Open Lecture: Thamesmead Development Project

Dr Phil Askew is explaining the project at the WUC design studio.

Dr Phil Askew gave an inspirational talk about the Thamesmead Development Project, London to our undergraduate and postgraduate landscape architecture and garden design students at the WUC design studio. As the director of Landscape & Placemaking at Peabody, Phil is leading the landscape design and management for Thamesmead, London's New Town. In his talk Phil talked through the development history of the Thamesmead and its current situation, challenges and issues. 150 Ha in size, this project is one of the biggest landscape masterplanning projects in the UK and will transfer the landscape into a multi-functional living landscape which is ecologically and socio-economically sustainable new town.

Phil talked about the importance of Natural Capital in his presentation.

Students had the chance to see how green infrastructure development, natural capital assessment and project management concepts were applied into a large masterplanning project. As it is a new project, we all look forward to hearing the next stages of this very important landscape project for the region.

Garden Design students visit Beth Chatto Gardens

Colchicum “autumn crocus” is blooming under the trees in The Beth Chatto Gardens

On a sunny October day, MA Garden Design students and third year degree students went to The Beth Chatto Gardens to see the autumn plants and learn about the garden philosophy. We started with an introduction about the history of the gardens, special planting techniques, as well as workshops and courses that are happening in the gardens now. I was very impressed with the planting techniques and beauty of the Gravel Garden which was a car park previously.

 

One of the expert gardeners is explaining students the planting techniques

Dr Jill Raggett explained a variety of notable plants in autumn during our walk along the Water Garden and Woodland Garden. Colchicum which is an autumn crocus and Lunaria Biennis which has flat, round, silvery seed pods in autumn were two species that impressed me by their colour, texture and forms. The day was a success overall and the beauty of the garden inspired us for our coming studio projects.

 Lina Choi, MA garden Design student at WUC

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Art and Landscape Architecture&Garden Design Students view Public Art at the Folkestone Triennial

Folkstone Triennial in October

Blue skies, seaside, and the coastal town of Folkestone was a recent destination for students to experience the landscape as a setting for public art.  A truly interdisciplinary domain and experience, the careful and thoughtful placement of sculptural works revealed a sensitivity and critique of space and place for students of both art, landscape architecture and garden design programmes at Writtle University College.

Cast iron figure by Antony Gormley: Atmospheric art work embedded into the landscape

Selected works this year are by Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin , Bob and Roberta Smith amongst others.  Show concludes 5 November, but it's still a great place to visit.

 

See for further information: www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk/artists/2017/

Steve Terry, Senior Lecturer, Landscape Architecture&Garden Design at WUC