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Final major project: Architects research ( 3 architects)

 For this project I got inspired by three Architects who are Kunal Maniar, Carl Theodor Sorensen and Aldo Van Eyck

KUNAL MANIAR 

Kunal Maniar

Kunal Maniar  is one of the most famous landscape architects in India. He worked on many projects and always cares about nature but most importantly about water conservation. As my project focuses on the ecosystem and sustainability, Kunal Maniar is a great inspiration with his work and techniques. "Landscape architecture and mindful planning interventions applied at a large scale can help restore ecological balance in regions that have suffered ill-effects of exploitation by humans, and build resilience against anthropogenic climate change" ( Kunal Maniar, 2023). 


CARL THEODOR SORENSEN

Carl Theodor Sorensen is highly respected and admired in the field of landscape architecture. He is best known for creating the first adventure playground along with schoolteacher Hans Dragehjelm in Emdrup, Denmark, a district of Copenhagen in 1940.He was a visionary architect and landscape designer who was born in Denmark in 1893. His innovative work in creating eco-friendly playgrounds and landscapes has made a lasting impact on the world. Not only did he transform urban areas during his lifetime, but his unique style, which values nature greatly, still guides modern initiatives that aim to preserve the environment and engage communities.


Sorensen's biggest achievement is the creation of "wild" or natural playgrounds. Instead of regular play structures, these playgrounds have logs, rocks, and plants. They give children the opportunity to interact with nature in its purest form since they don't have the usual swings and slides. By immersing kids in these environments, Sorensen not only encouraged physical activity but also instilled a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world. His innovative designs stressed the importance of unstructured play and promoted a strong connection between children and their surroundings.


Sorensen has been my inspiration for this project because his research is incredibly significant for modern landscape playground designs. His method provides a guide for environmentally friendly and sustainable architecture, especially during a time when natural ecosystems are facing serious threats from urbanisation and climate change.


Sorensen's work is relevant to my project because it focus on eco-friendly designs, native plants, and sustainable materials which i am trying to achieve with my design. 


Carl Theodor Sorensen


Adventure Playground

Adventure playground 

After World War II, Carl Theodor Sorensen created a special adventure playground that provided young people with a safe and inspiring space. What made his playground unique was its eco-friendly design, using natural materials that were good for the environment. Unlike regular playgrounds with plastic and rubber, Sorensen's design used soil, water, and wood. This allowed children to connect with nature in its purest form, as they could climb on transformed tree logs, play on hills made of sand and soil, and enjoy ponds that seamlessly blended into the surroundings.


ALDO VAN EYCK 


Aldo van Eyck, who has died aged 80, was a complex and combative figure who wrestled harder than many architects of his generation to reconcile with his own discipline new ideas and adventures in fine art, science and anthropology ( the guardian, 1999)

Aldo Van Eyck believed that playgrounds should not only be places to relax, but also serve as hubs for socialising, learning, and creativity. Even before sustainability became trendy, he made sure to use eco-friendly materials and techniques in his designs. By incorporating natural elements like wood and stone, he aimed to create playgrounds that seamlessly fit into their surroundings and promoted a sense of ecological harmony in cities. 

Aldo Van Eyck said "A city that has no room for the child is a diabolical thing". He believed that children are incredibly important in cities, and he didn't just focus on playgrounds. He understood that childhood is a crucial stage of life that greatly influences individuals and communities. His unique approach to public spaces changed how we see them and highlighted the importance of creating communities that prioritise and support the growth of their youngest members. This has paved the way for a future where cities are inclusive, caring, and sustainable, putting children's needs first in both architecture and society.

Reference

- Smart landscaping can be an answer to climate change, wellness problems: Kunal Maniar explains how  (2023) Moneycontrol. Available at: https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/interiors/smart-landscaping-can-be-the-answer-to-climate-change-health-and-wellness-problems-kunal-maniar-explains-how-11297331.html (Accessed: 27 October 2023).

-(No date) Carl Theodor Sorensen. Available at: https://www.pgpedia.com/s/carl-theodor-sorensen (Accessed: 27 October 2023).

-Aldo van Eyck Obituary (1999) The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/news/1999/jan/28/guardianobituaries.jonathanglancey (Accessed: 28 October 2023).

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