The public realm is a complex place: a slippery cultural construct. It is shaped over time by many intentions, mostly non-design related. How can landscape architects become meaningful players in this shaping process? How can our public spaces become cultural realms? ‘Projects’ are design and construction vehicles used to solve perceived public realm problems. They […]
Read moreTraditionally, Melbourne’s development has pushed out indiscriminately into the surrounding rural landscape. As a result, local ecologies have been compromised and natural systems disrupted. Tooradin is a village strategically located at the only place where the South Gippsland Highway meets the waters of Western Port. The Village is located 65 kilometres south east of central […]
Read moreThe forces of change in our society are increasingly globalised and franchised. Investment, trade and even the way we relate to each other in our living places are being shaped by patterns and pressures which are beyond our view. As we continue with the rapid expansion of our cities, long-term fault-lines are being built into […]
Read moreThe vast amount of water caught every day within our streets, car parks and footpaths is an unrecognised resource going to waste. In a country facing increasing pressure on its dwindling water resources, we should be recycling and harvesting these lost waters of our urban systems. In the town centre of Toowoomba we calculated once […]
Read moreDesigners: John Mongard, Landscape Architect/PoetSeth Remaut, Architecture GraduateBarbara Steiner, Landscape Architect/Environmental Artist Authors: Barbara Steiner, John Mongard Introduction Industrial landscapes are as much part of our cultural landscape as any highly aesthetic sculpture park, agricultural landscape or suburban agglomeration. Through the achievements of industry, science and technology, contemporary Western societies enjoy higher standards of living […]
Read moreJohn Mongard Landscape Architects planned and designed public spaces in the seaside town of Mooloolaba over a period of four years. The infamous ‘Loo With A View’ was the first built project in an 18 million dollar masterplan, and this work recently won a BDP Urban Design award and the RAPI National award for Urban […]
Read morePoetry The ritual and building of experiences in place is what creates poetry in the landscape. It sings in your memory, and if it is strong, you can visit that place your mind many years afterward. This type of layering happens when people enjoy a place. Public places have a significant role in being the […]
Read moreHow does landscape architecture create inclusive public spaces? How do the values of the non conformist and fringe dweller find their way into a design project? Should they? How does public space maintain itself as an open ended theatre where anyone can be a valid actor? Two Stories, Two Places. ‘Black Line / White Line’: […]
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