10 Great Apps for Landscape Architects – Part 1

There’s an app for everything these days, but what are the best and must have apps for the landscape architecture professional?

Unless you’re living under a rock or have missed the iphone train you would know that apps are the latest craze in convenience, they are your gadget in your pocket, the Swiss Army penknife of the 21st century; and not to mention a booming business making many many people millionaires many times over.

You can even download a graffiti app that allows you to capture the image of your surroundings just like a video camera and write cyber graffiti all over it. All the fun, without the crime….  Yes apps have taken the world by storm and have weaved their way into the lives of every tech savvy individual, catering for all interests and gaining the world of apps the tag line “There’s an app for that”.

So where does Landscape Architecture fit into this glorious and intriguing world of apps. let’s have a look as we countdown and review some of the best out there:

1. Leafsnap                                              

Ever been out on site and you just can’t put your finger on that certain botanical name of a tree?  There’s an app for that.  Using visual recognition software, the software identifies trees from photographs of their leaves.  Simply place the leaf from the tree in question on a white background and snap away!  Currently only covering tree species of the Northeast United States, it will soon cover the entire USA as it is further developed by Columbia University, University of Maryland and the Smithsonian Institution.

Other similar apps worth checking out include TreeId, Winter TreeId for the British Isles and Tree ID for Northern America.

2. Landscaper’s Companion

A reference guide to over 25,000 annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees!  17 search categories cover the USA, United Kingdom and Australia.  The app also advises on USDA zone, aspect, growth habit, and plant features such as height, width and water needs.  The search feature allows you to put in; a site’s attributes and conditions; desired flower colour scheme; bloom time; height and spread; the app than generates a list of suitable plants for that location!

AutoCAD WS

Don’t you hate it when you get a call; you’re out of the office, being asked to look over a CAD drawing and not a laptop in sight.  There’s an app for that.

You can download DWG files from your email; view, edit, annotate, revise and share on your iPhone.  You don’t even need an internet connection; you can work with files offline you have downloaded previously.  Drawings can be worked in 2D and 3D drawing space.  This app allows you to update drawings on site and on the go!

Planimeter

So you’re out on site and you want to do a rough measurement of the site boundary quickly?  There’s an app for that.

Planimeter takes measurements off satellite maps (imperial & metric) and will calculate a site’s distance, perimeter and area.  The app allows you to not only measure the site but also the surrounding area in context, enriching the experience of your first site visit.  It can give a quick impression to the professional, of the scale of work that needs to be done while also being on site.

Planimeter, image credit: Youtube

Dropbox

Let’s face it, our profession is all about sharing information, it’s how we get the job done.  Dropbox allows us to easily share and collect information across all our devices; iPhone, iPad, iTouch and in fact, any computer that has Dropbox!

It’s all the vital information stored in one location that can be accessed and uploaded to from anywhere with any device!  Aside from adding an extra element of security to your work, you can allow anyone to access a folder in your Dropbox!  Like it says on their website, Dropbox simplifies your life!

Morpholio

Morpholio was founded in 2011 by a group of architects and academics, to capitalize on explosion of device culture, the cloud and the social media and to use these factors to aid the creative process.

The platform of Morpholio allows for collaboration between designers from various professions.  It also includes features that allow for uploaded work to be critiqued by the Morpholio community.  This app is designed for the iPhone and iPad, it is definitely one to watch and a must have for those who wish to be involved in a creative online community.

Flipboard

A handy app that brings your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google Reader, LinkedIn, Soundcloud, Tumblr and Flickr into one stream.  On top of that it offers the hottest stories from ares of spcial interest, such as design, photography, technology and science.

Having so many streams of information from various sources makes it an effective app for sharing information and for staying on top of emerging news and trends.

It’s hardly worth mentioning; as I’m sure the majority of you already have them (who doesn’t?).  But to be “app savvy”, you need Twitter (I recommendTwitteriffic), Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Pages Manager, Google+, Pinterest, Hootsuite, LinkedIn & Blogger, to name but a few!

Thanks to the explosion in social media and technology, our jobs have been made a hell of a lot easier.  Information sharing, communication, critique of one’s work and professional networking has been made possible to all…………..and is simply a touch of a button away.

Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus, by Studio on Site (Hiroki Hasegawa), Tokyo, Japan

There is a certain type of landscape where people just feel good, without realizing the reason for that. Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus is undoubtedly one of those exceptional places. A place which has something more to offer. A feeling, a sensation, a perfect harmony.

The secret to achieving such an effect is partly revealed in the philosophy ofStudio On Site. “Although our work covers a wide range, we always emphasize the “experience of a place” and consider how a given activity will come to be positioned in society and on the specific site. We believe that landscape design is not due to the structure of the new form but a given activity always has something to do with the change in shape or appearance of what is already on the site”, says the team that designed Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus. They certainly didn’t forget to follow this ultimate belief within this project!

Photo Credit: Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus, by Studio on Site. Photographer: Katsuhisa-Kida/FOTOTECA

Representing Nature in Design

The major concept of the landscape design is inspired by something simple, and yet genius. You can see it. You can touch it. It is all around you –Nature.

The reinterpretation of nature in Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus is achieved through a repeated square-shaped pattern. The scattering of black pavement covers both interior and exterior floors. The concept of this dispersion is to represent the sunshine filtering through foliage. Thus instilling visitors with a pleasurable sensation or one of a kind experience of the site.

Photo Credit: Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus, by Studio on Site.

Design and Function Symbiosis When Representing Nature in Design

Besides the creative and aesthetic functions of the flooring, the paving also performs a directing role. This pavement pattern is a “marker” which shows where to stay in the campus. Conversely, the road zones without that motif are intended mainly for pedestrian circulation.

The flooring pattern also varies vertically and horizontally by each sample unit. This difference in levels suggests diversity of uses and activities. A must-have in such a great example of public space.

Photo Credit: Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus, by Studio on Site. Photographer: Katsuhisa-Kida/FOTOTECA

The pavement motif is spread all around the campus, but accented mainly in the front plaza. Black and white granite paving stones are contrasted with wood deck. Once more, those three materials differentiate the various levels and uses. In this way the site is ready to welcome you or your group of friends. Whether spending time there alone or chatting and resting with friends, users of the campus will sense this peculiar atmosphere. The fine leaves of the Zelkova trees casting shadows and playing games with the sunshine.

Related Articles:

• 10 Great Places to Study Landscape Architecture in the USA
• 10 Great Places to Study Landscape Architecture in Europe
• Elegant Square sets stage for University Students

Photo Credit: Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus, by Studio on Site.

Taking Full Advantage of the Space

Parallel to the idea of creating an open public space arises the thought of making the most of the site. Instead of being divided into several structures, the campus is set into one huge building. The aim of the landscape project is to entirely improve  the area surrounding the building through reinterpreting nature in design. Besides that amazing transformation, improvements are done via two other methods — through the formation of an inner yard and roof garden. An excellent illustration of taking full advantage of the space.

A Pivot Point for University Students

As Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus is beyond question a delightful site, it also appears to be a focal point for students from different universities.

It provides them with a relaxing atmosphere especially when having breaks between classes. Instead of travelling to go back home, students have the opportunity to study, have a meal or just take a rest on this beautiful campus. All without wasting any of their precious time.

Photo Credit: Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus, by Studio on Site. Photographer: Katsuhisa-Kida/FOTOTECA

Social Engagement and Interaction

The design fosters social engagement, encouraging students to meet new people. Not only university students but people coming from the neighboring park. They can share new ideas or make new friends. Meeting future colleagues is possible, too.

So, instead of just killing time by going somewhere else, students have a wonderful opportunity to socialise within a beautiful campus that reinterprets nature in design. The opportunity for networking which later becomes essential for career success. All this you can find in one single spot. Isn’t that the desired experience of the place?

“We follow this line of thought on every single project, too, encouraging all of our team to always consider in their daily works what they hope a given action will make happen and what experience can be achieved only in that particular place”, says the team of Studio On Site.

Photo Credit: Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus, by Studio on Site. Photographer: Katsuhisa-Kida/FOTOTECA

Teikyo Heisei University Nakano Campus successfully displays how a brilliant project works. Resulting in pleasant surroundings where people sense ease and delight through all the interactions with their environment. A good project succeeds when it makes ordinary people feel extraordinarily good. In this particular case, this is achieved due to the intelligent way of taking people back to nature by reinterpreting nature in design. And since imitation doesn’t work, reinterpretation here has done wonders.

