Business Landscape and Rooftop Gardens

Author: (Spanish) Cerver (Cerver/F.A.) Edited by Wu Jinxiu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-01
Features: One of the major advantages of contemporary landscape design is the effort to seek harmony and unity between the artificial environment and the natural environment, which is one of the most important characteristics of landscape design. It also holds great significance for the field of landscape design discussed in this book. From the discussions in this book, it can be seen that seeking harmony and unity between the artificial environment and the natural environment is also one of the most complex areas in this highly creative discipline, as it requires the comprehensive resolution of many fundamental issues in landscape design. In terms of project selection, it is undeniable that this book is one of the most outstanding volumes in the "World of Environmental Design" series. The primary criteria for selecting projects in this book are not only aesthetic and practical standards but also the construction process of the projects. Large enterprises and multinational groups have finally recognized the necessity of coordinating architecture and landscape, not only to demonstrate their environmental concern but also to create an attractive corporate image and favorable working conditions. In this sense, landscape design has entered all business fields, and this phenomenon can be seen in the projects introduced in this book. In addition to large and multinational companies, the examples selected in this book are not limited to traditional commercial buildings in the conventional sense but also include university campuses and hotel buildings. They are included because the design philosophy of their landscape architects embodies two fundamental characteristics: creating a personalized corporate image and creating a harmonious and pleasant working environment with a human-centric approach. These are the two most important factors in landscape design. The first is related to formal and aesthetic evaluation standards, yet it is not devoid of design concepts. In fact, the importance of image in today's society is reflected in the fact that the management of large corporate headquarters has recognized that good architecture and landscape design are the best means to promote their business philosophy. This is why many projects in this book strive to express the guiding principles of the company through narrative and symbolic methods. Some projects emphasize tradition and eternity, while others emphasize creativity and innovation. However, the goal of all projects is to create an image that aligns with the company's business philosophy. In this sense, landscape practice is a powerful tool for architects to make the creative discipline of architecture more narrative and symbolic. The above can be summarized into a simple basic principle—the harmony and unity between architecture and landscape, construction and environment, artificial structures and natural elements. The vast forms of these buildings can have a terrible negative impact on the environment, and the task of landscape designers is to minimize this impact and seek natural integration with the environment. This leads to the second characteristic of landscape design, the creation of working environments. We must not only pay attention to the external environment but also focus more on the internal environment. In this case, it is necessary to establish a triple relationship between individuals and the work environment, the work environment and the natural environment. This relationship can be simplified into a central idea, which is human-centric. Ensuring that employees (whether workers or managers) feel comfortable in the work environment is an important goal of landscape design in terms of humanization and cultural atmosphere. It is also necessary to mention the benefits of a harmonious work environment and its role in the overall efficiency of the company. Scientific research has proven that although appropriate colors or background music can help improve work quality, the most important factor is still space and environment. Therefore, landscape designers must work closely with architects to create indoor spaces closely connected to the external environment. In this way, plant greening and natural lighting become one of the most fundamental methods in interior design. After analyzing the relevant concepts in landscape design, several important factors related to architecture can be mentioned. The most important aspect is the relationship with the environment mentioned above, which can be either the natural environment or the urban environment. This is why landscape design is one of the most creative activities, requiring the dedicated cooperation of landscape designers and architects. These projects are mostly interdisciplinary and require relentless effort to make the design solutions more rational. Further reflection on landscape design cannot help but mention one of the greatest expansions of landscape design—the rooftop garden, which creatively utilizes space and promotes integration with the environment. This book selects two very outstanding examples: one is the headquarters and rooftop garden of the Royal Military Academy designed in collaboration with Derek Lovejoy Partners, and the other is the Cannon Bridge Roof Garden designed by BDP Landscape Design. The commonality in the structural treatment of these two projects is evident (such as reducing load, balancing irrigation and drainage, etc.), but their environments are completely different: the BDP-designed project is located in the center of London, facing the River Thames, so it is necessary to respect the surrounding environment's character. Moreover, due to climatic factors and environmental pollution, the designers must pay great attention to plant selection; the Royal Military Academy project is located in the suburbs of London, where the natural and cultural environment is relatively superior. Derek Lovejoy and others' sensitivity and precision have skillfully endowed the environment with a human touch. These two projects, along with the other examples discussed in the book, showcase the rich connotations of landscape design from multiple perspectives.