Iterative Landscapes

Abstract

Landscape architecture is now far better equipped technically than ever before to respond to the new challenges posed by the design and spatial modeling of large-scale territorial topologies. Advanced 3D design tools in computer visualization, modeling and simulation have been considerably improved over the past few years, allowing young designers to develop design visualizations and models directly within 3D environments. Some schools of landscape architecture, which are integrated in larger colleges of design and architecture, have had the opportunity to train young students in this particular area of “spatial information.” The Design Lab at the Institute of Landscape Architecture, part of the Department of Architecture at the ETH (Eidgenoessische Technische Hochschule) in Zurich, has chosen to organize large-scale landscape studios in coordination with the Rapid Architectural Prototyping Laboratory of the Department of Architecture. Students have been able to construct and visualize 3D landscape topographies and also to mill the physical models of their projects with GIS coordinates through Computer Numerically Controlled technology. Each student project in this article shows how a distinct topological approach can respond back and forth to an iterative process in design. Through this method, we see that site-specific characteristics can be modulated and enhanced while dealing with a range of dynamic issues on large territories. Within the studio process, there is a continual interchange between sketches, hand-made study models in sand and computer models, which in turn help generate both sectional and plan developments.