyster-tecture,” to transformational education around coastal resiliency and the restoration of livelihoods traditional to the community of Tottenville in Staten Island, while also spurring systemic change in regulatory pathways at the State level.

NEWS


2nd International Conference on Changing Cities

multi-ethnic European urban societies, cultural diversity and individualization in post-modern societies, are constantly bringing challenges we have never encountered before.

In this milieu, cities change willfully and ad hoc while scholars and practitioners in design and planning analyze, design and plan cities in order to adapt them to the new conditions.

This conference aspires to bring together architects, urban designers, landscape designers, urban planners, urban geographers, urban economists, urban sociologists and demographers, to question new challenges and to become a forum of transaction of ideas on changing cities.

The main conference theme is: “Planning and designing resilient cities under economic and environmental uncertainty,” and the conference thematic sessions

The 2nd International Conference on “Changing Cities II: spatial, design, landscape & socio-economic dimensions” will be organized by the Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, under the aegis of the Greek Ministry of Environment, Energy & Climate Change, in Porto Heli, Peloponnese, Greece, 22-26 June, 2015.

In the last decades, peoples have all witnessed a series of universal changes and developments affecting cities – urban networks and hierarchies, urban space and morphology, urban environment, urban economy, and urban society. New conditions such as economic globalization, European integration, post-industrial new economies, consciousness of environmental degradation and the new requirements of green design and sustainable development, high technologies and information societies, high mobility of individuals and time and space compression, legal and illegal migrations and

Grant Associates, the international landscape architecture practice, has unveiled details of its new landscape and public realm design for Capitol Singapore, a prestigious $1.1 billion mixed-use redevelopment of a key heritage site in the city’s downtown civic district.

Capitol Singapore comprises three conservation buildings (Capitol Building, Stamford House and Capitol Theater) which are seamlessly blended with a new build, the city’s first integrated luxury development comprising four components – Eden Residences (ultra-luxurious residences), The Patina (ultra luxury hotel), Capitol Piazza (upmarket retail mall with flagship stores), and the Capitol Theater.

It also includes the restored public realm, a new civic plaza at the heart of the integrated development as a focus for city events and activities together with residential roof gardens and terraces.

Grant Associates has been responsible for all the landscape and public realm design for the scheme, working closely alongside the scheme’s lead architect, Richard Meir and Partners Architects.

Keith French, director, Grant Associates said: “The Capitol landscape and public realm strategy has been developed with a respectful approach to the civic and heritage setting; consideration of the vistas and views through to the Capitol Theater as well as the views out to the adjacent St. Andrew’s Cathedral. A new city plaza is at the heart of the scheme and the central focus of the development. It is conceived as an original and crafted civic space that will be a new destination for Singapore – a space for events and theater; red-carpet galas; a place to gather; a place to rest and seek shade.”

Grant Associates unveils landscape designs for Capitol Singapore

include: • Urban Design in Planning• Architectural Design & New Technologies• Sustainable Urban Planning & Development• Urban Cultures & Public Open Spaces• Urban Landscapes, Landscape Planning & Design• Historical Centers & Built Heritage Management• Transportation Planning and Policy in Cities• Urban Planning Laws, Real Estate & Property Rights• Environmental Urban Planning• Green Architecture & Urban Design• Urban Economic Development• Place Marketing & City Branding• Smart Cities• Shrinking Cities• Divided Cities• Migration, Multinational and Multicultural Societies & Urban Planning



“Kai Tak 2.0: Healthy Lift-Off,” a creative and innovative proposal developed by Mr. Md Masudul Islam and his team, won the Kai Tak Fantasy (KTF) – International Ideas Competition on Urban Planning and Design, the Energizing Kowloon East Office (EKEO) of the Development Bureau announced recently in Hong Kong.

The 90-hectare KTF, comprising the former airport runway tip, the Kwun Tong Action Area and the enclosed water body in between, will become a tourism, entertainment and leisure destination for the enjoyment of the local community and visitors.

The winning proposal not only optimizes the KTF’s potential, but also demonstrates impressive thoughts of the four themes of the Energizing Kowloon East initiatives, namely connectivity, branding, diversity and design.

Options for water retention and recycling are integrated such as rooftop rainwater harvesting and gray water reuse for onsite irrigation. Bio-retention basins could also be constructed in the building surroundings for filtration of contaminants and sedimentation from stormwater runoff. Wetlands and marshland along island and park edges allow for organic cleaning of water and public engagement with water’s edge.

Winner of Kai Tak Fantasy Competition announced

Future Landscape and Public Realm Abu DhabiBuilding on the successful launch of Future Landscape and Public Realm in Qatar, advanced conferences and meetings will take place on the 9-10 February 2015 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Incorporating case studies and speakers from the relevant government agencies and

The protected low velocity waters of the Kwun Tong typhoon shelter is expected to result in limited dispersion and flushing of stormwater pollutants. Measures to improve water quality here include local wetlands, rain gardens, and proprietary stormwater treatment devices.

The Jury Panel said that the winning scheme is

other stakeholders, Future Landscape and Public Realm Abu Dhabi will explore the wide variety of public realm and landscaping projects ongoing and upcoming in Abu Dhabi to develop the city’s public realm, in order to enhance the livability of the city and support the goals of the Abu Dhabi 2030 Plan.

The program will address themes including the following: • Efficient use of water resources and irrigation technologies to minimize water usage and comply with sustainability goals• Utilizing local and regional plants to create long-lasting, attractive outdoor spaces, whilst minimizing environmental impact• Sustainable materials selection and procurement• Lessons learned and best practice from leading landscape designers, urban planners and public realm experts

Future Landscape and Public Realm Abu Dhabi will provide an excellent opportunity for landscape and design professionals, urban planners, urban designers and high-level decision makers to gather together to discuss the trends, key challenges, projects and opportunities in Abu Dhabi’s public realm and landscaping industry.

an innovative and attractive scheme embracing green and sustainable concepts. The natural treatment of the water edge is particularly encouraging. It translates the Healthy City concept in full by creating venues for uses of recreation, culture, education and commercial purposes.

WORKS


MK Landscape

Landscape Architect: Openbox Architects Co., Ltd. Location: Bangna, Bangkok, ThailandCompletion Date: August 2014Client: MK Restaurant Group Public Company Limited Area: 16,000sqmPhotographer: Wison Tungthunya



MK is one of the most popular sukiyaki-style family restaurants in Thailand. More than just good food, they are experts in creating warm, welcoming dining experience with fresh and colorful ingredients, music, and smile that is known as the MK style. After flood crisis in 2011, MK decided to expand and build another central kitchen in Bangna area. Agaligo Studio has been assigned as the design architect, and OPNBX as the landscape architect for the project.

MK central kitchen tour for the design team has been a delight. An impressive process of ingredient preparation already says it all about the philosophy of MK. Like the other previous ones, the new central kitchen also has an exhibition route planned through the actual preparation process. OPNBX has expanded on the idea

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and proposed to start the exhibition with a landscape feature, from outside of the building and to end with another view of the same landscape feature.

The project consists of three main parts; the factory, the office and exhibition, and landscape. Each part has different, but related functions. The architecture of

an office building has an iconic touch of the red ingredient trays stacking on top of one another, which is a familiar sight on every table in MK restaurant. OPNBX took on the bold and blunt delivery as the MK style, and follow up with a very elaborated, yet simple feature as an iconic symbol. A gigantic sukiyaki pot is literally placed in front of a stack of red

FEATURE POND PLAN

1. Planting2. Footpath3. Lawn

trays (the office building) functioning as central water feature. Elaborated colors of ceramic tiles finishing inside the pot have been simplified and pixelated from an image of the main ingredients that represent the color palette of MK. The walkway into a seating area in the middle of the pot represents a large spoon dipped into the pot.

