LandmArch. selected for oral presentation at the IFLA World Congress 2023, Stockholm
At LandmArch. landscape architecture. we are deeply honoured to take part in the oral scientific presentations, to be held at the IFLA...
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[making places*]
FULL-LENGHT PAPER: https://www.academia.edu/99080166/_Social_Sustainability_as_a_tool_towards_Sustainable_Urban_Development_
AUDIO STREAMING:
* "A PUBLIC SPACE refers to an area or place that is open and accessible to all peoples, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, or socio-economic level".- United Nations Definition
WHO WE ARE
"To sense (sentir) is to have qualities"
M. Merleau-Ponty
LandmArch. is an award-winning, creative, research and educational practice for landscape architecture, urban planning and architecture, based in Athens, Greece and Stockholm, Sweden. We hold a professional engineering license
(Classification B-Category 7), by the Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, for municipal projects of OPEN PUBLIC SPACES.
Our goal is clear. Design Sustainable and Social Cohesive Societies IN HUMAN SCALE! We focus therefore on the importance of SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY by means of social inclusion, site-specificity, safety, social interaction, environmental protection, enhancement of the biodiversity, accessibility, walkability and circular economy.
"I believe that public space should be intentional: it should be obvious that you belong" - Janet Echelman
We have succeeded in being among international researchers, to give a lecture on 'Social Sustainability as a tool towards Sustainable Urban Development', at the IFLA World Congress 2023, the world's largest event for professionals in landscape architecture and urban planning. The same project has been also selected for presentation at the Conference “LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE +20. Education, Research and Practice”, 2-4 November 2023, in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Focusing on the important role of creative and digital placemaking, the SDGs of Agenda 2030, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the cultural and design goals of the New European Bauhaus Initiative, we aim to play a leading role in urban, peri urban and rural planning, in Greece and abroad.
WHAT WE DO
In LandmArch. WE DESIGN PLACES FOR PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PROJECTS, no matter the scale, and we do it with responsibility towards the client, the environment and society. We support Placemaking processes and we believe that a good design can provide spiritual, social, leisure and psychological well-being leading to life satisfaction. But most of all...
WE DARE TO CARE AND HAVE FUN!!!!
THE ARTS
Embracing the use of Arts and contemporary technology, we aim to reveal a new, interactive and creative relationship between people and their environment, taking always into consideration the importance of the “genius loci". We explore every possible new means of communication through them in order to perform different ways of human perception and narration towards our surrounding world, both physical and conceptual.
... and now something you may not know...
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE IS A FORM OF ACTIVISM!
THE FOUNDER
Xenia Mastoraki: Architect & Landscape Architect
Graduate Architect (N.T.U.A.) and Landscape Architect (University of East London) has taken part in many International Conventions and Competitions, winning international mentions in subjects focused on Tourism, Sustainability, Design, Walk-ability, Art, Accessibility and New Technologies. Her work has been hosted and published by International platforms worldwide. Xenia has shadowed work as part of experience in the UK based landscape practice craft:pegg, which is now a fellow practice to LandmArch. and from 2018 to 2020 she has been a Senior Landscape Architect for the International leading engineering, design and consultancy company Ramboll in Stockholm, Sweden. She shares knowledge on landscape architecture, urban planning and sustainability through articles, publications and lectures in architectural magazines, educational Institutions and National and International Conventions. Through her firm LandmArch. she provides consultancy services for architecture and landscape architecture projects worldwide.
THE PARTNER
Vasilis Ingvar Raptis: Architect & Urban Planner
Graduate Architect from the National Technical University of Athens, Vasilis is mainly focused on Urban and Regional Planning, leading him to further exploration on the field through his Master Degree on Urbanism Studies by KTH Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm. He has been working as an urban planner, landscape architect and BIM expert for international architectural studios in Stockholm, since 2016.
THE TEAM
Our team in Athens includes lighting designers, industrial designers, irrigation planners, gardeners, environmentalists and horticulturists with high experience in implemented projects.
THE CLIENTS
L'OREAL HELLAS
ELERGO S.A.
