BEIJING, CHINA. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
MASTERPLAN
NORTH NORTH ENTRANCE
RAISED BEDS & LAWN MIRROR LAKE WOODLAND WALK
SHELTER WOODLAND WALK
CENTRAL LANDFORM
SOUTH MIRROR LAKE
SOUTH ENTRANCE
LANDFORM
DESIGN BRIEF The residential space has to accommodate a variety of livelihoods, respect the surrounding environment and culture whilst conforming to the new contemporary architecture. Providing thousands of neighbourhood residents with some much needed open green space, natural vitality, diverse activity options and beautiful scenery.
ACTIVITY Active small scale recreation on the lawns, informal games, kite-flying on the mounds, jogging on the trails, and bird-watching, strolling, and contemplation along the more secluded paths and lakes. The open spaces can be used for small to large events with multiple places on site for use.
THE DESIGN The terrain is humanely scaled that creates inviting spaces to engage with the land from the perspective of the water that flows through it and the rugged symbolic mountains that shape the landscape. The patterns and shape of the landscape is symbolic of water flowing down the mountain finding the easiest way through while making stops and collecting in a few areas. Views are presented through navigating the paths and providing vantage points for pedestrians with elevated areas to spectate the surroundings.
THE PLANTS The plants chosen are capable to cope with the harsh winter weather whilst providing a diverse beauty and whilst invigorating senses, boosting wellbeing and increasing the natural value of the environment.
TERRACES At the base of each residential building small terraces would surround the base. Each of these had to be simple in design with low maintainance. Linking to the surrounding landscape; either natural or man made was very important. Emphasis was drawn on creating a large open space at the centre with efficient privacy on all sides. Plants, materials and colours chosen would reflect the vernacular so theowners would bond with the local culture on a more intimate basis.
OPTION 1
The courtyard design is going to provide a comfortable living space that relates to site and concept. A large open space is provided for opportunity to play host to relaxation or recreation with enough space for lounge, dining, barbeque or storage furniture. The design is suitable for all types of users and becomes a great outdoor space all year round. A cedar trellis will cover the left third of the site for permanent shelter. The raised planters emulate the mountainous landscape that surrounds the complex. A modernist form is taken that create simplicity from a rugged and random form of a mountain. Clipped box hedge will form the perfect domes on top of the linear structure, a healthy contrast in form is welcomed allowing feng shui flows through the site. From light creams to dark tan colours chosen from the exposed mountainside, the colour spills from the mountainous planters and drapes over the landscape, bonding the peoples space and the extended landscape. The Silver Birch tree gives a dense shade during summer and exposes the sun throughout the winter, highlighting the amazing white bark against the dark cream rendered wall and deep blue skies.
OPTION 2
In this option there are many features that create a homely space. The beautiful cherry tree that sits firmly away from the back corner adds a range of interesting characteristics, from its blossoming white and pink flower to its dense green foliage and it’s elegant dark skin. This tree adds shelter for people who will sit on the bench attached to the raised planter. The raised planter is a rendered brick wall that contains stripped bamboo, acting as a sculptural feature the bamboo makes amazing shadows and adds life to the colourful stone tiled wall. The stunning feature is the granite waterfall, which is offset to the side of the garden producing a captivating flow into a pool of water that can be spectated from the comfort of the bench. Lawn (artificial) is used on each side away from the entrance making the space appear green and large as it connects to the linear decking. The large open space in the centre allows for comfortable living assets to be added. The concept emerges from the four elements; earth, wind, fire and water to create a harmonious space. The earth is resembled through the choices of stone on the walls that provide a platform for everything to live on. The tree and bamboo combine many forces, using the wind to add constant life and a fresh essence while it takes from the earth and gives goodness to all people in its area. The fire is at the base of the site, under the bench and lighting the tree and plant, making a warm courtyard with its deep yellow tone. The granite water feature makes constant energy, symbolising the water moving down the mountain to feed the life below.
OPTION 3
Option 3 design is very linear, young and exciting. The paving pattern unifies grass, stone and timber blocks peacefully as they disperse into one another’s area. This offers unique experiences in each space, different activities can dominate the spaces. The planting is in steps, simulating the mountainous landscape that climbs up and changes in atmosphere, plant life and colour. The plants evolve from soft and fertile at the base to hard and durable at the top creating a wonderful vision. The wall behind mimics the ground pattern and uses different grasses seperated by a steel grid system.
MIRROR LAKE The mirror lake is one of the greatest features of the design. When a pedestrian enters the site from the south entrance they will be greeted with this magnificent shallow lake that reflects the new architecture and mature trees. When approaching the lake easy access is granted to achieve a sense of intimacy with the water as a close submerged pathway is provided including seating along the east and west sides.
Lake Elevations
SOUTH ENTRANCE The south entrance has been cleverly designed to enhance the journey for every pedestrian. With green edges creeping along the sides that make a lush gateway up to the residential gardens. On each platform a rest space is provided amongst the planting. Each level of planting will replicate the diversity found on the mountain, simulating the differences in plants in the different heights. There will be space to walk beneath and enjoy other shops and access other areas easily.
Perspectives
Plan
LANDFORMS The landforms will create a recreational space for all users to pursue an actity of their choice. They provide a range of views around the site, create an elevation and vantage point, mimic the surrounding mountainous landscape. As people move around these spaces or take rest they experience the surrounding landscape on a much smaller, intimate scale. Local boulders will be used in the construction to add authenticity to the design.
LANDFORMS - CONCEPT An example of the great wall wrapping around the mountain providing a historic vantage point and blending into the scenery with ease.
Conceptual Sketches
Elevation
Plan
Perspectives
RAISED PLANTERS AND LAWNS The planters and lawns will be dotted around the site, each will be unique to its placement. The retaining wall have multiple functions. As a seat it will flow from high to low, with the top touching the ground at points or reach a metre and a half high on the other side. The plants will have annual interest and be planted withseasonal plants for unique enjoyment, while the large beds will contain large shrubs and small trees.
A mix of lawn and planting
Retaining wall experimentation