16.Sustainable Landscape Case Studies

7/30/2019 16.Sustainable Landscape Case Studies

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Case studies of sustainable

landscapes


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CASE I

California Academy of Sciences

San Francisco, California, U.S.A


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The California Academy of Sciences is the only museum inthe world with LEED-Platinum certification.

The 2.5-acre green roof includes nearly1.7 million nativeCalifornia plants, all of which require little or no irrigation.

A 3,500-square foot observation deck creates an outdoormuseum exhibit with scenic views of the green roof andGolden Gate Park. The deck can hold up to 200 people.

The six-inch deep living roof helps reduce stormwaterrunoff by more than 90 percent.

The green roof contains 62,000 photovoltaic cells thatsupply almost 213,000 kilowatt hours of clean energy peryear, meeting about five percent of the new academy'sneeds


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Founded in 1853, the California Academy of Sciences in the oldest natural historymuseum and scientific research center in the western United States. Located inSan Franciscos Golden Gate Park since 1916, the academys original complex ofbuildings, shown here, were earthquake damaged and obsolete. The Academyenvisioned a bold new building that would reinforce its mission to explore,explain, and protect the natural world.


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In September 2008, the museum opened its remarkable new facility on the site ofthe old complex. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the new building sets a boldmodel for how to integrate sustainable technologies and natural systems through

innovative design while at the same time educating the public about greenbuildings.


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The museums unique exterior features an expansive 2.5-acre green roof.Landscape architects were instrumental in realizing the design teams concept oflifting up a piece of the park and putting a building under it. Sculptural moundsrelate to the museums interior exhibits and echo the seven major hills of SanFrancisco.


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The living roofs 3,500 square-foot observation deck is one of the museumsmost popular exhibits. Here, patrons learn how the green roof reducesstormwater runoff by more than 90 percent, lowers energy needs for air

conditioning, and doubles the life of the roof membrane.


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The living roof was planted with 1.7 million native California plants. Byincorporating plants that are well-adapted to the local ecosystem, this landscaperequires little irrigation and attracts numerous species of birds, butterflies, and

insects. Dozens of round skylights dot the roof of the rain forest dome and allownatural light to filter through to the exhibits below.


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The museums central piazza lies beneath this massive glass ceiling. Duringsummer, the roof opens to allow cool night air to flow into the building

below. By using natural ventilation instead of air conditioning to regulateinterior temperature, the building becomes more energy efficient.


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While less recognized, the museums entrance plaza and landscape form a secondgreen roof on top of two levels of underground parking. With soil depths between2 and 4 feet, this intensive green roof is deep enough to plant trees. By taking onthe form and function of a public park, this green roof is more usable andpedestrian-friendly than a traditional parking lot roof deck.


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The new buildings small footprint creates 1.5-acres of new landscape space aroundthe museum. Flexible outdoor rooms supply opportunities for sculpture, exhibits,cafes, receptions, and informal gatherings. A large building overhang and strategic

planting design ensures that 30 percent of hard surfaces are shaded, helping tominimize urban heat islands.


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PROJECT TYPE

Urban

Museum

Park

Green Roof Environmental Benefits

Creates Habitat for Wildlife

Ecologically Manages Stormwater

Generates Renewable Energy

Reduces Sites Carbon Footprint Reduces Urban Heat

Reintroduces Native Plants


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CASE II

The Red Ribbon, Tanghe River Park

Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, China


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The Red Ribbon Tanghe River Park used to bea neglected community garbage dump.

The parks Red Ribbon steel structure runs

500 meters along the riverbank and is lit fromwithin at night.

Alternative ideas considered by the city for

the park included paving over vast areas withhard concrete and adding ornamental flowerbeds


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Much of the original site, located at the edge of a beach, was used as agarbage dump and included deserted slums and irrigation facilities. The sitewas unkempt and largely inaccessible, so mostly deserted.


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Yu Kongjians plan was to preserve as much of the natural river corridor as

possible, promoting the lush, diverse natural vegetation as a key draw.


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Instead of paving over the riverfront with hard pavement and ornamentalflower beds, the design uses a red ribbon steel structure stretching 500meters along the riverbank. The idea was to provide access for jogging,fishing, and swimming with minimal intervention in the landscape.


