Urban Cage
Alicia Ferrer
Challenger TAFE, Murdoch Campus, Perth
Born in Spain I studied Interior Design in Valencia (A.A.O.O.) and Paris (E.N.S.A.A.M.A.-Olivier des Serres). I've been working as an interior designer in Sydney and Perth from 2001- 2006. Then I stopped working to reconsider my career and find how to give it a twist and expand my creative horizons. I have just completed my studies in Landscape Design and Horticulture at Western Australia’s Challenger TAFE – Murdoch Campus.
I intend to start trading as KOKATU DESIGN from January 2009, focusing on cutting edge environmentally friendly Landscape Design to contribute to minimise human impact in our world.
Design Explanation
As population grows in urban areas we tend to live in smaller homes and gardens.
A 5m x 5m garden can be much more than an insignificant space if the three dimensions are exploited.
In this ‘urban cage’ we don’t feel trapped nor oppressed, but the opposite: I decided that I could acquire the space of the entire 5cubic metres capturing it with the strong geometry of this ‘urban cage’ structure.
This garden is designed to be enjoyed (by a single person or couple with no children) primarily at ‘seat level’ (this is why planters are quite low). A table with eight stools surrounded by soft planting at a low level so that space flow around seating area rather that feeling constraint by boundaries too early.
The ‘grapevine’ suspended feature (that would be a light fitting if this was a real garden) balance the cubical composition adding interest and capturing energy and focus that otherwise will be dispersed and lost.
The hammock is an invitation to relax and contemplate the garden from a different point of view adding quality of life to the garden user. Most bird cages have a swing, and this will be the ‘urban cage’ swing equivalent where quality time can be spent disconnected from the ‘outside’ world.
Highly aesthetic effect is achieved by the purity and simplicity of the architectural elements, rhythm and garden composition. As I was designing such a small area I felt the need of simplifying: from planting schemes to architectural elements and colour (or no colour).
This design strongly communicates with the user without the need of added ornaments.
In terms of planting I have chosen plants for their foliage to create shape/texture contrast (they are all green). All of them would have white flowers if they were in blossom so no other colours are added to the scheme. They are mass planted in a simple yet rhythmic pattern in each planter to achieve a more serene sensorial experience.
The bigger tree acts as a focal point from the ‘entry’. The ‘miniature’ trees act as a low privacy screen (while eating or chatting with friends around the table) supposing that there is a neighbouring property next to it.
