Motion Within The Landscpae

 Jamaica Bay Vision Plan

04

Hargreaves

Hargreaves.com. (2019). Jamaica Bay Vision Plan | Hargreaves Jones. [online] Available at: http://www.hargreaves.com/work/jamaica-bay-river-plan/ 

‌George Hargreaves

Particularly known for his designing of urban sites, George Hargreaves has been working as a landscape architect since 1983. He specialises in the transfiguration of urban sites, campuses and waterfront landscapes. The 'Hargreavesjones' firm has been noticed by over 100 different awards, such as the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award and the Rosa Barbra International Landscape Prize.

George Hargreaves aims to not only provide spaced for individuals, but also communities and institutions. 

Deign Process

When designing this Landscape Architect makes motion the centre point of the concept. This implies that his ideas and goals in his projects are always evolving and changing. Furthermore, adaptability is key when transforming infrastructure to withstand the test of time and to demonstrate historic narratives. The function of his work incorporates a spectrum of recreational activities, whilst depicting the site's past through a modern lens. 

Hargreaves.com. (2019). Jamaica Bay Vision Plan | Hargreaves Jones. [online] Available at: http://www.hargreaves.com/work/jamaica-bay-river-plan/ 

‌Review

Hargreaves has collaborated with the National Parks Service and the New York city parks to produce a vision plan of the 10,000 acres that is jointly owned - Jamaica Bay. I selected with precedent study to research as it isn't a completed site and thought it were interesting to compare my current thoughts to when the construction has been completed or approved. 

The main theme of the site is to produce a space for visitors to appreciate its luxuriant artistry and historic resources, while contrasting against the military and mechanical context. The plan proposes solutions to the water pollution, years of dumping and filling (overall resource depletion) and sea level rise. Overall he aim is to create a diverse urban environment that will increase with educational opportunities and community evolvement. 

To me this site plan contains the finest mix of context relations, meaning and ecological ethics. Every aspect has been carefully considered and I can appreciate the fact that George has thoroughly envisioned himself visiting this proposed site and has outlines everything that needs to be removed or maintained. The concept of incorporating the nations military is critical to the success of the site and I am glad that it has been included, it is an important aspect of the site and pays homage to its history. 

The visual aspect too has been crafted in great detail and suits the surrounding area. the linearity is an exaggerated form of the pre-existing roads and hedgerows and therefore the old and new merge almost seamlessly. From looking at the visualisations, the scale is human and immersive via the use of the water features and vast planting.