Christopher Wright Gr a dua te L a n d sc ap e Ar c hi t ec t
Christopher Wright Gr a dua te La ndsca pe Ar chitect
I’m an analytical and forward thinking individual with high personal and professional aspirations. At this early stage in my career I have begun to develop a considered and inquisitive approach to design and thrive on challenging preconceptions of what is achievable. I would like my future direction within the profession to culminate in working within a team at the forefront of landscape architecture, that adopts an intelligent approach to creating smart landscapes that are responsive to growing social and environmental pressures.
Interests Adventure // Architecture // Athletics // Environmental Psychology Graphic Design // Innovation // Physics // Photography // Team Sports
Pe r s o n a l S t r e n g t h s Written and Verbal Communication // Team contribution // Aspiring Creative // Adaptable // Reliable
Aw a r d s The Evening Telegraph ‘Outstanding Sporting Achievement’ award 5000m final at national track & Field champs. in London Olympic Stadium Ranked 1st in the country for 10km for my respective age group Maths grade in the top 5% of the country, earning a place on the NAGTY GOAL programme for gifted & talented youth.
(2009) (summer 2012) (2009) (2008 - 2010)
Landscape Institute Award in recognition of an outstanding final design (2013)
13 Cerris Road, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, PE1 4HR
Education PG Dip Landscape Architecture BA(hons) Landscape Architecture First Class Honours First Class Honours Dissertation 3 x A Levels = B C C 10 x GCSEs = A* - B
Leeds Beckett University (2014 - summer 2015) Leeds Metropolitan University (2010 - 2013) Thomas Deacon Academy (2010) Thomas Deacon Academy (2008)
Experience Developed a technical minded approach to landscape architecture working Assistant Landscape Architect within a dynamic, fast paced team environment on high profile, quality Townshend Landscape Architects urban public realm projects producing Stage C sketch designs, Design and (Augusts 2013 - August 2014) access statements and comprehensive, detailed tender drawings. Broadened my experience within the profession through assisting in the Assistant Landscape Architect production of a comprehensive LVIA for a large scale mine proposal in the Estell Warren Landscape Architecture North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Collaborated in the designs of rural (September 2014 - summer 2015) park landscapes and residential planting schemes. Representative on the Landscape Institute Yorkshire and Humber Branch Landscape Institute Student Rep. (2012 - 2013) Leeds Met. Uni. Cross Country Captain (2012 - 2013) Team Cambridgeshire Track & Field Captain (2010)
Design Strengths Technical Detailing // Public Realm Design // Masterplanning Graphic Visualisation
Software Skills Adobe InDesign // Adobe Photoshop // AutoCAD // Google SketchUp KeySCAPE // CS Artisan // MS Office
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chris lu kew right @ho tma il. co . u k
goo.gl/1uh2Zc
Urban Green
“People ignore design that ignores people� Frank Chimero
Urban
C ity Pa rk Pro p o s a l
GREEN
Southbank Park
“
Southbank Park is a contemporary green space in the heart of Leeds. The park is a bold and iconic space inspired by Leeds’ rich industrial past and is a celebration of the cities waterways. Southbank Park is the culmination of strong connectivity and immersive landscape treats, providing a diverse city culture with an equally diverse array of experiences. Southbank Park is a landscape of discovery.
Access
Improved accessibility
Connectivity
“
Strengthen North - South connections
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“s o m eth ing s ma ll h a s fo und s a nctua ry in s o meth ing b ig � Peter Zumthor
Hortus Conclusus
Intimate residential gardens
Blue Infrastructure Active waterfront
Urban
C ity Pa rk Pro p o s a l
GREEN
Masterplan The proposal for Southbank Park provides an integral solution in connecting Northern and Southern Leeds with an aim of bringing the Southern boroughs closer to the City Centre. The park also provides good connectivity to the proposed High Speed Railway West of the park and residential accommodation to the East. A multitude of spaces, varying in scale, provide a rich landscape experience.
