Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Environmental
Journalism
Portfolio Joseph Clancy
PgDip LA,
BA LA,
BSc. Hort.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Joseph Clancy, Chief Editor/SMM
@ Landscape Architects Network
From Ireland, Joseph or Joe as his friends and family call him is a man that never stops, always
thinking, learning and doing, an unbelievable combination for anyone who wants to succeed in life.
Joe has taken on two positions for us, one as our chief editor and also as our Social Media Manager,
taking care of our Pinterest, Twitter and Google+ accounts.
Joe is a Horticulturist (BSc.) and Landscape Architect (Hons. BA). He has studied at Waterford
Institute of Technology and Senior College Dun Laoghaire. He has just completed studying for the
Honours Degree in Landscape Architecture at the University of Gloucestershire. When he’s not
hitting the books Joe spends his time working with various guerrilla gardening and environmental
groups in the Republic of Ireland.
Joe is currently running his own landscape design firm called Taproot Landscape and Planting Design,
with several designs being constructed at this moment. Also check out Joe’s blog Designing the
Landscape.
When it comes to Landscape Architecture Joe says:
“To me, Landscape Architecture is a medium for solving much of the problems in today’s world.
Whether environmental, social or economic, part of the solution lies within the hidden value of
landscape. Landscape influences our decisions, movements and perception of place. Landscape
Architecture is and will continue to be vital in mitigating the negative effects of urbanization on, not
just the environment, but ourselves. Landscape Architecture is art, science and society rolled into one
big mess”…………………….”and that’s why I love it.”
Joe is the all round go getter, rapidly gaining experience fueled with an unbeatable drive to
understand and be more.
-Scott Renwick,
Founder/Director
Landscape Architects Network
www.landarchs.com
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Biophilic
Design in
Landscape
Architecture The Rise of Biophilia
What Makes A Biophilic City?
Top Ten Biophilic Cities
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
1.0 The Rise of
Biophilia
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
In the ever increasingly urbanized, technology dependent world, humanity is becoming further
and further estranged from nature. Our modern urban environments, devoid of nature, not only
impact our value system of all things natural, but our mental and physical health as well, leading to
nature deficit disorder in children, increased anxiety & stress, crime & obesity.
But what is the solution? Would greater interaction & immersion in nature realign our value
systems with a sustainable world, while positively impacting upon our health?
Yes, it would.
The theory behind such a solution, is known as biophilia, first used by Erich Fromm and later, was
further defined in E.O Wilson’s 1984 publication Biophilia and built on by Stephen Kellert’s The
Biophilia Hypothesis.
“Biophilia is the innately emotional affiliation of human beings to other living organisms. Innate
means hereditary and hence part of ultimate human nature”. – Edward O. Wilson
Biophilic design applies to the professions of landscape architecture, architecture, urban design and planning, among others…..
Biophilia literally means love of life and all things living. It is a theory that states humans have
evolved alongside and within nature, culturally, mentally and physically. The advent of the industrial
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
revolution and the occurrence of the majority of human populations living in urbanized settings have
only occurred in the last 200 years. This rapid change in the way we live as a race has had a
detrimental change on our health and that of the earths. Biophilic theory and biophilic design seek
to realign humanity’s value system with nature, while leading to improved health, greater
environmental values and thus sustainable living.
Ulrich demonstrated that views to nature decreased recovery times
In the 1980’s, Robert Ulrich led the way in proving how biophilia can positively impact upon human
health. Ulrich showed patients recovering from gall bladder surgery in hospitals, benefited from a
biophilic environment. Ulrich placed two groups; one, a control group, in a recovery room with a
view of nothing more than a brick wall and a second group with a view of a natural setting & wildlife.
The latter recorded an 8% faster recovery rate than the control group. These trials have been
imperative to modern hospital design and the incorporation of biophilic design, the best example of
which is Singapore’s Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH).
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), Singapore
Biophilic environments have also shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD, increase attention spans in
students and aid learning for those diagnosed with autism. In 2009, 16 children, all diagnosed with
either ADD or ADHD, were exposed to three settings with varying degrees of greenery. After a 20
minute walk in a park setting, the children experienced significantly greater ability to concentrate
and greater positive attention rates.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Nature Deficit Disorder & ADHD can be countered with access to nature
Interaction with nature from an early age, indeed at any age, can foster and encourage strong
environmental values and positive feelings & empathy towards nature, while lack of interaction can
lead to problems such as nature deficit disorder and biophobia.
A 2001 study measured the difference in crime rates over a two year period, in a large public
housing development in urban Chicago. A section of buildings that was surrounded by greenery was
compared with another that was devoid of surrounding nature. The study reported 52% fewer
felonies in the greener buildings, saving $162,200 for the Illinois Department of Corrections each
year. Furthermore, the results of the study found that some types of domestic violence were 25%
less prevalent in the greener housing developments.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Landscape architects are in a prime position to implement biophilic design in the public realm
Then there is the economics of biophilia; or instance, Singapore’s population has doubled to more
than 5 million in the last 25 years, with nearly 40% being foreign nationals. In that same time period,
Singapore devised a Green Plan aimed at luring investment into the area and drive economic growth
that concurrently increases quality of life and delivers more business to the city every year.
Singapore – The City in a Garden
Simple biophilic measures such as street trees for shade can increase property value by 7%, with 5%
premium on properties within 500 feet of a park. Retail shops also record 40% higher profit margins
with quality daylighting and 12% with urban greenery. Also, increasing views to nature from hospital
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
beds could save the American healthcare industry $93 million annually due to faster discharging of
patients!
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, by Grant Associates
Still not convinced? Take these numbers from the Economics of Biophilia for New York City:
Daylighting reduces student absenteeism. Providing adequate daylighting to all students in New York
City public schools could re-engage$297 million in wasted taxpayer dollars and save $247.5 million in
lost parental wages resulting from missed school.
Biophilic work environments increase office workers’ productivity. Creating biophilic work
environments for many of New York City’s office workers would result in over $470 million in
recouped productivity value.
Biophilic landscapes reduce crime. Biophilic landscapes throughout the city could save New York
$1.7 billion in incarceration costs.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Biophilia can be used to produce positive impacts in desolate places such as car parks
This sampling of economic impacts of biophilia in New York City adds up to over $2.7 billion per year
in 2010 dollars. Though the monetary input is high, the enormous value of a biophilic city has the
potential to outweigh the costs by far, however the economic downturn, spiraling maintenance
costs of parks and the relative “discovery” of biophilia has deterred investment. Yet, biophilic design
could be used as measure to attract investment and mitigate against the effects of the recent
worldwide economic crisis (and create some jobs for landscape architects!) as shown in Singapore.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
The path to a biophilic future is clear & we have already taken the first few steps…
Summary & Conclusion Biophilia for landscape architecture is a powerful approach to design. While green walls, green roofs, urban greening and more parks can all be seen as biophilic, it is up to landscape architects and landscape planners to locate these design elements effectively within the urban landscape. We have the tools, the knowledge and the empirical evidence, so why not? With rising rates of crime, mental health issues, obesity and the effects of global warming, a radical but proven solution is needed. Biophilic design of our environments can play a significant role in that solution. In the next section, we will look at just what makes a biophilic city……….
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
2.0 What
Makes A
Biophilic City?
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
In the last section, we discussed the empirical evidence and case studies proving the social, health
and economic benefits of biophilic design. But to what degree must a city engage in biophilia to be
classed as a “biophilic city”? Timothy Beatley describes a biophilic city as being “partly defined by
the qualities and biodiversity present and designed into urban life, but also the many activities and
lifestyle choices and patterns, the many opportunities residents have to learn about and be engaged
directly in nature, and the local institutions and commitments expressed, for instance, in local
government budgets and policies”.
So how do we classify a city as a biophilic city?
