SENSE OF PLACE
The soul + essence of the garden
Creating a sense of place in landscape design involves a deep understanding of the site's history, ecology, and cultural context, as well as, the thoughtful integration of these elements into your design. Your final design is a response to what you find and appreciate on the site, rather than something you apply from the outside. Work with what you’ve been given, rather than struggling against it. Did you know boundaries like these actually strengthens your design?
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When done successfully, it allows people to connect with and appreciate the landscape on a deeper level, while fostering a sense of attachment and belonging to the space. Sense of place is also one of the best sources of inspiration and unity for your design.
SENSE OF PLACE RESOURCES in our DESIGN LIBRARY
SENSE OF PLACE takes into consideration an overall understanding of solid design...that includes understanding the DESIGN PROCESS (to collect information), the THEME GARDEN PROCESS (to translate information into a physical design) and LINES OF FORCE (to help connect designs to site architecture). Take a peek at the resources below to provide additional inspiration as you learn about this month's topic.
GARDEN GUIDE .002
DESIGN PROCESS OVERVIEW
In the early stages of the design process it's important to analyze the site and take note of what challenges exist and what can be incorporated into the final design.
GARDEN GUIDE .003
LINES OF FORCE
This Garden Design Guide explains a special technique to build strong geometry and lines in your landscape, while also unifying it with existing architecture.
GARDEN GUIDE .004
THEME GARDEN PROCESS
This Garden Design Guide will help you transform local history, culture and client's interests into potential physical elements for your design.
GOODNESS FOR YOU THIS MONTH
Below you will find several more items to help you learn about SENSE OF PLACE. From written words to video to applied activities to group discussions. Explore our topic from different angles and gain a new perspective. Click on the images below to download PDFs of your Garden Design Guide and Activity. Further down you will find a video and links to our community, a welcome live session, plus a Q+A too!
What is a MOOD BOARD?
A collection of images (photographs and/or sketches) that convey the mood you are are hoping to provide in a proposed design. This is a great way to start any design. It helps you focus as a designer, plus it communicates your vision to a client to get an initial reaction.
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This month we are creating a mood board for one of our activities. If this is a new concept for you, please click below for more information on this super fun design tool.
VIDEO: SENSE OF PLACE in an Australian Garden
This garden was not only inspired by the client's style and wishes, but it also includes lovely local materials woven beautifully throughout...including native plants, stone and wood. I love how it feels tucked into the site and perfectly rooted to it.
OUR COMMUNITY + CHALLENGES
Don't forget to hang out with us this month.
Check in to share your activity. Try one, both or simply learn from the submissions of your peers. No need to stress. Just enjoy!
Activity .01 // DO YOU SEE SENSE OF PLACE?
Click below to share a garden photo with notes on how you see SENSE OF PLACE being applied.
Activity .02 // SENSE OF PLACE MOODBOARD
Design a relaxing firepit area for your garden or a client's. Think about your site/region and how it can influence your design choices. Share via a mood board.
Share a win!
What have you accomplished in the last month that makes you super happy? Let us celebrate with you!
LIVE SESSIONS
We have two this month: our normal Q+A, plus we'll have our Spring Welcome to New Members. These will both be recorded in case you can't make it (then posted right back here). Visit the Q+A SCHEDULE for times and links or click below.
I can't wait to see you!
SPRING WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
You're invited to our Special Welcome for new members! This will be live, but we'll also record it, so no worries if you can't make it. This is a great time to say hello and ask any initial questions. Can't wait to see you!
Thursday, April 4
2 PM PDT | 4 PM CDT | 5 PM EDT
London: 10 PM BST
Sydney: April 5 at 8 AM AEDT
Monthly Q+A | Sense of Place
Thursday, April 25
North America: 10 AM PDT | Noon CDT | 1 PM EDT
London: 6 PM BST
Sydney: April 26 at 3 AM AEST
I'd love your feedback once you've devoured all this goodness.
Drop me a note at the email below and let me know what you loved and what could be improved. Thank you!
Please contact me at [email protected]