Municipality of Korinthos
Municipality of South Kinouria
Municipality of Pafos
Municipality of Arta
Municipality of Nemea
Private clientele
HONORS
IFLA World Congress 2023. Oral presentation of accepted scientific paper, Stockholm, 2023
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE +20. Education, Research and Practice”, Conference, Thessaloniki, Greece, 2023
BigSEE 2019. Interior Design & Tourism Award, 2019
Tourism Awards 2016. SILVER Award for Architecture, Athens, 2016
Le:Notre Landscape Forum 2016. Landscape: from Natural to Cultural, Qualified participatory project, Pafos, Cyprus, 2016
EXPO "Agritecture & Landscape Awards". Qualified participatory project, Italy, 2015
Walk21 "Vienna Stepping ahead". Qualified participatory project, Vienna, Austria, 2015
Agro Al Ain International Exhibition for Agriculture & Landscaping. Qualified participatory project, United Arab Emirates, 2014
8th European Landscape Biennial. Qualified participatory project, Barcelona, Spain, 2014
MEMBERSHIPS
We are proud members of PHALA (Panhellenic Association of Landscape Architects, IFLA), AIAPP (Associazione Italiana Architettura Del Paesaggio, IFLA), Urban Landscape Institute (ULI), LE:NOTRE and SADAS-PEA (UIA).
OUR ADVOCATES
Projects
Private outdoor areas for a residential project, Livadi, Greece
Projects
Landscape architecture **** Star Hotel Complex, Sampatiki, Greece
2022
Under construction project
LandmArch. has been chosen to participate in the holistic design of the outdoor areas for the new **** Star Hotel in Sampatiki, Greece. Consisting of 11 separate suites, spas, an infinity pool and a spectacular view towards Myrtoan Gulf and the beautiful port of Sampatiki, this new destination is one of the game changers, regarding hospitality, in the region.
LandmArch. has been in charge for analysing, designing and consulting the implementation process of an approximate 2000m² of landscape areas. Working with both HARD- and SOFTSCAPE our main goal has been to highlight the genius loci, pointing out the main entrances, stand and viewpoints, open-air activities zones and waiting rooms.
All necessary actions have been taken, in order to determine the appropriate TOPOGRAPHY for the best possible facilitation of motor and pedestrians' movements, including people with disabilities. Geocell slope protection systems have been chosen in order to provide excellent protection for slopes against erosion through their designed expandable, strong, and cellular structures. In the hardscape the extensive use of permeable pavement, such as loose crushed stone, gravel and grass paving, together with elaborated local stone, cast pebble flooring or terrazzo and stabilized aggregate provide results that are durable, natural looking that require low maintenance, combining practicality, safety, weather resistance and non-slippery properties.
All in all they add to a welcoming and warm atmosphere with sustainable qualities. In the softscape study, special emphasis has been given to the selection of native plants, in order to better integrate themselves into the local ecosystem for both aesthetic and functional reasons, such as pollination, easier supply, behavior of plants in the local subsoil, water consumption for irrigation, maintenance and replacement.
Site specific regeneration of Patras seafront based on Agenda 2030, Greece
Placemaking in contemporary urban design
Site specific regeneration of Patras seafront based on Agenda 2030, Greece
2020
National Competition
The project aims in having a broader impact in the local urban design, by promoting the application of participatory design and placemaking processes. Furthermore, its aim is to provide follow-up design solutions which are based on the main principles of Agenda 2030.
In other words, the goal is to cultivate a mindset where all stakeholders involved in the area’s urban development work together as a team. In that way, it will be possible to recover from the dysfunctional decision-making practices of the past and their negative impact into public space.
The design proposal for the seafront of Patras is based on environmental, social, economic, technical and aesthetic criteria, in order to express a case-by-case thesis through site-specific strategies. Finally, through the collaborative and creative process of placemaking, the emotional connections between residents and public space, as well as all provisions for its future maintenance and management, will be established.
The “Three Mills Green Lido Park”, UK
Homogenous Culture and Diverse Population - The “Three Mills Green Lido Park”, UK
2020
Research Project
Globalisation and the advancement of transportation system and connectivity render our cities' population to be more diverse in ethnicity, religion, nationality, ability and thinking. As urban spaces are usually public in nature, how could the planning and implementation of our urban spaces cater to these diverse demands, needs and preferences from various group of population and how can we avoid conflicts among those various groups? How do we plan for more diversity, rather than homogenous solution due to rural-urban migration? How do we ensure the resilience of our heritage and culture?
Three Mills Green Lido Park is situated in East London between Canning Town, Bromley-by-Bow and WestHam, and has been selected as a meeting and relief point between these three neighborhoods, which are characterized by a multicultural population.
In order, for our team, to provide this diverse population with facilities that could uplift their quality of life and a sense of belonging, we had to prioritize their human needs into the design process. Social behavior and social sustainability flourish by inclusive, participatory design processes that promote not only accessibility, but also socialization and safety.
Through high design proposals and biodiversity maintenance the park satisfies people’s aesthetic needs, consistent with their perceptual sensibilities and expectations. Located where it is easily accessible to all and where it can be seen by potential users, it satisfies people’s desire for places of richness and complexity, while at the same time it provides for security through lighting, surveillance, visual sequence conditions, and a clear character for entry and boundary limits. The site analysis includes an adequacy of the circulation system to serve the anticipated site development and followed emergency and service vehicle access requirements.
