Public Realm Scheme Underway in Watford


Work has started on site for a public realm scheme to improve the upper section of The Parade in Watford Town Centre. Designed by BDP the project responds to feedback from local residents and businesses who want to see the town centre become more attractive, helping to bring shoppers, families and businesses to the area.
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This Week in Landscape | 4 November

This Week in Landscape 4 November

Fallen lindens at the Great Lawn in Central Park | Image Courtesy Central Park Conservancy

This weeks landscape links from across the world

A New Philanthropic Threshold — The Significance of Central Park’s Gift | Charles A. Birnbaum | Huffington Post

Philanthropy and public-private partnerships should not be faulted but encouraged, especially following Hurricane Sandy’s damage to the parks when it’s most needed.

Over 250 trees damaged in Central Park by Hurricane Sandy | Central Park Conservancy
Hurricane Sandy destroyed more than 250 mature trees in Central Park as well as infrastructure, including fencing and benches, throughout the Park’s 843 acres.

A post-hurricane argument about New York’s waterfront infrastructure | Dana Rubenstein | Capital New York
One of several strategies the RPA suggested exploring is tidal barriers, of the sort used in London and Rotterdam.

How to make a landscape edible look incredible | Mary James | UT San Diego
….integrate edibles within an ornamental “backbone.” This way there will always be something to look at, even when edibles have been harvested.

Iskandar – Asia’s newest megacity or a cookie cutter template for cities? | Damian Holmes | LAND Reader
There seems to be this constant rush for ‘experts’ and urban planners to create a ‘template’ for the green, low carbon, sustainable, (insert latest buzz word) city, and ignoring the reason many cities attract people.

 How cyclists and pedestrians can share space on canal towpaths | Laura Laker | Guardian
You are welcome to cycle here but you have got to do it with respect for others. That is what all cyclists need to hear loud and clear.”

Hurricane Sandy on Bikes in NYC from Casey Neistat on Vimeo.

Calatrava designed Peace Bridge opens in Calgary

Calgary's Peace Bridge Opens

Peace Bridge - Flickr User Bike Calgary (1)

The striking red Peace Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava opened to the public with a community celebration on Saturday 24 March. The bridge design was unveiled in 2009 to varied opinions and created controvesy for its color, design and cost. Now that has faded into the background as the bridge has become a reality and opened to the public with many celebrating by crossing the bridge for the first time.
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Brown Boveri Square | Baden Switzerland | Schmid Landschaftsarchitekten

Brown Boveri Square | Baden Switzerland | Schmid Landschaftsarchitekten
The formerly enclosed working area of  Brown Boveri & Cie, where in the past turbines and electrical motors were manufactured, to be converted to a lively urban square. However, even in this new configuration, the heritage of the Place can still be perceived. The Brown Boveri-Square is being transformed from an industrial to a cultural square; culture meaning also “cultivating”, since a classical tree formation outlines the square, leaving the center free. A further refinement of the new public space is achieved through the use of decorative casting moulds, which are conceived as a development of the well-­known industrial steel applications.

Continue reading Brown Boveri Square | Baden Switzerland | Schmid Landschaftsarchitekten

Narrabeen Multi-Use Trail | Sydney Australia | ASPECT Studios

Narrabeen Lagoon-ASPECT Studios
ASPECT Studios has completed a multi-use trail at Narrabeen Lagoon on Sydney’s northern beaches. The lagoon is one of Sydney’s natural assets and is a major drawcard and focal point of the area. Diverse experiences are on offer at different locations around the lagoon. The eastern side comes to life especially at the weekends as people take to the water in kayaks and swimming, or strolling and pausing at cafes, restaurants and the bustling Sunday market. The western side of the circuit, which ASPECT Studios have designed, offers a tranquil bush experience. The new trail provides a multi-layered recreational facility and safe shared trail for pedestrians and cyclists to enhance the existing trail and facilitate the area.
Continue reading Narrabeen Multi-Use Trail | Sydney Australia | ASPECT Studios