Leftovers = Refuge? - Melissa Stagg

Habitations Anamorphic Potential-Will Grosby

Point----At the right nod and the right moment: Investigations of Gilles Clement and his “moving garden”

Author: Yan Luo 3262035

This paper is to explore a mode for a designer to guide human landscape to proceed. Clement’s “moving garden” is an aspiration. Instead of confining every element in geometric axes and grids, Clement regards a “moving” way ---- a spontaneous growth to leave the factors in the system to their own devices.

If “moving” can be interpreted as an epitome of nature, it shows that things have their biggest liveness when evolving in their own way to perform excellence in diversity through contradiction rather than being elements in a singular narrative or frame. If so, this research aims to formulate a mode to retrieve our design into a point for activating this liveness in landscape architecture.

This research will discuss in on hand by the practice of “De la vellete” park by Bernard Tschumi, the theory of Gestalt psychology as well as the feature of border in the ecology, which are used to show that acts of design can be streamlined from a normative pattern and diverse contradicted factors embedded in the system of landscape as new dynamics; on the other hand, I will quote the “accretion” theory by architect Kisho Kurkawa , the “process landscape” by George Hargeaves and review the process of how the “less” interacts with the “more” and finally become “between” in the history of architecture, in order to articulate where the point is and how to catch it in the dimension of time.

Finally, by using this framework, this research hopes to reach a consensus that the most suitable mode of design does not mean to make or create an evolution but to activate one at a right node and a right moment.

Keywords:

moving, diversity, contradiction, landscape, evolve, point, node, moment

A sense of place - Kate Jarrett

FITNESS WITH EXPLICITY- Ryan Robertson

How is knowledge of context translated into the realm of Post-Modern ‘appropriateness’?The projects of EMBT (Enric Miralles/Benedetta Tagliabue) consistently demonstrate an intimate narrative between site and project. How is the ‘Fitness’ of EMBT design engaged by the manifestation of function through form? The intention of this paper is to interrogate the role of form as a vessel for EMBT design in the post-modern era, as a means to understand the complexities of the cultural, social and spatial linkages between site and their design.

The portfolio of EMBT (circa 1970) highlights their insatiable desire to definitively shift Architecture away from the ‘less is more’ Modernist dogma, to their own indelible ‘more is different’ approach. Around the same time, Ian McHarg adopted an environmentally empathetic Post-modernist approach through his book “Design with Nature’. McHarg contended form expresses the process; that they are indivisible, and indicated that fitness with one’s environment is a prerequisite of existence2. How do Fitness, form and function interact with each other in a built environment;indeed is it possible?

McHarg’s definition of Fitness: “If a creature exists, it is fit and its expression is likely to reveal some of its fitness”3, p1-p2. The architecture of EMBT is governed by this important statement. It is designed with consideration for articulation and empathy toward its context. Catherine Spellman’s labelling of EMBT process as ‘reverse archaeology’4, in that their designs are an etching of cultural ideas and references into the landscape is an apt summation. The EMBT design must not sit ‘on’the landscape, but rather ‘in’ it, social links woven throughout and cultural references embedded within through its form.

If we consider EMBT’s practice as not merely fit, but explicitly so, we seek responses through the design to the statements of its immediate context. In examination of the New Scottish Parliamentp5-p9 and Igualada Cemetery Parkp10-p11 the architecture must ‘speak’ the language of the site. Explicitypromotes the most acute of conversations between site and design. Fitness is not engaged by the manifestation of function though form, it is the manifestation of function though form. The intention is how form and function may be considered one and the same in EMBT design.

“Certainly, we can dispose of the old
canard ‘form follows function’. Form
follows nothing- it is integral with all
processes” 1
Ian McHarg


“Form then is communication,
the presentation of meaning”5
Ian McHarg

Nature, Narrative and Urbanisation

The rhythm of site

Key words: rhythm, implication, binary thinking, Zixueyang, s3191595

ABSTRACT

Rene et Madieleine Caille public garden is located in the centre of Etats-unis Quarter, Lyon ( Desvigne & Dalnoky,1997) . Designed by Desvigne & Dalnoky practice, this project is underpinned as a blending of rhythms both from human force and nature, suggesting a way to reject the binary thinking between human and nature. The whole site was divided into two parallel space, one for public garden and the other for traffics flowed from the avenue nearby. Long paving bands stretch across the garden with distribution of blocks in different length with different interval Plane trees followed three main compositional lines with shrubs underneath, and a shorter strip of trees are arranged in the north of the garden which gives an obscure partition of this space. (Fig1)

This project employs proper implication which is significant in spacial design. These elements in this project function as an “absolute origin” to trigger human’s reflection, implying human to locate themselves in this space (Derrida, 1989).Meanwhile, the design endows differences for these two spaces: benches, recreational facility and proper tree shad are arranged in garden while the avenue was covered with asphalt. (Fig2) These differences shape human’s perception of space and make it to be a stable perception after their spatial experience accumulated over time.