The park’s final aim is to provide options for individuals or groups to become attached to the place and care for it through involvement in design, construction or maintenance; by use for special events; or by temporarily claiming personal spaces within the area.
ZEN MINIMAL LUXURY HOUSING, Greece
ZEN MINIMAL LUXURY HOUSING, Greece
2019
Delivered Project
Athens-based studio LandmArch. Architecture introduces a new hotel typology, entitled ‘ZEN MINIMAL LUXURY HOUSING’. Through this smart housing complex project and its conceptual balance between architecture, nature, mind and spirit, they bring into life the meaning of “Zen”, that of being in a total state of focus incorporating a total togetherness of body and mind, thus to say, feeling peaceful and relaxed.
While the previous situation of the hotel was characterized by a 120m² multi-cabin structure of a total twelve, separated rooms, the new design promotes functionality, privacy and comfort, achieved by creating three completely individual apartments, placed strategically to generate natural lighting and ventilation, turning it into a property destination noted for its flawless architecture and its immediate relationship with the picturesque, surrounding landscape.
Materials, scale and lighting vary from area to area. The main background color is white, both on the brick walls and the pavement, the last one made by epoxy resin. This creates a relaxing atmosphere which is strengthen by the wide openings, which bring in the natural Mediterranean sunlight and emphasize the surrounding nature towards Mirtoon Pelagos and Mount Parnonas.
PEDA West Attica Headquarters, Greece
PEDA West Attica Headquarters, Greece
2018
National Competition
The aim of the proposal is the design of a contemporary, functional and bio climatic public building which accommodates the Region of West Attica Headquarters, in Elefsina. The new complex upgrades the urban landscape of the area while reflecting its multi dimensional history.
The lack of open, green spaces in the surrounding area, dictates the need to introduce a new, high quality open public space which will be accessible to all the residents. The project aims to achieve the highest possible autonomy in terms of energy consumption. With the addition of the green roof, Building - Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) on the south facade of the building and various other techniques the bio climatic performance of the building is secured. The use of semi transparent materials between the working spaces provides abundant light and sufficient ventilation for the interior spaces.
The Loumaki Park, Greece
The Loumaki Park, Greece
2018
National Competition
The purpose of this proposal is to create a new green area in Karditsa, so that it will become the new landmark destination for both residents and visitors. The connectivity of the park to the urban fabric that respects everybody, prioritizing the pedestrians, the cyclists and people with disabilities, is another basic element of the design, together with the use of materials and construction methods which are easily achievable and ensure the best energy efficiency, as well as the minimum need for their maintenance.
The basic architectural gesture of the park's design is the maintenance and highlight of the existing natural aquatic element, its stream. In times of intense rainfall it serves to store water for the irrigation of the park’s green areas, and especially areas of increased needs, such as the social vegetable garden. Along the bank of the stream there will be organized areas of relaxation and activities.
L’Oréal Hellas Logistics Outdoor Areas, Greece
L’Oréal Hellas Logistics Outdoor Areas, Greece
2017
Delivered Project
In LandmArch. we are excited to have been trusted by L’Oréal Hellas S.A. to proceed to the restoration of the outdoor areas of their Logistics' center. The main request of the client has been to re-evaluate the existing planting condition and re-propose a new one, in order to maintain a friendly, "green" environment for their personnel, while at the same time reduce more than 60% the annual costs of water needs. Therefore, our practice proposed local flora in order to use natural sources for a low cost water management.
Digital Placemaking
Digital placemaking "Reality²", Greece
2016
Proposal Project at the Culture Department of Greece
The restoration of past landscapes can be achieved by using as a medium contemporary technologies, such as the use of three-dimensional holograms.
This three-dimensional technology, as a volume-image, will correspond to the initial state of the monuments, which has been split up by the passing of time, so that the visitor will be able to move between a semi natural - semi dreamy landscape, where the boundaries of both material and immaterial world will correlate.
The idea of this new interactive relationship between people and the landscape, in real time and space, is something extremely innovative regarding the new perception of the world, which is under constant change and redefinition, as technological evolution moves constantly on and on.
China
“Wujiang East Lake Tai Ecological Tourism Resort”, China
2015
International Competition
Wujiang East Lake Tai Ecological Tourism Resort is planned to become a future landmark in the southeast of Jiangsu Province, that will host almost 500,000 visitors annually, becoming the Most Ecological Charm in Lakeside of Lake Tai.
