Maria Xenofontos (BA)-Landscape Architecture e -portfolio 2015
Executive Summary
The Vision
Thamesmead was my site for my 3rd year final project .Thamesmead is a district of South East London, England, located in the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley. It was built in 1967 and it was a major development scheme to house East Londoners by slum post-war temporary housing. Unfortunately today it is not much more than a notorious waste land of poorly maintained social housing, with overpopulated residents. The site I chose is a green mounded corridor inbetween residential terraced houses, running from Lense Abbey and Southmere Lake.
My master plan for this scheme is regen erating the area by redesigning the space with many opportunities, activities, and multifunctional spaces for the people of Thamesmead. Everything the city is lacking is connected in this park. The new scheme Thamesmead Civic Space Park aims to reconnect the fragmented community by recreating a quality outdoor space with many different types of activities and functions for the diverse people in Thamesmead, and general London.
Thamesmead Civic Space Park
SOCIAL VOID CONNECTIVITY SUSTAINABILITY
R E G E N E R A T E D MULTIFUNCTIONAL PARK IN LONDON
Content
3rd Year Development Project -Cover -Executive Summary
Thamesmead -Existing site -Site Analysis + Survey -Concept Development
Design -Master Planning -Detail Design -Technical Landscapes -Info -Contact Details
MARIA XENOFONTOS BA -LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE UNIVERSITY OF GREENWICH , LONDON ENGLAND
The site Survey lead to a conclusion that the site needed a major redesign . The desirable pedestrian routes lead to easier descissions because they crossed almost equally from north to south and east to west . The biggest issue that I noticed needed to be changed was the entrance to the site , It is almost invisible from the main road , hidden behind a elevated bridge and semi dense woodland. (Sketch to the left gives an idea of the view to the park from the main road)
THAMESMEAD TODAY Thamesmead is a district of South East London, England, located in the London Boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley.
Biodiversity: About 1 km from the site can be found the Nature reserve, and Woodland. The nature reserve serves an important role because it is mainly used for educational purposes by the nearby primary schools. To the north of the site is the Erith Marshes which is a protected site and managed by Thamesmead Water, also one of the last Erith Marshes which can be found in London.
THAMESMEAD EXISTING SITE
Existing Site: The site was built on reclaimed marshal land on the South Lake of Thamesmead. It is a site of a high flood risk. The site runs from Southmere Lake to Lens Abbey woods rising over 15 meters from north to south.
Sopportunities trengths , The site has so many its overall location , it is near a large bodie ofwater , residential housing , and London
O waterfont , plazas , venues ,
ecological site , public urban open space , regererated space , connect nature and people , big identity to Thamesmead
C dangerous , defragmented ,
overdeveloped structures , dull colours , depressing genius locci
ENVT-0203-M02-2014-15 Maria Xenofontos
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THAMESMEAD CIVIC SPACE PARK (BA) - Landscape Architecture UNVERSITY OF GREENWICH , LONDON EXISTING SITE ANALYSIS Landsacpe Architect - using the means at hand
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Concept Development My inspiration first arose when I chose connectivity as my scenario. Connective tissue was the overall concept that leads to certain diagrams (as shown below) for most of the crucial decisions that were made to create Thamesmead Civic Space Park.
The site which is a corridor with a large water body and different components felt very defragmented when I first visited and so I thought the solution would be to connect it again and that is what connective tissue is about. Connective Tissue Constructs different organisms each fiber and cell serve a different function and purpose. After the site survey diagrams which mapped out different pedestrian nodes turned into spaces (red circles) that would come from a type of cell with a certain function .
so ..Adipose tissue is needed in the body for energy , and so I created a activity space (skate park + childrens play ground .Reticular fiber is surrounded by water , and so I came to the conclusion that would become wetlands increasing biodiversity etc.