Desvigne & Dalnoky is a French practice founded in 1988 whose works are characterized by constant contrast between nature elements and constructed elements. This peculiarity is inherited from their different ways of researching the relationship between architecture and landscape. One of its main designers, Christine Dalnoky explores the relationship by taking research of Italian Renaissance gardens whose layout are largely determined by geometric forms, while her partner Michel Desvigne starts his studies by observing a specific landscape formed by natural force, such as islets formed as a result of alluvial deposits in a stream bed.( Desvigne & Dalnoky,1997) The difference of getting inspiration contributes their concern about the blending of nature environment and geometric layout. This cognition supported post-modernism ideology that characterized by the rejection of binary thinking (H­­­arvey, 1935).

Bibliography

Rhythm: the key word to underpin this project. Constructed elements are read as rhythm of human force while natural changes are read as rhythm of nature.

Absolute origin: implication from design, to direct human’s behaviour.

Binary thinking: a pair of terms or concepts that are theoretical opposites. In binary thinking system, landscape architecture and architecture, nature and human are regarded as opposite standpoints which are rejected in post-modernism thoughts.

Reference

Elizabeth, k. Meyer, 1994, Landscape Architecture as Modern Other and Postmodern Grond, selected from The culture of landscape architecture, edited by harriedt edquist & vanessa bird

Derrida, Jacques, 1989, Edmund Husserl’s Origin of Geometry: An introduction by Jacques Derrida, University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln and London

Desvigne, Michael and Dalnoky, Christine, 1997, White Library Deisign, translated from Italian by Jay Hyams

Harvey, David, 1935, The Condition of Postmodernity: an Enquiry into the origins of Cultural Change, Basil Blackwell, Inc

DESVIGNE & DALNOKY.- John Paul

People are constrained in terms of thought and interpretation, by the particular psychological discipline which functions throughout the broader society, based upon the present culture of time and place. Foucault argues that, “reality is constructed out of human consciousness and its ability to perform interpretations (McHoul & Grace 1993, A Foucault Primer: Discourse, Power and the Subject, p2).” Foucault “does not ask: who is in power? He asks how power installs itself and produces real material effects (McHoul & Grace 1993, A Foucault Primer: Discourse,Power and the Subject, p21).”

In order to understand the distinction between the natural and constructed, the designer must look beyond the subjective, to see through the elements attached by social influence; each element will then contrast between the pure, and the manufactured purity – what is real, and what is made to imitate real. Based on the observation of a landscape, the designer must acknowledge and understand the reason behind its formation; it is then possible to employ those same elements to perpetuate its legitimacy, to reinstall the memory of place. As time continues,different cultures will find new values from the same source (Desvigne, M, Dalnoky, C 1997, The Return of Landscape Architecture).

In regards to the discipline of design from Desvigne and Dalnoky, their intention is to look beyond the normalization of society’s discourse, not to simply return the land to an undulated state, but to restore it to the point that is possible to develop… an ‘intermediate landscape’ (Shedd Reed, P 2005, Groundswell: Constructing the Contemporary Landscape, p30). The design of trees and plants within Rue de Meaux and Greenwich Peninsula were envisioned to be “adaptable and resilient to unpredictable demands as the surrounding areas continue to change in decades to come (Shedd Reed, P 2005, Groundswell: Constructing the Contemporary Landscape, p30).” They are not attempting to combine the two elements, rather, change the landscape through the legitimacy of its authenticity, utilizing historical and present cultures to recreate awareness from the original foundations. Desvigne argues that designing anything more specific “would be premature in the absence of a firm program, an approach that has been described as a kind of calculated detachment (Shedd Reed, P 2005, Groundswell: Constructing the Contemporary Landscape, p30).”

