Landscapedia

                                                      THE EL-GOUNA EGYPT            AN UNSUCCESSFUL CASE STUDY IN PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.                                       Fig 1: Columns of the plaza at El-gouna, Egypt.  El-Gouna in Egypt, designed as a private resort town, faces challenges in fostering public mental health and well-being through biophilic design, particularly due to its limited integration of the 'Nature in the space Theory'.  Key elements like immersive greenery, dynamic water features, and shaded, restorative spaces are under represented. While El Gouna boasts a picturesque environment, it's reliance on artificial landscapes and a commercial focus overshadows opportunities to create ge...

                             THE  MILLENNIUM PARK, ABUJA, NIGERIA .                                      AN UNSUCCESSFUL CASE STUDY IN PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Fig 1: Millennium Park, Abuja, Nigeria. The Millennium park in Abuja has struggled to fully improve visitors' mental health and well-being due to it's limited integration of key aspects of the 'Nature in the space' theory of biophilic design. While the park features some greenery and open spaces, it lacks sensory-rich environments, diverse vegetation, and interactive natural elements essential for fostering mental rejuvenation. Additionally, inconsistent maintenance and insufficient accessibility diminish its restorative potential. Survey and observations indicate low engagement with the park's natural features, with many visitors citing insuffici...

                          THE CHEONGGYECHEON STREAM, SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA.  A SUCCESSFUL CASE STUDY IN IMPROVING PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING                         Fig 2: Image of the Cheonggycheon stream, in South Korea. The Cheonggycheon Stream in Seoul, South Korea, is a prime example of how integrating the 'Nature in the space' theory of biophilic design can enhance public mental health and well-being.  The revitalised urban stream, which was once a covered highway, incorporates several elements of biophilic design such as natural water features , greenery, and open spaces for community interaction. These elements provide a tranquil environment amidst the bustling city, reducing stress and improving mood for visitors. Key aspects of the 'Nature in the space' Theory integrated into the Cheonggyecheon include the water's calming presence, dynami...

                                                      GARDEN BY THE BAY         A SUCCESSFUL CASE STUDY IN IMPROVING PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. Fig 1: Garden by the Bay, Singapore. Garden by the Bay in Singapore has significantly improved visitor's mental health and well-being through the integration of biophilic design , particularly the 'Nature in the space' theory.  This theory emphasizes direct connections with nature, which the gardens achieved through features like the Super-tree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome. These spaces include lush vegetation, water elements , natural light, and sensory stimulation, offering restorative environments for visitors. Research highlights reduced stress and enhanced mood as primary benefits. A 2023 survey found that 83% of visitors reported feelings of relaxation and joy afte...

                                                                  THE HIGH LINE         A SUCCESSFUL CASE STUDY IN IMPROVING PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING .                                                    Fig 1: The High-line, New York City. The High-line in New York City is a notable example of biophilic design, integrating the 'Nature in the space' theory to enhance public mental health and well-being. This elevated park repurposes a former railway, incorporating native vegetation, water feature, and open views to reconnect visitors with nature in an urban setting. Key elements include abundant greenery, dynamic sight-lines, multi- sensory experiences such as rustlin...

                                                                   SARA ZEWDE                                   Fig 1: Sara Zewde, renowned Landscape Architect and Urbanist.      Sara Zewde is a renowned landscape architect, Urbanist, and founder of Studio Zewde, a design practice celebrated for its focus on cultural narratives, ecology , and community engagement. With a background in landscape architecture form Harvard Graduate School of Design and urban planning from MIT, Zewde's work emphasises integrating storytelling with the physical environment to honour local history and culture. Her projects are known for merging public art with ecological systems, fostering spaces that are both functional and deeply meaningful. ...

