A fresh lens on landscaping
As the world’s cities expand, the rise of urban greening is a new opportunity to “recast the relationship between people and the environment,” says award-winning designer Jamie Durie.
Durie, who has hosted more than prime time design shows airing in more than 90 countries worldwide, published numerous design books and garnered 33 international design awards, will be presenting a keynote at Green Cities in March.
He says those of us “living in concrete jungles” have become “disconnected from nature”.
But far from presenting a dystopian future, Durie says we are “coming back to nature” by re-engineering our “post-industrial surroundings”.
The trendline is pointing in one direction, Durie says.
“Community gardens and urban farms are infiltrating our cities. Rooftop gardens are becoming more and more popular. Balconies are greening up too, as people want more than a couple of pot plants and an outdoor furniture setting.
“Bee-keeping, natural swimming pools, and gardens designed to attract butterflies and birds are becoming very popular. Edible landscaping and kitchen gardens in schools are on the rise.
“But the biggest urban trend would be the vertical gardens springing up everywhere in cities around the world.”
Durie points to the work of Italian architect Stefano Boeri as inspiration. His Bosco Verticale – two residential towers in Milan hosting 780 trees, 11,000 perennials and 00 shrubs – soaks up thousands of tonnes of carbon each year.
“I think it’s the most iconic skyscraper in the world. Yet you can barely see it, as it’s laden with such dense forest.
“If this forest existed on flat land it would sprawl across almost two hectares, yet it thrives while resting on concrete slabs no less than 280 millimetres thick in one of Milan’s most dense urban areas.”
Durie says Bosco Verticale is a “towering example of biodiversity” that “boasts hundreds of microclimates and gorgeous vistas enjoyed by every one of its 400 residents, meaning it looks as beautiful inside as it does outside”.
Durie Design is a multi-disciplinary design practice specialising in architecture, interior design, landscaping and furniture design.
While Durie is a pioneer of the outdoor room, and has revolutionised Australia’s approach to backyard living, he also has deep insights into how indoor plants can enhance our wellbeing.
“The indoor plant renaissance is here to stay. It’s not just a trend,” he says.
“People have finally cottoned on to the fact that living with plants in close quarters improves our physical, emotional and psychological health.”
Durie points to the range of benefits of the humble pot plant – from removing airborne toxins to lifting mood.
“Their presence around help us de-stress. You may not notice it with the first few plants you get, but keep adding more and the benefits definitely start adding up.”
Based in both Sydney and Los Angeles, Durie says the secret to using landscape to connect places and people in our cities is “pretty easy”.
“Just integrate plant life everywhere you can.”
Even the smallest balcony can become a “calming space to relax and unwind, a welcoming space to share and entertain with family and friends and a therapeutic space with the addition of plant life”.
A passionate environmentalist, Durie was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013 for services to the environment and design.
“I’m fascinated by the growing obsession with nature in our designed spaces,” he says.
“I believe a revolution is underway as we look to reintegrate nature. And through design, we can create a sense of wellbeing that we all crave.”
Hear Jamie Durie’s keynote, ‘A fresh lens on landscaping’, at Green Cities from 13-15 March 2018. Book your ticket today.
And read the Green Building Council of Australia’s tips for indoor plants over at Living Green Star.