This (Re) Design of this popular publci park in New Orleans caught my eye in a recent issue of Landscape architecture for a number of reasons.
First, I was really impressed by the simple and clean graphics, something that always draws me in. This Plan is a good example of what I am talking about. It's crisp and clean presentation reveals the many layers of the project without becoming cluttered and difficult to read. The various species are all clearly defined, the differing areas are all legible and simply defined yet the piece in it's entirety is crisp and graphically pleasant.
Second, I was really struck by the firm's use of natural ecological systems in the rebuilding of this park. Although this is in many ways a no-brainer, it is something I have not seen much of in the creation of human-crafted landscapes. I was really captured by the firm's use of the Ecozones and Ecotones of the area in their design. Too often when we design spaces we draw on plant selections and compositions that extend beyond the natural pallets of a place. Even Olmsted's design for the Back Bay Fens, which I will always view as a model for the ideal design of landscapes that function on a myriad of scales making them highly sustainable , did not include this level of attention the ecological detail of place.
Third, I really appreciated the creation of a natural system or setting that was formed with a human interactive layer build into the system in such a simple yet complete manner.
This was my first view of the work of Mossop+Michaels+Spackman but it was a wonderful first impression. I congratulate them on their Award and on their fine work.
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