                                                                 DAVID ADJAYE Fig 1: David Adjaye, OBE renowned Ghanaian British Architect.  David Adjaye is a Ghanaian-British architect celebrated for his innovative designs that blend cultural, historical and contemporary influences . Born in 1966 in Tanzania , he is the founder of Adjaye's Associates , an architectural firm with a global presence. Adjaye's work spans various typologies, including museums, public spaces , and residential buildings. His most notable project, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., reflects his ability to use architecture to tell stories and honour cultural heritage.    Adjaye's designs often incorporate local materials, environmental sustainability, and social relevance, addre...

                                                                  STEPHEN KELLERT                                                                       Fig 1; Stephen Kellert. Stephen Kellert was a renowned American social ecologist and one of the leading figures in the development of biophilic design. His work focused on the relationship between humans and the natural environment, emphasising the importance of incorporating nature into built environments to enhance human well-being. Kellert's contributions to landscape architecture include his pioneering work in biophilic design, a concept he co-developed, which argues that humans are innately drawn to...

                                                        EDWARD . OSBORNE . WILSON                                                             Fig 1: Edward.O. Wilson. E.O.Wilson, or Edward O. Wilson, was an influential American biologist, naturalist and author, widely known for his work in the field of entomology, particularly his studies on ants. Wilson was a pioneer in the study of sociobiology, which explores how social behaviours evolve in animals and humans. He is also famous for his work in biodiversity conservation and for coining the term 'Biophilia' to describe the innate human connection to nature.  Wilson's research has had a profound impact on biology and ecology. His book The Diversit...

            MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE.  Landscape Architecture plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and well-being by creating spaces that foster a connection with nature. Research shows that exposure to green environments can significantly reduce stress , anxiety, and depression, while enhancing cognitive functions and overall life satisfaction(Ulrich, 1984; Kaplan, 1995). Biophilic design which integrates natural elements into urban landscapes, has been proven to improve psychological well-being by providing restorative environments that promote relaxation and social interaction(Kellert et al., 2008).  Urban areas, often associated with high levels of stress and environmental degradation stand to benefit greatly from well-designed green spaces. Parks, gardens, and green rooftops provide not only aesthetic value but also functional benefits such as improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and offeri...

                                          THE FUTURE OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE.      Fig 1: An Ai generated Landscape design. In the next decade, landscape architecture will prioritise resilience, sustainability, and health-oriented designs due to global environmental and social challenges. Key areas    include the integration of green infrastructure to combat climate change, the incorporation of biophilic design principles to enhance public well-being, and the rise of smart, technology-integrated outdoor spaces (SYNKD, 2024).        Fig 2: showing a public park in Bangkok As cities continue to urbanise, the demand for sustainable, nature-infused urban areas will grow, addressing not only environmental needs but also mental health, promoting wellness through green spaces(IFLA, 2023). Moreover, urban planners will prioritise flood managemen...

                                                                                            NATURE IN THE SPACE THEORY The 'Nature in the space' theory of Biophilic design focuses on integrating natural elements into the built environment to enhance human health and well-being. Rooted in the concept of biophilia, which suggests that humans have an inherent connection to nature, the theory emphasises creating spaces that foster this bond. It involves incorporating natural materials i.e. wood, stone, plant life, natural light, and water features into architecture and urban planning(Kellert et al.,2008).  The theory's origin traces back to the work of naturalist Edward. O. Wilson in the 1980's who proposed that human's evolutionary past is deeply in...

   JAMES CORNER Fig 1: James Corner, founding partner and c.e.o of Field Operations. James Corner is a renowned landscape architect and founder of the design firm FIELD OPERATIONS , known for his innovative and research driven approach to landscape design. His firm focuses on integrating ecological, social, and cultural considerations into urban landscapers. Some of his most famous projects include the High Line in New York, a repurposed elevated railway transformed into a public park, and Fresh Kills Park in Staten Island, a large -scale environmental reclamation project. Corners's work often emphasises the connection between nature, design, and the built environment, reshaping how landscapes contribute to Urban life and Public space.    Fig 2: Image of the High-Line at the beginning of the 1900's. Fig 3; shows the Unique perennial planting, trees and shrubs of the High-Line. Fig 4: Fresh Kills Master-plan.                 ...

