Case studies of sustainable landscapes

CASE I
California Academy of Sciences San Francisco, California, U.S.A

 The California Academy of Sciences is the only museum in the world with LEED-Platinum certification. The 2.5-acre green roof includes nearly1.7 million native California plants, all of which require little or no irrigation. A 3,500-square foot observation deck creates an outdoor museum exhibit with scenic views of the green roof and Golden Gate Park. The deck can hold up to 200 people. The six-inch deep living roof helps reduce stormwater runoff by more than 90 percent. The green roof contains 62,000 photovoltaic cells that supply almost 213,000 kilowatt hours of clean energy per year, meeting about five percent of the new academy's needs

Founded in 1853, the California Academy of Sciences in the oldest natural history museum and scientific research center in the western United States. Located in San Franciscos Golden Gate Park since 1916, the academys original complex of buildings, shown here, were earthquake damaged and obsolete. The Academy envisioned a bold new building that would reinforce its mission to explore, explain, and protect the natural world.

 In September 2008, the museum opened its remarkable new facility on the site of the old complex. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the new building sets a bold model for how to integrate sustainable technologies and natural systems through innovative design while at the same time educating the public about green buildings.

 The museums unique exterior features an expansive 2.5-acre green roof. Landscape architects were instrumental in realizing the design teams concept of lifting up a piece of the park and putting a building under it. Sculptural mounds relate to the museums interior exhibits and echo the seven major hills of San Francisco.

 The living roofs 3,500 square-foot observation deck is one of the museums most popular exhibits. Here, patrons learn how the green roof reduces stormwater runoff by more than 90 percent, lowers energy needs for air conditioning, and doubles the life of the roof membrane.

 The living roof was planted with 1.7 million native California plants. By incorporating plants that are well-adapted to the local ecosystem, this landscape requires little irrigation and attracts numerous species of birds, butterflies, and insects. Dozens of round skylights dot the roof of the rain forest dome and allow natural light to filter through to the exhibits below.

 The museums central piazza lies beneath this massive glass ceiling. During summer, the roof opens to allow cool night air to flow into the building below. By using natural ventilation instead of air conditioning to regulate interior temperature, the building becomes more energy efficient.

 While less recognized, the museums entrance plaza and landscape form a second green roof on top of two levels of underground parking. With soil depths between 2 and 4 feet, this intensive green roof is deep enough to plant trees. By taking on the form and function of a public park, this green roof is more usable and pedestrian-friendly than a traditional parking lot roof deck.

 The new buildings small footprint creates 1.5-acres of new landscape space around the museum. Flexible outdoor rooms supply opportunities for sculpture, exhibits, cafes, receptions, and informal gatherings. A large building overhang and strategic planting design ensures that 30 percent of hard surfaces are shaded, helping to minimize urban heat islands.

PROJECT TYPE Urban Museum Park Green Roof Environmental Benefits Creates Habitat for Wildlife Ecologically Manages Stormwater Generates Renewable Energy Reduces Sites Carbon Footprint Reduces Urban Heat Reintroduces Native Plants

CASE II
The Red Ribbon, Tanghe River Park Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, China

 The Red Ribbon Tanghe River Park used to be a neglected community garbage dump. The parks Red Ribbon steel structure runs 500 meters along the riverbank and is lit from within at night. Alternative ideas considered by the city for the park included paving over vast areas with hard concrete and adding ornamental flower beds

 Much of the original site, located at the edge of a beach, was used as a garbage dump and included deserted slums and irrigation facilities. The site was unkempt and largely inaccessible, so mostly deserted.

 Yu Kongjians plan was to preserve as much of the natural river corridor as possible, promoting the lush, diverse natural vegetation as a key draw.

 Instead of paving over the riverfront with hard pavement and ornamental flower beds, the design uses a red ribbon steel structure stretching 500 meters along the riverbank. The idea was to provide access for jogging, fishing, and swimming with minimal intervention in the landscape.