Jardim Sensorial, Jardim para todos, Jardim "cidadão"

uando imaginamos um jardim pessoal, vamos criar uma paisagem idealizada que nos comova e atinja todos os nossos sentidos. Desde a antiguidade, ele sempre foi um espaço de lazer e prazer mesclando um paradigma de sonho e realidade.

Segundo Burle Marx "Jardim é sinônimo de adequação ao meio ecológico para atender às exigências naturais das civilizações.

Se o jardim é para todos, observamos que não existe preocupação em contemplar as pessoas com necessidades especiais que assim se vêem alijados do prazer que o jardim nos proporciona. Grande parte dos jardins brasileiros, tanto residenciais quanto públicos, não atendem esta parcela da sociedade por conta da falta de adequação de seus espaços. Em sua maioria, os jardins não são adaptados aos portadores de deficiência e/ou idosos incluindo em seus espaços espécies inadequadas, sem falar de detalhes construtivos como rebaixos e desníveis que dificultam a circulação dos deficientes.


Jardim Sensorial do Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro

Sair para cuidar de plantas, passear no jardim ou para brincar, ser tratado na área externa, permitem a relação com o tempo, com cores e odores diversos; permitem criar a relação dia e noite, chuva e sol, enfim, dentro e fora.

O Jardim pode beneficiar a surdocegos, deficientes visuais, auditivos ou táteis, pessoas com déficit cognitivo, deficientes motores com alteração de marcha, equilíbrio e propriocepção; mas também a quem necessite relaxamento e contato com a natureza para retomar a integração de seu corpo e de seus sentidos.

Um Jardim "Cidadão" deve ter condições peculiares como ficar suspenso a uma altura predeterminada, considerando a passagem de deficientes visuais, cadeirantes e idosos. Este recurso garantirá a possibilidade do toque e de cuidados que eles possam fazer sem grande esforço.

A possibilidade do uso do tato para aqueles com dificuldades de visão será atendida com o uso de plantas de várias texturas, privilegiando as suculentas. Para a audição, serão implantadas fontes e repuxos de água, cujo som encanta a qualquer pessoa.


Apae - Uberlândia - jardim da audição

A explosão de flores multicoloridas será mais um componente para envolver os visitantes. Suas combinações podem considerar as mais infinitas gamas de cores. Petúnias, rabos de gato, violetas, lírios da paz, gerânios, ixoras e plumbagos estão entre as mais cotadas para pequenos vasos e jardineiras.


Apae Uberlândia - jardim do tato

O olfato será estimulado com o uso de plantas aromáticas. Os jardins sensoriais olfativos -- comumente conhecidos como jardins aromáticos ou de ervas, de influência medieval -- também podem ser utilizados. Nestes jardins é possível sentir o agradável aroma das ervas e temperos caseiros, além de servirem no preparo de receitas culinárias e temperos em geral. As espécies mais utilizadas são o alecrim, hortelã, manjericão, salsinha, cebolinha, gengibre, coentro, além de ervas que servem para ungüentos e chás, como camomila, erva doce e erva-cidreira, dentre outras.


Apae - Uberlândia

Segundo especialistas, as ervas aromáticas possuem efeitos terapêuticos, entram através das células sensíveis que cobrem as passagens nasais, chegando direto para o cérebro. Desta forma tais ervas afetam as emoções, atuando no sistema límbico que também controla as principais funções do corpo.


Jardim da Vale - Lavanda (Lavandula angustifolia)


Jardim da Vele - Mirra - (Chenopodim sp.)

Na escolha de espécies para jardins sensoriais, é fundamental que sejam evitadas aquelas que possuem espinhos, como as roseiras, algumas bromélias e suculentas. Também devem ser evitadas algumas plantas munidas de substâncias tóxicas, como espinho de cristo e comigo-ninguém-pode, dentre outras.

Jardim da Vale - Ninfeia - (Nymphae sp.)


