What Landscape Architects Want Architects To Know BY JAY BOLLWINKEL, PRINCIPAL AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, MGB+A Think of the last time you went on a trip or vacation to somewhere new. Where did you go? Odds are, you probably budgeted in time to visit a few iconic “bucket-list” locations. If you had visited New York, these might have included Central Park, the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial, the Statue of Liberty and many more. So why is it that we are drawn to such places? History, culture and a host of other reasons that we might come up with are surely reasonable explanations, but there is one thing that each has in common. All of these sites were brought into reality and made accessible to the world through the vision and collaboration of creative minds of the past. None would be possible without the support of a thoughtful and committed design team. So, what is it that we want you to know about us? We are your best partners in creating such places. The unique perspectives of landscape architects and architects are perfect complements to each other, and here are just a few of the many reasons why. Big Picture Thinkers Landscape architects are trained to look at the big picture of project sites and their landscape systems. We unpack a project site to find out what opportunities and constraints exist around a project that could add value or detract from the site. We are good at locating landmark buildings on highways so they appear to grow out of the site or can be seen centered on highway view corridors. Landscape architects help large-scale planning goals be manifested on the site scale. Landscape architects are frequently involved in area and regional planning, which provides opportunities to explore various architectural designs. It’s essential to ensure that the flow of outdoor spaces complements the internal flow of the building, creating a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors. Additionally, landscape architects strive to promote connectivity within the community by designing outdoor spaces that encourage social interaction and engagement. By working together, architects and landscape architects can create a harmonious and cohesive design that integrates the built and natural environments, providing a truly exceptional experience for users. Creative Solutions Consider landscape architects as a valuable resource, as we have the expertise to offer innovative solutions that enhance the environment while often being significantly more cost-effective than other, more obvious design solutions. By leveraging our knowledge and creativity, we can provide unique and sustainable solutions that beautify the landscape and offer practical benefits to the community. For example, at Ogden-Weber Technical College, a piped canal ran through the campus, but unfortunately, the pipe was not strong enough to support heavy equipment driving over it. As a result, the pipe collapsed multiple times during maintenance equipment crossings. Initially, the plan was to replace the pipe with a stronger and deeper one. However, our team of innovative landscape architects proposed a cost-effective solution — opening up the canal and transforming it into a shallow water feature. The feature was created using concrete sitting blocks designed to look rustic by exposing the aggregate and knocking off corners. This project was a resounding success and even received a national ASLA award for its creativity. The newly transformed canal area has become a favorite spot among students to hang out, relax, and study. Collaborators/Team Players Working together, we add excellent value to your clients. Bringing different strengths and resources to the table makes teaming with landscape architects priceless. When City Creek Center wanted fish to be part of the project, landscape architects brought in an Ichthyologist (fish guy) to help. Together, we created a fish habitat that included all the water characteristics that fish need to thrive. This was challenging because the project location was flat (water needs a slope to flow) with only an 18” depth above the parking structure below to work with. Landscape architects coordinated with owners, retailers, various architects, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, and other specialty consultants to make this project successful. Conrad Sauer Detention Basin — Houston, TX Designed by OJB 18 REFLEXION
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