Interview about Meeting Axis Deers Pocket Park, winner of the A' Landscape Planning and Garden Design Award 2024
This project aims to reshape the site's environmental impression, respecting local topography, meeting societal needs, and creating a low-carbon garden that integrates with nature. Focused on native low-altitude Taiwanese plants, the design reflects flatland terrain, with local wildflowers and grasses enhancing the scenery and fragrance. Surrounding grasslands exhibit unique ecosystems akin to low-altitude mountain forests, featuring a "Fern Garden" beneath trees, highlighting Taiwan's diverse fern kingdom ecology.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsTrees and plants have a significant impact on carbon sequestration in the environment. To enhance the carbon storage capacity of the site, we adopted a multi-layered ecological planting strategy, increasing the density and diversity of vegetation to improve carbon sequestration efficiency. During the design process, we specifically incorporated forest-like landscapes around the buildings and reserved large green spaces to simulate the effects of urban reforestation. In the future, a single open space can achieve carbon sequestration comparable to that of an urban park.
The site is located on Haluton, surrounded by abundant natural resources in the nearby mountains and forests. However, these resources have long been overlooked due to population growth and urban development, leading to extensive deforestation and near-total loss. Using landscape techniques to restore greenery and reconnect the original ecosystem will improve the city’s natural environment as a whole and restore ecological diversity. We selected perennial edible wildflowers, shrubs, and trees from local native plants, carefully considering their adaptability and sunlight requirements for replanting. The focus is on herbaceous plants to meet the dietary needs of the deer that once inhabited this area.
Zoning is based on the sunlight requirements of plants, grouping those with similar characteristics into clusters. For instance, drought-tolerant and flowering plants are arranged in full-sun areas, creating an open landscape resembling a prairie, while shade-tolerant ferns and trees are planted in low-sunlight areas to evoke a forest ambiance. In terms of pathways, interconnected routes guide visitors through each zone, presenting a cohesive landscape narrative. This design transitions from the open prairie to the tranquil forest, offering a multi-layered visual and psychological experience.
During the initial planning phase, we assessed the basic irrigation needs of the site’s vegetation and designed a rainwater harvesting system. This system collects runoff from buildings and the ground, storing summer stormwater in underground reservoirs for use during the dry winter season. This approach not only reduces the use of municipal water but also lowers the carbon emissions associated with irrigation, achieving efficient resource recycling.
The natural undulations of the terrain were reshaped to create gentle-sloped pathways, leaving ample grassy areas to accommodate the needs of emergency fire access and rescue operations. In potentially critical rescue zones, no structures or facilities obstruct pedestrian or vehicular movement. Additionally, pathways were designed in alignment with seasonal wind directions to prevent the accumulation of harmful gases. These design strategies not only fulfill safety and health-related functional requirements but also integrate aesthetic landscape elements, enhancing the overall environmental quality.
Experiments have proven that extensive greenery, with its shading effect, can effectively reduce the surrounding temperature by 2°C to 4°C. To achieve this, we adopted vertical and multi-layered greening methods, which not only decrease surface heat accumulation but also improve air quality. These measures are cost-effective and efficient solutions for mitigating urban heat island effects while enhancing the living environment of the community.
For the long-term sustainability of the natural environment, incorporating edible plants into small parks will attract wildlife to approach and inhabit the area. This is one of the most effective methods for restoring ecological balance.
The gravel recovered during site preparation was used on-site, stacked in natural curves to mimic the early natural terrain variations and the agricultural landscapes of the area. At the same time, this approach preserves and continues the traditional craft of gravel stacking, a technique rich in local cultural heritage.
Bringing a new lifestyle to the surrounding community, this nature-friendly pocket park has become an ideal place for nearby residents to interact and engage in activities. Furthermore, the garden enhances community cohesion by creating social spaces, laying an important foundation for a sustainable future. In addition, the large-scale green space restoration attracts urban wildlife for habitation, activity, and foraging, establishing the essential conditions for ecological sustainability.
We hope to use small-scale initiatives to promote and drive an increase in greenery coverage and vegetation density across the entire city. Our vision is for Taiwan to become a green island in the future, creating a harmonious environment where humans and nature coexist. This effort aims to leave a healthy and sustainable planet for the next generation.
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