Now that we are experiencing more warmer spring weather, there are trees blooming just about everywhere you look throughout Mid-Michigan! As we are approaching mid- to late-spring, the flowering trees are primarily shades of pink and purple, with still some white blooms to break up the color. While these flowering trees are beautiful for us […]
Plants
Introducing: Sensory, a Placemaking Installation!
There will be a new creative space at the East Lansing Art Festival this year! On May 19-20, 2018, with the American Institute of Architects Mid-Michigan Chapter, we will be unveiling a placemaking installation that celebrates architectural and landscape architectural design. We have teamed up with three local architects to develop a structure that can […]
What is that Flowering Tree?
Spring has finally come to Michigan! Some trees are leafing out while others are in full bloom. And we want to tackle the question: What is it? Differentiating between various flowering trees and shrubs opens our eyes to the unique and beautiful nuances of nature. But these plants can be tricky! There are some look-alike […]
Ecosystem Service Functions of Landscapes – Part II: Urban Heat Islands and Biodiversity
In wrapping up the functions of landscapes series, it is fitting to end with ecosystem service functions. Ecosystem services function in order to sustain life through the use of natural systems. As Landscape Architects it is our responsibility to design landscapes that utilize natural systems for human benefit. In Part I of the ecosystem services […]
Ecosystem Service Functions of Landscapes – Part I: Stormwater Management
Ecosystem services are arguably the most important and most undervalued function of landscapes. These functions are often taken for granted. Take for example, the air that we breathe. How many times during the day do you think about the cleanliness of your air. Probably only when you’re parked behind a car that’s expelling poisonous gasses […]
Aesthetic Functions of Landscapes
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. […]
Engineering Functions of Landscapes
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
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 […]
Why We Would Never Design A Commercial Site The Way We Designed Our Residence
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 […]
Our 5 Favorite Shrubs for Commercial Landscapes
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 […]