
Landscapes are said to be modern when the classical ratio of 80 percent plants for 20 percent hardscaping and decor is reversed.
So maybe when evaluating how to become an expert in outdoor design, one can take a broader look and go for an architectural degree with modules dedicated on the space?
Many Architecture degree new schools of architecture offer interesting options online or off.
Food for thought!
Outdoor spaces will be far more in use now. Indeed the rise of switch on and swith off designs saves urban dwellers the effort of finding logs and cleaing up. The new ethanol designs help us be spontaneous and nip out for an evening drink even when it is chully.
Love them. You can check out www.conmoto.com for example. Or www.ecosmart.com.
Happy winter all!
From my blog on Garden Design http://www.gardendesign.com/blogs/anne-robert/design-water-harvesters-stylish-gift-idea
Making water harvesting cool and easy
Posted by: Anne Robert , The Outdoor Stylist | September 16, 2010
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photo: ELHO PROne can be a design lover and be eager to go ' green' at the same time. If that is the case the experience can get frustrating because designs somehow are not always out there to help achieve this double goal. At Spoga Gafa, the international fair based in Cologne/Germany, I found a solution for those eager to contribute to the water saving challenge without giving up a passion for design. The RainDrop, is an award winning design presented by ELHO.
Water harvesting for the Ipod & Blackberry generation
Elho worked with Bas van der Veer, a young talent, fresh out of design school. The RainDrop was part of his graduation project. The design Bas created is simple: a can and support system you fix onto your drain pipe. He has opted for a very organic shape, far from the classic barrel designs or other bulky water butts. It was very important for him that the shape of the product had a clear connection with the subject: water. This explains why in his design the rain barrel is shaped like a drop of water ... a symbol for the precious element it harvests.
He also wanted to make it easy to use to encourage as many people as possible to get on board this crucial mission. He has clearly met that goal. Very simply, the can automatically fills during showers. Once it is full enough, one just removes the can and uses the water for watering plants or washing outdoor items.
A new kind of gift
Many people are eager to become more active water savers. They just lack the initial spark. So to maximise the product's appeal RainDrop is packaged in a beautiful box...making it a great gift idea too!.
Surely designs like this will help many jump on the band waggon!
He had promised a launch in May ... and it came earlier: the first truly ' design' personal wind turbines have been launched by Parmac with the inspired help of Philippe Starck. They come in two models with varying energy outputs.
The smaller version is at approx 2500 euros and the larger is priced around 3500.
More here



Romantic find by fellow blog: Designspotter.com:
' a variety of flowers of different sizes & types of illumination, which come alive only at night: Giant Lotus Flowers, intermittently opening & closing, changing colors at a subtle pace; while delicate tulips, illuminated by one color of varying intensities; and masses of gently glowing dewdrop flowers create an poetic ambience of tranquility, sensual beauty & pure serenity. They are made from metal mesh, laser-cut panels and glass spheres, utilizing LEDs & driven entirely by solar energy

Designer: Gaston Zahr & Merav Eitan (Israel)
Manufacturer: O*GE Interactive Gallery (Israel)
Inspired By: Nature
Material: Solar Energy, LED'd, Aluminum mesh, Steel plates and tubes
Colours: at daytime: silver / white at nightime: RGB
Dimension: Lotus: 4.2m, Tulip: 2.1m, Dew drop flower: 1.2m
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A qualified architect and active promoter of sustainable living, Paulina Wojciechoska created Earth Hands to further this project by developing earth made homes. And I love her tub - a great option if the full Monty option is a bit out of touch!
Paulina Wojciechowska was born in Poland and spent her formative years in Afghanistan and India. She became fascinated by age-old architecture created by artisan builders. After studying architecture in Great Britain, she traveled to the United States and Mexico to study natural, alternative and indigenous building methods. She apprenticed with Nader Khalili at Cal-Earth, as well as with strawbale building pioneers Athena and Bill Steen at the Canelo Project. Out of this experience, she has written the book below which is the first book published on the emerging methods of earthbag building. Paulina has established a nonprofit trust, "Earth, Hands & Houses," which supports building projects that empower indigenous people around the world to build their own shelter from natural materials that are available locally. She would be happy to consult on any project that would employ her broad range of training and skills.

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— The Outdoor Stylist(@OutdoorStylist) May 23, 2013
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