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Welcome to the Elements Studio blog. The place where we share our unique perspective and expertise on Landscape Architecture in Mid-Michigan.

Aesthetic Functions of Landscapes

Design Thoughts, Plants | Kristin Faasse

As we move into a discussion on the aesthetic functions of landscapes, we begin a more intuitive conversation of plant functions that are more familiar. Unlike the architectural functions and engineering functions that we discussed before, the aesthetic functions of landscapes are primarily pleasing to the eye. This is the beauty aspect of landscape architecture. […]

People Places – Town Square Design in SW Lansing

Design Thoughts, Placemaking | Kristin Faasse

Last night we had the pleasure of presenting three concepts at a community visioning event for the Town Square design at the corner of Pleasant Grove and Holmes Roads here in SW Lansing. The new Town Square will be transforming an existing expanse of asphalt parking lot into a pedestrian-friendly open space celebrating the community’s […]

Engineering Functions of Landscapes - traffic calming

Engineering Functions of Landscapes

Design Thoughts, Plants | Kristin Faasse

In the Architectural Functions of Landscapes blog post, we took a first look at how landscape elements can be used to serve very specific functions that in turn create interesting people places. These functions fall into 4 categories: Architectural, Engineering, Aesthetic, and Ecosystem Services. This post will explore the engineering functions of landscapes and plant […]

Architectural Functions of Landscapes

Architectural Functions of Landscapes

Design Thoughts, Plants | Kristin Faasse

We’ve discussed the value of placemaking and creating people places before, but not based on the values that landscape elements provide. The functional uses of landscapes fall into 4 categories: Architectural, Engineering, Aesthetic, and Ecosystem Services. I find the nuances of each of these functions to be very intriguing. When I see landscape elements in my day-to-day […]

People Places – Designing Comfortable Spaces

Design Thoughts | Kristin Faasse

We’ve all been there. We’ve experienced places that seem to have been designed for something other than humans. Think of the typical bathroom at a shopping mall – designed almost as an afterthought with some leftover space down a forgotten utility hallway. This is the last place where you want to go with your new purchases. […]

Why We Would Never Design A Commercial Site The Way We Designed Our Residence

Design Thoughts, Plants | Kristin Faasse

This fall, Jonathan and I set aside some time to develop a landscape plan for our home. As we drew bedlines and selected plants, I couldn’t help but realize that this design is nothing like anything we would ever come up with for a commercial site. Not because it won’t be beautiful. On the contrary, we […]

Lansing Placemaking

Placemaking | Kristin Faasse

When we received the program for the Arts Council of Great Lansing’s Creative Placemaking Summit, we were very excited to see a local conference agenda that clearly valued the principles that landscape architects espouse! How did they know?? And then we wondered, who else would consider this topic to be valuable? We decided that it […]

Our 5 Favorite Shrubs for Commercial Landscapes

Plants | Kristin Faasse

When we begin designing a commercial landscape here in Michigan, one of the first things that we do is review the municipality’s landscape ordinance. Most landscape ordinances have a requirement for shrubs to be included within the site’s buffer zones (areas along the property line). Buffer areas are typically harsh environments – along streets and […]

REACH-ing Out To Our Community

News | Kristin Faasse

REACH Studio Art Center (REO Town – Lansing, MI) has made the most of their new Courtyard Concept Design, by Elements Studio, Inc. to successfully raise $48,000 through their Crowdfunding Campaign. Since they’ve achieved their goal, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will double REACH’s funds with a 100% match! REACH currently serves over 1,000 kids […]

We’ve Moved!

News | Kristin Faasse

We have been continuously impressed with the City of Lansing, and more importantly, the people who are committed to its success! It only takes minutes to see the vitality of the community on Twitter with #LoveLansing or by reading a few headlines on the Lansing Area Capital Gains. And now, we are a part of […]

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Landscape Architecture

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