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The Red Ribbon snakes along a boardwalk, providing walking accessthroughout the park. Many of the park visitors are former farmers andnewly urbanized. The park provides helps maintains visitorsenvironmental connection with rural China


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The Red Ribbon provides access for wildlife, withanimal crossings built into the ribbon at differentpoints.


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Native vegetation, including local wolf tail grass, is featuredthroughout the park. Plant species are grown strategicallywithin the Red Ribbons steel structure.


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The site also educates. Each of the four pavilions is named after alocal plant species.


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PROJECT TYPE

Urban

Park

River

Riverfront

Environmental Benefits

Cools Air Temperatures


Improves Walkability

Provides Shade Removes Toxic Chemicals

Restores Biodiversity


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CASE III

Crosswaters Ecolodge

Nankun Mountain Reserve, Guangdong

Province, China


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Throughout China, rapid industrialization is causing millions of people to migratefrom the countryside to cities like Guangzhou. As urban areas sprawl outward, newdevelopment consumes open land and critical natural resources. This pattern ofdevelopment is causing widespread environmental devastation and socialdisruption that is jeopardizing Chinas long term future.


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The Nankun Mountain Reserve was created in 1984 in an effort to preserve 260-square kilometers of native evergreen forest. Located within the reserve on amountain above the Ganken River, Crosswaters Ecolodge was created as a

sustainably-minded hotel and resort featuring 53 villas and suites


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The resort, which is the first ecotourism destination in China, respectfullyleverages the natural beauty of the land to provide guests with engagingoutdoor activities, delicious local food, and breathtaking scenery. Income

from the resort helps fund forest conservation


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More than 5,000 native Keija people live within the reserve. During the planningprocess, landscape architects consulted the community to learn the history of theland and native culture. Local residents offered insight into the project proposal,shown above. The community planning process helped increase the communityssense of ownership and appreciation for the new development


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Local Keija craftsman and artisans were employed in constructing nearly allaspects of the lodge, even complex structures like this bamboo bridge,which spans the Ganken River. Here, local workers were mentored by expert

craftsman to learn new construction techniques. The community benefits aslocal craftsman gain new skills that can be applied on future projects.


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Buildings, structures, and paving around the resort all incorporate local materials such asbamboo, clay tiles, marble, and river stones. The restaurant and lounge, shown here, featurebamboo flying buttresses that honor the traditional architecture of southeast China. Guestsenjoy views from the open-sided restaurant while enjoying hearty local dishes, prepared

with organic vegetables grown on site.


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PROJECT TYPE

Rural

Botanic Garden

River

Trail Greenfield


Preserves Native Plants

Produces Food Recycles Materials

Restores Biodiversity


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CASE IV

HtO Park

Toronto, Ontario, Canada


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Completed in June 2007, Park HtO is a six-acre publicbeach and gathering place located on Torontos LakeOntario waterfront.

Just a few years ago, this land was a polluted, industrial

wasteland. Construction of the park involvedremediation of a contaminated brownfield.

A portion of the park extends over Lake Ontario toincrease its usable area. As a result, the parks

boardwalk sits 10 meters above the lake floor. The Parks green space is irrigated exclusively by lake

water


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During the 1800s, Torontos waterfront was the site of intensive industrialdevelopment because its location provided convenient shipping access to LakeOntario. As the city population grew, real estate values in the downtown areaskyrocketed. Factories gradually relocated to cheaper land, leaving behind agraveyard of abandoned and polluted industrial buildings


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In addition, an elevated highway along the waterfront created a physical barrierbetween the lake and Torontos commercial center, limiting access. Thewaterfronts isolated location detered business development and economic

investment. As a result, potentially valuable real estate was squandered.


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To reclaim its waterfront and clean up the contaminated industrial land, cityof Toronto officials decided to create HtO Park. Completed in the summerof 2007, this unique urban public space offers a sand beach, grass-covered

green space amid paved pathways, and a planked boardwalk along thewaterfront.