Bike Dock / Changing Rooms
Community allotments placing of these is in the style of enclosed courtyards. Also sustainable controlling rain water. Vegetable Gardens. Road tree venue creating a more pleasant entrance
Sports Ground Futsal Track field audience mound woodland
Eco Zone , wooden pontoons , Eco house , Marsh lands , increasing biodiversity habitats
Community center -Arts -Education -Cafe
Annual flowering planting
Waterscape SuDs
Earthscapes -amenity -visitor information -local shops -cafe
Square plaza , Mainly hardscape aestheticaly powerful entrance
Bike trail Biodiversity area. Wetlands provide more natural habitats, and maintain water levels
Wooden planked bridge , makes the visitor explore the lake further
Rain Run-off flows into SuDs , concrete slabs seating
Waterscape, steping stones and small bridges connect both sides, relaxing seating area This row of trees consist of edable fruit trees , apple and peach. (Malus domestica, Prunus persi-
Multifunctional wooden platform. A stage for the amphitheatre which also has a digital screen for an outdoor cinema. This amphitheatre brings attention to Thamesmead.
ca,)
Grasses around tree pit: Aloysa citrodora
Center Plaza Meeting point
Regeneration. New Skate Park will maximize the interest for younger generations such as teens.
Bus Stop
Existing vegetation to be better maintained to achieve a better aesthetic interest. Not to be removed because of the current biodiversity, though tminor trees will be removed to open the views into the site.
YARTON WAY
North West Entrance
Bike trail connects across the lake
Main Entrance
Children’s play area provides younger kids to be active The skate park and the playground are purposely next to one another so that both age groups get along.
Maria Xenofontos 12/01/15 MasterPlan 1:500 Thamesmead CSP
Thamesmead Civic Space Park
A Multifunctional Public city park in London
FUN
New Identity
Active
Journey’s of excitement
Sustainable Public Space regeneration
sociable
Genius Locci / Mood
Maria Xenofontos Crit day 23/02/15 Sequential Sketches
Landsacpe Architect - using the means at hand
Urban Recreational Space
Existing Tower Block 15 stories
Existing Tower Block 15 stories
Avenue of Linear trees and a Urban Recreational Space meeting point for the local people Avenue of Linear trees and a andpoint the passing people meeting for the local people and the passing people
Southmere Lake Southmere Lake The site meets Southmere water The site meets Southmere water front and surrounding the Lake are front and surrounding the Lake mature trees suchare as : mature trees such as : and Fraxinus Salix Salix and Fraxinus
New SKate Park Regeneration space mainly for New SKate Park older Regeneration kids and young adults, to space mainly for socialize and be active. older kids and young adults, to
socialize and be active.
The playground and the Skate Park are knitted beds Colourful PlaygroundPlanting Recreational space close to Skate each other to provide morePlayground saftely for A natural boundary between A new playground for young children to the The playground and the Park are knitted Colourful Recreational space and for both age groupsfor to community houses and the corridor close to eachthe otherzones to provide more saftely for types of A new playground young children tostay active and happy get along with eachothers. park the zones and for both types of age groups to stay active and happy get along with eachothers.
Parasol Canopy Cover Nylon freestanding canopy umbrellas stand to provide shade and a more exciting appearance to the structure.
Planting beds Local Kiosk A natural boundary between the community houses and the corridor A small shop for the local park community and visitors of Thamesmead, providing another lacking opportunity
THAMESMEAD CIVIC SPACE PARK
and the passing people
Parasol Canopy Cover Nylon freestanding canopy umbrellas stand to provide shade and a more exciting appearance to the structure.
Thamesmead Community Centre A Multifunctional Glass Dome Building. Inside is a community centre can be found a local gym centre, activities area, art exhibition space, and a cinema.
