Imagine you're creating a new outdoor space for your community. You hired great project managers, selected a playground equipment provider, and have installers lined up to get started. The project is moving along, but it lacks an innovative edge.
If you're at this stage of your project, it's time to call in a landscape architect.
Today, we will help you understand the role of a landscape architect in your play and recreation projects and why you should add one to your team.
What is a Landscape Architect?
The definition of landscape architecture, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), is:
"Landscape architecture involves planning, designing, managing, and nurturing the built and natural environments. With their unique skill set, landscape architects work to improve human and environmental health in all communities. They plan and design parks, campuses, streetscapes, trails, plazas, residences, and other projects that strengthen communities."
When designing an outdoor space, those who hold a landscape architecture degree are the experts. They are masters of their craft, understanding the ins and outs of what brings a community together.
What Can a Landscape Architect Do for Me?
Building an outdoor space can be a large project. The term "outdoor space" itself can mean many things.
Do you want to build a playground? What company should you buy equipment from? What kind of safety surfacing is best? What do children even like nowadays?
Landscape architects know the answers to all your questions and more. They know the pros and cons of each material, how to design your park, and what trends will make your outdoor space special.
Due to their background in design, landscape architects also know how to create master plans that strategically place all your equipment in the most appropriate areas within a park. They also remember to include some things that you might forget, for example, accessible routes to and through the space, parking areas, natural plantings, and more.
Are you interested in sustainability? Landscape architects are also masters at green infrastructure.
Not only are landscape architects valuable team members for individual projects, but more outdoor equipment companies are starting to add landscape architects to their staff to help with project development. GameTime's team includes landscape architects to assist customers with project planning and design.
Want to check out the work of some fantastic landscape architects? April is World Landscape Architecture Month (WLAM), and you can explore their portfolios on your favorite social media channels by browsing and following hashtags like #WLAM2022 and #GrowingTogether.
Take Your Project to the Next Level
Landscape architects know how to elevate your project beyond the ordinary. They have extensive knowledge and experience designing outdoor spaces that are beautiful, innovative, and sustainable.
To learn more about how GameTime works with landscape architects to plan, design, and build outdoor play and recreation areas, contact one of our local play experts today!