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The entire site was capped with a thick layer of clean dirt, leavingthe contaminated soils undisturbed beneath. This method ofremediation used for HtO Park creates a sub-terrain that is suitable

for park use and helps eliminate public health risks.


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The lush green grass and trees are irrigated with lake water rather than drinkable city water.This water conservation strategy saves the city thousands of dollars each year in avoidedwater treatment costs. The parks interconnected paths are made of porous materials,allowing rainwater to infiltrate the soil beneath. This effective storm water management

technique helps alleviate the problems associated with rapid runoff, such as water pollutionand flooding.


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To help restore the damaged lake ecosystem, the park supportsnew fish habitats along the waters edge and throughout the inlet.Reefs made from salvaged concrete provide an inexpensive, yet

effective way to accomplish this goal


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During the summer, people flock to HtOs beach for the rareopportunity to sunbathe in an urban setting. By attracting peopleback to the waterfront, Park HtO functions as an economicdevelopment catalyst that has helped spark the revitalization ofsurrounding areas.


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Even during the cold winter months, the park attracts peopleseeking escape from busy downtown Toronto. By creating a space

that is seasonally adaptive, HtO Park has attracted a steady streamof local citizens and tourists to the waterfront year round.


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PROJECT TYPE

Urban

Park

Waterfront

Beach Brownfield



Ecologically Manages Storm water Restores Soils

Salvages Materials


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CASE V

Viet Village Urban Farm

New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.


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Before the devastation of Hurricane Katrina,there were over 30 acres of community-farmedland growing traditional Vietnamese fruits andvegetables.

The new farm will use sustainable irrigationtechniques that require little or no electricity topump and filter water used in the fields.

Locally-grown organic crops will be sold in a new

on-site farmers market that will accommodatethe estimated 3,000 Saturday shoppers who usedto buy foods before Hurricane Katrina hit.


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Viet Village Urban Farm is an urban farming project located in NewOrleans East, an area hard hit by Hurricane Katrina. The location is

in the northeast corner of the city


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The new 28-acre farm will sit in the middle of a dense urbanenvironment, continuing a tradition of urban farming thatVietnamese immigrants started there in the 1970s to grow

fruits and vegetables not available locally.


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Before the devastation of Katrina, there were over 30 acres being farmedthroughout the community. There was also a well-established tradition ofinformal markets in the community, developed as an outlet to sell producelocal growers did not consume. The new plan centralizes the farming andmarket


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The first phase of the project includes the establishment of farmplots and a central reservoir to sustainably irrigate the fields. Theplans will eventually incorporate solar and/or wind power to

provide energy to the farm and market.


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A cross-section shows the farm plots, paths and sustainable irrigationsystem. Water is pumped to the fields from a centralized reservoir via awindmill and water tower system powered by electrical pumps. The waterthen flows into a bioswale a system designed to naturally filter the water

through soil and plants as it heads back towards the reservoir for reuse.


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Eventually the organically grown crops will be sold at a newfarmers market (seen in the background), accommodating an

estimated 3,000 shoppers each Saturday.


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CASE VI

The Crack Garden

San Francisco, California, U.S.A.


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The project only cost $500 and was installed by

the homeowners by simply jack-hammering new

cracks into an existing concrete slab.

The garden uses various flowers, herbs, vegetableand even aesthetically-pleasing rogue weeds.

Many plants were chosen for their ability to

tolerate foot traffic, allowing wide use of thespace despite the removal of concrete.


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PROJECT TYPE Urban

Yard

Housing Community

Garden

Environmental Benefits Captures Water

Cools Air Temperature


Creates Urban Farm

Prevents Soil Erosion Reduces Urban Heat

Restores Soils

Sequesters Carbon


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The Crack Garden took a giant concrete slab that served as a centralgathering area and created a series of cracks filled with different plants. Theproject reinvigorates the area by creating permeable space for plants to

grow.


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The original site was simply an area of poured concrete that retained excessheat in the summer and increased water runoff to the surrounding area.


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The homeowners took a jackhammer to the concrete,

creating cracks that serve as a place for future plantings


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The finished cracks extended all the way to the dirtbelow, turning an impermeable slab into permeable

space.