THAMESMEAD CIVIC SPACE PARK
Urban Recreational Space Avenue of Linear trees and a Urban Recreational Space meeting point for the local people Avenue of Linear trees and a and the passing people meeting point for the local people
Southmere Lake Floating Amphitheatre joined with an Urban Waterscape Thamesmead Community Centre The site meets Southmere water This is a multifunctional space and an opportunity for Thamesmead to come joined alive A Multifunctional Glass Dome Building. Inside Southmere Lake Floating Amphitheatre with an Urban Waterscape front and surrounding the Lake are meets and exciting once again cultural events can be hosted with a seating venuespace of is aThamesmead community centre can be found alive a local The site Southmere water This is a multifunctional and an opportunity for to come mature trees such as : front and surrounding up to 300 people. water scape is a cascade cleanses the water for a cultural events can be hosted gym centre, area, venue art exhibition the The Lake are and which exciting once again with activities a seating of Salix and Fraxinus healthier community space, and a cinema. mature trees such as : up to 300 people. The water scape is a cascade which cleanses the water for a Salix and Fraxinus healthier community
Local Kiosk A small shop for the local community and visitors of Thamesmead, providing another lacking opportunity
Cross Sections 1:500 @ A1
Cross Sections 1:500 @ A1
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ENVT-0203-M02-2014-15 Landsacpe Architect - using the means at hand
Maria Xenofontos
:
000715791
Landsacpe Architect - using the means at hand
Maria Xenofontos
:
000715791
THAMESMEAD CIVIC SPACE PARK
THAMESMEAD CIVIC SPACE PARK
(BA) - Landscape Architecture
(BA) - Landscape Architecture
UNVERSITY OF GREENWICH , LONDON
UNVERSITY OF GREENWICH , LONDON
Miniature Mountain Slope An interesting feature for the slope. This Rockeries adds an extraordinary dimension to the park, and its function is to look amazing all through the year. It focuses on colourful alpine plants with shady loving plants such as ferns.
Terraced Deck Sitting area cafe lounge/viewing Deck Extraordinary views from north to south of the Park
Marginal planting connected with grass planting . When the wind blows through the tall grasses a seaside feel is translated.
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Major Planting Rising with the steps Sweat gum trees dominate visually though all four seasons especially during Autumn
Unique Elevated Stairway The retaining wall of these steps allows views through to the rockery and holds a planting spot for the semi mature avenue of Sweet Gum Trees under planting is mainly grasses
TCSP MINI SQUARE This is a major pedestrian node point, the space is divided so that all the paths lead to a certain point or structure
TCSP Water feature Influenced by the water cascade ( Gordons Square Woolwich) A elegant Sustainable water feature that purifies the water of the park before it the amphitheatre water feature
Thamesmead Art Centre Inspiring and educating the community by providing free facilities, arts and crafts space, exhibition area and a library.
Art Interventions Street entertainment zones different art insulations throughout different occasions in the year
Key Deciduous Semi-natural Wet Woodland NVC code W8 Increasing Biodiversity and connecting woodlands around the lake to the nature reserve
Elevating Pedestrian Crossing Bridge
Thamesmead Arts Centre. Big structure of the park, Glass Dome spheres. Visual attraction, creates an identity for Thamesmead The Amphitheatre stage hardwood material. Floating above the water feature. Open to the public when not being used for an event or concert.
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Green Roof CafĂŠ TOB 4.5m
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Street art Interventions. Depending on the time of the year and the occasion street art will be displayed around the park for all different artist around the world
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Pedestrian Foot Bridge Connecting both terraced Decks. Extraordinary views when crossing
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Maple timber smooth seats for the amphitheatre audience . 300 people seating zone
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Urban Seaside Deck A relaxing seating area with cafe, sunny spots and shade cover, a great viewing platform through the lake, woodland, marginal planting, rockery. And waterfront redesign.
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Existing Building
The water feature also purifies and cleanses the water of the park , it is very shallow water
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Parasol Canopy Picnic tables and seating under.
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Carpinus trees max spread 3m near Liquidambar . Best autum interest .
