July 18, 2023 9:25 pm
Published by Steve Dana
The warmth of the sun can be a source of great enjoyment, and it plays a critical role in the beautiful ecosystems of our planet. But too much heat can certainly be a bad thing—for people and plants alike. As landscape architects, we have the unique ability to help people avoid excessive heat while still enjoying nature. Designing with heat management in mind can also lower the energy consumption of a building and improve conditions for certain plants and wildlife. It pays to consider heat dangers! So, keep reading to explore our top tips for reducing heat in your landscape architecture. Consider Adding Water Features Last month, we discussed the benefits to incorporating a water feature into your commercial landscape architecture. Now, let’s focus on the ways it could help you reduce heat dangers. Water has a high specific heat capacity, which means that it will absorb a lot of heat before it begins to get hot itself. In the context of landscape architecture, this makes it a great tool. Whether in the form of a pond or lake, or a small fountain, water can be used to regulate heat. Larger bodies of water will absorb heat directly as the […]
June 19, 2023 4:27 pm
Published by Steve Dana
When thinking about the landscaping for your commercial property, water features will likely come to mind. Whether a Zen-like trickling waterfall, a Koi pond, or a fountain, water features can certainly add an enjoyable ambience to your environment. But is the inclusion of a water feature right for your project? Today, we’re going to talk all the pros and cons to help you decide! Create an Ambience With Water Features Arguably the most compelling reason to invest in this element of a commercial landscape is the impact it can have for your visitors. Water features appeal to various senses, with their visual beauty and delicate sound. They can also thoughtfully contribute to an aesthetic. Take one of our current projects as an example: For the revitalization of a historic courtyard, our clients want to create a New Orleans sort of feel. We’ve recently finished the planning phase, and one of the standout elements we utilized to build the look they desire is a fountain. Designed in the style of an old sugar kettle, the fountain will serve as a central, style-defining feature between two urban buildings. Seating plazas nearby will invite passersby to rest and enjoy the calming sound and […]
October 17, 2022 8:30 pm
Published by Steve Dana
When we think about landscape maintenance, the easiest advice is quite simple: hire or keep on retainer a professional team. But maybe you’re wondering exactly why that is necessary. Maybe you have a passion for the outdoors and think you might like to handle it yourself or have a young family member in need of a job to take it on. While those seem like great ideas, there are many reasons having a pro involved pays off. So, let’s talk about the details of what a firm like ours does. Here’s how to maintain your commercial landscape architecture! Shaping Upkeep One of the main reasons an experienced expert with an eye for design is helpful is shaping. You’ve had gorgeous landscape architecture designed for your business or organization. The last thing you want is to see grass growing over decorative pavers or shrubs looking lopsided. No matter how skilled someone is at trimming and tidying, the shaping part of it is somewhat artistic. We spend time contemplating how many millimeters away from a walkway grass should start. You might feel these details can’t matter much. But trust us, when it isn’t right, the eye picks up on it—even if […]
April 19, 2021 1:24 pm
Published by Steve Dana
When it comes to creating landscape architecture for commercial properties, there are many unique considerations. Namely, the design must cater to the needs of pedestrians and the goals for the client’s business. Since this can sometimes feel like a momentous feat, we thought we’d offer up some landscaping ideas for commercial properties, whether they be doctors’ office buildings or retail boutiques. Use Surrounding Landscape Architecture for Inspiration This is especially important in more urban locations, as you’ll likely be picking up foot traffic from other places. In any setting, pay close attention to the green spaces, streetscapes, and canopy just beyond your property lines. Do they encourage walkability? If so, your property might be a great place to offer a spot for respite. Alternatively, maybe the surroundings are, well, rather bleak—all pavement, no tree cover, no pleasant walkways. In that case, making your property a little oasis could result in a very desirable response. Focus on Circulation Patterns for Commercial Landscaping Not only will this make your landscape more enjoyable for pedestrians, it will also improve upon the results your work brings to your clients. Here’s why … When you design pathways to guide people in a certain way, you […]