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The result is a garden full of herbs, vegetables, flowers.Even rogue weeds have been kept for their aesthetic

value


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The cracks turn a barren, lifeless space into one that provides foodfor homeowners and a pleasant space for relaxing. From certainvantage points the lines of plantings stack up to present a more

densely planted experience.


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Even though the cracks reduce the amount of open space, theresulting environment leaves plenty of room for playing and

socializing.


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The Seven Principlesof Xeriscaping

Water Wise Landscaping

For a Desert Region


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Why Xeriscape?

As much as 70% of household water use

occurs in the landscape.

Easier to maintain.

Thrives in our

desert climate.

Provides habitat fornative wildlife.

Does not detract from

the beauty of the desert.


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Xeriscape is

Rooted in the Greek word Xeros,

which means dry.

A concept of 7 water conserving

landscaping principles that may be

applied to a variety of landscape styles:

1. Planning and design

2. Wise choice of plants

3. Appropriate use of turf

4. Soil preparation

5. Use of mulch

6. Efficient irrigation

7. Proper maintenance


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1. Planning & Design

A good landscape begins with a good design!

Some factors to consider when planningyour landscape:

Function - what will you do in your landscape?

flower or butterfly garden barbecueplay area for children or pets strolling path

Hydrozones - landscapes should be divided intozones where plants are grouped accordingto their watering needs.

Desired maintenance level - are pulling weedsand pruning your idea of a good time?Or do you prefer relaxing in your gardento working in it?


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2. Wise Choice of Plants

Go native! Native plants

thrive naturally with little water, work or maintenance.

provide much needed habitat to native wildlife that are rapidly losingground to growth and development.

provide families with opportunity to explore

their own backyards, watching and learningabout desert wildlife.

provide colorful blooms.

Use low water use, desert friendly plants.

A wide variety of low water use plants,both native and non native, are availableto populate your landscape with. Do youwant blooms? Foliage? Interesting forms?Shade trees? Slow or fast growth?


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3. Appropriate Use of Turf

Turf landscapes require three

times the amount of water that

desert-friendly landscapes use.

Apply turf only to areas where itwill be used, such as play areas for

children and pets.

Use only low water use grasses.

Design turf areas to conform

to sprinkler sprays.

Water efficient

front yard and

childrens play

area back yard

Pet grass spot


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4. Soil Preparation

Compost may be added to provide

nutrients and increase water

absorption and retention.

Soil preparation may be different fordifferent hydrozones.

Native plants and plants imported

from similar desert areas usually

require little soil preparation, since

they grow naturally in the desert.

Adding organic material to sandy soil

helps retain water and nutrients.

Photo credit: Southern Nevada Water Agency,

from the Water Smart Landscapes

booklet available at www.snwa.com


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5. Use of Mulch

Mulches may be made up of a

variety of materials such as bark,

decorative rock, gravel and even

plant clippings.

Mulch helps to

reduce evaporation

moderate soil temperature

prevent erosion control weeds, and

add to landscape dcor


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6. Efficient Irrigation

A variety of irrigation methodsmay be used in a landscape:

sprinkler

drip system

bubbler

soaker hoses

Use an irrigation timerwith independent zoneprogramming capability.

Adjust sprinklers according to seasonaland local weather conditions.

Regularly adjust and maintain your irrigation system.


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7. Proper Maintenance

Check irrigation equipment frequently for leaks,

clogged emitters or broken sprinkler heads.

Adjust irrigation system as needed.

Refresh mulch areas as needed.

Prune as needed.

Avoid using fertilizers and pesticides. Remember

that what you put on the ground ends up in our

drinking water supply!


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Beautiful Desert Plants & Landscapes

Great use

of mulch

and

decorative

rock!


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Desert flora and rock does not mean barren.

Xeriscaping is NOT zeroscaping.

Look at the size of

those flowers!

f


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Enjoy a little bit of the wild look

f l l & d


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while you attract birds, bees and

butterflies!

if l l & L d


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Would you like some shade and sweet fragrance?


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Beautiful Desert Plants

& Landscapes

Colorful blooms andinteresting forms

frame these lovely

mountian views!

Documents

16.Sustainable Landscape Case Studies