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Rockery Design Inspired by Beth Chatto Drought tolerent plants and Shady loveing plants Waterfront beam floating seats 1m wide falling into lake
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Art Interventions Street Talent entertainment Redesigned Water Front Floating seats. Extraordinary views to Southmere Wet Lands
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Southmere Lake
Crossing Bridge +1.00
Transitional Feature Planting Gives the stage a unique aesthetic appeal.
THAMESMEAD CIVIC SPACE PARK
Kotah Blue Limestone Paving. A riven stone with a naturally flat surface, sawn-edged suit both contemporary and traditional design
The Park will is specially lightened up during the night to provide a different vibe. Thamesmead Community Centre will become a Cinema, the water front will become a night time outdoor space , and the Ecological area (rockery + terraced cafĂŠ will provide a unique lighting inspired by the Musee Du Quai Branly in Paris, France
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Lighting Effect Plan
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Floating Amphitheatre Brings an identity to Thamesmead Civic Space Park, offers cultural events and a floating stage open to outside event promoters to utilize free events for the people
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Stage
Hardworks Materials Layout Plan 1:200 @ A1
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Waterfront beam floating seats 1m wide falling into lake
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Planting beds with marginal plants such as tall boggy tolerant grasses
THAMESMEAD CIVIC SPACE PARK
Connecting Wetwoodland Biodiversity Buffer zone , connects Thamesmead Civic Space Park to Crossness Nature reserve 1 km away and Woodland Way 500 m away.
Movement route opening of a pedestrian path for visitors to enjoy the scale of this area. Invites exploration of the planted areas.
Maria Xenofontos
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000715791
THAMESMEAD CIVIC SPACE PARK (BA) - Landscape Architecture UNVERSITY OF GREENWICH , LONDON
(BA) - Landscape Architecture
UNVERSITY OF GREENWICH , LOND
Steps retaining wall structure with semi mature Sweat Gum trees , all year interest and canopy cover
Raised planters and seating , divideds the space and provides a resting spot
Thamesmead Art Centre Multifunctional space many provided facilities for the community
Raised Planters & Hardwood Benches
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When crossing the footbridge visitors can experience extrodinary views out into the lake or down into the rockery 0
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Tall perrenial grasses mixed with seating Thamesmead Art Centre A’ on the Raised marginal planting edge planters and As the grasses wave it make the Southmere lake Stepsof retaining wall struc, divideds the space and Multifunctional space many the lake . Naturalistic planting visitor feel like they are near the ture with semi mature Sweat provides a resting spot provided facilities for the scheme seaside Gum trees , all year interest community
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and canopy cover
gum trees dominate visually though all four seasons especially.
Parasols Canopys Colourful freestanding nylon structures The narrowest Carpinus betulus cultivar. At these parasols cascade colour when the a height of 10 m the tree is only 3 m wide sun shines on the surface an important this fits for perfect herebecause backdrop the amphitheatre stage of its practical
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The steps towards the entrance of the Arts centre have a change in level of 2.55 m. The change in height from one place to another makes you +2.30 feel like if you’re in a completely different atmosphere, though it is all still +1.53 +1.00 connected through the choices of material or planting 9m
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height
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Section line As you +4.70
walk through the path you feel a dramatic change in scale between other structures such as the levitated bridge and +4.40 the Limestone Rocks, not to mention the sloping planting
m tall and seams much larger in size because it is built on the highest level of the park which attracts+3.55 the park visitors and creates a new identity to Thamesmead
Existing Building 15 story Tower blocks (45 m tall)
REFRENCE MAP
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Fine finish short bench . Double seating up to 2m long`
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Moonstone Gravel path . the colours of the flint peble connect with the colours of the materials used for the scheme (brown 0 12001,@white Cross Sections A12 , black)( 9m
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Floating Multifunctional Amphitheatre The structure is a floating amphitheater connected +3.55 to the park a small footbridge . It can hold up to 300 people for live performances , yet another attraction for Thamesmead
As walking up the steps the retaining wall changes and creates open views throunght the Liquidambar trees + opens views towards the clopeing rockery
Green Roof Cafe . Terraced decking provides a very special experience . All the unique natural elements ( rockery GreenRoof cafeKEY , plants , woodland ) provide the best naturalistic experi+ spot ence although this is in London
function as an avenue tree, form and Thamesmead wind Arts Centre resistant tolerance The grand dome shaped glass structure stands 10
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Parasols Canopys Colourful freestanding nylon structures these parasols cascade colour when the sun shines on the surface an important +3.55
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ENVT-0203-M02-2014-15 Landsacpe Architect - using the means at hand
Maria Xenofontos
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000715791
THAMESMEAD CIVIC SPACE PARK
Moonstone Gravel path . the colours of the flint peble conKing Planting nect with the colours of the materials used for the scheme (brown , white Rising , black)( with the steps Sweat
Thamesmead Arts Centre The grand dome shaped glass structure stands 10 m tall and seams much larger in size because it is built on the highest level of the park which attracts the park visitors.
