WestEdge Wednesday Part 5 - Inspired by Nature: Exterior Spaces скачать в хорошем качестве

WestEdge Wednesday Part 5 - Inspired by Nature: Exterior Spaces

At its core, landscape design is a dialogue between nature and human intention. The WestEdge panel Inspired By Nature, moderated by Dustin Moore - Strata Landscape Architecture and featuring; Adam Kober - Kober Design Group, Michael McGowan - KZZ Design Group and Juan Camillo Ospina Londono, Hoffman Ospina and Sam Toole - The AZEK Company examined this conversation, highlighting how designers integrate both natural and man-made materials to create spaces that are visually compelling, environmentally responsible, and experientially rich. Panelists emphasized the practice of borrowing from the surrounding landscape — using colors, textures, and materials found nearby to create a cohesive extension of the natural environment into hardscape areas like patios, terraces, and courtyards. Material selection emerged as a central theme. Stone remains a cornerstone, celebrated for its beauty and tactile qualities, but designers are increasingly blending materials to meet modern demands. Concrete, metal, and glass mosaics offer versatility, while synthetic composites such as TimberTech provide longevity, low maintenance, and fire resistance. The panelists discussed the growing popularity of broken edges and irregular forms, reflecting a broader trend toward natural imperfection as a counterbalance to the precision of the digital age. Sustainability was explored not just in terms of materials but also lifecycle and maintenance. Artificial turf, for instance, offers consistent aesthetics and durability, ideal for high-traffic spaces like event lawns and residential yards, yet it raises questions about end-of-life recycling. Similarly, composites and recycled glass tiles provide eco-conscious alternatives without sacrificing performance or aesthetic appeal. The tension between client budgets, environmental responsibility, and functional requirements was evident throughout the discussion, illustrating the complex decision-making that defines contemporary landscape architecture. Beyond materials, the panel highlighted the multisensory nature of landscape design. Sight is often dominant, yet sound, smell, and taste — such as water features, fragrant plants, and edible gardens — contribute to a holistic experience. Designers aim to evoke memory and emotion, with landscapes serving as a medium to transport users back to personal or cultural experiences. This interplay between sensory stimuli and psychological response underlines the unique power of landscape design to engage people on multiple levels simultaneously. The conversation also acknowledged the evolving realities of climate, fire, and insurance constraints. Designers are tasked with choosing materials that meet these rigorous standards while still achieving aesthetic and functional goals. Here, advances in material science have provided solutions that are both beautiful and safe, allowing designers to navigate this complex terrain with creativity and precision. Inspired By Nature offers a compelling look into the delicate balance of vision, practicality, and sustainability in contemporary landscape design. The panel underscored that whether through stone, composite decking, recycled glass, or artificial turf, the choices designers make resonate beyond the visual, shaping how humans interact with and experience outdoor spaces. About: Convo By Design is a platform designed to share and promote the ideas of those shaping design and architecture today. We provide inspiration to the design and architecture community. In constant pursuit of sublime design. ©2013-2026 Subscribe to the podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/c... https://www.convobydesign.com