Emma Atkinson: Landscape Architect & Garden Designer

FOREGROUNDS  This project focused on the concept of foreground and looked  at site elements for observation & recording. Task 1 consisted of taking 5 photographs that were all within the same colour range. My chosen colour was green. My photos try to capture the pattern and texture of each object I have chosen to photograph.  For task 2 I collected 5 objects with very contrasting shapes and characteristics, tying them together with one narrative, emphasising the use of juxtaposition.  Below are my photographs taken for  Task 1: Green Gravel  Algae Grassy shrubs  Moss Mouldy leaves Buxus sempervirens Grasses Task 2: My objects consisted of a variety of different shapes and sizes that i found all washed up on the river bed of the Thames. Below is the story of my narrative, entwining all of the objects into one short historical story. A SHORT HISTORY... 1. An...

This project focuses on the four concepts of TIME, MEMORY, SPACE & DISTANCE. Below is my development of the four concepts:  TIME:  For this concept I looked at the idea of time as in the sense of 'time + tide + moon' and the way in which time is endless just like the endless motion of the tidal pattern. The moon and it's location in the sky determine whether the river will bet high tide or at low tide.   I also looked at time through the years, focusing on the history of the site and how it has changed, as well as how it's usage has changed and developed through the years.  Below is a photo of my site taken in the early 1900's, full of young children playing in the river.  Here is a photo taken at the same location in 2015, showing the constrast between now and the past and how the use of the riverside has changed.  Below, I captured the detailing on the gate to the Royal Naval College representing part of the...

Analysis of an Area using Illustrator The two diagrams below represent an Open space analysis and a Play Space analysis.  The aim of these diagrams is to present the main local features which are currently in the area and how development will have impact on the existing surroundings. The site that is planned to undergo development is highlighted within the red line.  Open Space Analysis:                                                             Play Space Analysis: The Play Space analysis below represents the different types of play areas within the local area of the surrounding development site. The analysis highlights the different spaces, such as the parks t...

TASK 5: LINE- Survey/ Biography  This was a three week project focusing on mapping survey's of the area of our chosen site. Location Plan: My location plan presents an overview of Greenwich and Deptford whilst splitting the area into three sections. This plan consists of 4 layers representing the location of the local schools, places of worship, public transport connections and sites that are of specific interest.  During this mapping process of the different elements it was interesting to how well areas of Greenwich are connected by public transport in contrast with Deptford. I also discovered quite a surprising amount of places of worship spread evenly throughout Deptford and Greenwich.  Detailed Survey Plan: My detailed plan focuses on one third of the site of the area in front of the Old Royal Naval College. I have included multiple layers, which can be seen below, representing many of the different features withi...

BROWNFIELD INFILL DEVELOPMENT: Below are a few photos taken on a site visit to the newly completed develoment.     Here is an example of the new landscaping that has been designed for each of the front gardens of the development. Each flat has been given a new paved front garden, a fence and railing as well as some defensible planting at the front.  The style of the tree pits throughout the site, simple but attractive.  The entrance to one of the communal parks.  A few natural play boulders have been placed throughout the sites new parks.  Above is an example of the style of planting at the site, this area is of the edge of one of the play spaces. It has a strong variety of texture and colour and provides autumn interest. 

Below are two Zonal Diagrams I have created for a project I am currently helping to work on in Tunbridge. The two diagrams show the new ecological footpath that is going to run through the a site. The site is part of an ancient woodland so this has to be taken into consideration when developing and new proposals for the existing land. The purpose of the development is to encourage the use of the woods by schools and local education groups in the surrounding areas to get children in particular enjoying the local wildlife and nature.  Above is Option 1 showing where the existing gate is and where the path will finish, but only some residents will be provided with back gardens. Option 2 proposes the idea of moving the gate further left of the original so that back gardens can be provided for all residents. 

Today we spent a short amount of time creating conceptual models, based on the idea of either SPACE, TIME, DISTANCE or MEMORY. The idea was that my model was an abstract representation of my poem.  Time & Tide  "The waves, they lap upon the shore,  in timeless motion forever more.  The moon it waxes and it wanes,  but time and tide they still remain..." Below is my quick abstract model of Time & Tide.  The model is made out of simple white card and sellotape.    

PROJECT 1: BACKGROUNDS This task is based on the concept of backgrounds, looking at horizon lines in particular. The first part of the task was focused on drawing parts of the horizon that are set between Greenwich and Deptford. The focus was to choose five horizon lines to sketch paying particular attention to line weights and depth of view. Task two was to photograph 5 details along the site that interest you, personally I found myself mainly intrigued by details along the riverside such as the rust and algae formations. Lastly, the third part of the task was to sit somewhere along the riverside and draw a two minute sketch focusing only on the surrounding noises that can be heard whilst keeping my eyes tightly closed.  View looking over the Greenwich Reach Foot Bridge  Sketch standing from the Old Greenwich Naval college Steps, looking over the River Thames with Canary Wharf looming in the background.  Standing from Dreadnought Wharf lo...