Jardim da Vale - Jasmim estrela - (Trachelospermum jasminoide)

Abaixo estão listadas algumas das mais importantes e conhecidas ervas terapêuticas e suas principais características:

Espécies do Jardim Sensorial 2008 (Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro)
  
1-Orégano Origanum vulgare 2-Manjericão Ocimum basilicum 3-Alecrim Rosmarinus officinalis

   
4-Cavalinha gigante Equisetum hyemale 5-Gengibre magnífico Zingiber spectabile 6 - Carqueja Baccharis trimera 

   
7-Confrei Symphytum officinale 8 -Alho social Tulbaghia violacea 9 -Madressilva Lonicera japonica
  
10-Espadinha anã Sansevieria trifasciata 11- Jasmim estrela Jasminum nitidum
11-Chambá Justicia pectoralis

  
12-Abacaxi- roxo Tradescantia spathacea 13-Hortelã Mentha suaveolens 14 -Cebolinha-Francesa Allium schoenoprasum 

  
15 -Cinerária Senecio cineraria 16 -Aguapé Eichhornia crassipes 17-Capuchinha Tropaeolum majus 

  
18-Ninfea Nymphaea spp. 19 -Coração-magoado Iresine herbstii 
20- Coité Crescentia cujet

21 - Orquídeas 
22-Suculentas 
23-Estévia Stevia rebaudiana
24-Melissa Melissa officinalis
25-Funcho Foeniculum vulgare
26-Pelo de urso Ophiopogon japonicus
27-Tomilho Thymus vulgaris
28-Tanchagem Plantago major
29-Artemísia Artemisia vulgaris 
30-Mil-folhas Achillea millefolium 

Se você quer fazer um Jardim Sensorial, você encontra fornecedores destas plantas aqui, ao alcance de um clique. pesquise, clique na foto e mande uma mensagem para o fornecedor mais perto de você.

Já existem algumas poucas iniciativas neste sentido, aqui no Brasil. Além do Jardim Sensorial do Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro, Jardim Sensorial da Vale, em Vitória ES, a Apae de Uberlãndia está em fase de término da construção de um belo Jardim Sensorial. Na Universidade de Santo Amaro existe o projeto Curumim de tratamento de crianças com anomalias congênitas usando o jardim sensorial.

How to Grow Grass Plants

Grass plants (known as ornamental grasses) add an interesting texture to the garden. Successful gardeners know the trick to growing ornamental grasses lies in understanding how they respond to temperature. These grasses fall into two categories: cool weather grasses and warm weather grasses. Both grasses may be planted in spring or fall. Spring planting is best, because it gives the plant time to develop a strong root system.             

Instructions

1. • 1
     Plant cool season grasses in the spring, and they will start to grow right away. These grasses have better foliage quality in cool weather and in drought conditions if they are watered generously. When they turn brown during drought conditions, due to not enough water, they have gone dormant. Divide them frequently to keep them healthy and thriving, or they might die out in the middle. Wait until spring to cut the brown, winter-damaged foliage on these plants. Examples of cool season grasses include plume grass, hardy pampas grass and northern sea oats.
   • 2
     Plant warm season grasses in the spring, but they will do best when the weather really warms up. Once the weather is stable and the soil becomes warmer, the warm season grasses will start to show growth. These grasses brown out in the fall, but wait until the beginning of spring to cut them back 4 to 6 inches. Warm season grasses do not need to be divided as frequently as cool season grasses. Examples of warm season grasses include big bluestem, little bluestem, blue lymegrass and
     feather reed grass.
   • Learn how to prepare corn, beans pasta, etc. for long term storage
   • 3
     Prepare the soil for cool and warm weather ornamental grasses in the fall. Preparation is the same for cool and warm weather grasses. Add organic matter such as compost to the soil and till deeply. Add about 1 lb. of general purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-10. That will be sufficient until the next fall season.
   • 4
     Place a light layer of straw or hay over plants during the first winter and mulch after several hard frosts.
   • 5
   • Water plants uniformly after planting. This speeds up establishment. When planting, don't plant too deep or disease and root rot may result.
   • 6
     Cultivate around the grasses to control weeds. Mulch will also help control weeds and control reseeding of aggressive plants.
   • 7
   • Leave foliage on in winter to protect the crown of the plant from freezing.
   • 8
     Divide plants in the spring if they suffer from die-out in the center. They may also be divided in late summer or fall
2.