 The Red Ribbon snakes along a boardwalk, providing walking access throughout the park. Many of the park visitors are former farmers and newly urbanized. The park provides helps maintains visitors environmental connection with rural China

 The Red Ribbon provides access for wildlife, with animal crossings built into the ribbon at different points.

 Native vegetation, including local wolf tail grass, is featured throughout the park. Plant species are grown strategically within the Red Ribbons steel structure.

 The site also educates. Each of the four pavilions is named after a local plant species.

 Bikers can use a previously inaccessible site, encouraging community buy-in. While urban, modern, and accessible, Red Ribbon Park highlights and preserves riverfronts natural ecological systems.

PROJECT TYPE Urban Park River Riverfront Environmental Benefits Cools Air Temperatures Creates Habitat for Wildlife Improves Walkability Provides Shade Removes Toxic Chemicals Restores Biodiversity

CASE III
Crosswaters Ecolodge Nankun Mountain Reserve, Guangdong Province, China

 Throughout China, rapid industrialization is causing millions of people to migrate from the countryside to cities like Guangzhou. As urban areas sprawl outward, new development consumes open land and critical natural resources. This pattern of development is causing widespread environmental devastation and social disruption that is jeopardizing Chinas long term future.

 The Nankun Mountain Reserve was created in 1984 in an effort to preserve 260square kilometers of native evergreen forest. Located within the reserve on a mountain above the Ganken River, Crosswaters Ecolodge was created as a sustainably-minded hotel and resort featuring 53 villas and suites

 The resort, which is the first ecotourism destination in China, respectfully leverages the natural beauty of the land to provide guests with engaging outdoor activities, delicious local food, and breathtaking scenery. Income from the resort helps fund forest conservation

 More than 5,000 native Keija people live within the reserve. During the planning process, landscape architects consulted the community to learn the history of the land and native culture. Local residents offered insight into the project proposal, shown above. The community planning process helped increase the communitys sense of ownership and appreciation for the new development

 Local Keija craftsman and artisans were employed in constructing nearly all aspects of the lodge, even complex structures like this bamboo bridge, which spans the Ganken River. Here, local workers were mentored by expert craftsman to learn new construction techniques. The community benefits as local craftsman gain new skills that can be applied on future projects.

Buildings, structures, and paving around the resort all incorporate local materials such as bamboo, clay tiles, marble, and river stones. The restaurant and lounge, shown here, feature bamboo flying buttresses that honor the traditional architecture of southeast China. Guests enjoy views from the open-sided restaurant while enjoying hearty local dishes, prepared with organic vegetables grown on site.

PROJECT TYPE Rural Botanic Garden River Trail Greenfield Environmental Benefits Preserves Native Plants Produces Food Recycles Materials Restores Biodiversity

CASE IV
HtO Park Toronto, Ontario, Canada

 Completed in June 2007, Park HtO is a six-acre public beach and gathering place located on Torontos Lake Ontario waterfront. Just a few years ago, this land was a polluted, industrial wasteland. Construction of the park involved remediation of a contaminated brownfield. A portion of the park extends over Lake Ontario to increase its usable area. As a result, the parks boardwalk sits 10 meters above the lake floor. The Parks green space is irrigated exclusively by lake water

 During the 1800s, Torontos waterfront was the site of intensive industrial development because its location provided convenient shipping access to Lake Ontario. As the city population grew, real estate values in the downtown area skyrocketed. Factories gradually relocated to cheaper land, leaving behind a graveyard of abandoned and polluted industrial buildings

 In addition, an elevated highway along the waterfront created a physical barrier between the lake and Torontos commercial center, limiting access. The waterfronts isolated location detered business development and economic investment. As a result, potentially valuable real estate was squandered.

 To reclaim its waterfront and clean up the contaminated industrial land, city of Toronto officials decided to create HtO Park. Completed in the summer of 2007, this unique urban public space offers a sand beach, grass-covered green space amid paved pathways, and a planked boardwalk along the waterfront.

