What are the most inspiring examples of site planning for landscape architecture?

2 Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Gardens by the Bay is a stunning example of site planning for landscape architecture that combines nature, technology, and art. The project, which covers 101 hectares of reclaimed land in Singapore, consists of three waterfront gardens that showcase the diversity and beauty of plants from different regions and climates. The gardens also feature spectacular structures, such as the Supertrees, which are vertical gardens that collect solar energy, water, and air, and the Cloud Forest, which is a glass dome that replicates a cool-moist tropical mountain ecosystem. The gardens also serve as a platform for education, research, and conservation, as well as a venue for events and festivals. Gardens by the Bay is a remarkable example of how landscape architects can create innovative and sustainable solutions for urban challenges.

3 High Line, New York

The High Line is a brilliant example of site planning for landscape architecture that transforms a disused infrastructure into a vibrant public space. The project, which was initiated by a community-led movement, converted an abandoned elevated railway line into a linear park that runs through the west side of Manhattan. The park preserves the industrial heritage and character of the railway, while adding new layers of vegetation, art, and design. The park also connects different neighborhoods, offers panoramic views of the city and the river, and provides a variety of spaces for leisure, culture, and social interaction. The High Line is a remarkable example of how landscape architects can revitalize urban spaces and create new possibilities for human and ecological connections.

4 Parc de la Villette, Paris

Parc de la Villette is a fascinating example of site planning for landscape architecture that challenges the conventional notions of park design. The project, which was designed by Bernard Tschumi in the 1980s, redeveloped a former slaughterhouse site into a cultural and recreational park that covers 55 hectares in the northeast of Paris. The park is based on a concept of deconstruction and fragmentation, which breaks the site into a grid of 35 red follies, or architectural elements, that serve as points of reference and orientation. The park also features a variety of spaces and activities, such as gardens, playgrounds, museums, theaters, and concert halls. The park is a provocative example of how landscape architects can experiment with form, function, and meaning, and create spaces that stimulate the senses and the imagination.

5 Lurie Garden, Chicago

Lurie Garden is a beautiful example of site planning for landscape architecture that celebrates the natural and cultural history of a place. The project, which was designed by Kathryn Gustafson, Piet Oudolf, and Robert Israel, is a 2.5-acre garden that is part of the Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. The garden is inspired by the prairie landscape that once covered the region, and features a rich diversity of native and adapted plants that create a tapestry of colors, textures, and fragrances. The garden also pays tribute to the city's history and identity, with elements such as the dark hedge that represents the Great Fire of 1871, and the light bridge that symbolizes the city's rebirth and growth. The garden is a wonderful example of how landscape architects can create spaces that evoke emotion and memory, and connect people to nature and culture.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?