Hanging Garden in CBD, Singapore
According to the works of Timothy Beatley, Biophilic Cities can be indicated by the following
qualities:
Biophilic cities have abundant nature in close proximity to large numbers of urbanites
Green infrastructure programs, parklets & a high percentage land cover of green space would be
steps towards fulfilling this aspect of a biophilic city. New York City qualifies as a biophilic city in this
regard by PlaNYC’s goal of a public green space within a 10 minute walk of every resident by 2030,
while Seattle P-Patch program aims for one community garden per 2,500 city inhabitants!
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
The Highline, New York City
In biophilic cities, residents feel a deep affinity with the unique flora, fauna and fungi
found there
Incentive, education and encouragement from city authorities are necessary to catalyze this goal. It
measures not just the environmental values of inhabitants, but their knowledge of local and native
species. In New Zealand, the city of Wellington also has over sixty community conservation groups!
In the last two years alone, volunteer environmental groups have performed 28,000 hours of service
on Wellington’s 4,000 hectares of nature reserves. While in Oslo, Norway, over 81% of inhabitants
had visited the city’s surrounding forests in the last year, proving residents appreciation of the
natural landscape.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Vitoria-Gasteiz, Salburua Restored Wetland
Wellington, New Zealand
Biophilic cities are cities that provide abundant opportunities to be outside and to enjoy
nature
Urbanization causes severe fragmentation of habitats and nature, with land value at a premium,
resulting in little room for green space. Well connected green spaces and green corridors can
counter this problem, easing accessibility for urban inhabitants. Singapore has an extensive park
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
system, integrated by 200-kilometers of Park Connectors, in the form of elevated walkways. Oslo,
Norway is perhaps the leader in this category however, with an estimated 94% of the city’s residents
living within 300 meters of a park! Anchorage, Alaska has 1 mile (1.6Km) of natural walking trails per
1,000 residents. The trails are multi use and seasonal, offering everything from hiking to skiing.
Canopy Walk, Singapore
Biophilic cities are rich multisensory environments, where the sounds of nature are as
appreciated as much as the visual or ocular experience
The integration of natural spaces and ecological corridors into the urban fabric can create the
conditions necessary for multisensory, nature rich environments. Implementing a Noise Reduction
Plan or reducing levels of vehicular transport, would create “quiet zones”, with noise levels below 50
decibels (dB). Oslo, Norway is attempting an initiative of daylighting all eight of the city’s rivers. This
will form part of the Akersleva, a combined green and blue infrastructure corridor, connecting the
city centre inhabitants with nature in the very heart of the city, with 14 quiet zones planned within
the corridor.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
The Akersleva, Oslo, Norway
Biophilic cities place importance on education about nature and biodiversity, and on
providing many and varied opportunities to learn about and directly experience nature
Education can result in reinforcing positive feelings about nature and encouraging sustainable living
among the general population. In Limerick City, Ireland, several environmental groups are working
with the support of the city council to educate the city’s population on biodiversity and native
wildlife species. Urban Tree Project and Limerick City Biodiversity Network have engaged the local
population with nature, while providing guided walks, lectures and online resources to educate the
city’s inhabitants on the importance of biodiversity.
Limerick City Biodiversity Network, Credit: Anthony Furlong
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Biophilic cities invest in the social and physical infrastructure that helps to bring urbanites
in closer connection and understanding of nature
Investment in biophilic projects is an excellent indicator of a biophilic city. Timothy Beatley identifies
5% of a cities budget dedicated to biodiversity and at least 1 current biophilic project in operation as
indicative of governance in a biophilic city. Portland, Oregon, exceeds this and has invested heavily
in social & green infrastructure, with Portland having the highest parks per-capita acreage in
America. While Singapore’s N’Parks have an incentive program, entitled Skyrise Greenery, for green
roofs & living walls, offering up to 75% of the cost.
Tanner Springs, Portland, Oregon
Biophilic cities take steps to actively support the conservation of global nature
With cities being the epicentre of governance, innovation, employment and population, they have a
necessary role in the conservation of nature on a regional, national and international scale, given
their ecological footprint and negative impacts upon the environment. Such measures include; set
aside of land, designation for protected sites, the creation of a biodiversity action plan and focus on
compact development. In the city of Nagoya, Japan, 10% of urban land cover is set aside to be left in
an unmanaged wild state as nature preserves.
While Phoenix, Arizona has taken this a step further by purchasing over 17,000 acres of natural
desert for nature conservation, to help mitigate the negative effects of Phoenix’s urban sprawl.
Then there is Vitoria-Gasteiz, in Basque country, encircled by a green belt to restrict encroaching
development and to protect the internationally important restored wetland, the Salburua. However,
the city still intends to create the Anilla Verde Interior—“the interior green belt”!
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Park Olarizu, Vitoria-Gasteiz
Summary & Conclusion These indicators focus on the protection, enhancement and introduction of nature into our cities, while encouraging interaction with nature by the city’s inhabitants through the process of environmental education and habitat restoration. With more than half of the world’s population living in urban centres devoid of nature, biophilic cities are no longer a choice. The benefits & criteria have been discussed, in the next section, we will discuss & countdown the Top Ten Biophilic Cities.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
3.0 Top Ten
Biophilic Cities
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
From San Francisco to Oslo, New York to Seoul, we look at what makes these cities deserving of the
title “Biophilic”.
The qualities of a biophilc city have been previously discussed, so before progressing with our top
ten, maybe we should deal with a fair question: Can cities be biophilic?
Think about it, cities require a huge amount of energy input, displace and destroy nature while
creating a massive ecological and carbon footprint.
Doesn’t this make the title Biophilic City an oxymoron?
According to Dr. Stephen Kellert, author of “Birthright”, no, it does not. Every living organism
modifies their surrounding environment to suit their own needs. For instance, if it wasn’t for
elephants, the African Savannah would be a forest. To reject this view is to see humanity as being
separate from nature, a view which biophilic design seeks to rectify.
Cities may be unsustainable in many ways, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t be biophilic.
10. Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington makes the list for a number of reasons; for one, it boasts over 4,000 hectares of nature
preserves, in and around the city. In terms of governance, the city authorities include a team for
biophilic cities, with the goal of implementing the “Living City” program, which will aim to integrate
nature with the urban fabric. The love of nature by the city’s inhabitants is clear, with over 60
environmental volunteer groups, who together clocked over 28,000 hours of service in one year.
Mount Vistoria
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
9. San Francisco, California, USA
The city that gave the world Park(ing) Day makes the list for its innovative approach to introducing
green space into its sterile urban center. The use of “parklets” has been pioneered by the San
Franciscan city authorities, with green space installations being temporal and semi-
permanent. However, this action should not suggest that the city is void of nature, with the
surrounding hills and harbors alive with wildlife. The city authorities themselves have helped the
biophilic agenda by making funding available to communities with the “Pavements to
Parks” program.
San Francisco Golden Gate Park
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Parklet
8. Seoul, South Korea
The capital of South Korea has a strong driving force, in the form of former Mayor Lee Myung-bak,
pushing forward biophilic measures in the city’s built environment. This is evident in the day lighting
of theCheonggyecheon River through downtown Seoul, requiring the removal of an entire elevated
motorway! The day lighted river now assists in urban cooling, biodiversity and storm water
management. The city of Seoul is also surrounded by several ecological parks, such as Saetgang
Ecology Park and Seonyudo Island Park, a former industrial sewage plant that has been remediated
and re-purposed as a haven for wildlife on the banks of the river Hangang.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Cheonggyecheon
Seoul Grand Park
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Saetgang Ecology Park
Seoul Seonyudo Park
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
7. Philadelphia, USA
Philadelphia’s inhabitants have a strong affinity for nature, with urban rooftop farm projects such
as Cloud 9, the Philadelphia Urban Farm Network and the Philadelphia Orchard Project, which
created four new orchards in 2012, with the ultimate goal of planting 40,000 vacant lots! Then
there is the goal of the city authorities to re-engage the population with the waterfront. Race Street
Pier by James Corner Field Operations has achieved this. The Patch/Work project won the Cities
That Learn Award in last year’s Living City Design Competition, with a focus on “building a
sustainable community from within, block by block, parcel by parcel, patch by patch”.