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e iver Air
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A653
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Tree Cover
Blossoming Trees
Softscape
Building
Secondary Route
Primary Route
Hardscape
Water
i Po
Rd
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1 Riverfront Wetland System
2 The Promenade
The waterfront along the Western side of the park has been opened up and features an ecological wetland system that cleanses river and runoff water whilst providing flood relief.
Meadow Lane has been pedestrianised and acts as a backbone within the park. The Promenade is both a direct route through the park and a destination, with views across much of the site.
3 Sponsored Projects Green
4 Events Lawn
The heart of the park features a temporal, creative interventions green. Designers and businesses are invited to sponsor the green and create short term interventions in the landscape.
A large, open events lawn provides space for festivals, markets, sports days and communal celebrations. This flexible open space integrates Southbank Park with the community.
5 Proposed Southbank Pavilion
6 Brewery Plaza
A sculpted pavilion is the central focal point within the events lawn and provides a hub from which large scale events can emanate. The pavilion provides a sheltered vantage point within the park.
Brewery Plaza is the active heart of Southbank Park. A ground floor cafe in the Tetley Brewery building opens up onto a social square. The Plaza connects the park with its context and the public.
7 Carlsberg Reflection Pool
8 The Sky Gardens
The existing Carlsberg HQ has been de-constructed and heavily planted, creating an ‘immersive outdoor room’. It sits within a reflection pool, creating a serene entrance feature from the South.
The Sky Gardens feel isolated from the main park, providing a peaceful environment for personal reflection. The raised gardens each possess a theme inspired by Leeds’ industry and culture.
9 Biotope Causeway
The Causeway acts as a magnificent entrance feature at the Eastern gateway. Pathways weave in between biodiverse columns of untouched habitats left to grow with the Park through time.
Urban
C ity Pa rk Pro p o s a l
GREEN
Waterfront Development
Southbank Waterfront is a seamless integration of hard and soft to create a coherent landscape that blends public amenity into rich biodiversity. Contemporary landform filters water from the River Aire whilst stepped level changes, from the promenade down to the pool, filter movement along the waterfront. Blurred movement networks encourage freedom to explore and discover new spaces.
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River Aire
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A65
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Large BroadLeaf
Pinus sylvestris
Paved Platforms
Mixed Deciduous
Betula pubescens
Well Maintained Lawn
Grassland
Water
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1 Western Gateway
2 Earth Mounds
The western entrance to the site connects Southbank Park with Bridgewater Place and the canal route beyond. Upon entering the park, a serpentine pathway opens up onto the waterfront.
Using the earth removed to create the retention ponds, earth mounds have been created to screen the views of the busy roads and contain the park.
3 Bridge
4 Riverbank
Three small bridges cross the retention pool, allowing the public to access the far banks and interact with the vegetated swale system, allowing a truly immersive experience.
The riverbanks are heavily planted, filtering the river water as it passes into the main retention pool. They also provide smaller, intimate spaces for relaxing in the landscape.
5 Vegetated Swale
6 Stepped Sun-Lawns
Two smaller pools, planted with water plants, cleanse water from the River Aire and act as flood alleviation. The swales are also a great habitat for increased biodiversity.
A series of stepped sun-lawns overlook the waterfront and provide a perfect vantage point from which to relax and observe.
7 Retention Pool
8 Cleansing Biotopes
The retention pool temporarily holds cleansed water from the River Aire and surface run-off before it is recycled throughout the park and in the surrounding apartments.
The biotopes take advantage of the stepped change in level and filter surface run-off from the park. As the surface water filters through each level it is gradually cleansed before reaching the main retention pool.
9 The Promenade The Promenade bounds the waterfront and allows direct access around the space. Tree avenues allow people to filter across the boundary between the waterfront and promenade enhancing the concept of connectivity that runs throughout the park.
