Uncategorized — DG2 Design

Jan 10 2022

What Makes A Stadium Stand Out?

What makes a public space more inviting? The landscapes and details. Read to see how design can change a space, especially one for large crowds.

By: Mimi Lo

DG2 has had the privilege to work with HOK on the Saint Louis Major League Soccer Stadium in St Louis since 2019. In order to be more familiar to stadium design, I researched case studies about the landscapes at the other stadiums in the U.S. I picked a few relatively new MLS stadiums which were built in the past 5 years.

Before I started doing these case studies, I did not know the locations around the stadiums could be so vibrant and mesmerizing. I have only been to very few stadiums and they usually only have sidewalks around them. No planting beds, no plaza, and no intricate pavement design. However, these stadium case studies opened my mind to what a landscape architect can bring to the table.

These stadium sites have larger open space around the stadium. The entrance plaza serves as an extension of the stadium architecture. The outdoor space offers the need for fans to enter the stadium while providing a space for people to stay and rest and the space becomes attractive and enjoyable for people on both game day and non-game day. The planting selection is also interesting part of design. Landscape architects try their best to pick up native plants to create microclimate around the stadium while choose the plant type that can create the atmosphere we want.

There are some interesting details as well. Although it is difficult and more costly to have planting on the side that lack of sunlight, landscape architects can still play around with the hardscape or outdoor furnishing. Using different pavers to create pattern, beautifully designed tree grates as well as picking out the furnishing that match the overall style, all create a cohesive designed space. I am impressed with all the design decisions you could do to make the result a better space, even though it is just a small detail.

After a couple of case studies, I have changed my impression to stadium landscape design. Now I know the outdoor space outside of stadium could be vibrant, playful and enjoyable. Designing for the landscape around the stadium is different from other plazas or open spaces, as it needs to provide the functions for crowded scenario on the game days and still fit the regular daily need in people’s life. It is an open space with flexibility, multi-function and opportunity. I have learned so much from the case studies and I am so excited that St. Louis will have a new stadium with thoughtfully designed landscape soon!

Sep 22 2021

Outdoor Dining is Brewing

By Kristy DeGuire

Over the past few years, outdoor dining has become a much needed amenity. These spaces with additional areas for socialization, has been one of DG2’s largest growing landscape architecture markets. Most recently, we have teamed with 4 Hands Brewery, Eddy Design Group and Castle Contracting to develop a proposed location in Kirkwood.

This location would give 4 Hands Brewery its second location and provide three-season outdoor dining, gathering, and social areas. These areas will be for all ages and abilities. Current concept plans include a large food and beer garden that connects to the existing caboose and adjacent public space. Ramps connecting the spaces will also provide mini rooms throughout the landscape. While directly connected to a well-known brewery, this proposed outdoor area has the potential to tap into something that could be a destination spot. Brews included.

For further reading, check out the article with more details.

Apr 23 2019

Creative Playgrounds

Getting children to play outside is so important during this time of technology driven minds. Playing outside has positive effects on mind and body and there are numerous articles, reports and studies to prove it. So how do you encourage creative play? Maybe by thinking outside the box.

Playgrounds don’t have to be your traditional plastic jungle gym. Wood, rocks and other outdoor elements can spark just as much energy and play.

Take a look at some that we at DG2 have had in some of our projects. What is your favorite?

Slide on the side of an embankement

Promo photographs for Kristy DeGuire -DG2 Design Landscape Architecture

Tree climbing

Boulder climbing

Children’s tunnel house

Feb 11 2019

Pollinator Gardens

I recently became interested in pollinator gardens when I was doing some research about it for one of our ongoing projects. I got so much information from Missouri Botanical Garden and Saint Louis Zoo about how important a pollinator garden is and how to create one for yourself and for the environment.

First of all, choose a location for your pollinator garden. You can attract much more varieties of pollinators if you choose a sunny spot for your garden. The location needs to be located in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sun a day.

Second, pick the plants for your pollinators. Choose native plants in Missouri or wherever you live. Native plants are adapted to local weather, they need less water and maintenance and they provide the best food for pollinators. Try to be diverse, pick a large number of varieties and make sure there’s always something in bloom from April to October.

Finally, you can start creating your pollinator garden! Be sure that you don’t use any chemicals such like pesticide and herbicides, they kill pollinators. Here are some beautiful and powerful native flowers that often used in pollinator gardens: Butterfly milkweed, Blue wild indigo, Aromatic aster, Eastern blazing star, Slender mountain mint, Cliff goldenrod and Purple coneflower.

Why is creating a pollinator garden important to the environment as well as human beings? More than 150 crops in the United States depend on pollinators. Pollinators transfer pollen from one plant to another and flowers use the pollen to produce seeds. Food such as apples, berries, cucumbers and almonds wouldn’t exist without these pollinators. There is no limitation of how big or how small your pollinator garden is, a few plants can make some difference to this world. I actually got some native flower seeds in the weekend and started to have a small pollinator garden on my balcony this spring!

Information from:

https://mdc.mo.gov/xplor/2017-03/how-plant-pollinator-paradise

https://www.stlzoo.org/conservation/doityourselfconservation/pollinators

images from:

https://umdearborn.edu/casl/centers-institutes/environmental-interpretive-center/research-resources/sustainability-initiatives/pollinator-garden

https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/create-pollinator-friendly-garden-birds-bees-butterflies/

https://www.gardeners.com/buy/pollinator-cedar-raised-garden-bed/8597000.html

https://www.berkeleygardenclub.org/1718-programs/2017/10/17/growing-a-habitatpollinator-garden

https://www.flickr.com/photos/80651083@N00/1642322091

Dec 07 2018

NOW HIRING – Landscape Architect – with 4-6 years experience

DG2 Design is seeking a dynamic, motivated, detail-oriented and personable Landscape Architect – with 4-6 years experience to join our team. This position will support and strengthen our existing capabilities in master planning and design projects including parks, greenways, public spaces, ecosystem restoration, campus design and commercial site design. This is a unique opportunity for someone with 5 years experience to manage and support projects and play a significant role in project delivery in the firm.

The selected candidate will assist our small, diverse team of landscape architects on all phases of projects from initial site investigations to public engagement and construction administration services.

Job Duties will include:

Preparation of deliverables including base maps (utilizing Auto Cad and GIS), cost estimates, construction documents (plans and specifications) and reports.
Hand and computer renderings (details, plans, cross-sections, perspective renderings)
Project management, including public engagement and communication with clients and potential clients.
Master planning through detailed design activities as a project manager.
Field investigations (site analysis, soil sampling, etc.)
Construction observation services.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited University.
Minimum 4 years of relevant professional experience.
Strong hand and computer graphic communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills (English).
Flexible work style, with the ability to meet challenging deadlines and client needs for multiple project scales.
Ability to work well on multi-disciplinary teams (internal and external).
Proficient in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, other various graphic rendering programs, GIS, and Office 365. Knowledge of Land F/X is preferred.
Planting design knowledge and familiarity of regional planting materials is preferred.
Licensed Landscape Architect in the state of Missouri (preferred).
A valid US driver’s license required.

Please forward your resume and portfolio in confidence to Kristy DeGuire at kdeguire@dg2design.com . Indicate “Landscape Architect– 4-6 Level” _ Last Name in the subject line. Please limit your portfolio samples to 12 mb, or provide a link.

DG2 Design provides a stimulating work environment with opportunities for professional development, flexible schedule and competitive compensation and benefits (health, dental, vision insurance, long term disability). DG2 Design is committed to providing an inclusive work environment for all.

We will confirm the receipt of your information, however, only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. For more information please go to www.dg2design.com

Site Navigation