Have you ever wondered which parks are the most stunning in the entire world? By designing breathtaking spaces, landscape architecture can help us connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. Throughout history, parks have contributed to the definition of our cities. In this blog post, we travel the world in search of the top parks that serve as models for landscape architects. Allow our comprehensive guide to inspire you.
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High Line, New York City, USA
There is nothing quite like going for a stroll along New York City’s High Line. The High Line is without a doubt one of the most well-known tourist destinations in New York City and a masterpiece of landscape design, completed in 2009. It is widely considered to be one of the most cutting-edge public parks in New York City. It was originally conceived as a conversion project in 1980 to turn a disused rail track into the stunning green space that is now. James Corner Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro emerged victorious in a competition to get the contract for the project. Visitors have the opportunity to explore an elevated spot with wildflowers, shrubs, grasses and fragrant perennials which provide a reprieve from the hectic city streets. The park also has magnificent views of the Hudson River and the city skyline. Because the elevated space has many access points, a paved path, and flora inspired by the park’s historic forgotten landscape, visitors have the opportunity to take a trip back in time in nature, and experience a unique piece of the city.
Millennium Park, Chicago, USA
Millennium Park, an urban, cultural space in Chicago’s central business district, is one of the vibrant contributors to the city’s economy. Its high visitor numbers make it an example for other cities and other green spaces. In 2004, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs opened it in the Loop region to celebrate public art and add to the number of green spaces in the city. The Masterplan was developed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) back in 1999.
Frank Gehry’s Pritzker Pavilion and Anish Kapoor‘s sculpture in stainless steel plates “The bean” are notable features. Piet Oudolf is the artist behind the Lurie Garden, a green roof atop a parking garage, an homage to Richard M. Daley’s ideas, the former mayor of Chicago who spotted the disused bus lanes, rail yard, and under-utilized parking lot, realizing the potential of the site.
The Botanical Garden of Curitiba, Brazil
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, UK
Originally built for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has now become an integral component of the cultural landscape of East London. Among these locations are the Olympic Swimming Pool, the Olympic Village, and the London Stadium, where the games were played. The ArcelorMittal Orbit, a stunning red looping structure by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond, is the tallest public sculpture in the United Kingdom and can be seen from the hill overlooking the park below. The park was designed by the EDAW Consortium, which included EDAW, Allies and Morrison, and Buro Happold, together with Arup and WS Atkins. For the details of the landscape, LDA Design and Hargreaves Associates collaborated on the project to produce the final design. Since the construction of this park, other abandoned spaces in the area have been repurposed to host community events, exhibitions and other cultural actives.
Tivoli Park, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana’s crowning glory is a quirky central piece of the city that was designed in 1813 by French engineer Jean Blanchard. Spanning over five square kilometres, the park is distinguished by its gorgeous flower beds, unique trees, and several sculptures and fountains. Architect Jože Plečnik, who was responsible for many urban developments of the city, created the beautiful Jakopi Promenade.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont, Paris, France