key words:Subjectivity Discourse Normalization Authenticity

References:

- Foucault, M 1970, The Order of Things; An Archeology of the Human Sciences, Travistock

- McHoul, A & Grace, W 1993, A Foucault Primer: Discourse, Power and the Subject, New York University Press, New York

- Shedd Reed, P 2005, Groundswell: Constructing the Contemporary Landscape, The Museum of Modern Art, New York

Image References:

- Truong, Q 8 February 2009, The Lives of Others [online] http://www.quangtruong.net/?tag=michel-foucault [accessed 12 August 2010]

- Greenwich Peninsula London [online] http://www.cabe.org.uk/case-studies/greenwich-peninsular [accessed 10 August 2010]

- Rue de Meaux Housing [online] http://www.mimoa.eu/projects/France/Paris/Rue%20de%20Meaux%20Housing [accessed 10 August 2010]

Making by Knowing…Adam Cox

This research explores the importance of material knowledge and landscape processes both through design and within the physical landscape.

This research poses the question, how can we design when we don’t know the characteristics of themedium that we are designing with? What can material knowledge bring to a landscape? The Wave bridge in Toronto, Canada; designed by the West 8 office uses curvaceous, non conventional form to create the structure of a bridge. The final outcome considers, but rejects; limitations and characteristics of each material chosen along with a strong understanding of how each of these elements cohesively bond and form relationships at the 1:1. Furthermore a sound knowledge of the material adjacencies surrounding this bridge must be understood for this structure to maintain its form and material qualities to withstand the everyday phenomena that will challenge its structural existence through time. Material form and structure are continually shifting and changing, how can this knowledge be employed to test/explore material qualities through design?

The combined knowledge of material form and structural properties can be supported through thework of Convic Designs, in particular their skate parks and youth hubs. With their socialization in using concrete as their most commonly used material for both skate parks and youth hubs the Overall performance rests upon Convic's sound knowledge of the structural properties, application and finishing processes of concrete to design without limitation. This knowledge is evident through Convic's continual ability to push material limitations of application through the construction phase of the design for these spaces both on a local and international scale.

A landscape rich in material relationships and bold structural form is a characteristic adopted by bothConvic and West 8. Comprehensive material knowledge and a strong understanding of structural form should be imposed through all levels of the design process, right through the construction phase to evoke the senses of those submerged within these landscapes and public spaces.

Key words: Manipulation, material knowledge, structural formation, limitations

Man Made VS. Natural

Amy Taylor

When examining the relationship between the man-made and natural environment there is clearly a similarity between the both. This can be seen through a single seedlings growth as the environmental progression throughout its stages. It was placed, it was unplaced, it was force placed, it evolved, it transformed and it grew like that of nature’s own development through human influence as seen in diagram one. Landscapes and urban spaces have been formed and regenerated under the influence of human civilization for our own picturesque idyllic structure. D.I.R.T Studio have developed a signature style of urban regeneration for our already formed landscapes, therefore the brief will further explore the forced combination between the man-made and natural environment.

The project ‘Reclaiming the Highline, New York’ is a semi-natural landscape which revolves around regeneration and cultural production of a renewed landscape like that of D.I.R.T studios objectives. Again the seedling is a regenerative aspect of nature in its own form of growth and adaption to the various transitions of a forever changing system. ‘We attempt to step outside of what has gone before and make space for the thing to be articulated in its own way’ Brook; 1998 p.56.

It would be impossible to renew the already formed landscape we have helped sculpt into place. However through re-working the current physical environment we can try to produce the old to the new. ‘Nature is not nearly as natural as it seems, instead it is profoundly human construction’ Cronon; 1995, p.25. Again the seedling is the heart of nature it’s a reproductive organism that forms it own structure, its value cannot be measured as cost or worth instead it’s about the renewed relationships we can modify from the previous human influence. Therefore the seedlings will always grow and die however the cycle still continues.

Gilles Clement - Jasper's Abstract

Abstract

Gilles Clement

Gilles Clement the academic ‘gardener’ has influenced landscape architectural theory to return to the intrinsic value of nature in design. His position at the French school of design Ecole du paysage and authorship of numerous books and other publications sets him as a critical exponent of biodiversity and the “garden in motion” (jardin en mouvment)

Clement’s study into Agricultural Engineering and Landscape Architecture along with extensive emperic research into mankind’s relationship with nature allows him rare insight into sustainability, this culminates in “The Planetary Garden”.

