Page 19 - Landscape SA 100

LANDSCAPING FEATURE

A contemporary wishing well in Ballito, KZN, provides a fun This tower, a World Heritage Site, was designed around a sense
element in a retail environment of discovery, connecting tourists to nature

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF DESIGN

AS A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

As a landscape architect, I am reminded every day that what we do is unique and relevant,
and although aesthetics are a core outcome, I aim to do more than create beautiful,
functional spaces.

Text and photos supplied by
Bernice Rumble, Land Art Studio

t is important to realise how much design With this in mind, the psychology of Blue zones
is guided by ego, and although ego may designing became evident to me when
Icreate dramatic results or talking points, trying to understand human needs within Through research I found that there are ‘blue
it can often detract from what I believe a retirement development and a city park. zones’ around the world and depending on
is the essence of our profession, namely what you read, there are between five to
connecting people with nature and its What do humans need? Not want, but seven of these recognised zones where the
unique mysteries and wonder. We have need? What can make us happy? We live healthiest people live and centenerians are
the joy of balancing human needs with in a consumer world, fast paced, stressed, commonplace. The reasons for their longevity
nature. disconnected from community and seem weighted on the following common
nature, and always searching for answers. denominators as described by Dan Beuttner:

Landscape SA • Issue 100 2021 17