Urban
GREEN
C ity Pa rk Pro p o s a l
Waterfront Development Designed as a flood alleviation scheme, the waterfront development will act as both a retention pool and filtering system in order to improve the quality of the River Aire. Three embankments and vegetated swales(1) filter the river water as it flows into a retention pool(2), which will then be suitable for recycling for use in the surrounding apartment buildings.
Cross section through waterfront from North to South
River Aire
(1)
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“ f reed o m of m ovement”
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A series of platforms step down from the main promenade to the water’s edge
(3) Level Change
(2)
(3)
Urban
GREEN
C ity Pa rk Pro p o s a l
Waterfront Planting The waterfront planting scheme has been designed in order to enhance the concept of ‘Connectivity’ through filtration of movement and views. Species such as Cornus and Betula will provide winter interest, whilst their skeletal structures will create a semi-permeable barrier. Aquatic plants have been chosen on their ability to filter intoxicated water, while species such as Butomus and Typha provide
Native Perennials
Filtration Biotopes
Pond Margins
Winter Borders
Tree Avenue
structural beauty.
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• Alnus Glutinosa • Cornus sanguinea, Betula pubescens • Nymphaea alba, Pontederia cordata, Butomus umbellatus, Carex acutiformis, Carex pseudocyperus, Juncus effusus • Iris pseudacorus, Typha latifolia, Schoenoplectus lacustris, Acorus calamus • Digitalis purpurea, Lythrum salicaria, Foeniculum vulgare, Centranthus ruber, Achillea millefolium, Campanula persicifolia •
Images from Crocus & Gardenersworld
Southbank Park “ a discovery landscape”
Leeds
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Southbank Park “ a discovery landscape”
Leeds
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Cities Alive Embracing ‘Green’ Principles
CANDY BAR place
In response to
Cities
Sus ta ina b le Neig h b o urh o o d
ALI V E
Candy Bar Place Candy Bar Place is a proposal for a lively, diverse and balanced community neighbourhood. The urban fabric of the neighbourhood is formed by a series of ‘candy bars’, orientated to improve legibility throughout the public realm, providing a variation of living quarters; apartment blocks, terraced streets and low rise flats. The built form is knitted together by a coherent public realm, with variation expressed in a sequence of connecting green courtyards, community homezones and garden streets. Key pedestrian routes radiate from public spaces, providing a safe and attractive network between them. Principles from the ‘Cities Alive’ document produced by Arup have been adopted within the design in the form of:
- Green Infrastructure Corridors that tie into wider framework
- SUDs Streets
- Green and Biodiverse Roofs
- Green Walls
- A Water Square
- Rain Gardens
CONTEXTUAL VEHICULAR NETWORK Existing Main Road Existing Railway Line Proposed Tram Route
SITE VEHICULAR NETWORK Primary Circulation Street Access
CONTEXTUAL PEDESTRIAN NETWORK Pedestrian Highway Links to wider network Green Corridor
SITE PEDESTRIAN NETWORK North - South Connection Primary Inner development network Green Corridor
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Cities
ALI V E
High rise apartment at gateway to development Tall apartment blocks aligning key pedestrian route
Roof terrace access at midway point of apartment block
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One/two storey school building Four storey terraces form large percentage of built form
Mid rise apartments overlooking public green
Apartments bridge void to enhance gateway characteristics f the pedestrian link High rise apartments align key pedestrian link into neighbourhood
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Cities
ALI V E Local Centre/ Spill out
Residential Block
Defensive Planting
Cafe/Bars/ Restaurants
Existing Main Road
Swale System
Citywide Cycle Route
High Street
Private roof gardens
Defensive Planting
Circulation Road
NORTHSOUTH SECTION
Rain Garden
Shared street Private gardens Citywide pedestrian network
EASTWEST SECTION
Shared street
Shared street
Residential Street Private gardens
Private Roof Gardens
Public Square Pedestrian High Street
High Street
N Public Amenity Space
Ground Floor Shops
Key Pedestrian Route
Perimeter Pedestrian Route
SuDS Planting
Street Parking
E
W S
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Private roof gardens School Hybrid Street
Private gardens Residential Street
Hybrid Street Private gardens
Cities
ALI V E The sustainability credentials for Candy Bar Place have been assessed using the ‘Checklist for Landscape Architects and City Designers’ contained in the appendices of the ‘Cites Alive’ publication. The checklist provides an insight into how well the proposal could meet demands of modern city developments.
