ORCHIDS & ONIONS || What makes San Diego one of the best places to live
Every year the San Diego Architectural Foundation puts on a fundraising and educational event to bring awareness to the outstanding architecture, planning, and urban design that makes San Diego one of the best places to live. This program engages the community by promoting an interaction between the citizens and their built environment.
This year the Landscape Architecture nominees consist of a variety of projects throughout the San Diego area that bring attention to the dynamic expression of the landscape around us and the dire need to protect its integrity as well. Through this program the public is able to input what they like and dislike about the new development throughout San Diego. This enables the city and designers to match the feedback and change their tune when approaching future development. This inclusive nature is what makes the city of San Diego stand out among the rest.
I went on a self-guided tour to see for myself what the hype was about. I did 8 stops along my route and highly recommend you do the same! See pictures for more details.
The Orchids & Onions program happens on an annual basis. The window for public voting closes in Summer so look out next year to vote for your favorites!
http://www.orchidsandonions.org/about/rules/
Chollas Creek Restoration Project (Landscape Architecture)
This project brought together the community by creating a gathering space that encourages getting outside and sustainable development.
*Click the image for more information on the project
Quartyard (Miscellaneous)
This is a pop-up public venue that was built with re-purposed shipping containers. Its purpose is to bring together community-based events and activities to promote that public space is a public good.
*Click the image for more information on the project
Idea1 Apartments (Landscape Architecture)
The complex uses air plants and a dynamic mural to create a unique entry that draws passerbys into the inner courtyard. This complex integrates work, play, and relaxation into its program. Its modern and playful style is perfect for the East Village culture.
*Click the image for more information on the project
530 B Sky Terrace (Landscape Architecture)
This terrace incorporated into the Union Bank in Downtown expands the amount of green space within the city. “It a great example of how landscape architecture can be a part of the solution to growing urbanization concerns.”
*Click the image for more information on the project
Africa Rocks (Landscape Architecture)
Newly revealed in the San Diego Zoo, “Africa Rocks,” features plants and animals that are native to the African landscape. The route takes you on a tour of the different ecosystems of Africa by displaying key components of each landscape that contributes to the health of the African environment.
*Click the image for more information on the project
Mission Beach Boardwalk (Miscellaneous)
This historic site of San Diego has been newly renovated to its original design. This lasting style will always be timeless in this area for future generations to enjoy.
*Click the image for more information on the project
