LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Landscape Architecture Studio Exterior Design Charette

During the 2019/2020 academic year, landscape architecture students from all years were invited to
brainstorm on ideas for the exterior landscape of the new design studio at 20 Rock Garden Road,
across from the Rock Garden on Dalhousie University’s Agricultural Campus in Truro, NS. This was a
student-led process with support by faculty Dr. Rick leBrasseur and Sarah Osborne.

Multiple charettes or intense, collaborative design sessions occurred.

The first exercise asked what are the qualities and purpose of a landscape architecture studio - what
happens inside which can inspire what the outdoor space could be. Students produced the following:

create - learn - think - relax - share - collaborate - inspire

The student impressions of the current outdoor space included:

boring - lack of activities - outdated - simple

Asked what the future space should address:

sustainability - functional / safe access - interactive - student experience

Additionally, as construction funding required the design follow sustainable design and practices, they
were asked how should this exterior space contribute to campus sustainability:

low-footprint - recyclable - environmental friendly - biodiversity - green infrastructure

Students were then challenged to think about how design can bring together the two interrelated goals
for this space - how to make the exterior landscape architecture studio have both ecological function
and student function.

The space should express through design what landscape architecture can do.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FOR A CHANGING FUTURE
FOR A CHANGING FUTURE
 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Landscape Architecture Studio Exterior Design Charette

Looking at the ecological value of what the space can contribute:

green roof - bioswale - zero-runoff - native - filter water - plant community

Looking at the student and staff value of what the space can contribute:

aesthetic benefit - accessible - interactive - outdoor learning

Further creative brainstorming and ideation included:

outdoor classroom - create microclimate - outdoor cafe - edible garden

lunch area + seating - transition space - private space - hang out area

A student vote led to three distinct design concepts:

Eco-Studio
Sustainable Systems
Innovative Learning Environment
Students then surveyed the site and developed a base map to understand the physical and spatial
boundaries of the design, particularly noting the verticality of the building and its relationship to the
entry landscape and larger campus.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FOR A CHANGING FUTURE
 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - FORMS, PATTERNS & CHARACTER
Color : Hue, Value + Chroma
Texture + Surface Consistency
Shape, Arrangement + Proportion
Materiality: The Substance of Space
Articulation + Shadow
Context + Suitability

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FOR A CHANGING FUTURE
 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE - MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
Corten Steel
Recycled Plastic Lumber
Porous Pavers
Repurposed Wood
Gravel, Stone Chippings, Shells
Woodchips and Pine Bark

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FOR A CHANGING FUTURE