Race Street Pier
Patch/Work – Winning Entry
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
6. Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki stands out as a biophilic city with its connected, integrated ecological network. Keskupuesto
Park, acts as an unbroken link between remnant woodland in the urban centre to the old growth
Paloheinä forest on the edge of the City, stretching for over 10 Km. The City of Helsinki also has
plans to re-engage the city inhabitants with the waterfront and natural environment.
“Helsinki, a place where you can actually walk from the center of the city, all the way out to old-
growth forest at the edge. That’s one definition of biophilic city”.
Then, there is the Helsinki Plant Tram Urban Garden; Taking people on a journey with nature,
through the city, supported by people who donate the plants to the garden! Awesome does not
begin to describe it. Have a look for yourself.
Helsinki Plant Tram
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Helsinki Central Park
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
5. Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland’s city authority has taken vast steps towards becoming a biophilic city. It has begun and
completed a number of ecologically restoration projects, with a focus on storm water
management, with the most notable of these being Tanner Springs Park, a former industrial site.
The requirement of all properties and developments to manage their own storm water and an
incentive program by the City of Portland has led to the creation of rain gardens and bio-swales
throughout the urban fabric, enriching biodiversity.
Tanner Springs Park
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
4. Vitoria Gasteiz, Basque Country, Spain
The city is comprised of a series of concentric circles, with the forest and natural landscape on the
outer ring, followed by a green belt and then the city at the center. This structure offers abundant
levels of nature within the urban fabric, with the entire population living within 300m of a public
green space! However, the city intends to push this further by creating an “interior green belt”.
Other measures to increase nature within the city include wetland restoration of the Salburua, a
reduction in light pollution and horticultural education programs in community gardens. All of these
measures made Vitoria Gasteiz the European Green Capital in 2012.
Salburua
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
3. Oslo, Norway
Oslo is without a doubt the most biophilic city in Europe, with over two thirds of the city lying
within protected forest. The Akersleva river corridor is in the process of restoration, acting as a
green infrastructure corridor, connecting the city to the surrounding landscape. It forms part of the
City’s plan to daylight and restore all 8 of the rivers that pass through Oslo city center, with
programs aimed at reducing traffic and noise pollution with the introduction of pedestrian and quiet
zones to enrich the experience of nature within the city. It’s not hard to believe that over 94% of
Oslo’s inhabitants live within 300m of a public green space. These biophilic measures are clearly
working, with 81% of Oslo residents having visited their local forest park in 2012.
Oslo Botanical Garden
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
The Akersleva
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
2. New York City, USA
Mayor Bloomberg deserves a tip of the hat for driving biophilic programs in New York, but none of it
would be possible without the Green Guerrillas (Liz Christy), PlaNYC, Friends of the Highline,
the urban rooftop farmers and the residents in general. PlaNYC has set the goals of a public park
within a 10 minute walk by 2030, pushing the city to be up there with Oslo & Vitoria Gasteiz in
terms of green space access.
The Highline
New York leads the way in the re-purposing of abandoned infrastructure and industrial
sites; Brooklyn Bridge Park has re-engaged the inhabitants with the waterfront, while assisting in
urban regeneration; The Highline’s success has already been covered in great detail, offering
pedestrians an alternative transport route through the urban centre, above the city streets.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Then there is Central Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks, opened in 1857. The city’s long
term commitment to supporting community gardens, investing in green infrastructure &
environmental education has proven its status as a biophilic city.
Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Garden
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Central Park
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
1. Singapore
Singapore’s biophilic strategies originate nearly 50 years ago, with former Prime Minister Lee Kuan
Yew and his “Garden City” concept. It has undoubtedly been a success, with the population
doubling in the last 25 years, with nearly 40% being foreign nationals. Singapore has checked
urbanisation and development by increasing vegetative cover from 36% in 1986 to 47% in
2007 through various initiatives, like N’Park’s Skyrise Greenery program.
Bishan Park
Singapore has abundant access to nature, with the city connected to parks and natural landscapes
via 200 Km of elevated walkways and canopy walks. Even Singapore’s main streets are covered by
tree canopies, mitigating the urban heat island effect. Singapore is truly deserving of the title of a
“Biophilic City”. Gardens by the Bay, the restoration of the Kallang River through Bishan Park and
the Hanging Garden in CBD are just some of the award winning projects which have earned
Singapore the top spot on this list.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Gardens by the Bay by Grant Associates
Summary & Conclusion
The journey to becoming a biophilic city is no easy feat.
It requires an enthusiastic population and determined and supportive governance; along with
significant economic investment (however the monetary returns are much greater than the initial
input). The context and history of the city is important to consider as well, obviously a city with
abundant existing nature would be considered more biophilic, but only if it is accessible by the urban
populace.
These cities have enacted biophilic theory into reality and have proven its merit as part of a solution to many of the problems we face today.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Other Articles
& Publications
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
100 Lessons
Learned From
Studying
Landscape
Architecture
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
100 LESSONS LEARNED FROM STUDYING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
#100 Drink coffee.
#99 Avoid negative people and those who hang around the watercooler.
#98 Help those who need help.
#97 Don’t waste your time with people who don’t want to work.
#96 Always be reading at least 3 books, on different subjects, which are related to
landscape architecture.
#95 Plan for the “What can go wrong, will go wrong” scenario.
#94 Never leave printing to the last minute.
#93Question your lecturers.
#92 Take breaks.
#91 Travel as much as possible.
#90 “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough” – Albert
Einstein
#89 Drink coffee.
#88 Post-design rationalisation is fantastic if you can pull it off, but never rely on it.
#87 Photoshop and AutoCAD do not make you a good designer.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
#86 Always carry a notebook to write down & sketch ideas.
#85 Creativity doesn’t adhere to a 9-5 timetable.
#84 Phone home.
#83 Go to as many lectures and talks as possible.
#82 Google “Gestalt”.
#81 Make it multi-functional, make it fun.
#80 You will use the word sustainable so much, it will lose all meaning.
#79 “To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time”.
– Leonard Bernstein
#78 Read Edward De Bono.
#77 When it comes to planting design and specification, KISS.
#76 Drink Coffee.
#75 Your computer will crash. You will lose all your work. Backup, backup, backup!
#74 Don’t replicate, innovate!
#73 Listen to music.
#72 Keep your workspace tidy!
#71 “Creative minds are rarely tidy”. – Carl Gustav Jung
#70 Engineers are the Oompa Loompas of the planning process.
#69 Planners have no souls. Don’t be fooled.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
#68 Architects are not as self obsessed as you would think. They’re much worse.
#67 Crocus.co.uk will be your lifesaver if you know nothing about plants.
#66 Objectives don’t make sense if a SWOT doesn’t identify them.
#65 “A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add,
but when there is nothing left to take away”. – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
#64 Avoid energy drinks.
#63 Drink coffee.
#62 Students go to University to make mistakes. Just make sure you learn from them.
#61 Be silly, but never stupid.
#60 You will at sometime, spend several nights sleeping in the studio. They turn the
heating off at ten. Bring a blanket.
#59 Read Jan Gehl, Jane Jacobs, Ian McHarg, Piet Oudolf, Nigel Dunnett and Timothy
Beatley.
#58 Draw on BIG pieces of paper.
#57 Limitation inspires creativity.
#56 Ask “what the design wants to be”, not “what you want it to be”.
#55 Procrastination is a death sentence. JUST DO SOMETHING.
#54 Horizontal rain is a common occurrence in Ireland.
#53 No one knows what a landscape architect is or does.
#52 When rolling drawing sheets, roll them with the drawing side facing outwards. It
will avoid an unnecessary struggle on presentation days!
#51 Pantones are expensive, but never buy crayola.
#50 You cannot design a space without understanding “prospect – refuge” theory.
#49 Drink coffee.
#48 Pack rain gear for site visits.
#47 If you can’t take criticism and use it positively, you’re in the wrong career.
#46 Dream out loud.
#45 Don’t ever sketch an element literally.