1-2. Central water feature

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Refine4. Flag poles5. Water feature6. Feature court

7. Tile pattern guild sample

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FEATURE POND

Step 1: Idea sketch

MK pot & accessories idea Sieve – overturn Sieve – up turned Overall feature pond

Step 2: Design development

Element test & select Shape selection Trace & extract color Overall feature pond

WATER FEATURE PLAN1. Water jet nozzles2. Overflow drain

WATER FEATURE SECTION 11. Driveway2. Footpath3. Slope to drain4. Flag pole 12.30m5. Flag pole platform 6. Floor drain to manhole7. Overflow drain to manhole8. Planter

WATER FEATURE SECTION 21. Footpath2. Planter 3. Water jet nozzles4. Feature wall5. Floor drain to manhole6. Feature court

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1. Central water feature2-3. Water feature night view4-5. Dry garden

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As a place for food production, the standard has been set to keep high level of sanitization, which allows very little number of trees around the building. With such limitation, OPNBX team could still use hardscape elements with graphics in the landscape to keep the atmosphere fun and lively. Two very nice and sculptural trees have been placed in the Zen courtyard between the office and factory building. Lines

First idea transform

Stone sculpture ground pattern

Feature tree

DRY GARDEN DETAIL1. Bench2. Feature tree3. Stone sculpture 14. Gutter access 5. Stone sculpture 26. Stone sculpture 37. Stone sculpture 4

Symbol DescriptionGranite stone

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Planting area

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of the movement are crafted onto the surface, decorated with large pieces of marble cut into round sculptural shapes. Based on the MK style, these sculptures have been inspired by fish balls.

SECTION I1. Feature tree2. Curb

SECTION J1. Curb

SECTION K1. Stone sculpture2. Gutter

1. Feature tree within the dry garden2. Pavement of the dry garden3. Entrance

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LAYOUT PLAN1. Dry garden2. Feature pond3. Office approach4. Parking5. Entrance avenue6. Main entrance

ENTRANCE CONCEPT

Straw case Transform Entrance feature wall

FEATURES


Beiqijia Technology Business DistrictLandscape Architect: MSP (Martha Schwartz Partners) | Location: Beijing, China



Stormwater Management StrategyThe Eco Zone Area, which is located at the very north of the site – a linear landscape with an ecological function – collects and absorbs all the stormwater runoff from the site.

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The project is located in Changping District, Beijing, and belongs to the Beijing

Technology Business District and is the first phase of the overall masterplan development. The landscape site area is approximately 60,000sqm. The site is a mixed-use development, including residential, offices and retail.

The overall site is designed to consider the LEED Gold accreditation, through effective and efficient use of water, reduction of urban heat island effect by decreasing the amount of paved surfaces and increasing the green ratio, taking into account the microclimate of each zone, by screening the north-westerly winter winds and welcoming the south-easterly summer winds that are cooled further by passing a large water feature in the south.

Project Name: Beiqijia Technology Business DistrictCompletion Date: 2014Architect: RTKLClient: Beijing Ningke Real EstateArea: 6haPhotographer: MSP / Terrence Zhang

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DEMO ZONE

1. Shrubs and ornamental grasses in front of the building2-3. The sunken lawn area with raised planters which are planted with low hedges, ornamental grasses and perennials

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The landscape consists of three different zones or character areas, responding to the requirements of each type of programmatic use: Commercial/Retail, Central Park and Residential. Commercial/Retail area includes the landscapes around the Headquarters Offices, the office courtyard gardens, the Qibei Road Promenade and the Eco Zone Area, which is located at the very north of the site – a linear landscape with an ecological function – collecting and absorbing all the stormwater runoff from the site. This mesic habitat also provides room for seating, strolling and one of the two artistic gateway structures, which draw people into the green heart: the Central Park. The Central Park is an open space with the “public green” and the “sunken gardens.” Here, a sunny corner garden frames the sunken lawn area with raised planters which are planted with low hedges, ornamental grasses and perennials. Along its edges people can sit and enjoy the sun or lay down on the lounge chairs carefully positioned in the sunny spots of the

1-2. Lounge chairs carefully positioned in the sunny spots of the gardens3-6.Detail of the plants 7-8. Night view of the gardens

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gardens. The cool breeze from the central water feature would create this beach-like atmosphere in an urban setting.

Another major component of the Central Park is the central water feature, which utilizes treated rainwater to create play opportunities for the local residents and the public, as well as to separate the private residential area from the public open space.

The Residential Zone in the south holds small garden rooms, semi-enclosed by tall hedges or feature walls as intimate landscapes for meditation, play areas for children with unique play elements to cater for all age groups, fitness area, gardens with water features and a variety of seating elements positioned in sun and shade. Each uniquely designed room celebrates a moment in life. Surrounding the site, a fitness path is also provided as a sports and recreational trail.

TERRACED LANDSCAPE

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Novo Nordisk Nature Park

SLA has, together with Henning Larsen Architects, designed the new corporate center for Novo Nordisk. The corporate center, which will house the company’s top management and 1,100 administrative staff,

is located in a large, fully climate-adapted park, designed by SLA.

Novo Nordisk’s new park will not only provide a recreational setting for the two office buildings, but also in itself provide Novo Nordisk with improved opportunities for dynamic knowledge sharing and synergy across sectors. SLA has thus created a prominent landscape that in its inclusive and stimulating complexity serves as the total landscape brand of Novo Nordisk.

The landscape design interprets and expands on one of the finest natural expressions known from the Danish Woodland; the dead-ice landscape. The expression is a lush, lightly rolling and varying setting.

The landscape uses a wide palette of native plants and holds over 1,000 trees that over time will grow into “forests” and habitats and offer an informal green frame for both the indoor and outdoor lives of the employees. At this site the boundary between work and leisure is erased: bell frogs, red cheeks and recreational strolls will form a natural part of the everyday life at Novo Nordisk. The landscape’s flowing manifestation encourages meetings between the employees which moreover encourages an active work environment with great opportunity for knowledge sharing and innovation.

Landscape Architect: SLA | Location: Bagsværd, Denmark

1. Overview of the park2. Generic white asphalt path

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Rainwater reception from roof

Stormwater reception

Irrigation of landscape above basement

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Fountain and irrigation

Stormwater reception

Drainage

Percolation

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Pedestrian square

Biotope

Planting in soil Pedestrian path

1. TOPOGRAPHYA surface with experiences

2. VEGETATIONDifferent typologies

3. PATHSA fine meshed network of paths

1. The new park provides a recreational setting for the office buildings2-3. The curved course of the path provides varied and unpredictable experiences in the daily transit through the park from one building to another

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The scientists at Novo Nordisk are working within a very competitive market where constant development and innovation is demanded. This was an important issue when discussing how to create the highest value for the employees. The concept of “stimulating” paths has the quotes of big thinkers like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche as its point of origin. Both of these spoke about how they got their best ideas while walking. People are generally more informal and relaxed while being outside, especially in nature. The park trails are designed to give the greatest possible experience both spatial, topographic and textural. The park’s traffic routes, represented by generic white asphalt paths, accentuate the outdoor experience which is enhanced by the combination of movement, presence and stay. The park trail is tailored to give the greatest sensuous variation of light, shadow, colors and sounds. The curved course of the path provides varied and unpredictable experiences in the daily transit through the park from one building to another.

The different blossoming of the trees will create a vibrant, lush and colorful expression. Pine and blue spruce will produce a blue-green color palette in the park all year round. In winter, the pine and spruce will be complemented by white birch and red and orange cherry trees. The cherry trees will provide colorful blooming in the spring when the remaining trees are gradually greening. The multi-stemmed and wild trees look after themselves, so the biotopes can evolve with natural succession and minimal care.

