This project has been implemented in 2017 summer as it has won the course competition. However, due to the absence of communication with the designer (me) the final product looks significantly different from the intended appearance
Unconventional:
Very different from the things that are used or accepted by most people : not traditional or usual : not conventional. It is not only about the appearance or aesthetic. Angular shape design with the combination of grasses and other perennials which fills the raised planters and continue the shape vertically without the need of forming (cutting, hedging). You won’t see everyday the design which stays green most of the year. the wish to create something
extraordinary with maintenance access to the windows and gullies made me to include paths which became a great part of my design as these pathways divide the planters and lets pedestrians to walk through the area feeling as if you were in the field between the grasses.
Very different from the things that are used or accepted by most people : not traditional or usual : not conventional. It is not only about the appearance or aesthetic. Angular shape design with the combination of grasses and other perennials which fills the raised planters and continue the shape vertically without the need of forming (cutting, hedging). You won’t see everyday the design which stays green most of the year. the wish to create something
extraordinary with maintenance access to the windows and gullies made me to include paths which became a great part of my design as these pathways divide the planters and lets pedestrians to walk through the area feeling as if you were in the field between the grasses.
The meaning of design:
The planters shape reminds the tectonic plates representing different continents, reminding us that this is international university with students from around the globe. Moreover the take on this project is quite modern, however the setting is over one hundred years old, thus the combination of two which aesthetically works great together, represents Universities long lasting traditions with up-to-date reforms which makes at least this campus a great place to study. During the design process there were various aspects which i had to take into account, but as in my collage the person and the animal are the focal point meaning that it’s not only about the planting in itself it’s more about the planting surrounding the alive organisms and serving for their needs, in this case as an inspiring and eye catching object which you can explore and enjoy in different senses.
The planters shape reminds the tectonic plates representing different continents, reminding us that this is international university with students from around the globe. Moreover the take on this project is quite modern, however the setting is over one hundred years old, thus the combination of two which aesthetically works great together, represents Universities long lasting traditions with up-to-date reforms which makes at least this campus a great place to study. During the design process there were various aspects which i had to take into account, but as in my collage the person and the animal are the focal point meaning that it’s not only about the planting in itself it’s more about the planting surrounding the alive organisms and serving for their needs, in this case as an inspiring and eye catching object which you can explore and enjoy in different senses.
Sustainability:
Plants low maintenance is probably one of the main key into successful planting sustainability. You could also include the use of plants which would be disease and pest free as well as plants which are adapted to the area climate, what means you won’t have to replant them in case they die.
Plants low maintenance is probably one of the main key into successful planting sustainability. You could also include the use of plants which would be disease and pest free as well as plants which are adapted to the area climate, what means you won’t have to replant them in case they die.
Hard landscape:
Originally it was created using corten-steel, but this material can be changed into weathered steel which would be prepared for the same rusted look with vinegar or other liquids which would activate and accelerate the rusting process.
Conclusion:
The main aim was to create something what could last
decades and could look pleasing and originally even after 50 years and if so, i think it’s pretty sustainable in itself.
decades and could look pleasing and originally even after 50 years and if so, i think it’s pretty sustainable in itself.
Emphasis on low maintenance:
Knowing that the previous planting design was based on Victorian gardens
and that it was highly maintained, i remembered my summers in my parents house and how hard it was to maintain all those plants in the garden. I knew I was going to look for the easiest way. These plants you only need to maintain once a year, and most of them at the same time making it a great option for the new planting design for the university
campus as the Gloucestershire university planting maintenance group is already pretty busy and there is no need to make their life even harder.
Knowing that the previous planting design was based on Victorian gardens
and that it was highly maintained, i remembered my summers in my parents house and how hard it was to maintain all those plants in the garden. I knew I was going to look for the easiest way. These plants you only need to maintain once a year, and most of them at the same time making it a great option for the new planting design for the university
campus as the Gloucestershire university planting maintenance group is already pretty busy and there is no need to make their life even harder.
