Balmori Associates, landscape and urban design

ABANDOIBARRA MASTERPLAN

 

BILBAO, SPAIN





This was previously a derelict harbour, and busy road and now has been transformed into a public centric design. It has been constructed to improve pedestrian connection, creating convenient pathways to sustainable travel.

 

I love the connection made to the water here, both physically from the waterfront pathways, as well as the varied topography that ‘waves’ through the landscape. I think the pattern of the design has been successful in creating separate spaces for different functions but sill connecting it through pathways.







This planter had caught my eyes years ago, before I knew about this practice. It was the first I saw of something like this, a planter combined with steps, it creates a fascinating and abstract landscape that splits up the space. I love the shape, I think it represents water, the flow, making up a very playful landscape. I also think that the planting colours  have been done very successful, bringing bright colours into the space, but subtly. The flowy whimsical atmosphere has been complimented both through the shape of the planter and the species planted. The flowy grasses give movement, and the low-lying colourful plants make for an interesting design. The Corten steel planter compliment the purple planting. 

 

Philosophy/Manifesto

 

They have a strong connection to the principles of nature, with a strong set of principles “To have low-impact, and to be regenerative of the sites we work on.” This creates a strong sustainable design purpose, creating better and healthier landscapes.

They have gained many awards showing they are a well established and respectable studio, with sustainability as their purpose. 


 

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