In the ever-evolving world of landscape architecture, Sara Zewde stands as a beacon of conscious design. Tasked with the creation of eight acres of diverse terrain at Dia Beacon, Zewde’s approach extends beyond mere aesthetics. With a deep commitment to tapping into the land’s history and narratives, she envisions a landscape that speaks to something bigger. Collaborating with Sherwood Design Engineers and Larry Weaner Landscape Associates, Zewde’s design incorporates rising curvilinear earthworks, basins for protection against storm events and rising sea levels, and a seasonal palette of colors and textures. The result is a transformative space that encourages visitors to engage with and immerse themselves in its unique ambiance, challenging traditional notions of authorship and representation. Through this project, Zewde also aims to address urgent environmental crises, while shedding light on the underrepresentation of Black individuals, especially Black women, in the field of landscape architecture. As the summer approaches and work on the new landscape commences, the public eagerly awaits the opportunity to experience this sustainable masterpiece free of charge.
Designing the Landscape at Dia Beacon
Sara Zewde, a landscape architect, has been commissioned to design eight acres of varied terrain at Dia Beacon. This ambitious project includes meadowlands, wetlands, rolling topography, and pathways for visitors to explore. However, Zewde’s goal goes beyond mere aesthetics. She aims to shape the land in a way that not only enhances its beauty but also illuminates its history and stories. This article will delve into the elements of Zewde’s design scheme, the enhancement of the outdoor experience, the challenge to traditional notions of authorship, the conscious shift towards sustainability, the highlighting of underrepresentation, and the upcoming timeline and accessibility of the new landscape at Dia Beacon.
Elements of the Design Scheme
Zewde’s design scheme for the landscape at Dia Beacon is a testament to her expertise and vision. It incorporates several key elements that contribute to the overall concept and purpose of the project. One of the notable features is the curvilinear earthworks that Zewde has created. These earthworks serve as a reference to the preindustrial and Indigenous history of the area, paying homage to the land’s cultural roots.
Another essential element of the design scheme is the inclusion of basins. These basins are strategically placed to protect the landscape against storm events and the rising sea levels that threaten coastal areas. Zewde’s forward-thinking approach ensures that the landscape is not only visually appealing but also resilient and adaptable, taking into account the potential challenges posed by climate change.
To bring her design scheme to life, Zewde collaborated with Sherwood Design Engineers and Larry Weaner Landscape Associates. This collaborative effort allowed for a comprehensive approach that considers various aspects of the landscape, including its functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. Together, they created a seasonal palette of colors and textures that would enhance the natural beauty of the area while providing visitors with an immersive and visually captivating experience.
Enhancing the Outdoor Experience
One of the primary goals of Zewde’s design for the landscape at Dia Beacon is to create a space that offers an immersive and engaging outdoor experience. By incorporating different elements such as pathways, seating areas, and meadowlands, Zewde aims to encourage visitors to not only passively observe the surroundings but to actively engage with the space.
The pathways designed by Zewde meander through the landscape, inviting visitors to take leisurely strolls and explore different areas of the eight-acre site. These pathways create a sense of discovery and encourage visitors to interact with the natural elements and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
In addition to pathways, Zewde has also integrated seating areas throughout the landscape. These areas provide visitors with opportunities to pause, rest, and contemplate the environment. By including seating, Zewde seeks to create spaces for reflection and relaxation, allowing visitors to engage with the landscape on a deeper level.
Furthermore, the meadowlands incorporated into the design scheme offer an expansive natural setting where visitors can enjoy picnicking, socializing, or simply enjoying the serenity of nature. These meadowlands provide a peaceful contrast to the surrounding urban environment, offering a much-needed respite and connection to the natural world.
Challenging the Idea of Authorship
Zewde’s design for the landscape at Dia Beacon also challenges traditional notions of authorship, particularly with regard to the museum’s legacy of stewarding works of land art largely created by white men. Zewde takes a critical approach to this legacy and questions the concept of an “author” to the land.
By highlighting the contributions of historically marginalized communities and Indigenous cultures, Zewde challenges the dominant narratives that have often overshadowed their presence and role in shaping the landscape. Her design scheme serves as a recognition and celebration of the diverse voices and perspectives that have contributed to the history and stories embedded in the land.
Zewde’s approach not only challenges existing power structures but also invites a dialogue on the ownership and stewardship of the land. By reframing the relationship between humans and the environment, she encourages visitors to question their own connection to the land and their role in its preservation.
Conscious Shift towards Sustainability
Zewde’s design for the landscape at Dia Beacon reflects a conscious shift towards sustainability. In an era of urgent environmental crises, Zewde recognizes the importance of addressing these challenges through her work. Her design incorporates sustainable practices and principles that aim to minimize the impact on the environment while promoting its restoration and regeneration.
The inclusion of basins in the design scheme serves multiple purposes. Not only do they protect the landscape against storm events and sea-level rise, but they also contribute to the overall sustainability of the project. These basins act as natural buffers, absorbing excess water and preventing flooding, thus reducing the reliance on energy-intensive drainage systems.
Moreover, Zewde’s conscious shift towards sustainability can be seen in the choice of vegetation and landscaping techniques. By incorporating native plants and utilizing organic and regenerative practices, Zewde ensures that the landscape is not only visually stunning but also supports the local ecosystem and biodiversity. This approach fosters a more holistic and harmonious relationship between humans and the natural environment.
Highlighting Underrepresentation
Zewde’s work on the landscape at Dia Beacon also brings attention to the underrepresentation of Black individuals in the field of landscape architecture, with a specific focus on the underrepresentation of Black women. As a Black woman herself, Zewde’s presence and accomplishments in the field serve as an inspiration and challenge prevailing norms.
Through her innovative designs and thought-provoking approach, Zewde breaks barriers and opens doors for other underrepresented voices in the profession. Her work serves as a catalyst for change, inviting the industry to reconsider its practices and create a more inclusive and diverse landscape architecture community.
Zewde’s contribution to the landscape at Dia Beacon not only showcases her talent but also serves as a testament to the valuable perspectives and creative vision that have been historically overlooked. By highlighting the underrepresentation of Black individuals, Zewde sparks a dialogue on the importance of diversity in shaping a more equitable and just society.
Upcoming Timeline and Accessibility
The next phase of the project involves implementing the design by moving and planting the earth. This exciting stage is set to begin in the summer, marking a significant milestone in the realization of Zewde’s vision for the landscape at Dia Beacon.
Once completed, the new landscape will be open to the public free of charge, allowing visitors from all backgrounds to experience and appreciate its beauty. The accessibility of the new landscape aligns with Zewde’s intention to create a space that is welcoming and inclusive, enabling everyone to engage with the environment and connect with its history and stories.
In conclusion, Sara Zewde’s commission to design the landscape at Dia Beacon represents a significant achievement in the field of landscape architecture. Her design scheme, which includes curvilinear earthworks, basins, and engaging elements such as pathways and meadowlands, aims to enhance the outdoor experience for visitors. By challenging the idea of authorship, emphasizing sustainability, and highlighting underrepresentation, Zewde’s work goes beyond aesthetics, shaping the land to illuminate its history and stories. With the upcoming timeline and commitment to accessibility, the new landscape at Dia Beacon will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both visitors and the field of landscape architecture.