It has been a desire to create a maximum of biodiversity in the park, which is why several dead trees are placed in between the newly planted trees. Dead tree trunks have vital value of natural ecosystems, as they represent an important habitat for beetles, caterpillars, mosses, etc.

In the daytime the light concrete surfaces reflect the changes of sun light, where as the surfaces become illuminated by almost scenographic

Project Name: Novo Nordisk Nature ParkCompletion Date: 2014Architect: Henning Larsen Architects Engineer: AlectiaArea: 31,000sqmPhotographer: SLA

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PLAN PLAN

1-2. The park provides an informal space for people to relax in nature3. The different blossoming of the trees creates a vibrant, lush and colorful setting4. The curved path

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spot lighting at nighttime. The light is designed to provide a space with an adventurous character when walking through the park, and also when watching it from inside the building. Several of the plant biotopes are enlightened with slightly varying Gobo light projections that create a sense of moonlight.

The path light is censor-driven and is only activated when people approach it. Just as natural light the artificial light setting of the park will in this way never appear the same. All lightning is done with LED luminaries which are dimmed down to 50 % at nighttime to avoid light pollution and to keep the energy consumption at an absolute minimum.

SLA’s landscape provides Novo Nordisk with a strong, new brand, while employees, customers and guests will receive a landscape that provides room for recreation, social meetings and a stress-free environment all year round.

The park has an ambitious 100% water balance which is ensured by the landscape design and the chosen vegetation. The nature park’s 1,000 trees help absorb all rainwater falling on the site. All depressions are, for example, planted with alder trees and other water-tolerant species, in order to contribute to the park’s ambitious 100% water balance. Thus, the nature park can handle torrential “100-year rain” without leading any rainwater into the surrounding sewers.

FEATURES




The Avenue

The Avenue, formerly referred to as Square 54, is a dynamic mixed-use development

bordered by Washington Circle, 23rd Street, and Pennsylvania Avenue and located just six blocks northwest of the White House. Also near George Washington University and close to a major public transportation hub, the entire-block complex includes office, residential, and retail elements and abundant green public spaces, streetscapes, terraces, and courtyards with innovative stormwater management strategies implemented throughout. These spaces afford visitors, office building employees, and residents a pleasurable outdoor experience in all seasons.

Stormwater Management StrategyThe water drains through a stormwater filter to a 28,000-liter cistern located in the five-story parking garage below the court-yard. This water is continuously recirculated and treated by the water feature that includes aquatic plantings, which offer sup-plemental filtration. Landscape Architect: Sasaki

Associates, Inc.Location: Washington, D.C., USA

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The footprints of the four buildings at Square 54 are designed to promote public use of the open space within the complex. The surrounding streetscape includes wide sidewalk promenades bordered by rows of shade trees, large planting beds filled with mixed perennials, low shrubs and flowering trees, and a series of architectural planters filled with colorful seasonal plantings. All parking is located below grade within a five-story parking garage beneath the development.

The central courtyard above the parking structure is anchored by a water feature that expresses the intersection of the historic Washington city grid and the axis of Pennsylvania Avenue. This water feature functions as part of the larger stormwater management system that collects all rainwater that falls within the property. The water then drains through a stormwater filter to a 28,000-liter

SITE CONTEXT DIAGRAM

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Project Name: The AvenueProject Team:Alan Ward, Neil Dean, Mark Delaney, Matt Langan, Steve Engler, Dou Zhang, Steve BenzClient: Boston Properties, Inc. Area: 16,000sqmPhotographer: Craig Kuhner Architectural Photography / Craig Kuhner Awards: ULI Global Awards Finalist

PERSPECTIVE

1-2. Water feature within the courtyard

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cistern located in the five-story parking garage below the courtyard. This water is continuously recirculated and treated by the water feature that includes aquatic plantings, which offer supplemental filtration. The stored water is also used to provide all irrigation for the courtyard plantings throughout the growing seasons. The roof of the development contains 700 square meters of extensive green roof, which forms a microclimate that reduces the local heat island effect, provides avian habitat, insulates the building, and minimizes the roof’s runoff. Excess rainwater is filtered through the green roof layers before being collected in the water feature and

cistern below. This on-site sustainable water system significantly reduces the development’s dependence on the city’s inadequate combined sewer system, which periodically results in flooding of the National Mall and low-lying areas and contributes to pollution of the region’s rivers and streams.

1. Night view of the courtyard garden2. Seating element along the planting bed3. Detail of the water feature4. Architectural planters filled with colorful seasonal plantings

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STORMWATER DIAGRAM

Garage level 1

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1. Rain leader from office building green roof2. To D.C. city storm drain3. Trench drain4. Surface runoff5. Stormwater filter 6. Solenoid valve7. High water pump8. Rainwater storage tank9. Pond pump10. Irrigation pump11. Lower pool12. Weir13. Aquatic vegetation14. Rainwater treatment pools15. Upper pool structural beam16. Irrigation system

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SITE PLAN

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Courtyard Materials• Granite pavers• Concrete pavers• Stone dust paving• Granite walls• Stainless steel cable fence• Stainless steel bridge• Stainless steel planters• Plantso Trees Thornless honeylocust trees Downy serviceberry Japanese stewartiao Grasses Liriope Feather reed grass Fountain grass Black mondo grasso Rainwater Treatment Planters Blue flag iris

1. Trench drain2. Precast pavers concrete base3. Typical water feature water4. Walk / terrace5. Reflecting pool6. Grating 7. Sitting area

8. Structural soil9. Granite seatwall type 310. Planted embankment11. Mix of grasses12. Granite seatwall type 113. Sloped curving path14. Linear granite pavers at pinch point

1-2. Overview of the courtyard garden3. Sidewalk promenades bordered by rows of shade trees

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Landscape Architect: Colwell Shelor Landscape Architecture | Location: Avondale, Arizona, USA

Stormwater Management StrategyPlant species within the low areas, or bio-swales, flourish in occasional excess water, while the plant species on the berms depend on a drier microclimate. Natural steel cisterns designed by the land-scape architect collect and release roof rainwater through a series of spillways into the landscape in a celebratory way.

Estrella Hall at Estrella Mountain Community College

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1. View of grand lawn2. Shaded gathering area3. Aerial view

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FEATURES


Project Name: Estrella Hall at Estrella Mountain Community CollegeCompletion Date: April 2013Architect: Richard + BauerClient: Maricopa County Community CollegeArea: 1.5haPhotographer: Michele ShelorAwards: 2014 34th Annual Arizona Forward Association Environmental Excellence Awards, Crescordia Award; 2014 ASLA Arizona Design Honor Award

The landscape contiguous to Estrella Mountain Community College’s new Library and Conference Center is designed to reinforce the fabric of the campus by continuing a series of linked garden spaces.

The building design concept was conceived as a pavilion within the landscaped campus core and as a backdrop for the garden spaces around it. Permeability and visual openness of the ground floor are key elements of the architecture as the gardens become a new campus centerpiece and central core for the campus.

The low-maintenance landscape appears deceivingly complex and wild; however, it consists of all low-water use, climate-appropriate plantings with drip irrigation. The budget was extremely modest. Nearly all of the plant species do not require any maintenance other than strategic pruning of the Palo Brea Parkinsonia praecox and Mesquite prosopis hybrid groves.