#44 Good drawings are drawn hierarchically.
#43 If anyone ever suggests Begonias, say no. In the face. With a shovel.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
#42 “Stupid”, “boring” and “pointless” first year studio exercises are the most important
lessons in design you will ever learn.
#41 Cool colours recede, warm colours advance.
#40 Studio is about developing a good design process, not the “perfect” project.
#39 Learn the language of design.
#38 Learn (and understand) the design principles as well as the back of your hand.
#37 A variety of uses, to attract a variety of users.
#36 When giving a presentation, start with general information and then move on to
specific details.
#35 During a presentation, make eye contact.
#34 Drink coffee.
#33 Never use “erm”, “kinda”, “its not great”, “i just” during a presentation or critique.
You might as well shoot yourself in the foot.
#32 “Less is more”. – Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe
#33 Less is less is if you don’t understand Modernism.
#31 Leaving time for test printing runs will save you a great deal of stress and worry.
#30 Presentation boards should be legible from 10ft away.
#29 Give areas/elements within your design a name. It gives them character, identity and
a sense of reality. “Cloud Gate” sounds a lot better than “The Bean”.
#28 Mind mapping works.
#27 Take up meditation.
#26 The journey to a space and its experience, is just as important as the one within the
space.
#25 The most creative people are critical of their own thought process, constantly
assessing their thinking methods, seeking out and testing new ways to think and be
creative.
#24 Design like you give a damn.
#23 Printers break down.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
#22 An idea is a specific mental structure by which we organize, understand, and give
meaning to external experiences and information.
#21 Revealing and screening, denial and reward are powerfully strategies for drawing
users through a space.
#20 A steeper slope will slow a person down and appreciate a framed view for longer.
#19 Design firms don’t want a standard CV. Show off your skills and add a bit of design
flair to your portfolio.
#18 Know your native species.
#17 Don’t be xenophobic in your plant choices.
#16 Perspective drawings will sell any project.
#15 If you can’t present, it won’t matter how good a designer you are, people won’t
understand your ideas.
#14 It can take 6 – 9 years to become a chartered landscape architect, from university
enrolment to professional exams.
#13 Hand drawing is not dead, so don’t pretend like it is.
#12 The Planting Design Handbook by Nick Robinson is a must read.
#11 Work with community groups for free. It will pay back in time.
#10 Drink coffee.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
#9 Get out and raise awareness about landscape architecture. Talk to people on the street,
post about it on Facebook, get Involved.
#8 When intimidated by a project, start with the easiest tasks first. This will help you
build momentum and confidence as you progress.
#7 Ask for advice and help when you need it.
#6 Keep up to date with all the landscape architecture, architecture & design websites for
inspiration
#5 Design WITH models
#4 Making a final presentation model will always take longer than you think it will
#3 Landscape architects are design obsessed people. It will happen to you.
#2 Don’t take anything seriously. Have fun with it.
#1 Caffeine withdrawal is terrible.
Like the Article? Check Out the T-Shirt! http://landarchs.com/shop/?product=100-things
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Delivering the
Next
Generation of
Green
Infrastructure
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
It was a full house at the Garden Museum, located along the River Thames in London, on Monday
8th October 2012.
The reason?
The High Line Symposium organized by the Landscape Institute and hosted by the Garden
Museum.
The High Line Symposium was an event discussing green infrastructure projects from around the
world and the applications of similar initiatives to the city of London. Such projects included the
High Line in New York City, with the founders of the project talking at the event. However, the
focus of attention was the City of London’s design competition for a green infrastructure project that
re-thinks urban green space in London.
For those of you who don’t know, green infrastructure is a concept that focuses on ecosystem
services, habitat and green space connectivity, within and outside our urban centres in a more
sustainable way. The focus of green infrastructure (also known as GI) is to reduce reliance on grey
infrastructure (concrete piping, motorways, etc) and to apply natural systems to our service needs.
Director of the Garden Museum, Christopher Wood, kicks off proceedings
The symposium was opened by the Director of the Garden Museum, Christopher Wood, who
outlined the day’s events and the importance of green infrastructure in today’s urban environments.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Mr. Wood then went on to introduce Robert Hammond and Joshua David, the Founder’s of Friends
of the High Line and their “Most successful and Inspiring” story.
Robert Hammond, one of the founding members of Friends of the High Line
Kicking off the symposium, Robert Hammond took the audience through the story of the High Line.
Its history and former use, how he met Joshua David, the formation of Friends of the High Line and
their incredible story of struggle and success against all those who wished to tear down the High
Line.
Perhaps what was most striking about Robert Hammond’s presentation was his presence, use of
facts and language very similar to landscape architects and those within the design profession. The
occasional one liner was thrown here or there, such as:
“The gayest night lights ever”.
In reference to the High Line’s outstanding lights displays.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Robert Hammond tells the inspirational story of the High Line
There was no romanticism, but straight facts that showed not only the importance of the High Line,
but also green infrastructure.
Robert Hammond discussed the open idea competition held for the High Line. He described how
they were looking for “Not just design, but what happens on it (the High Line)”, stressing the
importance on the relationship between the design and the programming of events.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Joshua David (left) and Robert Hammond (middle) taking questions from the audience
Speaking on the selection process, Hammond stated that the “Lead was a LA, that’s very important”,
perhaps a vital point to remember, signifying the strengths of landscape architects in green
infrastructure projects.
Moving on to the success of the High Line, the numbers quoted by Hammond show the impact green
infrastructure projects can have on urban areas.
$112 million construction costs, $900 million tax revenue
$2 billion in economic development
12,000 jobs created directly or indirectly
3.7 million Visitors per year (more than the Statue of Liberty!)
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
A new landscape for London?
Aside from these numbers, what is more spellbinding is the fact that the High Line is still yet to be
finished! The discussion of the High Line showed a framework case study for how to realize green
infrastructure projects, the essence of the symposium’s purpose. With one of the greatest
landscape architecture projects ever undertaken discussed, the focus shifted to green infrastructure
projects planned for the City of London.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, delivers a pre-recorded message to the crowd on the importance of GI for the City of London
The day’s speakers included Matthew Pencharz, the Environment Advisor to the Mayor of London.
His presentation on “Greening a Green City” discussed how the city planned to get green
infrastructure projects built. Mr. Pencharz spoke of the Mayor’s goals for a “cleaner, greener, more
accessible London” and the ambitious goal of creating 100 pocket parks in the city of London.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Discussion revolves around the benefits and obstacles to GI in London
One of the most interesting presentations of the day was delivered by Tom Bottomworth of Natural
England on“Economic Evidence for Investigating in the Environment”. Perhaps the most elusive
aspect of GI to show tangible evidence for, this discussion focused on issues vital for landscape
architects to gain support for GI projects. Along with Ross Leben, a Land Economist of Ingham
Pinnock Associates, these presentations showed how successful GI projects will be become and how
their economic benefit, long dismissed and undervalued can now become a vital part of economic
recovery.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
London will never be the same again.
The US Embassy in Nine Elms
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Sue Illman, President of The Landscape Institute, addresses the crowd
Moving on from the discussed projects, the winner of the High Line for London Green
Infrastructure Ideas Competition was announced.
Fletcher Priest Architects won with a proposal for a mushroom farm under Oxford Street! A hugely
ambitious plan, the project would use abandoned underground mail tunnels originally used for
deliveries along Oxford Street for urban food production.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Fletcher Priest Architects being announced competition winners by Joshua David and Robert Hammond
Joshua David and Robert Hammond, co-founders of New York’s High Line, Dr Penelope Curtis,
Director of Tate Britain, Mark Brearley, Head of Design for London, and leading landscape architects
Kim Wilkie and Jo Gibbons made up the judging panel for the ideas competition. In second
place, the Lido Line by [Y/N] Studio, an idea to insert a clean, safe ‘basin’ in the Regent’s Canal which
would allow people to swim the ‘Lido Line’ from Little Venice to Limehouse.
