Creating A Sense Of Place

Living in Florida for over ten years, I totally understand why people gravitate to this area. Places and spaces are viewed so much more in a positive light with all of the sunshine we experience while living in this state. Southwest Florida offers a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with all the activities being outside has to offer. However, do you really go outside that much? Do you have a space in which to enjoy relaxing, entertaining and or recreating within?

Landscape Architects are known for creating outdoor spaces. Genus Loci translates to sense of place, from the Latin world. We have designed thousands of spaces for people to use outside while enjoying the interior comforts we have all come to expect. Creating a space takes a lot of analysis of the user. We have to understand not just the physical aspects of developing a space but we have to understand the psychological impact of being in a space. A positive experience needs to exist or you may not want to come back to that space and revisit.

I was just in Fort Lauderdale with a group of friends. I gave myself the task of not being to over critical when revisiting the wonderful resort where I have stayed before. Well, I failed. As I walked around the space, enjoyed the outdoor amenities and visited with friends I became even more critical. You know there is no excuse for laziness. There is no excuse for bad taste. Many designers are at every ones finger tips if they want to consult with us. For example, why would you own a resort and not have the pool heated? Why would someone use plants that are good in one place and expect that plant to do that in another place. Plants are choosy just like us. However, I will save that for a future blog entry. Ok, back to creating a sense of place. All of the things I have mentioned above have to be taken into account. It is not just one element but a series of elements that form the whole. Pool, room, spa, plants, parking spots and the list goes on. These things added up to form the whole idea is why people come back to visit you over and over again.

I like to go to places where things change. The concept may be kept the same, but the experience should get better and better. Choosing the right plant to be placed in the correct setting is crucial. Selecting the appropriate colors and using the correct accents can make you balance your mood better. And having a heated pool is crucial if you want guests to come back again.

When creating your next space, please consult with a designer. If your going to do it, then do it. If not, just dream about doing it. There truly is nothing wrong with dreaming.