The building façade provides both a contrasting texture and permanent vine trellis on which Yellow Orchid Vine Mascagnia macroptera shades

SITE PLAN1. Event lawn2. Sculpture garden3. Palo Verde grove4. Library entrance5. Outdoor commons6. Rainwater cistern7. Drop-off area8. Water feature9. Meeting rooms10. Library

Canyon planting

Specimen treesBioswale linkDry garden planting

Bioswale garden planting

Turf

Compacted d.g. walks

Sidewalk

Stormwater conveyance

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the building. A grove of narrow, light skinned Palo Blanco Acacia willardiana, contrasted against the rich dark building skin, creates a feeling of enclosure before opening up to the main entrance.

The outdoor break-out areas immediately adjacent to the library feature a variety of seating experiences for both individual and collaborative work, all encompassed within a rich garden experience. The Mesquite grove terrace at the conference center entrance provides deeply shaded spill-out space for the meeting rooms, acting as a gentle buffer to the parking and drop-off area. The south side of the building is flanked by a grove of Palo Brea, decomposed garden paths and masses of colorful plantings.

The grand lawn is located centrally, both within the overall campus fabric as well as to the library, featuring a stage for graduation ceremonies as well as a social gathering space and commons used daily. This space allows for informal play and larger events such as outdoor movies, festivals and group exercise. Special care was given to size the turf area appropriately so that no more is provided than necessary. Water conveyed through the landscape ends at the lawn, supplementing the irrigation. Bermed planters on the outer edges of the grand lawn enfold the narrow garden paths of compacted decomposed granite before opening up to the green space.

The landscape, with its series of unique gardens linked by bio-swales, serves as a direct reflection on the Estrella Mountain Community College’s aim to create a sense of place that expresses the historical and cultural values of the surrounding communities, while providing students with meaningful and engaging learning environments. The success of the landscape reveals how even with the most modest of budgets, if coupled with a critical understanding of microclimate, plants, materials and detail, the campus environment can be greatly enhanced to be engaged in and enjoyed by all.

1. Bioswale bridge2. Aloe garden3. Shaded walk

FEATURES


PLANTING PLAN

Existing tree

Acacia willardiana

Bauhinia lunarioides ‘B. congesta’

Cercidium floridum

Cercidium praecox

Prosopis hybrid

SHRUBS / VINESAnemopsis californica

Justicia californica

Larrea tridentata

Mascagnia macroptera

Muhlenbergia rigens

ACCENTSExisting desert spoon (salvage & relocate in-field by LA)

Aloe barbadensis

Dasylirion wheeleri

Equisetum hyemale

Opuntia ficus indica

Pedilanthus macrocarpus

Yucca rupicola

INSET MATERIALS, SEED MIX & TURF

1.27cm minus decomposed granite, color: desert spice

0.64cm minus – 15.2cm DIA. rip rap granite, color: desert spice

0.64cm minus compacted decomposed granite in all walking areas, color: desert spice

Granite rip rap in catchment basin, color: desert spice

Mid-iron SOD, 1,400 square meters

Symbol / Botanical name / Quantity

TREES

4015422846

2333307518392

404404281779187120

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77 89

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66666

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RAINWATER HARVESTING CATCHMENT1. 10cm thick concrete flatwork2. 1.27cm thick steel pipe3. Rip rap / D.G. groundcover 4. 10cm thick concrete slab5. 10-15cm granite rip rap6. Compacted soil7. 0.95cm thick perforated steel well casting8. 1.27cm thick filter fabric, line inside walls of well casting & secure9. Amended soil10. Steel frame / anchor11. Steel frame, weld to cistern wall & perforated steel well casting12. Screened overflow pipe13. Splash grate,3.81x0.48x3.81cm14. 4.45x4.45x0.64cm concrete steel, weld to perforated steel well casting15. Rain chains beyond, center perforated steel well casting under rain chains16. Caulk joint & apply bituminous dampproofing all around bottom of catchment steel to 15cm above concrete footing

CATCHMENT DRAINAGE OPENINGS1. 10cm Φ steel pipe, o.3cm thick wall2. 5cm Φ steel pipe, o.3cm thick wall3. 10cm concrete slab4. Compacted soil5. Plate steel cistern6. Matchline guide

1-2. Rainwater cistern

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INSIGHTS


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Porta Nuova Varesine is a mixed-use masterplan and urban renewal project in central Milan, one of the most significant redevelopments in Italy, comprising high-quality residential apartments and office accommodation, retail spaces and a cultural center.

The whole Porta Nuova development assumes a very special role as a pioneer application of all the principles announced with the Plan for the Government of the Territory and with the Green Plan of Milano. Crossed by the first of the Green Rays that will be put in place, its peculiar position provides the opportunity for the right development of this site within a larger plan and a larger view of urban development, with the synergic combination of all the three basic features of the right urban development: transportation infrastructure, building trade, and environmental systems.

Landscape Architect: LAND Milano srl, schematic design with EDAW

Location: Milan, Italy

Porta Nuova Varesine

The project Porta Nuova Varesine is characterized by a strong permeability of urban spaces. Main themes are, in fact, the continuity of public space and its connections, the naturalness diffused and integrated within buildings system. The intervention connects two main squares – the Piazza Lina Bo Bardi to Piazza Alvar Aalto – through a wide path, the Promenade, which is complemented by a large roof garden, the garden of the maples, thus giving rise to a continuous pedestrian area.

The design of the open-air areas is articulated in such a way as to connect the buildings with the urban spaces surrounding – in particular with the commercial areas and residential ones, and with the future public park – as well as facilitate the transit and the crossing between the spaces themselves. At landscape level to link and make possible the relationship between

1. Garden main path2. Relax area inside an urban garden

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INSIGHTS


Project Name: Porta Nuova Varesinecompletion Date: 2014Principal Designer: Andreas KiparProject Manager: Valeria PagliaroProject Team: Giuliano Garello, Valerio Bozzoli Parasacchi, Ivan Maestri, Gianluca Lugli, Simone Marelli, Nicola Canepa, Adriana Pinate, Cecilia Pirani, Elisa Frappi, Anna BrambillaPromoter: Hines Italia SGR SpaArea: 40, 000 sqmPhoto credits: LAND Milano srl

SITE PLAN

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this urban area and the rest of the city, on one hand there are pavements and furniture elements, and on the other hand there are green elements in relation to the future presence of the “Biblioteca degli alberi” (library of trees), to the adjacent intervention of the Porta Nuova Garibaldi and to the existing green areas, especially the avenues that run around the area.

Package type 1

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1. Garden view from Piazza Alvar Aalto2. Kids playing and climbing the green hills of the garden

KEY MAP

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INSIGHTS


Package type 2 Package type 2

LAWN STRATIGRAPHY1. Top soil2. Mix soil3. Filtering element in non-woven geotextile4. Water accumulation, drainage and aeration preformed element 4cm5. Mechanical protection and water retention felt6. Root-proof synthetic membrane7. Insulation8. Structural slab

SHRUBS AND GROUNCOVERS STRATIGRAPHY1. Mulch 10cm 2. Top soil 10cm3. Mix soil4. Filtering element in non-woven geotextile5. Water accumulation, drainage and aeration preformed element 4cm6. Mechanical protection and water retention felt7. Root-proof synthetic membrane8. Insulation9. Structural slab

1. Green hills along the path2. Maple garden

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TREES STRATIGRAPHY1. New pit tree2. Tree planting pit 100x100x70cm backfill with top soil3. Top soil 10cm4. Mix soil5. Package type 3

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TREES STRATIGRAPHY1. Mix soil2. Filtering element in non-woven geotextile3. Volcanic pebbles4. Water accumulation, drainage and aeration preformed element 4cm5. Mechanical protection and water retention felt 6. Root-proof synthetic membrane7. Insulation 8. Structural slab