appendix 1 CHECKLIST FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND CITY DESIGNERS
appendix 1 (cont’d) CHECKLIST FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND CITY DESIGNERS
LANDSCAPE CONTEXT AND ASSETS
q Acknowledge geographic setting and landscape characteristics
q Take account of water catchment/supply q Note current land uses and design responses to locality q Consider ecosystem services and implications for biodiversity q Review history of area and any heritage implications q Note social and economic factors influencing landscape q Review implications of climate change, energy needs, population growth q Consider plans and any design proposals to date q Review similar projects/case studies and project approaches SUSTAINABLE MASTERPLANNING
q Conserve historic landscape, built form and significant aesthetic features q Prioritize development on disturbed land wherever possible q Protect natural heritage and enhance biodiversity of site q Reuse redundant structures and adapt existing landscapes for new uses q Design for socially inclusive community and neighbourhood safety q Plan compact development to optimize land development potential q Cater for wide spectrum of users and communities q Site buildings to minimize energy use q Ensure site is part of green and blue infrastructure q Develop design rooted in local context q Encourage local use through ease of access
q Design networks for walking and cycling and permeable space q Ensure connections to public transport q Respond to the ecology of the place q Design social gathering spaces and active frontages q Integrate overall vision with detail design q Engage local community/stakeholders q Enhance biodiversity q Incorporate productive landscapes q Create unique, comprehensible and memorable places q Plan for the inclusion of public art q Encourage local business opportunities q Design for multiuse and range of uses q Sustain landscape from economic and social perspectives q Design for health of all ages q Connect people to places/destinations q Include information and interpretative facilities q Provide amenities for diverse range of users q Provide for flexible space for future change of uses q Provide shelter and shade with large trees
appendix 1 (cont’d)
appendix 1 (cont’d)
CHECKLIST FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND CITY DESIGNERS
CHECKLIST FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND CITY DESIGNERS
ECOLOGICAL SITE DESIGN
GREEN TECHNOLOGIES
q Generate green energy on-site
q Use recycled materials
q Use indigenous and/or non-invasive plant species
q Green structures/buildings
q Use ecosystem services and enhance site ecology
q Use timber from sustainable sources
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q Minimise night light pollution
q Use durable products
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q Incorporate homes for wildlife
q Minimize mowing/use of machinery
q Extend local plant communities
q Use organic compost, fertilizers and mulches
q Balance cut and fill of soil on-site
q Decompose waste on-site
q Minimise floodplain development
q Use phytoremediation on contaminated sites
q Use water-sensitive urban design
q Use porous paving
q Maximize water retention on-site
q Procure local construction products
q Restore and create wetlands
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT
q Reduce impervious surfaces
q Facilitate education for sustainability
q Take measures to reduce air pollution
q Establish a landscape management plan q Incorporate site nursery and composting q Ecological monitoring to inform change q Ongoing design and conservation q Minimize use of pest/herbicides q Site-based maintenance/park manager
Considered in part Directly considered and achieved in proposal
This guide/checklist was developed initially with particular reference to the Sustainable Sites Initiative developed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center / American Society of Landscape Architects in 2007. List provided courtesy of Chris Royffe, Leeds Metropolitan University
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My current university project explores
design
solutions
to rejuvenate the Skegness Foreshore which is at risk of a declining economy and eroding beach. The masterplan seeks to create a resilient seafront through the restoration of coastal habitats and layering Dunes provide access along foreshore and act as a coastal buffer
of dune systems.