  NATURE AND MENTAL HEALTH: AN ECOSYSTEM SERVICE PERSPECTIVE by Gregory Bratman et al. Fig 1: showing an urban park. The journal discusses the psychological benefits of nature and its role as an ecosystem service. The authors argue that nature provides critical services that support mental well-being , including stress reduction, improved mood, and cognitive restoration. These effects are particularly significant in urban environments where access to nature is limited.   The study highlights various case studies that demonstrate these benefits, including parks and green spaces, which have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in urban populations (Bratman et al., 2015). One case study focused on the forest therapy in japan where participants experienced lowered stress and improved mood after forest exposure. Also, another case involved green space interventions in urban areas , showing how access to nature can address mental health disparities in marginalised communities...

                                             THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SPACE  fig 1: showing the psychological influence of space on the human psyche. The psychology of space explores how physical environments influence human emotions, behaviour, and cognition. This interdisciplinary field examines how design elements like lighting, colour, layout, and spatial organisation shape experiences and psychological well-being.  Influences range from stress reduction and productivity to feelings of safety or creativity. Reasons for its study include understanding human-environment interaction, enhancing mental health, and creating functional aesthetically pleasing spaces. The key applications include architectural design, workplace optimisation, and therapeutic environments. For instance, biophilic design incorporates natural elements to improve mood and focus, while minimalist ...

                                                  EDIBLE LANDSCAPING AND URBAN FARMING                                           TRANSFORMING SPACES FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING.                                                            Fig 1: Urban Edible landscape. Edible landscaping and Urban farming are innovative approaches to transforming traditional landscapes into spaces that not only enhance aesthetics appeal but also provide functional benefits such as food production, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. These practices combine the beauty of traditional landscaping with practicality o...

                                                                          TYPES OF STONE FINISHES The Second task of the Semester was to bring into the studio session five(5) different  images of stone finishes. The image(fig 1) shows the various stone finishes that I was able identify around the University of Gloucestershire, Francis Close hall campus.   The five different stone finishes are as follows i.e. Rock faced stone finish, Rough punched stone finish, Sawn-stone finish, Honed sandstone finish and Shot blasted stone finish.          Fig 1: Image of five types of Stone finishes on A3 paper. 1). Rough Faced stone-finish : located on the walls of the teaching centre building of the University of Gloucestershire, Francis close Hall. 2).  Rough Punched stone-fini...

                                                        ALNEY ISLAND                                                      Fig1: Old Gloucestershire breeds grazing on the Northern half of Alney island. Alney Island Nature Reserve located, located on the western outskirts of Gloucester, is a treasured ecological and cultural landmark. Defined by the eastern and western channels of the river severn, its boundaries encompass a dynamic floodplain landscape. Spanning approximately 80hectares, the reserve is accessible via paths and the historic Overbridge, an iconic 19th century structure designed by the famous Scottish civil engineer, Thomas Telford.                     ...

  CHAUMONT Fig 1: A narrative poem for the Chaumont garden. Once upon a time in an enchanted garden  Fig 1: Fairies dance in the dappled shade. In Chaumont's-Sur-Loire where dreams entwine Propelled to a realm, an enchanted garden A world unknown, where time drifts away Curvilinear paths beckon and softly unravel into pockets of distinct spaces Each gradient shifts from entrance to heart Mirrored screens of wonder revealing what's confined Vines twist and twine like whispers unseen Trees arch above, taking semblance to a cathedral as perennial colours weave through a vibrant tapestry of green. Lost in the magic with each step I tread As fairies flit by in the dappled shade A principal pool simulates the sun's warm embrace An earthly bowl, her crown of varying textures of rocks, vines and moss Bubbles rise softly, a symphony's play In this garden of wonders, charm lays bare In this garden of dreams, forever I stay. Fig 2: Lost in the magic with each step. Fig 3: A garden...