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INSIGHTS


PAvING TYPE WPcWooden board dimension 10x200x4cm

1. WPC board for external paving, anti-slipping 2. Stainless steel clips3. Galvanized sheet profile with omega section 4x7cm4. Concrete curb 9x15cm5. Crushed stone6. Drainage board 6cm7. Protective and water retaining geotextile (felt)8. Waterproofing and rootproofing membrane

STANDArD GArDEN PAvING PAcKAGE1. Draining concrete (type i-idrodrain)2. Crushed stone3. Drainage board 6cm4. Protective and water retaining geotextile (felt)5. Waterproofing and rootproofing membrane

PAvING TYPE “GrEvELIT”

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AXONOMETrY PAvING TYPE 1. WPC board for external paving, anti-slipping 2. Galvanized sheet profile with omega section 4x7cm3. Concrete curb 9x15cm4. Crushed stone

STANDArD GArDEN PAvING PAcKAGE1. Galvanized sheet profile with omega section 4x7cm2. Stainless steel clips3. WPC board for external paving, anti-slipping 4. Concrete curb 9x15cm5. Crushed stone6. Drainage board 6cm7. Protective and water retaining geotextile (felt)8. Waterproofing and rootproofing membrane

1. A way to reach the residential towers

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INSIGHTS


1. People discovering the pocket garden2. Multi-functional garden: park for fitness and leisure

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Benefits of Roof Garden- The roof garden can help retain 75% of the total rainfall, thus avoiding overflow of rainwater runoff into urban drainage systems; - 10% reduction of the building’s cost for energy consumption in winter;- Plants as a protection layer has a better performance than the waterproof membrane, so usually such a gargen prolongs the lifespan of the roof (twice of that of traditional roofs);

- Green roof is good at sound insulation; - Plants can absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air, acting as an air purifier; - A roof garden works against the urban heat island effect, thus helping lower the temperature in densely built urban areas that is higher than that in the suburban areas;- A green roof can bring visual aesthetics to the users of the building as well as to the surrounding neighbors;- Plants in a roof garden can establish habitats for wildlife.

Package type 4

STRUCTURAL SLOPES STRATIGRAPHY 1. Mix soil + top soil, variable thickness, minimum 12cm2. Anti-erosion geotextile in juta fibers 3. Soil – containing drainage and aeration element 7.5cm4. Mechanical protection and water retention felt5. Root-proof synthetic membrane6. Insulation 7. Structural slab

PEDESTRIAN PATHS STRATIGRAPHY 1. Concrete slab with wire mesh 15cm with top finish in gravel (various sizes)2. Light concrete screed3. Thermoformed draining element 6cm4. Mechanical protection felt 5. Wooden boards6. Concrete beam7. Root-proof synthetic membrane8. Insulation9. Structural slab

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IntroductionLandscape architects and engineers are increasingly looking for ways to improve sustainable water management in our expanding and consolidated urban environments. Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is a key component of sustainable water management and improvement of water quality. Successful WSUD requires a holistic approach that combines these objectives with improvements to habitat, public open space and visual amenity for the community.

A suite of projects by GHD demonstrates successful design and implementation of WSUD (in particular rain gardens) at the local level. The projects have challenged the standard consultancy approach and have led to a more integrated project delivery process, with close collaboration between landscape architects and environmental engineers.

The most successful project outcomes are those that are readily embraced by the client (often a local council) and community alike. This is achieved by a collaborative approach led by landscape architects that enables successful and innovative WSUD interventions in existing urban places. This is particularly important in establishing an ultimate project vision during the concept stage of a project.

BackgroundIn Australia, since 2005, Melbourne Water has been working closely with local government to achieve Urban Stormwater Quality Management objectives by managing urban stormwater runoff. Many local council projects are aiming to achieve multi-objective outcomes and there are opportunities to incorporate WSUD features into existing sites or proposed capital works projects.

Landscape Architecture LeadsRain Garden RetrofitsBy Ashley Roberts, Ralph Nowoisky & Steve Hansen

Canna Bed Rain Garden

DESIGN EXCHANGE


Alongside regional-scale stormwater treatment projects such as wetlands and stormwater harvesting, retrofit of rain gardens at various scales can provide cost-effective project opportunities. The scale of rain gardens varies, from precincts through to distributed streetscape projects. Targeted implementation of strategic projects across a catchment can then result in meeting long-term stormwater quality targets as well as providing amenity and social benefits to the community.

Integrated Approach This integrated approach has seen the close collaboration of landscape architects and environmental engineers. This typically combines the technically focused “engineering” process of developing solutions with the interpretation and lateral thinking of the landscape architect, driven by the principles of sustainability and community focus.

In developing rain garden retrofit design solutions, the projects are typically broken down to the following phases where the landscape architects have a key role: • Opportunities and Constraints • Development of a Preferred Concept Design • Integrated Design and Project Implementation

Opportunities and constraints: In exploring concept opportunities for rain garden retrofit projects and developing solutions, the inclusion of landscape architects has been a key element of the design phase. Conducting a workshop as part of an initial investigation phase allows engagement with council stakeholders. The approach is very much about listening and exchanging ideas and issues, as well as informing and educating in terms of principles of WSUD. Working through the key issues, and establishing a clear understanding of the site and project constraints are important to define the direction and boundaries for the development of design solutions. The workshop is conducted as a creative forum, with ideas evolving in the presence of the attendees, facilitated through the landscape architect’s skill of interpreting and synthesizing the inputs.

Preferred Concept Design: Developing solutions through this approach can be a key factor towards achieving exemplary project outcomes. The initial ideas or visions that evolved during the workshop forum often lead to the streamlined development of a preferred solution. These ideas are used to present a vision of a project that may challenge conventional solutions. However, not all the ideas presented may be achievable due to project constraints. A cost-effective Preferred Concept Design solution is developed with agreement from council and, where appropriate, through community consultation.

Integrated Design and Project Implementation: In the detail design phase, a key challenge is managing the input from potentially a broad number of key staff with their own area of focus and being able to incorporate it into the final design solutions. Capturing the input as consolidated feedback is important in order to avoid a continuous cycle of iterations from various stakeholders. From a capital works perspective, the relative cost to incorporate WSUD features varies significantly, and there is often a level of detail required in the drawings that is disproportionate to the capital expenditure for the works. Whilst the detail design documentation requires engineering drawings for both tender and construction purposes, it is important to maintain the involvement of the landscape architects from the design intent perspective. Ongoing involvement in the project implementation phase can provide an opportunity to understand the practical implications of the designs specified as well overseeing the design intent. There are often unforeseen surprises during the construction phase that require input from the integrated team to adapt the design without compromising the multi-objective outcomes.

Example ProjectsRain garden projects are typically carried out as part of upgrading existing roads, infrastructure or improving open spaces. These have included: • Road or streetscape upgrade or renewal • Drainage upgrade works • Upgrade of car park infrastructure • Retrofit to existing infrastructure within open spaces • Transforming existing garden features into a rain garden feature

The following projects have been delivered using the collaborative approach described above and led by GHD’s landscape architects:

Blackburn Streetscape Improvement – City of Whitehorse (Streetscape upgrade and renewal)Key Challenge: Choice of materials to adapt to the local surrounds and form of edge treatments from a visual and safety amenity, providing an educational opportunity

Dow Street Drainage Upgrade – City of Port Phillip (Streetscape and drainage upgrade)Key Challenge: Plant selection and adapting streetscape configurations to fit in with the foreshore setting whilst achieving a design solution that

Blackburn Streetscape Improvement

Dow Street Drainage Upgrade



Ashley Roberts is Principal Environmental Engineer at GHD. He has more than 18 years’ experience in waterways and stormwater construction projects, including investigation, conceptual and detailed design, and project management. Ashley has been working closely with the Stormwater Quality team at Melbourne Water in Australia.