Instead of runner ups, 3 highly commended projects were selected, which included
Bridge-It by HTA – A plan to construct new green linear parks that would link inaccessible
transport routes and corridors, improving access to green space and promoting sustainable
modes of transport.
Barge Walk by Erika Richmond and Peggy Pei-Chi Chi – This project would re-use barges
along Canary Wharf to create an edible landscape, linear park and restored wetlands.
Bus Roots by Wynne James – This design proposal would use bus shelters as raised gardens,
bird habitats and bug hotels. The use of miniature wildflower meadows on top of bus
shelters would be used to support such communities.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
With a shortlist of 20 entries, tough choices were made...
From a shortlist of 20 entries, the judges did not have easy choices to make. But the competition
was the epicentre of a symposium that took the issues surrounding GI, dissected them, examined
the components and the conditions necessary to success and re-assembled to fit the urban fabric
of London.
(Right) Richard Reynolds's (of GuerrillaGardening.org) competition entry
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Competition winners, Fletcher Priest Architects, check out the exhibition
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Summary & Conclusion
A fantastic event that only confirmed, the need and desire for green space within our cities. While
much has been written about the “need” and the “benefits” of green infrastructure, the focus has
finally shifted to how we can implement green infrastructure projects.
Case studies such as the High Line and research showing the economic gains of GI projects (let’s
face it, monetary gain makes or breaks project proposals), has finally made the case for green
infrastructure undeniable in many respects.
The Landscape Institute & Garden Museum’s efforts have only added to the momentum of an
unstoppable force in the field of urbanism and landscape architecture.
Event: Delivering the Next Generation of Green Infrastructure (The High Line Symposium)
Location: Garden Museum, London, UK
Photographer: Joe Clancy
Date: October 8th, 2012
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
LA You Can
Sink Your
Teeth Into!
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
“Waiter, this landscape is delicious, I’ll have another”.
Not a line you’re likely to hear anytime soon, but something is changing in the fabric of our urban
landscapes. From industrialized cities, devoid of nature, to the picturesque link, urbanites have long
desired a Biophillic city. This desire has been matched with the rise of sustainable and bio diverse
planting schemes over the last few decades. But now in the western world, a new approach of
returning nature to the urban landscape has come to the fore, the edible landscape.
So, what is an edible landscape? Strawberry flavoured asphalt? (Eugh!) No. Edible landscaping is a
planting design philosophy where ornamental plants are replaced with plant species chosen for both
their ornamental and nutritional value. It requires greater plant knowledge than traditional planting
design practised by landscape architects, as spacing and landscape dynamics must be understood to
maximize yield. It follows much the same principles as Permaculture (Earth Care, People Care, Fair
Share), by replicating natural systems and using the edge effect to optimize produce.
“Nice gimmick, what’s the point”?
Edible landscapes takes planting for biodiversity a step further, by providing much needed winter
foods for urban wildlife, increasing the ecological richness of a space. It also brings food production
into the urban centre, reconnecting people with their food and to a larger extent nature. It can also
help bring economic income to communities surrounding the edible landscape. But let’s not forget
other important benefits that have a wider global impact from localized food production: Food
security and decreased fuel consumption/dependence. Two benefits that will become necessities
with encroaching peak oil.
Edible Landscapes, the future!
However, the idea of edible landscapes has several foreseen drawbacks. Issues of security, thievery
and food safety are serious and often make people wary of edible landscapes for such reasons.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Edible landscapes also require specialized training for successful management. Other needs such as
high irrigation levels and fertilizer inputs are off putting but can be countered through permacultural
practices.
Edible landscape projects worldwide have ranged from small scale guerrilla gardening troops to
urban food forests. It’s never boring either, ‘Fed Up’, a guerrilla gardening group from Kinsale,
Ireland, painted recycled milk containers, planted them up with herbs, salads, and edible fruits and
then attached them to lamps and sign posts around urban areas! Street art and urban farming, how
could it fail?!
Bombs away, a gorilla seed bomb waiting to explode, inset: planting lamp attachment
Edible landscapes can also be architectural stunning! Public Farm 1 in New York was constructed in
summer 2008 and opened to the public, functioning as an urban farm and outdoor social space for
urbanites and urban foragers. It consisted of cardboard tube planters arranged into a sweeping
elevated structure, dispelling the impression that urban agriculture is unattractive. This project
brought food production into a busy, social meeting place, connecting urbanism and ecology,
consumer and producer.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Public Farm 1
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Chilling out at the farm
Edible landscape projects are becoming more common, evident in Seattle’s plans to create America’s
first urban food forest. A seven acre edible landscape, smack down in the centre of Seattle’s urban
fabric. Fruit bearing perennial, shrubs, trees and herbs will provide free food for foragers and local
wildlife. This project and others like it are seen as a way of revitalising the surrounding
neighbourhoods by providing food security, free food, economic income and a new space for
congregation, ownership and identity.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Seattle's new edible forest, you'll get lost but you won't get hungry, credit: Buena Vista Images/Getty
So, edible landscapes, another fad or another solution to urban problems for landscape architects to
use? Well let’s face it, cities and urban centres require huge inputs, drawing in food produced from
surrounding rural areas and even abroad. With approaching peak oil, rising food costs and the fact
that since 2008, half of the global population now live in cities, approaching 5 billion by 2030, cities
must become self sufficient, especially in food production. Edible landscapes provide spaces for
nutrition education and by providing free food to urban populations, could help alleviate the
problem of obesity in urban dwelling children.
Summary & Conclusions
So, what is the role of landscape architects? Well for one, although food production may be a
necessity, it’s not considered attractive or compatible with a social urban space. It is up to landscape
architects to dispel these myths, as WORK Architecture did with Public Farm 1 in New York to re-
connect people with their food and nature through active and passive means. Issues with security
are another issue, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. We have moved from monocultures
with high inputs, to sustainable planting schemes and then bio diverse schemes; perhaps it is time
for sustainable, bio diverse, edible landscapes? A difficult, but achievable goal. This is not an easy
task for our profession, or indeed urban dwellers to undertake, but it shouldn’t be daunting, it
should be fun.
For Once, Don’t Listen to Your Mother and Play With Your Food!
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Marina Park
Saga:
Part 1
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
The design for Marina Park, a 35 hectare sized site, located at Cork City’s Docklands, has been
awarded to Dutch landscape architecture firm OKRA and Irish based Dutch firm REDscape. The
project will be Ireland’s largest urban wetlands project.
Bit of background information on the project (www.savemarinapark.com):
“In an effort to reinvigorate Cork City – one of the few parts of Ireland that actually saw it’s
population decline during the Celtic Tiger years – Cork City Council set up the Docklands Development
Directorate in City Hall”.
“This is all common sense – a public park is a good idea because a lack of recreational space creates
all sorts of other problems in a community. Problems that normally find their way to the surface
through anti-social behaviour. Recognising this, the City paid in excess of €11.0m to purchase this
land in 2006”.
Consisting of a number of watercourses, wetlands, wet meadows and swales, the proposed design
will mitigate against flooding and manage stormwater from the adjacent docklands. The project will
also include new gathering spaces, concentrated around the east of the park, in a bid to assist urban
regeneration in the surrounding areas. These spaces will accommodate spectators on match days at
Pairc Ui Chaoimh stadium, which lies in the centre of the park.
The most supported element of the project is a large allocation of land for stormwater treatment
and sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs). This is due to Cork City suffering from severe flood
events in recent years, with the occurrence of 10 year floods predicted.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
However, the most controversial element of the park, the proposed 6 acre all weather sports pitch
adjoining Pairc Ui Chaoimh, has divided public opinion. This element of the design proves
controversial due to the fact that it cuts the park in half, while also consuming valuable space, which
opponents of the proposal say would be better used serving surrounding residential communities.
Numerous questions are raised further from the artist’s impression of the master plan. For one, it
shows a significant area of the “Atlantic Pond”/wildlife area being built upon, with little or no
surrounding greenspace to accommodate park visitors or amenity use. Furthermore, access
between the west and east sides of the park is restricted, especially on match days, with pathways
being closed for safety reasons.
