Week 5 - Significant Landscape Site in the US
For my significant landscape site, I chose Lafayette Greens located in Detroit, Michigan. Lafayette Greens was designed by Kenneth Weikal Landscape Architecture. Lafayette Greens is basically a large vegetable garden in the middle of Detroit that also acts as an engaging public space. Along with the vegetable garden, there is some separate space in order to host events and gatherings. There is also a garden specifically dedicated to children because there is a daycare near Lafayette Gardens. The idea behind this garden was to mix urban agriculture into city spaces and city life in a way that can increase citizen participation and productiveness. Lafayette Gardens was awarded the 2012 ASLA Professional Award for general design.
This landscape site caught my eye because of how unique it is. I never really considered planting a garden in the middle of the city. I also find it unique how anyone can participate in planting, tending, harvesting, learning, and teaching.
One of the smartest details about Lafayette Gardens is their plating beds. Originally the client wanted to use wooden beds, but the design team convinced them to go with steel to help prevent erosion. In addition, the designers thought this would be an interesting way to mix industrial with organic. Besides planting beds, the garden is also filled with a variety of seating because this area is heavily trafficked throughout the day.
Sustainability was the main concept that was stressed when creating this project. Materials like concrete rubble, pallet wood, and steel drums were repurposed and used as things like planters and garden sheds. Also, there are more than 200 plants species being grown in Lafayette Gardens, and all of them are managed organically.
Lafayette Gardens is a wonderful example of urban and rural successfully mixing together to create a more engaging, productive environment. I hope that there will be more created like this in the future.
Site Plan.
Site Analysis and Shade Studies.
Lafayette Gardens.
Before and After.
Steel Planting Beds.
Sustainable Materials and Methods.
Garden Sheds.
Butterfly Bush included in The Children’s Garden.
https://www.asla.org/2012awards/073.html
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