{"id":2044,"date":"2017-01-26T09:13:59","date_gmt":"2017-01-26T09:13:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.terrafirmaconsultancy.com\/landscape-architect-blog\/?p=2044"},"modified":"2022-10-20T12:34:30","modified_gmt":"2022-10-20T11:34:30","slug":"home-heart-martin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.terrafirmaconsultancy.com\/landscape-architect-blog\/home-heart-martin\/","title":{"rendered":"Home is where the heart is (by Martin)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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At terra firma our work with the Housing sector constitutes a sizable portion of the firm\u2019s overall output. This emphasis on residential development is no coincidence, as it no-doubt reflects an emphasis in the broader construction sector. It will be no surprise to readers of this blog that Landscape Architects are keen to promote the virtues of integrating good design of the external spaces in any housing development. To that end, the Landscape Institute produced a Position Statement, \u2018Making it Home: the power of landscape to create good housing\u2019<\/strong><\/a>. However, I\u2019m not going to give you chapter and verse about the constituent parts of good landscape design in a housing development. Let\u2019s think a little deeper. What is it that makes our relationship with housing development so sensitive?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re moving home the place you choose to live is a huge decision, generally thought of as being one of the most momentous of life choices. The Oxford English Dictionary defines a home as \u201cthe place where you live\u201d. It implies something more emotive than bricks and mortar. It appeals to primeval instincts as a place of comfort, safety and familiarity. It\u2019s a retreat from the unpredictability of the wider hinterland. Those \u201cplaces\u201d feed social cohesion. Working well, they can nurture basic human needs, but if any component doesn\u2019t function well, the people who live there are likely to be disadvantaged in some way.<\/p>\n

The components are more than just aesthetic. Although wide verges and avenue trees are certainly pleasant, aesthetics alone could make for a sterile place. Sometimes pretty places might lack soul. The best places are those that facilitate the practical needs of those who live there, provide for their leisure needs, and perhaps most importantly encourage children\u2019s development and learning through a sense of adventure and experimental play. Children are likely to spend most of their time close to where they live, and at a time in their lives which is most informative, and will shape the people they become.<\/p>\n

\"Cumberland
terra firma\u2019s award winning \u2018Homezone\u2019 scheme at North Portsea, Portsmouth<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We are of course drawn away from dysfunctional places, and aspire to live in places that best serve our wellbeing. We know this because of market forces. The more desirable places to live command higher house prices.<\/p>\n

The Landscape Institute has produced more literature \u2018Profitable Places \u2013 Why housebuilders invest in landscape<\/a>\u2019<\/strong> which includes some fascinating facts. Here are just a few:-<\/p>\n