Ecological Coast Skegness Foreshore
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The final proposal for Jersey International Finance Centre includes a new pedestrian highway, mounded public park and accompanying public realm. The development is situated above a multi storey car park, as such detailing the design required specific considerations regarding build up. I was involved in producing a complete Stage E detailed technical design package of all of the various design elements.
Design Detail Jersey International Finance Centre
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12
n
Westfield Phase 2 development is a large scale masterplan proposal to extend the existing shopping centre in Shepherds Bush, London. The masterplan consists of a large podium courtyard for a series of new residential blocks, a flexible public square and a network of pedestrian streets. A linear park has been proposed adjacent to an existing above ground rail line, it is proposed that the archways will be converted into retail units, with the linear park serving as spill out, space to play, relax and socialise.
Public Realm Westfield Phase 2, Shepherds Bush Frank Chimero
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Marischal
Square
is
a
proposal for a new mixed use development in Aberdeen, including a new public square and courtyard gardens. The concept for the square is to create a flexible space with a formal layout that compliments the characterful architecture surrounding the square. I was involved in creating the DAS and detailed design proposal drawings.
TOWNSHEND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
4
Public Realm Marischal Square, Aberdeen
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The project involved designing a central courtyard for a new residential development in Streatham Hill, London. The design picks up on strong architectural
features
to
form a geometric layout that creates a park like feel within the courtyard. The design provides
space
for
play,
leisure and relaxation with dense planting and a water feature creating a sense of seclusion. I was involved with creating the initial design concept and communicating the proposal in a Stage C design document.
Residential Streatham Hill, London
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Public Consultation New Fryston, Castleford
Public
D es ig n & C o mmunity
C ON S ULTAT IO N
Fryston CommunityCentre Fryston Community Centre is a live project in an ex-mining village on the edge of Castleford. The village residents expressed the need for a new community centre and garden, the project involved consulting with both the community and client in order to put forward design proposals for the community garden, to be used by local people and visitors to the area. Proposals had to consider local vernacular whilst providing space for ‘Forest Schools’ activities and community gatherings.
C o o p e ra t io n
Co ns ulta tio n
C o mmunity
C lie n t
C o mmunica tio n
C o n s i d era tio n
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Community Consultation • Social Space • Parties • Natural Play • Engagement • Wildlife • Contemporary • Mining Heritage • • Arts & Crafts • Open Roundhouse • Wild Garden • Relax • Communal Seating • Interaction • Graffiti • • Flexible Space • Bonfire • Forest Schools • Multi-Functional • Sports Day • Family & Friends • Pride •
Public
C ON S ULTAT IO N
D es ig n & C o mmunity
Context & Analysis Fryston is a small village in Castleford, West Yorkshire. It is situated close to the A1 and the Leeds - York railway line. In close proximity are a variety of biodiverse park lands, including Fryston Basin, Well Woods, The River Aire and Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve. With such valuable assets nearby there is potential for Fryston Community Garden to be an extension and integral link between the public and surrounding park lands.
Location Map
Target Notes 1. Bus Stop - Main public transport
3. Dense Planting - Species rich
2. Bull Ring - Holds historical value
4. Limestone Grassland - Valueable
5. Martha Schwartz Park
Key Destinations Good Views Poor Views Target Notes Main Pedestrian Routes Main Vehicular Routes Site Boundary
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Buildings
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Existing Shrubs &Trees
Site Analysis Plan
Potential for the Community Centre to extend links to surrounding areas of natural interest.