The project has also been plagued with controversy, disputes, rezoning of land, conflicting
statements, accusations from the public on a lack of transparency and public disproval. While the
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
project itself has the potential to become one of the most notable parks in Ireland and indeed
Europe, it will not succeed if public concerns are not genuinely taken on board and addressed.
This project and the fallout it has generated, has shown two things; planning and development in
Ireland is still flawed; and communities are more determined than ever to have their voice heard.
The “Save Marina Park” campaign has been one of the projects main opponents. Being present at
every consultation and keeping affected communities updated via Facebook.
To students of landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, urban design and planning, this is a
case study (among many) to take note of. It shows how important public approval is and how
involved, organised, aware and educated communities have become. This can only be a good thing.
Communities support, shape and determine the ultimate fate of a park once it is constructed. If it
doesn’t meet their needs, concerns, the project will fail in numerous ways. If communities are
actively consulted, listened to and genuinely involved, the realized project will become a valuable
part of the community fabric, the park itself, shaping the community in a positive manner. It
reminds me of the saying, “Ask yourself what the design wants to be, not what you want it to
be”. However, I believe the main cause of trouble in this project, is not the fault of a designer, but
a lack of transparency and differing interests between the community and the authorities.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Summary & Conclusions
Overall, this project has massive potential; a strong, involved community and expertise in the form
of OKRA and REDscape, along with the natural beauty and ecological richness of the area
overlooking the River Lee. Let’s hope all issues will be solved, as with all controversial, unresolved
projects, it’s the community that suffers.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Marina Park
Saga:
Part 2
Interview with
“Save Marina
Park”
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Continuing on from our first article of the series, we interview community activist Richard Cronin, to
find out the community’s side of the story from the Save Marina Park Saga. Save Marina Park was
founded in September 2011 after a local councillor informed a group of residents from Ballintemple
that the City Council planned to sell off part of the land set aside for Marina Park to the GAA at a
discount price. The city council had originally purchased the site for 11 million and now planned to
sell nearly half the site to the GAA for 2 million.
Des Cahill, a local Councillor, suspicious of the Cork City Council’s activities, suggested the formation
of the Ballintemple Residents Association. This led to a public meeting, where all concerned groups,
including local residents, GAA and local press where invited. According to Richard Cronin of “Save
Marina Park”, the community were quite vocal about their concerns, including; the GAA’s bad track
record with match day organisation, parking and that householders in the surrounding area would
be most affected by the GAA’s expansion. The conclusion of the meeting was that the community,
quite simply, wanted ownership of the decision making process. To have their views listened to,
taken onboard and used to shape the final product.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
The site, as it exists now
“Save Marina Park” was formed after this meeting, in response to the rezoning of land for a second
GAA pitch. The group has always felt that this rezoning was the result of private interests, held by
those who were conflicted due to their biased views and associations with certain organisations.
The Save Marina Park group challenged the rezoning in January 2012, as they questioned the need
and indeed, the legality of the rezoning.
The primary goals of the Save Marina Park group are to reach a compromise with the city council,
the GAA and the Dutch landscape architects OKRA. While the group do not object to the GAA’s
proposal for a second pitch, they object to the proposed location, as it severs the park in two, while
also taking up prime amenity space. The fact remains that numerous NAMA sites surround the park,
and could be used as an alternative location for the second GAA pitch. The community group wish
to make clear that they seek a win-win situation, as they and the GAA will be neighbours for a long
time. According to Richard Cronin, “Save Marina Park is anti bad planning, not anti-GAA”.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
However, the response from the city council to the community appeared confusing, and it became
clear that the city council intended to do things the GAA’s way. This was confirmed when Save
Marina Park lost the appeal to the city council’s rezoning of land for the second GAA pitch.
However, the community logged 120 written objections. A staggering number considering most
developments receive one or two objections. In reaction to losing the appeal, the community group
have sought and received media coverage in several national and local newspapers, to raise
awareness of the community’s concerns and plight. The next step for the community group is to
take their appeal to an Bord Pleneala, in an attempt to overturn the rezoning of land at Marina Park.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Artist’s impression with comments from Save Marina Park, Credit: Save Marina Park
“Save Marina Park” states that the park is important to the surrounding residents and communities
for several reasons; the amount of amenity space available to citizens of Cork City is 20% of the EU
average; the park will allow for a more sustainable community; counter social issues such as
vandalism; encourage growth in the only city whose population declined during the boom; to
mitigate against localized flooding; and to protect valuable habitats currently existing on site.
However, the inclusion of the second GAA pitch removes many, if not all of these benefits.
The main concerns of the community with the design put forward by OKRA, under Cork City Council,
is with the mentioned second GAA pitch, rezoning of land, but also the proposed stormwater
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
management being dealt with on site from surrounding developments, instead of the capacity being
used to alleviate localized flooding. The community believes that surrounding developments should
deal with their own stormwater management within their own property. It has been suggested that
increased levels of stormwater entering the Atlantic Pond will damage habitats and affect species
such as migratory birds.
Overall, Richard Cronin of Save Marina Park has stated that while the consultation process was
terrible, he feels it could have been worse. Richard feels that decisions on the project were made
between interested parties before consultation with the public began. He now sees the matter
being taken out of local authority hands as Save Marina Park takes their appeal to an Bord Pleanála.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
How it would look if the CCB land grab wasn’t facilitated by CCC, Credit: Save Marina Park
Summary & Conclusion
With all these factors taken into account, from the community’s perspective, it is clear to see how
any resident would be sceptical of the park’s “benefits”. The rezoning of prime amenity space to the
GAA, at a fraction of the price paid for the land by taxpayers, raises questions of vested interests,
conflicted interests and bias. The use of the parks proposed SUDs to manage stormwater from
surrounding developments and the lack of genuine consultation with the surrounding residents
seems only to confirm that Marina Park has been designed to serve the few and not the many
residents who will suffer due to a token consultation process and bad design.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Top 10
Awesome uses
of Plants
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
What are the most awesome, unique, awe inspiring, cool planting schemes and plant applications
in the landscape and beyond? Green roofs, living walls, green facades, phytoremediation, moss art,
green graffiti, and mass plantings; there is too much to choose from (I’ll probably end up doing a few
more of these!). Whether it’s ecological, functional, sensory or just simply visually stunning, here’s a
top ten countdown of my favourites. What’s yours?
10. Muscari River, Keukenhof Gardens ,Holland
Consisting of Muscari armeniacum, also known as Grape Hyacinths, the Muscari or “Blue River”
winds through 32 hectares of the gardens and woodland, at Keukenhof Gardens in Holland. Without
a doubt one of the most spectacular sights and most photographed scenes at Keukenhof. Along with
the overpowering visual impact of the planting scheme, the scent from the Muscari helps establish a
truly unique character for itself as an element of the landscape.
Muscari River, Keukenhof Gardens ,Holland
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
9. The Pothole Gardener
Not content with waiting for potholes to be fixed with boring, depressing tarmac, a guerrilla
gardener from East London who fills potholes with compost, colourful perennials/bedding plants and
then adds toys, doll furniture, etc to create mini landscapes, often with a comedic edge.
Result of a pot hole gardener
8. Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, Grant Associates
The most iconic aspect of the Gardens by the Bay is the Supertree structures. Steel structures,
ranging in height from 25 to 50m. These super structures harvest rainwater, generate energy
through photo voltaics and function as ventilation channels for the parks’ biomes. The structures
are clad with a living wall; consisting of Bromeliads, Orchids and Ferns. The living walls vegtation
passively cools the air entering the ventilation channels into the biomes.
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore, Grant Associates
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
7. MFO Park, Zurich, Switzerland
The steel structural facade houses an interior courtyard garden and elevated walkway while creating
a historical link to Zurich’s industrial heritage. The facade is colonised by numerous species of
climbers, vines and shrubs. The plant species is split between a mixture of deciduous, semi-
evergreen and evergreen; this allows for precious sunlight to penetrate into the interior courtyard
garden providing warmth during winter, while providing shade in the summer as the vegetation re-
colonizes the structure. The spreading vegetation symbolizes Zurich’s progression from an industrial
city to that of a sustainable and green one.