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Seaside Decking Cafe Another cafe hardwood decking public open space seating lounge looking out towards south mere lake.
Thamesmead Arts Centre Planting A grand new dynamicKing community organization Rising with the steps Sweat centre which concentrates on the needs for the gum trees dominate visually of Thamesmead. A seasons multifunctional though all four Raisedlocal Planterspeople & Fine finish short bench . Double seatespecially. Hardwood Benches space with many features and new employment ing up to 2m long` opportunities.
Carpinus betulus Thamesmead Arts Centre The grand dome shaped glass structure ‘Frans Fontaine’ stands 10 m tall and seams much larger in The leaves are a fresh colour of green in the spring size because it is built on the highest level of and retain that colour the throughout the summer. At a park which attracts the park visitors. height of 10 m the tree is only 3 m wide , very good wind resistant tree .
Thamesmead Arts Centre The grand dome shaped glass structure stands 10 m tall and seams much larger in size because it is built on the highest level of the park .The size attracts visitors.
As you walk through the path you feel a dramatic change in scale between other structures such as the levitated bridge and the Limestone Rocks, not to mention the sloping planting
THAMESMEAD CIVIC SPACE PARK
Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’ The leaves are a fresh colour of green in the spring and retain that colour throughout the summer. At a height of 10 m the tree is only 3 m wide , very good wind resistant tree .
Thamesmead Arts Centre The grand dome shaped glass structure stands 10 m tall and seams much larger in size because it is built on the highest level of the park .The size attracts visitors.
GreenRoof cafe
Thamesmead Arts Centre A grand new dynamic community organization centre which concentrates on the needs for the local people of Thamesmead. A multifunctional space with many features and new employment opportunities.
KEY
Wet deciduous woodland NVC W8 A semi-natural wet deciduous woodland which grows near wetlands and other woodlands. A great background of mature trees for the park which supports a rich unique character and wildlife ecosystem, also creating educational potential for the local community
Moonstone Path Thick layered gravel path . The colours of the flint pebbles are black , brown , and brown which connect with the colours of the structure such as the hardwood , limestone paving slabs , and sandstones
The contours have been adjusted to create a sloping embankment planted rockery which has many different plant groupings of extraordinary colours and provide interest throughout the entire year
Sweat gum ‘Worplesdon’ Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ The real attraction to this these trees last from September onwards. During those months it has a fascinating change in colour , these are the main feature trees of TCSP. It begins with yellow at the very top of the tree, turning to orange, red and then a deep claret colour before the leaves finally fall from the tree.