Public
D es ig n & C o mmunity
C ON S ULTAT IO N
AXIS - Community Garden A ‘ xis’ responds to the site and its context, creating a space that links well with the village. The garden reflects the local heritage through materials that hold industrial characteristics. A communal shelter at the heart of the space embraces the community spirit that runs through Fryston and provides a focal point for the garden. Running parallel to the Southern boundary is a section of reclaimed railway that links an open-air workshop and industrial roundhouse, providing an interactive element for the Forest Schools group to experience the site. Two main axes both connect and define the garden, creating spaces for communication, interaction and reflection.
Industrial Heritage
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1 2
Communication
Interaction
1 A Social Forum
2 Total Immersion
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3 Industrial Character
Reflection
Public
C ON S ULTAT IO N
D es ig n & C o mmunity
Group Proposal Client feedback for the design proposal, A ‘ xis, stated the central communal space and industrial characteristics were well received. However, there was a preferential towards filtered movement patterns rather than the defined routes used in A ‘ xis’. The clients also emphasised that much of the community garden would need to be constructed by non-specialists. This feedback was responded to in a group proposal that retained the industrial nature of previous concepts, but prioritised ease of construction and informal, flexible spaces.
C o ns ulta tio n
C o mmunity
Movement Patterns
Rationale for site layout. Filtered and informal site exploration.
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Public
C ON S ULTAT IO N
D es ig n & C o mmunity
Public Exhibition The client proposals culminated in an exhibition evening, on which a design package including process & rationale, masterplanning, detailed visualisation, planting and construction drawings were presented to the client. These took the form of a curated exhibition, model and portfolio.
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Wr i t t e n E x t r a c t s
“A picture speaks a thousand words, but a thousand good words paint infinite pictures�
GILLES CLEMENT LE JARDINIER FRANCAIS
An article on Postmodernism and why world renowned 'gardener', Gilles Clement, is considered a postmodernist designer.
P
Clement encompasses postmodernist philosophies, whether intentional or not. His desire to observe beauty lies not with a need to find an objective definition, but to gently craft a landscape that has a relationship with both the site and observers. Clements overriding concept is how humans are a major influence on the environment, “in any environment… there are interrelations among living things – plants, animals and humans” (G. Clément 2006 pg.90), and how it is important “to foster and achieve an equilibrium
ostmodernism is a term used to describe a range of conceptual
in which no one species has the upper hand” (G. Clément 2006
ideologies, risen in opposition of the modernist movement that
pg.90). These notions perceive how reality is subject to human
shaped, not only the 19th and 20th century, but the society
intervention, thus begin to categorise Clement as a postmodernist.
we see today. To understand the context of postmodernism,
In an era described as “incredulity to all metanarratives” (Jean-
it is important to understand the frameworks that defined the
François Lyotard) Gilles Clement chose neither to accept nor reject
‘Modern Era’. Throughout this period, we as humans were driven
past truths, but to direct them in such a way as to work in harmony
by knowledge and the need to objectively define the world that
alongside nature’s prowess.
we live in. Ideologies often associated with modernism are those such as realism, structuralism and materialism. Ultimately, these
Clement is described as “a hard man to pin down” 1, maybe due
are notions independent of human observation. Postmodernism
to his modest and “unassuming” 1 nature. This can be seen in his
then, is the approach in which we consider reality as a phenomenon
simple description of his profession; “a gardener” 1. Not just a
subjective to an individual. It considers ways in which social
designer, Gilles writes popular fables, novels and philosophical
dynamics affect human conceptualization of knowledge. This
reflections. His interests span further into ecology, botany and
movement encompasses theories such as idealism, relativism and
also entomology. Clement studied agronomy along with landscape
scepticism. In a world where knowledge was beginning to diminish
design at university and at such an early stage of his career he was
human significance, postmodernism rose to once again give
already defending “biological gardening” 1. From Clements diverse
meaning to our existence.