Ralph Nowoisky is Senior Landscape Architect at GHD. He has worked on a variety of landscape and urban design projects, including streetscape, shared path, water sensitive urban design (WSUD), wetland, urban creek rehabilitation, schools, industrial sites, residential and resort developments.

Steve Hansen is Senior Landscape Architect at GHD with more than 11 years’ professional experience in landscape architecture and urban design across Australia and around the globe. Steve focuses on creating quality spaces for end users and integrating sustainable principles into design.

Ashley Roberts, Ralph Nowoisky, Steve Hansen

contributed to the drainage objective

Edinburgh Gardens WSUD & Stormwater Harvesting – City of Yarra (Retrofit to existing infrastructure within open spaces)Key Challenge: Adapting a large-scale rain garden landscape feature into a highly valued and utilized public open space. Design features retain links to the site history as well as amenity (e.g. creation of lawn “rooms” promoting passive recreation) as part of stormwater harvesting system to meet demands for mature trees in the historic Edinburgh Gardens.

Gloucester Reserve Car Park Upgrade – City of Hobsons Bay (Upgrade of car park infrastructure) Key Challenge: Adapting rain gardens and other passive WSUD features within a reconfigured car park, creating an environment that is respected and embraced by the community

Canna Bed Rain Garden – Royal Botanic Gardens/City of Melbourne (Transforming existing garden features into a rain garden feature)Key Challenge: To convert an existing and historic Canna Bed garden into a functioning rain garden within the open lawn surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The former circular shape and edging into the surrounding lawns have been retained and the garden has been replanted with the original Cannas.

Project OutcomesIn delivering showcase or successful rain garden retrofit projects, the integrated involvement of the landscape architects is considered fundamental. By working through all project phases with the involvement of key staff from council, cost-effective solutions aligned with the ultimate project vision can be achieved. In addition to achieving stormwater quality objectives, from a landscape architecture perspective, WSUD is also an opportunity to create urban design features sympathetic to the local context. Therefore an integrated approach is fundamental in delivering successful WSUD projects. It is important to develop a project vision so that outcomes are not limited by conventional thinking in terms of engineering-focused solutions. By working through an integrated planning, design and delivery approach with local councils, we can continue to work towards exemplary WSUD projects recognized by their creativity and practicality.

Gloucester Reserve Carpark Upgrade

Edinburgh Gardens

All images and drawings provided by GHD

INTERVIEW


Landscape Record (LR): Clean, potable water is becoming scarce in many places. What do you think a landscape architect can do about this?

Tao: It is true that clean water is becoming scarce in many parts of the world, but we also need to be reminded that water is 100% recycled in and around the earth, not one ounce less, not one ounce more. Every drop of water on earth today has existed for millions and millions of years. At one point, it could be the vapor exhaled by a dinosaur; yet at another point it becomes a drop of clean water in our tap. Whether it is usable for us human beings today depends on how we treat water. If we disrespectfully mix water with all the toxic substances and discharge it to the rivers carelessly, then we are reducing our own available water source.

It is difficult to dissociate my profession from my whole being as an environmentally conscious

Water as a Resource and Inspiration of My Design

Tao plays dual roles of a landscape

architect and an ecologist at Sasaki. He

believes that good landscape architects

are scientifically informed artists who

compose shared spaces that both offer

transcendent outdoor experiences and help

maintain healthy ecosystems. Built on his

background in science and research as well

as his passion for creativity, Tao strives to

create aesthetically pleasing designs rooted

in a deep understanding of ecosystems and

their cultural contexts. The complexity of

the contemporary urban landscape requires

thoughtful consideration of not only human

experiences but also the dynamics and

processes of the physico-chemical systems

and habitats for other species. His work

ranges from large-scale conceptual plans to

site landscape designs. Bridging between

urban design, landscape architecture and

ecology, Tao has contributed to creating

a number of vibrant new urban districts

and public parks. Tao is also engaged in

academic activities by publishing at peer

reviewed journals and speaking frequently

at conferences.

Tao ZHANG citizen. I think it is everyone’s responsibility to care about our water, not only for ourselves, but also for the generations to come. As a landscape architect, I always treat water as one of the most important resources and often the inspiration of my design. I think we can try to bring public awareness to the water issues through our design. For example, we can daylight buried rivers to be part of the desirable water features in our cities. We can also design bioswales to collect stormwater instead of relying on the engineered underground pipes. We should try to preserve and protect the existing natural water bodies when we do large-scale landscape planning. They should not just be treated as commodities for development opportunities.

LR: Why is rainwater management so important? What are the benefits of sustainable water management design?

Tao: Rainwater is a critical step in the water

- An interview with Tao Zhang, Sasaki

Landscape Architect, Ecologist, Associate of Sasaki

Jiading Central Park



cycling in nature. Without healthy water cycling, we would face many challenges and even disasters. If rainwater is not drained properly, our cities are inundated or flooded. Ground water depletes without a sustainable recharge from rainwater through the soil. The benefits of sustainable water management design can help alleviate the urban pressure on the natural water cycling through the ecosystems. By collecting rainwater through bioswales, rain gardens, and detention ponds, we can treat stormwater on site by increasing infiltration, bioremediating urban pollutants, and reducing runoff that may cause flooding.

LR: Clients, especially private owners, might be concerned that rainwater management will cost a lot. How do you convince your clients to invest in rainwater management?

Tao: I think it is a common myth that rainwater management will always cost more. We have to look at the question case by case. Sometimes it is true that it will involve more upfront investment, but often it is the opposite, especially in the long term. We understand that the client may be concerned about the cost and we do not judge them for that. We always try to investigate the local climate first for the optimum solution. A sustainable solution for one site might not be so at all for another site. For example, the approach to deal with stormwater in a tropical city with ample precipitation is totally different from that for an arid area. To have a fair and candid conversation with the client, we would quantify

the amount of stormwater and any economic and social impacts of the different design solutions. Then we would let facts speak for themselves. The best solutions would be the win-win situations when the client could save money and the environment will be improved too.

LR: If you were commissioned with a project with a very limited budget, where will you put your money in

terms of rainwater management? Are there any most cost-effective ways?

Tao: This will have to be case specific. I find it counterproductive to generalize in design. Nature is so dynamic and diverse. There will never be a one-for-all solution. For one project, native planting might be the priority. Yet for another site, it could be a forebay to settle the sediments first. So it really varies.

LR: Could you please describe a certain project (or a few) that you worked on with excellent rainwater management design? What special techniques have been applied? Any challenges?

Tao: Jiading Central Park is one of the projects where I participated in a series of ecological and sustainable designs. The techniques applied included installing bioswales, restoring river riparian zones and wetlands, and installing cisterns for rainwater storage. One of the challenges was that we had to convince the client and the contractors that what we proposed was doable. because of a lack of successful precedents, people were skeptical whether our design solutions were just theoretical and too idealistic, but all of our design decisions were based on thorough studies and our rich experience with challenging projects around the world. The final result was a success that reassured everyone of a right approach.



INTERVIEW


a landscape architect and ecologist.

LR: What do you enjoy most in your career as a landscape architect? Are there any special stories you would like to share?

Tao: Landscape architecture is a unique

LR: An increasing amount of rain gardens have been installed worldwide. What, in your opinion, are the important items to consider when planning a rain garden?

Tao: I think there isn’t a universal most important item for all. The most important thing to consider is that the rain gardens are climate and site specific. Precipitation patterns, soil types, and slope conditions all have significant impacts on rain garden design.

LR: What types of plants will you suggest for planting in rain gardens?

Tao: I recommend native plants that thrive in a floodplain, because they are best suited to the local climate and rain pattern, and they can tolerate both inundation and drought. Again, they are region and site specific.

