Below are some images from a recent study
trip to Bordeaux.
 |
| Place de Palais |
The trip helped to enhance my understanding
of the way we as designers can shape the landscape and the way areas are used. It
taught me to always travel with a sketchbook and pens…you never know what may
capture your imagination.
We saw a range of examples of landscape design, varying from the botanical gardens mentioned below, to smaller community based gardens and even had a tour of two parks by the landscape architect who designed them (an extremely rare and wonderful opportunity! Check back for another blog post on those soon) We also had an informative talk on sustainability in Bordeaux at the Maison Ecocitoyenne.
Bordeaux itself has undergone a
transformation in recent years. It is a wonderful ornate and truly beautiful
city. The main ‘hip area’ of the Rue Sainte Catherine has that old-city with
winding streets feel.
 |
| Rue Sainte Catherine |
The newly revamped waterfront with it’s
black slate water feature at the Place de la Bourse is the centre piece of the
image of Bordeaux as a UNESCO world heritage site.
 |
| Place de la Bourse |
 |
| Quais de Bordeaux |
Over the other side of la Garonne, the
previously dubious Bastide quarter has undergone revitalisation and now hosts
the new botanical gardens – which are of a more ecological persuasion than
traditional models.
 |
| Water Gardens at Jardin botanique la Bastide |
The trams work efficiently and feed in to
the landscape rather well. Bordeaux has its eccentricities too…the School of
Architecture and Landscape Architecture is a rather Brasiliaesque statement
leftover from the ideals of Modernism.
 |
| Bordeaux school of Architecture and Landscape Architecture |
Or further afield, abandoned submarine hangars are transformed into arts venues and exhibition spaces...
No comments:
Post a Comment