Beach and shoreface nourishment, plus the creation of green "sponges" has been one of our priorities, since they can assure a long-term coastal stability and a high quality coastal environment.
Native plants will attract new flora and fauna to the area, providing them with shelter, food, and breeding grounds. Increasing biodiversity would support a number of natural ecosystem processes and services like air quality, climate control, water purification, pollination, and aesthetic appeal. Parameters such as walkability, functionality, leisure and carefree outdoor activities and interactive participation will play a crucial role to enrich local tourism industry.
Arta
Modular Shading System for Municipality of Arta, Greece
2015
Commissioned Project
This site specific project appeared as a design solution for the complete aesthetical and functional makeover of the two most populated public squares of the city.
The aim of this study is to replace the above constructions, which are, now, installed by shopkeepers in cooperation with the competent bodies, with new ones, in order to provide an holistic, sustainable solution and a clear identity to this specific location.
The proposal will add architectural value to the squares, offering at the same time, comfort, a friendly environment, safety and a sustainable solution, so that it can fit harmoniously into the existing landscape, serving the needs of the general improvement of its surroundings.
Our proposal specifies in detail a particular hexagonal-shaped model, covering a total area of about 10.50 sq.m., which less or more copy the vertical shade area of the existing trees of the square. The hexagonal shape is based on motifs of Byzantine architecture, which is present everywhere you look around the historical town of Arta.
Moreover, this form serves a possible organic expansion or removal of these shades, in case future changes occur on the surface allowed by the municipality to the tenants. All this may happen without reducing their aesthetic value, both individually and as a whole, which has been one of our main purposes from the very beginning.
Finally, this modular-hexagonal form of the shades, plus the specific area covered by them, is facilitating a clear and smooth integration of the existing trees into the overall organic sinthesis, creating a new, harmonic landscape, dialoging with the existing one.
Snails Parde
Snails Parade Athens, Greece
2015
Urban Installation
In Athens, a great parade, much different from the others, has taken place, as an initiative of LandmArch., in collaboration with the children from the pottery workshop of the Greek Blinds' Lighthouse. One of the first, if not the first, urban installation created by an architecture firm in Greece, in order to promote a public dialogue on public art and the coexistence among people and the urban fauna of Athens.
Fuchsia snails, a proper and unique artwork of baked clay, that carry unique messages each one of them, have filled the streets of the greek capital, in order to declare that their presence is nothing but friendly, since their intention is to sensitize people over their coexistence with all kinds of urban fauna.
New World Training Ground, Greece
2015
Delivered Project
The first authorized parkour training Ground in Athens, Greece, architectonically, this project has been of great interest as it was both challenging and innovatory. An area of two stages of approximately 100 and 50 square meters each, were attentively designed to provide a playful environment, following all necessary safety regulations, relevant to the specific sport. Metal structures, wooden obstacles, suspension ropes, tires, wear and tear on the walls emit a roughness that is balanced by the use of vivid colors on the walls and the beautiful graffiti at the very entrance.
Strategic choice of color plays a supportive role in the use of space since it is responsible for both conscious and subconscious stimuli and emotions. Because colors are among the strongest pieces of non-verbal communication, they convey, directly, concepts and messages of utmost importance in creating the psychological mood that supports the function of a space.
Rebranding Nemea, Greece
2015
Commissioned Project, Awarded Project at "Tourism Awards" 2016
This project concerns the modernization of Nemea's basic urban structure which will play a crucial role to the connection of the city with the new Wine Museum. The relationship of the city with its ancient history and mythology, plus the famous PDO wine production "NEMEA AGIORGITIKO" are the basic lines to lead the re-branding concept of the city, in order to turn it into a new wine destination of high quality.
An innovative project, leading the promotion of permeable concrete and rain gardens in the greek market, our goal has been to promote Blue-Green Infrastructures and Nature Based Solutions at a very early stage, in order to eliminate untreated stormwater, creating zero runoff, directly recharge groundwater, reduce surface temperatures and eliminate the need for expensive collection and detention systems.
Jewellery boutique and gem store in Athens, Greece
2014
Commissioned Project
This project is site specific, and aims to provide a unique and luxury shelter to a rare gem collection which decorates unique pieces of jewels. Therefore, LandmArch. Architecture focuses on minimalism, eclecticism, materials of high quality and clean, polygonal lines in order to set focus on the rare treasures which is hosted in this exhibition hall.
This gem gallery offers comfort and uplifts the senses. Since it is not a common jewelry shop, its main purpose is to exhibit its art pieces in a very precise way. Its minimal architectural and lighting design supports this idea, since it is used as a neutral scenery in order for the clients to focus on the two main show cases.
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