Creating Urban Landscape Design in Saint Petersburg

Secrets of Designing and Creating a Scandinavian Garden

Presented by L.BURO's Chief Architect — Peter Lari

A common question is about the relevance of the Scandinavian garden® in urban and public spaces. It is absolutely appropriate and in line with current trends. Let's consider the example of a modern metropolis where a neighborhood park is the primary demand.

This is driven by both consumer request and economic reasons:

+15%

More costs for an apartment in a residential complex located near green areas

+14%

Average increase in the cost of an apartment if its windows overlook a stylish landscape, greenery

+34%

Of potential homebuyers prioritize the availability of green spaces nearby or within the complex when choosing an apartment

A LANDSCAPED AREA IS NOT JUST ABOUT AESTHETICS AND A PLACE FOR STROLLS; IT SERVES AS A GATHERING SPOT AND OFFERS A CHANCE TO CONNECT WITH NATURE WITHOUT VENTURING OUTSIDE THE CITY.

We develop landscaping projects for residential complexes, squares, parks, embankments, food courts, and cottage villages. We address logistical, economic, marketing, environmental, and social issues.

Arranging a public space starts with research and analysis. We study in detail everything that will affect the site. User demographics and their needs, environmental and transportation conditions, Client desires and city requirements, projected budget, and untapped potential of the location.

SPECIAL CHALLENGES THAT WE LIKE TO TACKLE

NATURAL RECREATION

Recreation of natural environment in difficult and unusual conditions, for example, on the stylobate part of a residential complex, with the planting of trees up to 12 meters high, with a guarantee of survival.

GREEN TERRACES

Creating green terraces at high, windy heights – exploiting roofs of skyscrapers, for example, on the terraces of the Moscow City skyscrapers.

ALPINE MEADOWS

Creating alpine meadows in urban settings.

GREEN ROOFS

Creating green roofs to increase the total area of green space in small yard spaces, particularly in situations where there is inadequate insolation.

TERRAIN-INVOLVING LANDSCAPING

Handling a complex terrain with large elevation differences in a limited area, giving unique views and special uniqueness to the landscape.

PROMINENT BOULDERS

Solving the challenge of integrating rocks and giant boulders weighing up to several tens of tons into the landscape as a milestone of the landscape and an unforgettable feature of the Scandinavian Garden®.

FAQ ON DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PUBLIC SPACE

WHAT TYPES OF PUBLIC SPACES DO YOU DESIGN?

We create all kinds of public areas, which are often separated into three categories: public spaces in residential complexes, urban public spaces, and spaces in educational and cultural institutions.

Urban spaces include parks, streets, pedestrian spaces, squares, blocks, public gardens, and embankments.

Some of our projects that are not subject to NDA* are included in the Public Spaces section of the Portfolio.

You can also download our Public Spaces Catalogue.

* NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) is an agreement to keep confidential information private.

CAN YOU SHOW ANY EXAMPLES OF YOUR PROJECTS AND THEIR CUSTOMERS?

L.BURO cooperates with most developers on the premium market in Russia and with many private investors. For some of them, like for MR Group, we are a key partner in the design of public spaces.

We create projects for: MR Private, MR Group, Sense, Pioneer, RBI, Novametrix, Encore, LAR-Development, BI Group (Kazakhstan), YIT, Element, Hansa, PSK, and other developers and private investors.

WHY DIVIDE DESIGN INTO 3 STAGES: CONCEPT, SCHEMATIC, AND DETAILED DESIGN DOCUMENTATION?

The division into 3 stages is traditional for the design of public spaces. It gives the Customer (developer) the ability to promptly influence the project's scope and content, optimize future costs during the design process, consider deadlines, and quickly coordinate design solutions with permitting and supervisory government agencies.

The scope of tasks per each stage usually looks like this:

CONCEPT — developing a Concept to present to investors. This is the creation of a project idea that includes a space-planning arrangement and a master plan scheme. Based on the Concept, the Customer decides on further design and construction in accordance with the selected project idea.

SCHEMATIC — a more detailed drawing of architectural and space-planning solutions accounting for the layout of structures and engineering infrastructure. From this stage onwards, a lot of highly specialized specialists in structures and engineering systems are involved in the effort. You can apply for a construction permit from state and local authorities (if required) using a set of documentation and drawings.

DETAILED DESIGN DOCUMENTATION — a complete set of detailed drawings and specifications required for the precise execution of construction and landscaping work, planning the work schedule, and calculating the cost of materials. All construction and site enhancements are directly carried out in accordance with this set of documentation.