MFO Park, Zurich, Switzerland
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
6. ‘Bloom’ by Anna Schuleit
“Bloom” was a temporary living art installation and later on, a social artwork, located within the
walls of the now demolished Massachusetts Mental Health Centre. The installation celebrated over
90 years of the centre’s service and accomplishments, with the use of 28,000 flowers representing
“how flowers are a symbol of healing when they are given to the sick, yet patients of psychiatric
institutions rarely receive flowers. She decided to counteract this absence of colour and life”. Truly,
haunting and thought provoking.
'Bloom' by Anna Schuleit
5. Project: Elevated Wetlands, by Noel Harding Studio
Consisting of recycled plastic materials, the elevated wetland structures contain a recycled plastic
matrix hydroponic growing medium, which is colonized by native wetland vegetation. From the
wetlands, polluted water is pumped, by means of a solar powered pump, through the plastic matrix.
The heavy metal pollutants are then removed from the water supply and absorbed by the wetland
vegetation (phytoremediation), making the treated water safe to re-enter the watercourse. It is an
excellent example of art and function existing in harmony.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Elevated Wetlands, Location: Toronto, Designer: Noel Harding Studio, Neil Hadley
4. Public Farm 1 by Architecture WORKS
Public Farm 1 was constructed in 2008 as an educational and social space that functioned as an
urban farm. Edible vegetables, fruits, salads were located in raised planter columns which grave rise
to an eye catching structure. Along with the more obvious benefits, this planting scheme proved
that urban farms could be designed to be aesthetically stunning, while still performing the desired
function.
Public Farm 1 by Architecture WORKS
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
3. ‘A Wheatfield with Cypresses’ Green Wall, London’s Trafalgar Square, National Gallery
Based on Van Gogh’s painting of the same name, this living wall is a carbon copy, with plant choices,
based on the boldness of colour, arranged in blocks to represent the painter’s masterpiece. The
scene is brought to life with the added dynamics of texture and movement of the grasses in the
wind.
‘A Wheatfield with Cypresses’
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
2. Hitachi Seaside Park
Forget that it’s a monoculture and all the negative associations with such a planting approach. It’s
awesome. The pictures say it all.
Hitachi Seaside Park show casing a red sea of planting
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1. Wisteria Tunnel at Kawachi Fuji Gardens, in Kitakyushu, Japan.
Magical. Graceful. Ethereal. Awesome. Need I say more?
Wisteria Tunnel at Kawachi Fuji Gardens, in Kitakyushu, Japan
So there it is, what did you think? What’s your favourite and which projects do think deserve to be
on this list (or the next one!)? I hope you enjoyed my countdown and are making a mental note of
where to take your next landscape adventure!
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The Native
Debate
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Are all native planting schemes as green as we are led to believe? Is it right to use strictly native
planting schemes over those including exotics? Is there any place for exotics in the native
landscape? Is “green guilt” for using exotics misplaced, or is it justified?
Native planting schemes in the landscape have become the centre of sustainable planting design
philosophies of contemporary landscape architecture. The desire to green our urban environments
has spilled over into the mainstream. People want a return to the nature, nature meaning native.
Native planting schemes have many benefits; acclimatisation to climate, less fertilizer inputs, frost
hardiness, water efficiency, plant – invertebrate relationships, habitat restoration, education
& paleoecology; all leading to a higher success rate of the scheme in terms of cost, public
acceptance and performance. On the other hand, many exotic species have not developed the
relationships with invertebrate species, especially pollinators. This can lead to less pollinator
numbers, due to less food, caused by the displacement of native species by exotic species in new
landscape developments. This can have serious impacts on the localized environment, not just
ecologically, but economically as well, for agriculturists and horticulturists. Exotics, by their
evolutionary nature are not accustomed to the climate of their host country, leading to planting
scheme failures in harsh frosts and droughts; this condition is exacerbated by the fact that many
exotics are raised in foreign plant nurseries, not allowing the exotic species to become acclimatized
to their new host country.
Is the way forward to head back towards our natural roots?
However, are native planting schemes the right (only) solution to new landscape designs? Is the use
of strictly native species in the landscape a form of xenophobia? The popularity of native planting
schemes is no doubt, down to the efforts of plantsmen such as Piet Oudolf, Noel Kingsbury and Nigel
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Dunnett (check out the images below); but have these good intentions been hijacked by others for
“Green Washing” purposes, to reach LEED & BREEAM accreditation? The whole labelling of plants
“native” and “exotic” is a grey area in itself with the term “naturalized” being added to the mix,
further complicated by several definitions for a “native” plant, each contradicting the other.
“Won’t exotic/invasive species eventually become native over time, especially with climate
change?”
Planting scheme by Piet Oudolf
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Planting scheme by Noel Kingsbury
Planting scheme from Nigel Dunnett
This leads us onto the debate ongoing in landscape ecology; the debate of conservation versus
biodiversity. Landscape architecture comes into this discussion with the use of native plant species
in the practice of habitat restoration. While it is a controversial view, some feel that the practice of
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strict conservation is self defeating, especially in the face of climate change. It is argued instead,
that the focus should be on biodiversity, specifically maintaining and improving the levels of
biodiversity. Native plants cannot achieve this by themselves, due to the fact that they will become
displaced by climate change.
A stronger argument for the inclusion of certain exotics in planting schemes is their ability to thrive
in the urban environment. Cities pose stressful environments for native plants to survive in,
with less water, higher temperatures, presence of toxic metals in soil, etc. Suitable exotic species
are needed for situations like these, where natives would fail. This serves two purposes; firstly, it
helps ensure the success of the scheme; and secondly, it prevents the occurrence of a native
planting scheme failing, which would give bad press to the use of native plantings in the landscape.
City living, a harsh reality for native plants
The use of exotics in stressful urban environments is itself more sustainable and more “green” than
using a native planting scheme that would struggle to cope with the urban conditions. If a planting
scheme thrives and fulfils its purpose, then what is the problem? Having a native planting scheme
for the sake of it, in the wrong location, will lead to higher inputs and costs; defeating the
sustainable goals of such schemes. It really does come back down to “right plant, right place”,
whether native or not.
Summary & Conclusion
Let me say this, I’m not against the use of native planting schemes, how could I be? I know the facts
and their importance. But I also know their shortcomings. Native plants are effective in
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
environmental conditions similar to the ecologies they hail from. Urbanization and climate change
will mean the displacement and destruction of these ecologies. While this is tragic, a more worrying
point is the detrimental effect it will have on biodiversity, due to loss of habitat; that is if we solely
rely on native planting schemes. We should focus on what species have the most beneficial effect
on biodiversity (and can endure climate change/urban environments), not whether they are native,
naturalized or exotic. Like monocultures and polycultures, a healthy balance must exist, the results
themselves will hopefully end this misplaced botanical xenophobia and ensure future biodiverse
species richness in the face of climate change. I can’t possibly cover all the issues related to this
subject in this article, but I hope it will trigger positive discussion and debate.
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“When The
Last River Runs
Dry………”
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Water conservation is becoming more and more an ever evident occurrence in our daily lives in
the western world. While underdeveloped countries have dealt with the extreme effects of
droughts for decades, the Western world has escaped much of the hardship through quick fix
solutions. These include damming rivers, piping water halfway across the landscape and installing
more and more irrigation. Something’s gotta’ give, sooner or later.
The current problem in many cities and countries worldwide is declining precipitation rates, a
problem that is exacerbated by aging infrastructure. This is most evident in London, where a hose
pipe ban is currently in place. The situation is so dire at the moment that the ban is being touted to
be in place from now until early 2013. Other problems caused by a combination of intensive
agricultural practices and climate change include soil desalinization and desertification. But
worryingly, 40% of the world’s population currently faces water shortages, with water supply
expected to drop by 30% per person by 2030.