 The entire site was capped with a thick layer of clean dirt, leaving the contaminated soils undisturbed beneath. This method of remediation used for HtO Park creates a sub-terrain that is suitable for park use and helps eliminate public health risks.

The lush green grass and trees are irrigated with lake water rather than drinkable city water. This water conservation strategy saves the city thousands of dollars each year in avoided water treatment costs. The parks interconnected paths are made of porous materials, allowing rainwater to infiltrate the soil beneath. This effective storm water management technique helps alleviate the problems associated with rapid runoff, such as water pollution and flooding.

 To help restore the damaged lake ecosystem, the park supports new fish habitats along the waters edge and throughout the inlet. Reefs made from salvaged concrete provide an inexpensive, yet effective way to accomplish this goal

 During the summer, people flock to HtOs beach for the rare opportunity to sunbathe in an urban setting. By attracting people back to the waterfront, Park HtO functions as an economic development catalyst that has helped spark the revitalization of surrounding areas.

 Even during the cold winter months, the park attracts people seeking escape from busy downtown Toronto. By creating a space that is seasonally adaptive, HtO Park has attracted a steady stream of local citizens and tourists to the waterfront year round.

PROJECT TYPE Urban Park Waterfront Beach Brownfield Environmental Benefits Creates Habitat for Wildlife Ecologically Manages Storm water Restores Soils Salvages Materials

CASE V
Viet Village Urban Farm New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.

 Before the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, there were over 30 acres of community-farmed land growing traditional Vietnamese fruits and vegetables. The new farm will use sustainable irrigation techniques that require little or no electricity to pump and filter water used in the fields. Locally-grown organic crops will be sold in a new on-site farmers market that will accommodate the estimated 3,000 Saturday shoppers who used to buy foods before Hurricane Katrina hit.

 Viet Village Urban Farm is an urban farming project located in New Orleans East, an area hard hit by Hurricane Katrina. The location is in the northeast corner of the city

 The new 28-acre farm will sit in the middle of a dense urban environment, continuing a tradition of urban farming that Vietnamese immigrants started there in the 1970s to grow fruits and vegetables not available locally.

 Before the devastation of Katrina, there were over 30 acres being farmed throughout the community. There was also a well-established tradition of informal markets in the community, developed as an outlet to sell produce local growers did not consume. The new plan centralizes the farming and market

 The first phase of the project includes the establishment of farm plots and a central reservoir to sustainably irrigate the fields. The plans will eventually incorporate solar and/or wind power to provide energy to the farm and market.

 A cross-section shows the farm plots, paths and sustainable irrigation system. Water is pumped to the fields from a centralized reservoir via a windmill and water tower system powered by electrical pumps. The water then flows into a bioswale a system designed to naturally filter the water through soil and plants as it heads back towards the reservoir for reuse.

 Eventually the organically grown crops will be sold at a new farmers market (seen in the background), accommodating an estimated 3,000 shoppers each Saturday.

CASE VI
The Crack Garden San Francisco, California, U.S.A.

 The project only cost $500 and was installed by the homeowners by simply jack-hammering new cracks into an existing concrete slab. The garden uses various flowers, herbs, vegetable and even aesthetically-pleasing rogue weeds. Many plants were chosen for their ability to tolerate foot traffic, allowing wide use of the space despite the removal of concrete.

PROJECT TYPE Urban Yard Housing Community Garden Environmental Benefits Captures Water Cools Air Temperature Creates Habitat for Wildlife Creates Urban Farm Prevents Soil Erosion Reduces Urban Heat Restores Soils Sequesters Carbon

 The Crack Garden took a giant concrete slab that served as a central gathering area and created a series of cracks filled with different plants. The project reinvigorates the area by creating permeable space for plants to grow.

 The original site was simply an area of poured concrete that retained excess heat in the summer and increased water runoff to the surrounding area.

 The homeowners took a jackhammer to the concrete, creating cracks that serve as a place for future plantings

 The finished cracks extended all the way to the dirt below, turning an impermeable slab into permeable space.

 The result is a garden full of herbs, vegetables, flowers. Even rogue weeds have been kept for their aesthetic value

 The cracks turn a barren, lifeless space into one that provides food for homeowners and a pleasant space for relaxing. From certain vantage points the lines of plantings stack up to present a more densely planted experience.

 Even though the cracks reduce the amount of open space, the resulting environment leaves plenty of room for playing and socializing.

The Seven Principles of Xeriscaping

Water Wise Landscaping For a Desert Region

Why Xeriscape?
As much as 70% of household water use

occurs in the landscape.

Easier to maintain.

Thrives in our

desert climate.
Provides habitat for

native wildlife.
Does not detract from

the beauty of the desert.

Xeriscape is

Rooted in the Greek word Xeros, which means dry. A concept of 7 water conserving landscaping principles that may be applied to a variety of landscape styles: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Planning and design Wise choice of plants Appropriate use of turf Soil preparation Use of mulch Efficient irrigation Proper maintenance

1. Planning & Design

A good landscape begins with a good design! Some factors to consider when planning your landscape:
Function - what will you do in your landscape? flower or butterfly garden barbecue play area for children or pets strolling path Hydrozones - landscapes should be divided into zones where plants are grouped according to their watering needs.

Desired maintenance level - are pulling weeds and pruning your idea of a good time? Or do you prefer relaxing in your garden to working in it?

2. Wise Choice of Plants

Go native! Native plants

thrive naturally with little water, work or maintenance. provide much needed habitat to native wildlife that are rapidly losing ground to growth and development. provide families with opportunity to explore their own backyards, watching and learning about desert wildlife. provide colorful blooms.

Use low water use, desert friendly plants.

A wide variety of low water use plants, both native and non native, are available to populate your landscape with. Do you want blooms? Foliage? Interesting forms? Shade trees? Slow or fast growth?

3. Appropriate Use of Turf

Pet grass spot

Turf landscapes require three times the amount of water that desert-friendly landscapes use.
Apply turf only to areas where it will be used, such as play areas for children and pets. Use only low water use grasses.

Design turf areas to conform to sprinkler sprays.

Water efficient front yard and childrens play area back yard

4. Soil Preparation

Compost may be added to provide nutrients and increase water absorption and retention. Soil preparation may be different for different hydrozones. Native plants and plants imported from similar desert areas usually require little soil preparation, since they grow naturally in the desert.

Adding organic material to sandy soil helps retain water and nutrients.
Photo credit: Southern Nevada Water Agency, from the Water Smart Landscapes booklet available at www.snwa.com

5. Use of Mulch

Mulches may be made up of a variety of materials such as bark, decorative rock, gravel and even plant clippings. Mulch helps to

reduce evaporation moderate soil temperature prevent erosion control weeds, and add to landscape dcor

6. Efficient Irrigation

A variety of irrigation methods may be used in a landscape:

sprinkler drip system bubbler soaker hoses

Use an irrigation timer with independent zone programming capability.

Adjust sprinklers according to seasonal and local weather conditions.

Regularly adjust and maintain your irrigation system.

7. Proper Maintenance

Check irrigation equipment frequently for leaks, clogged emitters or broken sprinkler heads.
Adjust irrigation system as needed. Refresh mulch areas as needed. Prune as needed.

Avoid using fertilizers and pesticides. Remember that what you put on the ground ends up in our drinking water supply!

Beautiful Desert Plants & Landscapes

Great use of mulch and decorative rock!

Beautiful Desert Plants & Landscapes

Look at the size of those flowers!

Desert flora and rock does not mean barren. Xeriscaping is NOT zeroscaping.

Beautiful Desert Plants & Landscapes

Enjoy a little bit of the wild look

Beautiful Desert Plants & Landscapes

while you attract birds, bees and butterflies!

Beautiful Desert Plants & Landscapes

Would you like some shade and sweet fragrance?

Colorful blooms and interesting forms frame these lovely mountian views!

Beautiful Desert Plants & Landscapes