Simons Architects’ Post

CO2 and Mass Timber A healthy forest is a complex ecosystem that includes the biodiversity of the soil, plantlife and various critters that live in, under and on soil and plants. Our white paper explores how mass timber, procured responsibly or reused, is a powerful step towards sustainable architecture. #masstimber #bioarchitecture #greendesign #climateresponsive #sustainability #carbonemissions #ecology #organicarchitecture #livingbuildings #woodconstruction #cltdesign #mha

As Earth Day nears, we're revisiting conversations with our practitioners who combine expertise in both ecology and landscape architecture. How do they bring ecology into design decision-making? 🌍 Kelly Farrell observes that most of her projects with a strong ecological narrative were developed in response to an underlying interest by the client. “In my experience, usually ecology has been articulated as an explicit interest of the client from the beginning on the projects where it features strongly. When it is not, we work with clients and describe the benefits of ecological solutions." This may mean educating the design team about the benefits of integrating stormwater features or informing planting design with nearby template habitats. These ideas then trickle into the design options shown to the client. "If we can make the most appealing designs also be the ones that incorporate ecological considerations, it’s a win for everyone.” (From an article by Allyson Mendenhall, FASLA first published in Landscape Journal) https://lnkd.in/ew9ZQM7M

🌳 Landscape architects, be selective and filter through your project data, share only those that bring value to your collaborator. 🏞 This article discusses the common challenges you might experience when working with ecologists and offers some helpful tips to optimise your digital workflows. 🎯 https://lnkd.in/ejnFjYYS #landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #vectorworks #ecology #qgis #bng #digitalworkflow #landscape

Healthy tips for better collaboration between ecologists and landscape architects.

"Planning applications have become significantly more complex, in terms of documentation required and matters considered during determination, over the last 30 years." In our latest article we focus on why you need certain documents to accompany your planning applications, take a look here. https://lnkd.in/e9_Y8Dse #planning #documentation #planningapplications #DesignandAccess #Ecology #Highways #Structural #Heritage

Why Select Mass Timber Its ability to work within existing code structure without the need for variances further increases mass timber’s attractiveness. Our new white paper explores the various advantages of selecting mass timber as the primary building material, especially in schools. #masstimber #bioarchitecture #greendesign #climateresponsive #sustainability #carbonemissions #ecology #constructiontechniques #livingbuildings #woodconstruction #cltdesign #mha

Mass Timber Techniques Mass timber is safe: charring properties of wood act as fireproofing so that fire can’t penetrate to the depth of the structural core of the member. Our new white paper covers the different mass timber products available and the techniques that can be used to employ them in building construction. #masstimber #bioarchitecture #greendesign #climateresponsive #sustainability #carbonemissions #ecology #constructiontechniques #livingbuildings #woodconstruction #cltdesign #mha

Wow, the past few months have flown by and this image pretty much sums up why! Full time study, career change, lots of exciting new knowledge and time in nature. Can’t quite believe an entire semester has passed already. Studying Landscape Architecture at UTS has been awesome so far. I’m now eagerly awaiting results from my first subjects: 🌳 Landscape design studio 1 🌳 Urbanisms 🌳 Ecology

Green infrastructure (GI) often conjures images of parks and green roofs, but what about the vibrant urban spaces of community gardens and urban farms? This research paper sheds light on the multifaceted value these unconventional forms of GI contribute to our cities. Community gardens and urban farms can do more than manage stormwater; they are hubs of productivity, culture, and ecology. Urban agroforestry systems, or ‘food forests,’ amplify these advantages, offering many benefits outlined in permaculture theory: food, fuel, fiber, medicine, and beauty. I’ve eagerly watched the niche of agroforestry and food forests evolve, anticipating its integration into landscape architecture. This leads to a question that keeps coming up for me: how can landscape architects, effectively communicate the value we add to alternative GI projects like agroforestry and forest gardening? 🌎 Ref: https://lnkd.in/gwjG9b_t #landscapearchitecture #landscape #agroforestry #urbanagroforestry #urbanfarm #greeninfrastructure #permaculture #foodforests #GI #urbangardening