WHAT DOES THE CONCEPT STAGE RESULT IN?

First touch:
Analysis of project data, all baseline information,
General idea behind the environment improvement Concept,
Master plan sketch (preliminary),
References/sketches reflecting the main direction of the Concept.

Final album:

Situational plan (territory analysis),
Transport scheme for all types of transport, pedestrians of various groups (pedestrian and traffic flows, traffic of special vehicles, etc.),
Insolation scheme of the territory,
Layout identifying zones of existing project restrictions (including fire passages, utilities protected zones, sanitary protection zones, etc.),
Site master plan (within the boundary of the city development plan),
Key elevation marks layout,
Functional zoning layout (children's and sports playgrounds, recreational areas, landscaping, utility areas, etc.),
Pavement layout with selection of material palette (paving slab layout concept, references, without detailed paving slab layout plan),
Lighting concept (preliminary layout of lighting fixtures with selection of lighting element design),
Preliminary lighting design and illumination analysis,
Landscaping concept (landscape plan with selection of species variety, without vegetation layout),
Layout of hardscaping (with some references for hardscaping appearance, gaming, and sports equipment),
Sketch solutions for custom-made hardscaping (axonometric views with selection of analogous references),
Plan for arranging decorative and functional navigation elements (with selection of references for the appearance of navigation elements),
Hand drawn sketches to visualize the conceptual approach (optional),
5-6 visualizations,
3D model of landscaping in Autodesk Revit/3ds Max format,
References to exemplify stylistic solutions, materials, street furniture, and landscaping,
Preliminary estimate of the budget for environment improvement,
Author's presentation of the Concept of improvement.

WHAT DOES THE SCHEMATIC STAGE RESULT IN?

Site master plan (within the boundary of the city development plan),
Plan with zones of existing design restrictions within the territory,
Transport and pedestrian analysis for all types of vehicles and various groups of pedestrians,
Functional zoning plan,
Detailed plans for main functional areas,
Grading and levelling layout,
Surface and drainage spillways,
Plan for arranging playground equipment (by age), sports and other equipment, outdoor furniture, etc.,
Plan for surface cover layer (including paving slab layouts),
Plan for lighting elements,
Lighting design and illumination analysis,
Joints of different types of pavement surfacing and sections along them,
Basic designs of road surfaces,
Scenarios for using engineering equipment, including water bodies,
Vegetation layout,
Schemes for foundations of hardscaping and lighting elements,
Architectural drawings for custom-made elements specifying the dimensions and materials used, layouts of their foundations (without development of detailed design documentation),
Layout for standard fence with a proper appearance. List of fences,
Plan for arranging decorative and functional navigation elements,
Specification of all materials and equipment used, specifying quantities and manufacturer/series/article (mandatory),
5-6 elaborated visualizations of the Concept stage,
3D model of landscaping in Autodesk Revit/3ds Max format,
Guidelines for servicing and care for plantings,
Preliminary estimate of the budget for environmental improvement (according to the due form).

* The automatic irrigation project for the area is developed separately and is not covered by the budget.
** Technological solutions for the construction of a water body are developed separately and are not covered by the budget.

WHAT ARE THE DESIGN TIMELINES FOR PUBLIC SPACES?

Time required for a specific stage of a particular project (Concept, Schematic, Detailed Design documentation) is determined after studying the baseline and an interview with the Customer. We make a schedule and annex it to the main Contract, which we agree with the Customer.

Minimal design timeframe:

Concept — 48 business days
Schematic — 58 business days
Detailed design documentation — 65 business days

DO YOU DEVELOP DETAILED DESIGN DOCUMENTATION?

The development of detailed design documentation is on the list of the studio’s services. We do it upon the Customer’s request. The list of specific design drawings is agreed upon at the time of the request for an offer.

Projects statistics:

70-80% of developers order the first two stages: Concept and Schematic
The detailed design documentation is often developed by one of its internal divisions
Or outsource to a company specialized in this type of work

In the latter case, we reserve supervision upon the development of construction documentation under a separate Contract.

DO YOU SUPERVISE THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION?

L.BURO studio designs public spaces, supervises the project, and completes with the necessary materials and plants during implementation following the project. This ensures that the outcome matches the artistic concept and the stated quality of the project.

Designer supervision:

Control over precise compliance with design solutions during the implementation of landscape design,
Monitoring the quality of workmanship and the conformity of the materials used with those specified in the project,
Adjustments and consultations on issues emerging at the construction site,
Ensuring that the artistic idea and technical requirements of the project stay unchanged.

Completing means: