Page 17 - Landscape SA 102

FEATURE

John Drummond, John Drummond
Landscape Architects and Gina Switala, Sprout
Gillian Holl, Veld Architects Environmental Planners Karen Marais, The Ochre Office Landscapes

The landscape itself should dictate the the client may see as more critical to the in site planning. For retail projects, the
design approach, instead of being purely overall project. The client/developer and internal function and parking usually
responsive. The project team in its entirety the entire professional team should be dictate, but in commercial projects we
needs to acknowledge that the longevity made aware of the value of the LA at an can usually contribute more than just
of an investment can best be achieved early stage, so that a collaborative working designing green spaces.
by motivating for an integrated design relationship helps to achieve the desired
process from inception. vision of the project. JD: The type of project does play an
important role in determining landscape
JB: This is happening less and less. We SDP: It would definitely be beneficial for priorities. This is especially the case where
might not be the first consultant appointed the final outcome if the LA was involved at environmental approval and landscape
but we very seldom join the project late. the early stages. However often budgets controls lead the way and dictate the style
are constrained and clients aren’t aware and placement of architectural elements.
JD: The situation of a late call to “green of the value that LAs can add to a project Here the LA often plays the major role.
up” a project is a lot less common than from the get-go. Architects can therefore
was previously the case. Project teams play a role to change the situation by MK: Introducing the LA early on in the
nowadays are typically put together from discussing this with their clients early on in design process does not need to depend on
the outset of a project, particularly with the process. the type of project. The landscape design
larger ones. should be integrated in the design process
Does this depend on the type of as buildings cannot be seen in isolation to
MK: Landscape architects are trained to project e.g residential, retail or their surrounding environment.
assess the landscape to determine optimal commercial?
land usage and this needs to be done as one SN: In my experience, LAs are generally
of the first planning and design activities GS: It would seem that LAs are brought in engaged for high-end residential, retail
– even before the architects begin their sooner where the site is sensitive or has a and some commercial projects. The
design process. This information greatly strong environmental component. balance of the built environment sector
assists in siting the building for optimum generally takes on what is termed a ‘design
environmental considerations and climatic KM: In my experience, it has been the and supply’ approach.
comfort. I can remember years ago we norm to introduce the LA only once the
shifted the orientation of a parking area architectural design has been firmed to SDP: In most cases it is dependent on the
for a large corporate building in Waterfall a point of being construction ready, no client’s brief and budget, regardless of the
Park (originally designed by the architect matter the type of project. The architect type of project.
and engineer) to accommodate the slope will have set down a vision, broadly
of the land. This saved the developer over defining the way the landscape will impact What role can the client play in
70% of the cost for bulk earthworks. the project. We have been brought in early the process to ensure that the LA
in cases where the client in particular is brought in at the beginning
has had a greater understanding of the stages?
SN: The introduction of the LA at the whole, and can clearly visualise a fully
start of a project is critical to ensure a integrated, finished product. I have been GS: Many clients do not know what value
harmonious interface between the internal privileged to work with such clients on a LA can bring to a project and are often
and external space of a building. The all types of developments. Being involved guided by the architect to consult one.
absence of established landscaping makes from concept stage allows for the early
a huge difference in the way occupants planning of details for elements such as KM: Landscaping, if not viewed as hugely
and visitors experience and engage with roof gardens, green walls, courtyards, beneficial to the long-term success of a
a building. In the South African property water features, terraces etc – all aspects project, is seen as a ‘nice to have’ and hence
market, the inclusion of professional that impact structure and services. The introduced late in the project time line.
landscape architectural services and its drive for Green Star building accreditation
costs are often seen as a “nice to have” has definitely shifted the mindset of JB: Clients are very important in getting
when preparing the project budget. The developers who are eager to move towards the right team members appointed, but
LA’s fees and landscaping budgets are environmental sustainability. Introducing they often rely on the project manager to
often cut back or left out when project the LA early in the process is likely in such make the call.
feasibility does not meet with the desired cases and this is hugely encouraging.
yields of the client or property developer; JD: The client plays a key role in ensuring
also when there are budget overruns JB: In residential projects we are still that the project lives up to his/her
of other elements of the budget which appointed very late and can’t participate requirements and expectations. Client

Landscape SA • Issue 102 2021 15