studies of nature it is easy to understand how his past education is influencing his design approach today, “not nature unspoiled by
Gilles Clement is a French landscape architect, considered to be
man, but partnership” 1. Defined as a life changing moment, Gilles
part of the postmodernist era. Through his approach to design,
spent two days in a coma after gardening with his father and getting
a highly toxic rose spray into an open wound. This drove Gilles to
process of succession is when spontaneous growth includes all
escape the highly regimented gardening his father used and begin
the elements usually found in a garden. “The gardener’s role then
a less invasive approach. This event is almost a metaphor of why
is to guide and enrich in sympathy with natural processes” 1. One of
postmodernism arose, people were reacting to the controlled and
Clements most famous examples of a moving garden is at the Parc
regimented ideologies of modernism and wanted to experience
Andre-Citroen. It is the park staff who decides where paths are to
life on a more personal and interactive scale. In 1997 Clement was
be mown each year, evolving to respect self-sown plants.
able to purchase land he sought refuge as a child and transformed
Moving Garden”.
"The gardener's role then is to guide and enrich in sympathy with natural processes"
“With time, the design of the garden will evolve, it depends on the
Gilles Clements next theory emerged after he had seen
person who maintains it and is not the result of a plan drawn at the
photographs of Earth from space. The Planetary Garden is an
office” 2. This very much defines the concept of a moving garden.
imagination of extending the care and devotion lavished on home
The gardens design is in response to not just the site, but the
gardens to the planet as a whole. It highlights the importance of
processes that happen within the space. Already there is a strong
ecological diversity and how existence so far has had a damaging
correlation between Clements theory and postmodernism. There
affect. It is a much more directed theory than the moving Garden
is a strong sense of individual subjectivity to the outcome of the
but encompasses the key principle of working alongside nature
garden, as it will almost surely be different for each person who
without destroying diversity, “making possible the existence of
maintains the garden. Clement observes “watching wasteland, I
the garden” (The Earth) “and hence the gardener.” 3 (Humans). This
am not only fascinated by the energy of nature’s reclamation, I also
closely resembles a postmodernist ideology as it places the role of
want to know how to insert myself in the midst of this powerful
the gardener into a wider context. This theory implies we play an
flow” 1. It clearly shows the respect he has for nature but also the
important role in the Earths ecosystem rather than the objective
desire Clement feels to be part of this process, almost a yearning
notions, independent of humans, expressed throughout the
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to feel significant in this complex ecosystem. It was very much a
modern era.
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the clearing into La Valle, “one of France’s most admired gardens” 1. This was the beginning of Clements first influential theory “The
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widely felt emotion at the end of the modern era, people wanted to feel important on this vast planet and not a burden on its resources.
Most recently Clement has been developing another concept
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The moment Gilles has chosen to incorporate himself within the
called “The Third Landscape”. He was influenced by highly managed
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Le J a rd inier F ra nca is farm land, south of Paris, to seek abandoned spaces “still capable
he no longer sees humans as an entity independent of the Earths
of spontaneous revival...as La Vallee once was” 1. These neglected
workings, but a key component in how we visualise and experience
spaces can be important areas for accumulating biodiversity;
nature.
they are “Earths genetic reservoir” 4. As highlighted in Clements
After understanding Clements approaches, ideologies and
‘The Chandelier’, flowering weeds, grasses, insects and man-made
rationale to landscape design it is easy to see how many would consider him a postmodernist. His theories question the science of the modern era directly; all three of Clements concepts express the importance of the human race on not just a small scale, but the world’s ecosystem. Some state that postmodernism isn’t a period in its own right, but a transition from one to another. We can only hope this transition leads to an acknowledgement of our own ignorance towards the devastating effects our existence is currently having on the planet we inhabit. After all, what use is a gardener if there is no garden?