LR: How about the pavement? Or other elements like soil?

Tao: Permeable pavement is always highly recommended. More importantly, all the sub layers and underlayment have to be permeable as well. I have seen permeable pavers incorrectly installed on top of solid sub layers which prevent infiltration and create sub layer sheet flow.

LR: How do you make a rain garden low-maintenance?

Tao: I am referring back to my answer to the question about planting. Native plants that thrive in a floodplain are recommended. If you are choosing the specimens that fit the local soils and climate the best, nature will do the most of maintenance for you.

LR: How does the local climate affect your design?

Tao: It’s part of the fundamental understanding of a project in our practice. Along with other environmental parameters, it dictates our design thinking from the very beginning.

LR: Is there anyone (or anything) who inspires you most as a landscape architect?

Tao: Yes, but there isn’t any particular single person who is my source of inspiration. I draw most of my daily inspiration from my colleagues, from entry level to the most senior designers. I find it inspiring to learn something different and new every each day by working with them. I think that’s a big source of motivation for me as

integration of science and art. The creative pursuits and seeing my ideas make positive changes to the environment are quite rewarding. I can be idealistic sometimes and pragmatic at other times depending on the scope and type of the projects.


All images and drawings provided by Sasaki



Below-Grade Exploration: Innovative Soil Solutions for Stormwater Management

Focusing on a distinctive collaboration

of landscape architecture, architecture,

and infrastructure in the metropolitan

landscape, Bonnie’s interests fundamentally

lie in bringing clients economically and

environmentally responsible design

solutions. Her leadership of multi-disciplinary

teams drives an internal process rich with

data, benchmarking, and both pre- and post-

occupancy evaluations.

LR: Clean, potable water is becoming scarce in many places. What do you think a landscape architect can do about this?

Bonnie & Klaus (B&K): Landscape Architects are confronted with complex ecological systems of many kinds. Hydrology of a project site is greatly influenced by its surrounding context and regional demands. Our responsibility is to strike a balance of conservation and innovation in order to promote positive impacts for both the human and regional scales.


B&K: Previously undeveloped land manages stormwater with its own method and infrastructure. It is our responsibility as Landscape Architects to control and manage rainwater on developed sites in order to reduce negative impacts on “downstream.”


B&K: Depending on the project location, many sites are upheld to agency requirements for stormwater management. Regardless, most developed areas have regional systems to manage rainwater of which a site ties into. Typical engineered underground systems are costly as well. We encourage our clients to consider rainwater management as an aesthetic enhancement to the project and illustrate how those costs can be expended where visible (above ground).

LR: If you were commissioned with a project with a very limited budget, where will you put your money in

- An Interview with Bonnie Roy & Klaus Rausch, SWT Design

Klaus Rausch PLA Senior Associate, SWT Design

Klaus has been practicing landscape architecture and environmental engineering since 1982, including 11 years of landscape construction. In practice, his experience is supported by years of international exposure, having lived in Istanbul, Turkey, and various cities in Germany.

terms of rainwater management? Are there any most cost-effective ways?

B&K: Where can you create the most impact for less cost? Consider the techniques that would make the most significant impact on stormwater quality, quantity, and be the most visually identifiable. Opportunities for education and outreach are often undervalued. The more we can inform the public and our clients of the benefits of stormwater management, the more commonplace and expected they will become.

LR: How about the pavement? Or other elements like soil?

B&K: Sub drainage of rain gardens and stormwater management techniques require particular attention to the soil makeup. High permeability rates are required in order to best filter the water and serve as the conduit for infiltration. No matter the surface practice (rain garden, permeable pavement, etc.), soils and sub-base infrastructure are critical to the success and operation.

LR: How to make a rain garden low-maintenance?

B&K: Specify locally native and adapted plant materials capable of handling both drought and flooded conditions. Consider mineral mulches as opposed to organic as they do not float and shift around as easily. Pay special attention to the point sources of water and outflow locations in order to avoid constant erosion and displacement.

LR: How does the local climate affect your design?

B&K: Questions to always address are “What is the storm or rain event for which you are designing?” “What is the anticipated frequency?” Soil adaptation and plant materials shall be selected specifically for the local environment.

Bonnie RoyPLA, ASLA, APA, MUD Partner, SWT Design

INTERVIEW


LR: Your company’s recent project Cortex Commons has done an excellent job on rainwater management design. Could you please talk more about this project?

B&K: With the help of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) and design partners, this project is leading efforts to transfer the existing combined sanitary sewer system into a separated sewer system.

More than one-half mile (2.4km) of existing street was reconfigured to capture stormwater runoff in curbside vegetated biofiltration basins, below-grade filtration cells, at-grade biofiltration / detention, and permeable parking bays that are connected to this newly configured storm sewer system.

Cuts within the street curbs drain stormwater runoff into vegetated biofiltration basins. These basins consist of special soil mixes that filter stormwater sediments and pollutants that then slowly release into an under-drain system and the separated stormwater sewer system.

Because of low water infiltration rates of the existing soils within the St. Louis region, layering of materials and special soil mixes have been developed with MSD to allow increased stormwater volume detention and filtration capacities. The top layer of planting soil is a mix of sandy loam or loamy sand, containing a minimum of 35 percent manufactured clean sand by volume. It was specified to contain a saturated hydraulic conductivity of 2 inches (5cm) per hour (minimum). Clay content is less than 10 percent by volume. Below this mix is a layer of sand and gravel that functions as a filter, and prevents all subsequent layers below from clogging. Close attention has been given to the gradation of the soil, sand, and gravel layers to ensure the

Final concept of Cortex


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functionality of the infiltration system. Native plantings were selected to minimize maintenance and the susceptibility to diseases. Sedges, native grasses and forbs with deep root systems help maintain infiltration capacities of the vegetated biofiltration system. Additionally, native planting contributes to the urban biodiversity of the site, enhancing the experience of the district by providing seasonal interest and habitat for insect and bird populations.

In high pedestrian traffic areas structural cells are utilized below grade and are filled with soil mixes to filter runoff, provide structural integrity to pavement, and provide adequate soil volume for root growth to support healthy trees.

These below-grade cells are installed adjacent to paved areas where pavement surfaces are important for pedestrian circulation and connectivity. Structural cells below grade are installed to eliminate the need for soil compaction that is typically required for the structural support of pavement. These cells provide needed volume for soils below grade that meet detention and infiltration rates for stormwater.

They enable unobstructed growth of root systems for the growth of healthy trees, and are designed to allow pavement runoff to infiltrate into the system for further detention and slow release into a storm sewer system.

LR: What special techniques have been applied in this project? Any challenges?

B&K: One of the biggest challenges the project faced was the same challenge many downtown businesses and densely populated areas face – as we look to further develop strategies to build separated sewer systems, how do we locate corridors below grade within the existing right-of-way for these combined systems? Within existing business developments, for example, in-ground utilities are highly congested in layout. Therefore, any proposed change has an exponentially large budgetary and constructability impact on the project.

Notes: Cortex Commons is a 5.5-hectare park situated within the heart of the Cortex Innovation District in St. Louis, MO. It is only one of seven innovation districts within the United States – “innovation districts” are rapidly becoming a new form of urbanism and economic development spurred primarily by new start-up tech companies and entrepreneurs with investment capital. Cortex Commons is becoming the focal point of the district. Phase one of the Commons is currently under construction.


