COMPRESSION to EXPANSION
A visual time line tells a story not only about how the user experiences the space, but also about the size and scope of the site and how much time it takes to navigate through it. One of the main purposes of landscape design is to extend the time user spend on it. In addition, landscape design is a process of developing practical and pleasing outdoor living space. Therefore, as the transect illustrate, some of the path or landscape sequence use the curve, terrain change or rich planting instead of straight line, flat landform to create different atmosphere to attract people. In this assignment, I especially tried to pick places with landform to navigate, or tunnels to traverse.
Among the many cases we visited today, Chelsea Cove was my favorite spot which as the forth one display. It was composed of wonderful landforms, plants and waterfront. In addition, it wisely designed the observatory deck combine with existing retaining walls, piers and dock. In the middle of the park there is a carefully contoured great lawn which is the perfect place to enjoy the waterfront. Because it was blocked by the surrounded earth mound, the sounds, noise and pollution from the road could not affect people doing exercise or enjoying recreation inside. The open expanse in front the bowl gave a breathtaking view of the water and the activities on the lower lawn, and the trees gave a shady break from the sun. The slope of the landform was just right for reclining in the grass.
One site I found odd but utterly quaint and charming was the Irish Hunger Memorial. It was a powerful blend of urban structure and rolling European landscape, one part architecture and one part a rolling green roof. They seem integrate each other tightly but separate actually. The green roof, in my opinion, seems to be forced to put on the curtain wall and pretend it is still “green”.
The other interesting thing is when you walk underneath the edge of the roof at Irish Hunger Memorial or pass through the channel between two sides of the Teardrop Park back and forth a few times, you will found the atmosphere and views of the landscape is completely different. And I think that is the reason why there is always no single or simple rule telling you how to see or experience a landscape architecture design. You always have to experience from different angle, perspective, direction, and visit several times in one day, month or season. Therefore, by taking a series photos of landscape sequence is a good way to penetrate the details of the design.
Among the many cases we visited today, Chelsea Cove was my favorite spot which as the forth one display. It was composed of wonderful landforms, plants and waterfront. In addition, it wisely designed the observatory deck combine with existing retaining walls, piers and dock. In the middle of the park there is a carefully contoured great lawn which is the perfect place to enjoy the waterfront. Because it was blocked by the surrounded earth mound, the sounds, noise and pollution from the road could not affect people doing exercise or enjoying recreation inside. The open expanse in front the bowl gave a breathtaking view of the water and the activities on the lower lawn, and the trees gave a shady break from the sun. The slope of the landform was just right for reclining in the grass.
One site I found odd but utterly quaint and charming was the Irish Hunger Memorial. It was a powerful blend of urban structure and rolling European landscape, one part architecture and one part a rolling green roof. They seem integrate each other tightly but separate actually. The green roof, in my opinion, seems to be forced to put on the curtain wall and pretend it is still “green”.
The other interesting thing is when you walk underneath the edge of the roof at Irish Hunger Memorial or pass through the channel between two sides of the Teardrop Park back and forth a few times, you will found the atmosphere and views of the landscape is completely different. And I think that is the reason why there is always no single or simple rule telling you how to see or experience a landscape architecture design. You always have to experience from different angle, perspective, direction, and visit several times in one day, month or season. Therefore, by taking a series photos of landscape sequence is a good way to penetrate the details of the design.