“The Chandelier” by Gilles Clement
objects such as various litter can be found in the Third Landscape. They all belong to a single ecosystem, both man and nature. The theory expresses how we as humans have forced ourselves into the Earths ecosystem and how nature now relies on us as much as the alternative. The objects found in these landscapes “reflect societal behaviours as much as the urban environment, and invite reflection on the notion of the ‘citizen gardener’ who assumes a cooperative and participatory role in the maintenance of the urban ecosystem.” (G. Clément 2006 pg.105). This informs how postmodernist ideas have influenced Clements approach as
“(Gilles Clement) no longer sees humans as an entity independent of the Earths workings, but a key component in how we visualise and experience nature�
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How Can Environmental Psychology Influence Urban Regeneration?
on the positive psychological effects caused by nature and if this was reflected more in urban regeneration proposals there could be potential for added value within those schemes. This could be achieved through something as simple as developers recognising
An extract from the concluding paragraph of my critical study discussing the effects of environment - behaviour interrelationships.
that greenspaces are as important, or if not more so, than the architectural elements of the built environment. An additional concept that could potentially improve urban regeneration is that of designing spaces to facilitate not only the desired function, but
From the outset, the objective of this report sought to outline
the resultant behaviour of that function. This philosophy could be
a set of key design strategies that could be considered when
installed from the offset of a project and just by fully understanding
regenerating urban environments. And although this objective has
human behaviours in certain environments there is potential to
in a way been met, the field of environmental psychology is still
create psychologically ergonomic spaces.
emerging and the very nature of studying the human subconscious brings about a certain level of subjectivity. As a result it has been difficult to provide conclusive solutions to issues faced by urban regeneration. Much of what has been discussed in the final chapter of this report provides an initial suggestion on how environmental psychology can influence urban regeneration, however it has
“The human subconscious is very complex and the task of trying to integrate psychological preferences into equally complex and dynamic systems is one that requires a great deal of respect and consideration”
become increasingly apparent throughout that to achieve a set of conclusive design strategies, more time would need to be spent
One integral connection that has become increasingly apparent
considering the subject in greater depth. The human subconscious
throughout the report is that of a major link between the
is very complex and the task of trying to integrate psychological
environment, humans, society and the economy (Fig. 8A).
preferences into equally complex and dynamic systems, as that
Emphasised strongly throughout the report are the effects an
is what urban environments have become, is one that requires
environment can have over an individual’s behaviours. These
a great deal of respect and consideration. This being said, the
behaviours can then result in more widespread affects that impact
study has managed to indicate some key overriding notions that
upon the society that individual is integrated within. The resultant
could be adopted with resultant positive impacts upon urban
effects on the health of the social structure can then play an
regeneration. Throughout, there has been a great deal of emphasis
important role in that community’s economic wellbeing which will
and environmental health there may be positive impacts seen on the state of the economy. This is by no means a conclusive model; however is merely an observation recorded as a result from the research undertaken to complete this report. Conversely it is an observation that has been influenced by real time studies and may
ECONOMY
be worthwhile pursuing further. This report then has not been a fully exhaustive profile on the potential influences environmental psychology can have on ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOUR
regenerating our urban environments. However, it has provided an indicative insight into how understanding the human subconscious can enrich urban development. To conclude, there is almost definitely potential to add social and economic value to proposals through understanding environment-behaviour relationships.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE
After researching environmental psychology and beginning to recognise its widespread potential over multiple disciplines, I feel
Figure 8A The diagram depicts the connection between the environment, individual behaviour, social structure and the economy.
there is somewhat a parallel relevance to conclude this report with the words of Monika Wulf Mathies: “our cities are a sea of potential which has not yet been tapped” (Commission of the European Communities, 1997). I just hope this study has taken us one step
consequently influence the health of the surrounding environment.
closer to realising that potential.
This concept suggests that if one of the elements is considered ‘unhealthy’, it could result in negative consequences upon the other elements such as social issues or economic deprivation. Currently, politicians place weighted importance on the health of our economy at the risk of neglecting the health of individuals,
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communities and the environment.
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However, this conceptual
model suggests that through placing equal importance on social
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PORTFOLIO