All images and drawings provided by SWT Design

VEGETATED BIOFILTRATION CURB BASIN1. Tooled edge, 0.3cm radius 2. Bars in 10cm concrete3. Sidewalk4. Aggregate base5. 76cm thick soil media6. Geotextile fabric7. 15cm thick sand8. 15cm thick 1cm diameter gravel9. 15cm thick 2cm diameter gravel10. Subgrade11. Concrete curb12. Planting13. Mineral mulch: 5cm deep trap rock14. Concrete curb (beyond)15. 10cm curb angled to meet curb at street (beyond)16. Concrete curb with curb cut17. Bottom of cell18. Perforated rain pipe

VEGETATED BIOFILTRATION AREAA. Rain gardenB. Planting area1. Mineral mulch: 5cm deep trap rock2. Geotextile fabric3. Metal grate bridge (beyond)4. Drainage pipe 5. Corten steel retaining wall6. 76cm (minimum) thick MSD bioretention soil 7. 15cm thick sand8. 15cm thick 1cm diameter gravel9. 15cm thick 2cm diameter gravel10. Footing structure

INTERVIEW


Water Garden: Passive Rainwater Management

2003-Present Director of Openbox Architect

2014 Designing for Social Change at ASA 2014

2006 Part-time Lecturer, Kasetsart University

2006 Part-time Lecturer, for Master Business

Development course, for INDA

(International Program in Design

and Architecture), Faculty of Architecture,

Chulalongkorn University

2005 Lecturer for Khon Kaen University

2003-Present Director of Openbox Architects

2014 Designing for Social Change at ASA 2014

2014 Join Jury Panel for the critics of Thesis of

the Year Award, Rangsit University

2010-2014 Thesis Advisor for Chulalongkorn

University

2011 Thesis Advisor for Thammasat University

2006 Lecturer for Landscape Architecture

Department, Chulalongkorn University

2006 Part-time Lecturer for Kasetsart University

2005 Part-time Lecturer for Khon Kaen

University

Nui Ratiwat SuwannatraiB. Arch. Chulalongkorn University

Prang Wannaporn Jenpanichkarn B. Land Arch. (Hon.) Chulalongkorn University

LR: Clean, potable water is becoming scarce in many places. What do you think a landscape architect can do about this?

Nui & Prang (N&P): As landscape architects, we deal with water scarcity issue in various scales, from water management at a large-scale town planning level, small- and medium-size commercial development, to a small garden of a single family house. Cooperation between related parties is usually required in all scales.


N&P: For the past ten years, Thailand has been developed very fast, and carelessly, and we are now living with the consequences. The important

- An Interview with Nui Suwannatrai & Prang Jenpanichkarn, Openbox Architects

cities of the central part have been developed along Chaopraya River, so they are technically built on flood plain, more suitable for agriculture than cities. That is why rainwater management is extremely crucial. The benefits of rainwater management are as enormous, such as being able to provide water for agriculture at the right place at the right time, and preventing flood during rainy season. Mismanagement could cause catastrophe, such as the recent 2010 flood and drought in various areas of the country during the following years.


N&P: Water management has to be turned into an insurance and selling point for the project.

Khaoyai master planning project



Once invested at the beginning, it can be used throughout the project life time, especially in time of crisis. Client can be convinced through a simple numeric presentation to show how a small investment in the system at the beginning can save a great deal of future cost to reconstruct damages caused by water crisis. Also, it is always much easier and more cost-effective to install the system during construction, rather to do it after projects are completed.

LR: If you were commissioned with a project with a very limited budget, where would you put your money in terms of rainwater management? Are there any most cost-effective ways?

N&P: Like all other elements, the most effective rainwater management is usually the most simple and passive methods. We usually plan this from building layout and building forms that allow surface water to be naturally discharged out of the site by gravity. For city areas, surface water will be planned to flow from inner part of the site towards available public outlet as quickly as possible. For projects in the rural area, we usually begin by studying existing slope and

landform to suggest water collection area at the naturally low area. This can be a potential visual focus as well as a water source for plantation during dry season. There is not a truly “most effective” method. Every condition requires different solutions. We only make sure that we try to stay mostly on the passive side.

LR: Could you please describe a certain project that you worked on with excellent rainwater management design?

N&P: Different water management solutions are applied to all of our projects in different ways. One example is a master planning project in Khaoyai, developed with neither proper public water supply nor drainage system. As usual, we began by proposing a lake as a water collection area at the natural low point at the center of the site. The interesting part is how we kept discovering natural water points during excavation that we have to adjust shape of the lake to follow the water points. Most rainwater routes were also directed towards the lake. Until today, after six years of completion, water level is naturally maintained where it should be, even

though large amount of water is constantly used for the trees and vegetation. Water supply is from underground well, treated and stored up high in a champaign tank that can distribute water supply by natural gravity to all plots in the development.

LR: Before your start a new project, what kind of investigation will you do first? And how will this affect your design?

N&P: We usually begin a project by investigating overall existing terrain, slope and water ways. We love to work with elaborate site models, completed with contour forms, existing elements within the site, and proper amount of surrounding environments to make sure we understand the site as much as possible before we begin. In fact, we find it very hard or impossible to come up with a design without understanding specific site conditions or constraints. Sometimes, a simple thing such as putting a large North pointer in a layout or site model can make a different thinking. The result is usually a very simple outcome that fits in the existing condition so well that it seems almost accidental.

Khaoyai master planning project

INTERVIEW


LR: An increasing amount of rain gardens have been installed worldwide. What are the important elements to consider when planning a rain garden?

N&P: We would like to assume the term “Water Garden” to refer to the garden that leaves a lot of natural open ground that allows rainwater to run through the soil. By this definition, this should be the best way to plan a garden. Nowadays, it can be done with a little of mechanical support only to make sure that some excessive flow can be spilled over to the public outlet in time before it creates problems.

LR: What types of plants will you suggest for planting in rain gardens?

N&P: Local plants are always the best suggestion for rain gardens or any type of gardens. Always, most of the plants should not exceed certain age or size, and the project schedule should allow some time for plants to adjust and settle in.

LR: How about the pavement? The pattern? The materials?

N&P: Porous paving materials allow some rainwater to go through the material. Small module of materials with lots of gaps between also helps visually. We would also suggest traditional loose gravel on compact soil which can be visually very modern and minimal. Local clay bricks with innovative patterns can be very interesting. It can retain a level of humidity in ground level, enough to keep the temperature not too harsh during a burning hot day. It also provides softer touch and feels in general.

LR: Thailand is a country with a relatively high annual precipitation. How does this affect your work?

N&P: Some people refer to a heavy rain or hottest summer day as “bad weather,” while it is, in fact, a natural occurrence. It only needs to be creatively filtered, framed or channeled to suite a purpose to create an experience for users. Simple things like shading elements are crucial, yet very useful for tropical weather. They help the user to be able to utilize outdoor space during a heavy rain or in a sunny day. On the other hand, with the amount of caring and design studies, shading elements can become spectacular design features.

LR: How will you define “harmonizing architecture and landscape”?

N&P: “Harmonizing Architecture and Landscape.” To us, it is a law of nature, if not occurring naturally; it is how all design projects should be created.

LR: Is there anyone (or anything, a book or a movie) who inspires you most as a landscape architect?

N&P: “A River Runs Through It.”

Notes: A River Runs Through It is a 1992 American film directed by Robert Redford and starring Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn, and Emily Lloyd. It is a period drama based on the semi-autobiographical novella A River Runs Through It (1976) written by Norman Maclean (1902–90), adapted for the screen by Richard Friedenberg. (From Wikipedia)

FULL-UNDERGROUND ELECTRICAL WIRING

FULL CENTRAL DOWNFEED WATER SYSTEMRYCYCLE WATER CONCEPTWaste water from basin, shower and bathtub can be reused for less sanitized activities.

All images and drawings provided by Openbox Architects

cut-landscape record stormwater management

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