For Claude Monet, his garden was his principal source of artistic inspiration. Virginia Woolf made the most of sunny days in the almost always grey county of Sussex to write within a corner of her vegetable garden, which her husband lovingly tended. Even David Lynch, the king of modern surrealism, was in the habit of painting in the outdoors around his Los Angeles workshop. The message is clear: outdoor spaces promote creativity, calm, and, above all else, the much-sought-after sensation of well-being that we all covet. In this article, discover 4 landscape projects that illuminate new ways of outdoor living.
Landscape Projects: Lighting Design Complementing the Architecture and Integrating with the Landscape
Whether it be a Mediterranean garden or an urban terrace, the following refuges keep us in contact with the natural world, and curating their design, especially the lighting, is key to enjoying the uplifting experience they provide. Lighting that follows the rhythm of the day and becomes the focus of attention at night, contrasting light and shade, complementing the architecture and integrating with the landscape. Discover 4 landscape projects – lighting the outdoors redefines the relationship between architecture, landscape, and human experience.
An Historic Garden Reimagined from a Contemporary Perspective
The first project takes us to the heart of Sydney, next to its iconic Opera House. And specifically, to the gardens surrounding Government House, where landscape architect Jane Irwin’s redesign has successfully updated this idyllic landscape and preserved its essence, opting for native species and an organic layout that connects the building to the harbor.
The lights from the Bamboo collection from Vibia, with their distinctly slender profile, line the paths as if they were a part of, an extension of, the vegetation itself. During the day, the elegant lines blend discreetly into the surroundings; at nightfall, they emit a soft light that accompanies the stroll and highlights the garden’s details.
An Outdoor Design Inspired by the Mediterranean
This family residence on the Costa Brava, designed by Cristina Soler, constitutes an exercise in combining architecture and nature, where white stone, natural wood textures and a subtle chromatic palette create a pure Mediterranean ambience that blends seamlessly with its coastal setting.
Here, the exterior lighting complements the architecture discreetly, integrating with the garden and highlighting the natural landscape. Bamboo lamp is camouflaged between the greenery like a piece of sculpture; Brisa projects a warm beam of concentrated light that frames the fragrant plants; while Meridiano throws a striped light over the ground plane, combining functionality and art.
Related Article: Brighten Swimming Pool Areas with Designer Lighting
A Dream Villa with Sea Views
The light and the views are the common thread that runs through this house in Malta, whose refurbishment was directed by the Rome-based Luca Peralta Studio, aimed at celebrating the relationship between the built environment and the landscape. To achieve that end, the architecture is organized over two horizontal planes that frame the views and underline the sensation of space and calm.
Just beside the swimming pool, the Bamboo collection defines the limits of space and introduces a sculptural organic element. Its slender stems that emit a warm integrated light suggest the form of the bamboo while projecting reflections over the surface of the water, effortlessly integrating with the setting.
Along the exterior circulation that connects different areas of the villa, several pieces from the Meridiano collection are arranged in a row, addressing two requirements: lighting the path and providing seating. Their LED light source creates a striking interplay of light and shadow on the ground, transforming the terrace into a place of relaxation from which to contemplate the villa’s Mediterranean garden and the sea in the distance.
A Multi-Purpose Urban Terrace
The outdoor design project is accommodated within an urban terrace in Barcelona, designed by Josep Lluís Xuclà, that brings together natural materials, meeting and relaxation areas, as well as a selection of light fittings that adapt to the different phases of the day.
From the Out series, that provides a diffuse light with minimum contrast, to the elegant and warm lighting provided by Mayfair Mini, and the Empty collection that acts as table, stool and lamp all at the same time, not forgetting unique fittings such as Bamboo and the Meridiano sconce lamp, Vibia displays the versatility of its outdoor collections to perfection in the creation of welcoming spaces within any context, both commercial and domestic.
Landscape Projects Create Spaces for Rest and Enjoyment
In summary, these four landscape projects, although very different in scale and ambition, share the same conviction: lighting the outdoors redefines the relationship between architecture, landscape, and human experience. Beyond simply lighting, they create spaces for rest and enjoyment, but also for freeing up our minds to meditate and think creatively.
Text and Photos: Vibia
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