Hardwood terraced decking Lounge Outdoor entertaining deck with comfortable lounge seating and a large canopy parasols. Great for relaxing and viewing the entire park
Extensive Green Café A multifunctional building. Open to the public , a café to provide services for the lounge decking area. The rooftop is a biodiverse roof which recreates and enhances a habitat designed to attract different flora and fauna. A building with a high environmental benefit and a design sympathetic to the landscape of TCSP
Footbridge Kebony Pine is produced from sustainable managed Scots Pine.Exclusive appearance strong durability. Decking Terrace American Southern Yellow Pine (SYP), which is treated with bio-based, renewable chemicals.
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Wet deciduous woodland NVC W8 Semi natural planted Wet Woodland domminant trees are : Betula papyrifera: Salix viminalis : Fraxinus excelsior
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Decking Terrace American Southern Yellow Pine (SYP), which is treated with bio-based, renewable chemicals.
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+ COLLOGEN FIBER FOOTBRIDGE A long elevated Foot Bridge that connects two main attractions of the park. The bridge is constructed not only to provide access though to also help elevate extraordinary views around the park especially across Southmere Lake.
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Limestone Weathered Rocks fossils compacted into rock , becomes a beutiful eroded rock.
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Lumière de Montage A powerful lighting scheme for this park creates an additional experience through the night and keeps it safe for the public
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Miniature Clif imitation of a mountain slope The rocks creat a impact on the scale and the planting makes the major surrounding structure fit in with the landscape
FREE STANDING NYLON CANOPY PARASOL
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Beige Marble Resin Bounded Gravel Surface
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3.57 Moonstone Gravel Path An enchanting mix of Brown and Grey tones, combined with subtle White shades. FLINT
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Hopefully though unusual this tree will display a full range of colours all at the same time, yellow on the top from claret right through the base. It is simply a stunning addition to this scheme.
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Contemporary Grey Sawn Sandstone Steps Subtle unobtrusive Durable very light grey sharp look
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Also looking down at the rockery creates a different perspective and way of enjoying and exploring the annual planting. .Scots Pine is an elegant unique sustainable choice of material
Kotah Blue Limestone Rigid paving. Elegent blue grey tone
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Extensive Greenroof (Biodiversity Roof) Sedum light blanket mix
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Corten steel raised planters .Elegant planted Grasses and bulbs
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KEBONY MAPLE SEATING BENCH undercovered with Dove Grey Gravel 20mm
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Lounge Table Kebony Maple Smooth finish Durable Exterior Table x 6 seats
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Thamesmead Civic
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Space Park
A Multifunctional Public city park in London
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+ These grey sandstone steps are a contemporary design of steps the colour is very light sandstone material which creates a sharp look which makes it ideal for this elegant area.Great fantastic feature.
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Semi - shady planting bed The entrace to the cafe is decorated with large plants that give an impact to the visitor . Plants such as the Golden male fern , and blending plants such as white lilys and evergreen shrubs
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(BA) - Landscape Architecture UNVERSITY OF GREENWICH , LONDON
I AM........
Hi! My name is Maria I’m 21 years old and this year I’ll be graduating from the University Of Greenwich in London with my first bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture. I’ve always been drawn to Architecture though the reason I enrolled myself into this amazing course was because of my desire for being outdoors and designing , in my opinion Landscape Architecture fits perfectly into that category.These past three years have been a great learning experience, and though I didn’t really know much about the course when I started I’ve deeply fallen in love with it, because of its potential to transform real life spaces into amazing experiences .
I Believe........
that today because of all the enviromental, and social issues our planet is facing landscape archtitects are the core soloution to these issues. Whether a landscape architect is transforming a derelict industrial area or designing a landscape to complement a heritage site, landscape architects aim to produce pleasant places to live, work and relax that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
My Design Ambition .........
I see myself developing an interest in relationships between designing public landscapes, environmentalism, benefiting local communities, and, ecotourism. I want to design places that make a positive difference in the world and spaces people will always remember.
CONTACT DETAILS
email :
Maxriadesign@gmail.com
website : http://maxriadesign.wix.com/maxriadesign blog : http://maxrialandscapeyear3.blogspot.co.uk/