Think Outdoor Living

And what do Americans really want for their 21st century gardens? According to a new survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), homeowners want outdoor rooms -- complete with kitchens, fireplaces, firepits, and bars -- for backyard entertaining. A perfect example is this outdoor dining area designed by Marmol Radziner and Associates of Los Angeles, winner of a 2006 ASLA award.

Not that anyone has given up on water features, fountains, and koi ponds, which also figure on the list of "wants."

Steve Martino, FASLA, a 2006 ASLA Residential award winner, said his top requests from clients include private living spaces, outdoor rooms and water features, along with "green solutions" for their homes.

Homeowners also want landscaping options that take the environment into account.  They're requesting "green roofs," rain gardens, and native plants that require less watering and maintenance.

The ASLA survey also reported that commercial clients as well want green building solutions: the use of recycled materials, lighting options that require less energy, better storm water management, and native plantings, too.

(photo: John Ellis courtesy of ASLA)

Comments

[John Black]

Does it strike anyone as odd that while these high-profile LAs are talking "sustainable" in one breath, they're talking "fireplaces" in the next? (My thoughts are at http://verdancedesign.blogspot.com/2007/01/whats-next.html )

I really like how you bring the gardener's perspective to design... I hope you don't mind that I've linked to your site from my own blog, http://verdancedesign.blogspot.com ; if you see fit to return the favor I'd be honored. Thanks for writing...

[kim (blackswamp_girl)]

As kind of a flipside to the increased demand for "outdoor rooms"... one Cleveland suburb is currently considering banning things like huge backyard fireplaces. The neighbors in this relatively expensive suburb consider one homeowner's 12ft. tall outdoor fireplace chimney "unsightly!"