At BLOCS, landscape architecture isn’t about aesthetics alone – it’s about the people the space is serving. Here’s how we design for people.
Understand the audience
Design starts with empathy. When you understand the people you’re designing for, you can create spaces that are genuinely valuable to them. We start every project by asking questions like:
– Who will use the space? Families, professionals, seniors, etc?
– What are their physical needs? Do we need seating, open spaces, tables, walkways, etc?
– What are their social needs? Will they use the space for gathering, passing through, or some time alone?
– What are their emotional needs? Do they want to use the space to feel calm, happy, contemplated, excited, etc?
Make it accessible
Accessibility means inclusivity. When spaces are designed for all, everybody wins. Here’s what we do to ensure accessible spaces for every person:
– Ensure pathways and all spaces are wide, level, and easy to navigate
– Embrace ADA code and design to meet or exceed requirements
– Include seating areas at regular intervals – we also include a variety of types of seating, accommodating to diverse needs
Layer in comfort
Comfort is key to turning an outdoor space into a place where people want to spend time. We make sure to layer in comfort by adding:
– Shade: Trees, pergolas, or awnings
– Seating: A mix of permanent and movable for flexibility
– Lighting: Keeping spaces safe and inviting after dark
Design for interaction
Great landscape architecture sparks connections – both between people, and with the environment. To design for interaction, we:
– Include communal spaces like plazas, picnic areas or ampitheaters
– Position benches and seating in a way that encourages conversation
– Add playful, interactive elements like water features and art installations to spark conversation
Embrace nature
It’s a well known fact that people feel physically and mentally better in spaces that connect them to the natural world. To design for wellbeing, we embrace nature by:
– Using native plants, creating a sense of place and as a sustainability measure
– Adding as much greenery, water features and natural materials as possible to reduce stress
When landscapes are designed for people, they become so much more than just outdoor spaces – they become destinations.
Get in touch to find out more about our process.