Clement’s naturalist style subverts imposing design systems of design theorists such as the geometrically inclined Burley Marx and A new avenue of design in managed natural cycles respecting the autonomy of nature, creating a fine balance between preservation and intervention learned from observation of the third landscape. Working with, rather than against nature as discussed though out the discourse of permaculture reduces the need for input.

On abandoned land bought in 1977 Clement built his home – La vallee with his own hands from local materials. This allowed experimentation though “sustained observation”. Opposite to imposition the land dictates, preserving biodiversity and ecological systems. He is concerned with preserving the “natural character of the local environment” seen also in the work of AE bye, the inherent beauty of nature’s rhythms is articulated.

In the garden of Melle, an Art commission designed to be long term Clement utilised nettle - urtica dioica ‘naturally’ occurring on the site as an alternative method for treatments such as pesticides (this practice was banned by the agricultural appropriations law like many organic options.) The garden includes a micro lagoon referring to the treatment of the regions polluted water. Set on making his denial of the standards public and expanding global literary theory in relation to sustainability through politics.

Annotated Bibliography

Books

Scape: 2 / 2007 - Portrait The Planetary Gardener

Explores concepts and theologies of Gilles Clement through key projects. Conveying three main concepts ‘The Planetary Gardener’ – ‘Gardens in Motion’ and ’The Third Landscape’.

The Contemporary Garden

Olsion S (2009) Phaidon press: London

A guide to Landscape Architecture through 100 gardens from the early 1920’s to the present day. Includes some of the best work of horticultures pioneers and innovators.

“presenting new approaches and alternative solutions to garden design”

International landscape design

Griffin. N (1996) Laurence king publishing: London

An extensive collection of landscape design projects world wide. Burgerpark auf der Hafeninsel, a parks design in Germany which Latz and partner designed with sustainable concience. The materials are locally sourced and the vegetation naturally regenerated. Many of the concepts within this design are aligned with the theologies of Gilles Clement.

Permaculture 1 A perennial agricultural system for human settlements

Mollison. B, Holmgren. D (1978) corgi books: Australia

Permaculture – Permanent culture / agriculture A discipline in relation to landscape architecture in it’s all encompassing nature As Bill Mollison states “permaculture walks in the vallys between the mountains of all disciplines” attempting to mediate between fields and patterns of thought becoming holistic and considered in relation to design and function.

Web

In English – Blog Thema

In-english.blogsthema.marceille-provence2013.fr/archives/8 Accessed: 4/8/2010

This website translates an extract from an interview of Clement by Xavier Thomas regarding the relationship of “the third landscape” in the greater context of the ‘Planetary Garden’ especially with concern to the value of wasteland in the city of Marseilles.

Design Bloom

http://www.designboom.com/contemporary/clement.html

Accessed: 6/8/2010

Design bloom is an interactive site connecting Architecture, design and art. It contains articles interviews and news as well as endorsing competitions, events and courses relevant to the disciplines. This site contained an intriguing article on the designs of Guiles Clement in relation to his literary discourse and theories.

He is described as the ‘top of his field’ due to his ‘unique methodologies’ which are articulated in his book the planetary gardener.

Beta Garden Design

http://www.gardendesign.com/article/groundbreaker-gilles-clement Accessed: 4/8/2010

This site compiles a wide range of design resources such as articles, designers, products and methodologies. It contains a good timeline of Clements work and ends the article providing the quote from him referring to the garden as: “accessible to everyone - promising nothing and giving everything.”

Tree Hugger

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/environment_app.php

Accessed: 4/8/2010

A discovery company with a web site spanning the sustainability movement, tree hugger offers a myriad of articles, forums and other resources.

Here I found a Design and Architecture article by Bonnie Alter, London. Environment : Approaches for Tomorrow. This brought to light some of Clements other work focusing on a chandelier. “The chandelier which is made of a mixture of rubbish and plants gathered on a vacant site near the museum”… it contains items such as “cell phones and pens to hypodermic needles and packaging all preserved in acrylic, these items are suspended from the ceiling in a cluster.

Ground Work

http://dmooredesign.blogspot.com/2008/05/gilles-clment-from-garden-in-motion-to.html - Accessed: 10/8/2010

The art, science and politics of garden and landscape design is the slogan used by this intriguing blog – The article which interested me was - Guiles Clement : From the garden in motion to the third landscape. Posted by Darryle Moore on the 13th of may 2008 extracted from a journal of the Architectural Association School of Architecture - 20 February 2007

This article talks of Clements rejection of the fields of Landscape Architecture and Garden Design referring to himself as a Jardin Planetaire (Global Gardener). Clement is referred to in closing as having “a considered means of dealing with the dynamics of our increasingly complex understanding of the landscape, and the consequent responsibilities of our ongoing role in managing it's future”.

Agro Paris Tech

http://docpatrimoine.agroparistech.fr/spip.php?page=article&id_rubrique=31&id_article=424 - Accessed: 10/8/2010

Within a French Agricultural technology resource website was an article highlighting the need to save the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden This typifies Clements active nature in the field of conservation and management.

“Art Junction Association called upon the French landscaper Gilles Clement who produced in 2000 an unequivocal statement on the negative impact of changes proposed by the project of Mausoleum and proposed a reinstatement and a respectful upgrading of the site taken as whole. The report recommended the protection of the existing biodiversity with the support of an international scientific panel. Unfortunately, this proposal did not materialize.”

Middle path health and awareness

http://middlepath.com.au/plant/stinging-nettle_urtica-dioica_bllod-purifier-tonic.php - Accessed: 10/8/2010

This site as well as providing services and products of herbal medicine contains a reference of medicinal plants and remedies. My suspicions were confirmed that urtica dioica – the stinging nettle is indeed a highly productive and useful plant in reference to Clements use of it as a naturally occurring weed suppressant due to it’s virility.

History of gardening

http://www.gardendigest.com/timel20.htm#Start

An extensive database of key events in the gardening and design allowing a placement of Clements work amongst the greater context of the field.

Articles and Journals

Seminar of Palanga May 2002. From the Garden to the Landscape

http://www.cultureroutes.lu/php/fo_index.php?lng=en&dest=bd_ar_det&id=00000138&PHPSESSID=1084e3b293 - Accessed 8/8/2010

The dimension of gardens and landscapes within the framework of the Cultural Routes

Michel Thomas-Penette Director of the European Institute of Cultural Routes

This speech outlines his proposed direction for public land use in Europe’s future. He draws from theoretical concerns and aesthetics including that of Gilles Clement especially in regard to ‘The Planetary Garden’. He draws comparison between Clement and William Robertson.

Pursuing genius loci: interaction design and natural places

Nicola J. Bidwell Æ David Browning James Cook University, Townsville, Australia

Received: 25 May 2008 / Accepted: 31 December 2008 / Published online: 17 March 2009 Ó Springer-Verlag London Limited 2009

“Technological opportunities to support positive relations within ecosystems and recognizing the limits of technological control”.

A pattern language: towns, buildings, construction.

Alexander C, Ishikawa S, Silverstein M et al (1977) Oxford University Press

‘‘All the life and soul of a place, all of our experiences there, depend not simply on the physical environment, but on the pattern of events which we experience there’’.

Australian aboriginal views of landscape & wilderness

Rose DB (1996) Nourishing terrains. AHC

inspired by observing the interdependency between physical terrain and situated ‘‘ways of knowing, being and doing’’ in Indigenous Australian culture.

Influence of social, biophysical, and managerial conditions on tourism experiences within the GBRWHA.

Shafer CS, Inglis GJ (2000) Env Manag 26(1):73–87

‘‘commune with nature and learn more about natural processes’’

Permaculture

Permaculture Drylands Institute, published in The Permaculture Activist (Autumn 1989):

“Permaculture: the use of ecology as the basis for designing integrated systems of food production, housing, appropriate technology, and community development. Permaculture is built upon an ethic of caring for the earth and interacting with the environment in mutually beneficial ways”.

Image Reference

The Contemporary Garden

Olsion S (2009) Phaidon press: London

Scape: 2 / 2007 - Portrait

The Planetary Gardener

International landscape design

Griffin. N (1996) Laurence king publishing: London

Design Bloom

http://www.designboom.com/contemporary/clement.html Accessed: 6/8/2010

Tree Hugger http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/environment_app.php Accessed: 4/8/2010

Middle path health and awareness http://middlepath.com.au/plant/stinging-nettle_urtica-dioica_bllod-purifier-tonic.php - Accessed: 10/8/2010