So what’s the problem and what does this have to do with landscape architecture? Well, we are the
ones who specify the lawns and planting schemes that need supplementary irrigation and fertilizers
to stay in pristine condition aren’t we? A worrying fact is that there is 3 times the amount of
irrigated lawns then there is irrigated corn in the US, considering there is no output from lawns, only
wasted input. Irrigation and fertilizer practices are an oxymoron of a solution really, considering
fertilizers raise the salinity of soil and require MORE water to dilute them and prevent a build-up of
toxic levels. But the overall point that defeats irrigation and fertilizer practices is that they are not
sustainable, I mean, if a plant can’t survive in a location by its own means, surely you have chosen
the wrong plant for the wrong place? With the realization dawning on our profession that water will
not always be abundant in our landscapes, changes in practice are necessary.
Solutions? First off, right plant, right place. Better education on plant choices in our profession is
needed. Native plants have an apparent advantage and are well adapted to a site’s climate, but are
not always the solution. Other factors must be taken into account, such as on site micro-climates
and especially in urban environments, the “Heat Island Effect”. This is where drought tolerant plants
come in, native is preferred, but we mustn’t restrict ourselves. It is better to be criticized for using
an exotic plant and for it to thrive than to use a native plant for “greenwashing” purposes and have
it fail. This will only backfire and give bad PR for native plant strategies.
Second, replacing fertilizers products with more sustainable practices. To avoid causing soil
salinization and hence needing more water, we, as landscape architects, should employ techniques
such as companion planting. Soil binders, nitrogen fixers, green manure and pest repelling plants
can ensure that a scheme has its required nutrients and soil structure.
Thirdly, if irrigation is essential, we must look at using water more efficiently. This includes using
grey water from residential and commercial premises for irrigation. Rainwater harvesting is also
another option, with the added benefit of managing all stormwater on site. Using potable water is
wasteful, while the other options help lower costs and relive pressure on infrastructure. Practices
such as these are vital when you consider that while only 3% of the Earth’s water is suitable for
irrigation & consumption, only 0.03% of this available for use by humans.
And finally, employing a planting philosophy that uses water efficiently and conserves it, otherwise
known as Xeriscaping. A practice defined in the early 80’s in response to droughts in the American
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mid west, xeriscaping uses a mixture of native and drought tolerant plants and contoured
landscapes to use water efficiently. It is a practice that is gaining acceptance worldwide and will
become a vital element of present and future landscapes.
"Xeriscaping Makes Sense for Our Colorado Climate"
Summary & Conclusions
It is clear that the wasteful landscape elements and practices discussed cannot continue, not just
from an environmentally conscience or moral perspective, but from a financial one as well. With the
introduction of water charges and rising water costs due to scarcity, irrigation is soon to become an
expensive means of maintaining a landscape. Another factor making water wise schemes a
necessity is BREEAM. More and more developments are seeking BREEAM accreditation to raise their
projects value, meaning a must for sustainable practices, a cornerstone of which is water
conservation. BREEAM also has the side effect of acting as a “Greenwashing” tool, projecting a
positive PR image of a project to the public.
The question remains, what can landscape architects really do? BREEAM and sustainable landscape
practices are great and everything, but they’re not going to reverse the problem of water shortages.
While this is true, landscape architecture still has a duty as a profession to play its (vital) part in a
sustainable world that is adapting to a constantly changing, emergent environment.
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Are
Monocultures
Dead?
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Monocultures, or the use of one species in planting schemes and are falling out of favour in our
public schemes. More and more, people are asking for diverse palettes of plants in the landscape.
This has been due to a number of reasons, but mainly because of the shortcomings of one type
planting schemes. This article will summarize the downfall of monocultures, question the success of
their alternatives and look at their future, if any.
Monocultures became popular due the sense of unity and harmony they gave to a landscape. Mass
planting of a specific species can produce a stunning visual impact and provide stronger contrast
against a building or focal point. Monocultures were also as far from nature as one could get,
showing man’s manipulation of the landscape, the person being the centre of the universe, a
common philosophy held in the renaissance, when monoculture plantings were rampant. This style
of planting was a common landscape element in the Italian, French and Baroque Traditions, as well
as the Modernist and Minimalist design movements.
An example of monoculture planting, Hitachi Seaside Park, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
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Hitachi Seaside Park, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture
However, monocultures are extremely energy intensive in terms of maintenance and
fertilizer/energy input. They are also quite low on biodiversity, as the mono-specific species chosen
can only support a limited number of invertebrates and other major contributors to bio-diversity.
These types of planting schemes also have a limited window of function in the landscape, once the
species flowers, the visual interest in that planting bed has disappeared. These planting schemes are
also quite susceptible to pests and disease, while in comparison, biodiverse planting schemes have a
higher resistance to pests and disease. Low resistance to pest and disease leads to the use of
pesticides and fungicides, which can have detrimental effects on the surrounding environment and
poses a health risk to users of the public space. It was these factors, along with the post modernism
and green movement from the 60’s onward that contributed to the downfall of monocultures, a
downfall that is quite evident today.
The work of horticulturists and landscape designers such as Jens Jensen, Nigel Dunnett and Piet
Oudolf has only spread the message of polyculture planting schemes and their importance to the
public. This has led to a call for more biodiverse planting schemes and surroundings that are more
natural. It was this want of people in urban centres to interact with nature that led to the
picturesque movement.
From a development and planning point of view, new building standards and accreditation’s such
as LEED and BREEAM have made biodiverse, native and low energy input planting schemes a must
for many developments seeking to be labelled as “Green”, a label, which these days increases real
estate value.
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So, with this in mind, monocultures; have poor biodiversity; high energy inputs; high costs; are
limited to seasonal rather that year round interest; are not the preferred choice of an informed,
environmentally conscious public and it isn’t wise to include them in your designs if you wish to
achieve BREEAM or LEED accreditation………….do monocultures have any future in our landscapes?
On functional grounds it would seem not, but let us not become cold, rationalist designers and let us
see the aesthetic opportunities that monocultures present. Plant species that require little
nutrients, are resistant to disease and have year round interest do exist, ironically, these said plant
species have come into the spotlight due the polyculture enthusiasts such as Jen Jensen and Piet
Oudolf. Perhaps the negative perceptions and the failures of monocultures are down to poor plant
knowledge and misuse? Look at the IADT campus in Dublin, Ireland. The entrance is a monoculture
of Calamagrostsis x acutiflora “Karl Foerster”. A species that flowers in the summer and it turns a
golden brown in the autumn twilight, while its architectural structure remains in winter, providing
habitat for overwintering invertebrates. It is cut back in early spring, but growth resumes and within
3 weeks it has a noticeable presence in the landscape. It can grow in dry and damp soil, suffers from
few pests and disease and requires no fertilizer inputs.
IADT campus in Dublin, Ireland. The entrance is a monoculture of Calamagrostsis x acutiflora “Karl Foerster”.
Or look at the “Salvia River” at the Lurie Gardens in Chicago, visual stunning, a long flowering season,
low maintenance and it attracts a large, visual, number of invertebrates such as
butterflies and bees.
Environmental Journalism Portfolio Joseph Clancy Pg Dip LA, BA LA, BSc. Hort
Salvia River, Lurie Garden whose perennials were designed by Piet Oudolf
Summary & Conclusions
While I could go on, it would seem apparent that monocultures will continue to exist in our
landscapes, but not in the inefficient way they have in the past. For their use to be justified in
contemporary landscapes, a challenge is posed to landscape architects. If they are to be used they
must be sustainable, especially with the growing desire among clients for BREEAM excellence. The
question of biodiversity and monocultures is another issue to take on board, but perhaps examples
such as the “Salvia River” show that a combination of poly and mono is needed to satisfy aesthetic
and ecological concerns. Indeed, it is my opinion that only this compromise will see the accepted,
continued use of monocultures in the public realm, keep watching this space and see where it goes!