When planning a commercial area or public space, the surrounding landscape plays a crucial role in increasing aesthetic value, enhancing functionality, and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability. The expertise of a landscape architect can make a significant difference in the outcome of the project – read on to discover the four ways landscape architecture brings value to commercial spaces and saves clients time and money in the long run.
The Grifols E750 Office Building features a pedestrian corridor that leads visitors and employees to the main plaza between the buildings.
Boosting Curb Appeal & First Impressions
The exterior of a commercial space is the first thing visitors or clients see, and a well-designed landscape can greatly improve curb appeal and make your business more inviting and attractive. Landscape architects can implement verdant plants, unique hardscaping details, and preserve preexisting trees that add character to a building’s exterior. With only one chance to create a positive first impression, a visually appealing landscape can strike an aesthetically pleasing note with customers.
Horseshoe Farm Nature Reserve balances a large open meadow, wetlands and shoreline environments alongside walking trails, restrooms and parking spaces for visitors.
Creating Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Sites
Landscape architects are trained to incorporate eco-friendly practices like utilizing native plants, implementing efficient irrigation systems, and designing with water conservation in mind. Landscape architects can also help reduce the environmental impact of building projects while carving out space that supports biodiversity and the local ecosystem. These sustainable practices can reduce long-term maintenance costs and promote environmentally friendly attitudes among business owners.
Raleigh’s Capital Center reimagines the exterior amenity space by creating walkways and shaded spots for outdoor meetings and lunch breaks.
Maximizing Exterior Usability
Commercial and public spaces are meant to be people-centric, and landscape architects approach projects with usability and ease of access in mind. They consider how people will interact with the space and draw plans accordingly, ensuring that everything from safe pedestrian passageways to shaded areas for relaxation are included in final site design. Site plans for businesses also benefit from landscape architects who can optimize accessibility in outdoor spaces for those with disabilities. By prioritizing site usability, commercial spaces can be comfortable and welcoming for all.
The South Miami Boulevard expansion was constructed among preexisting buildings, and required careful attention to details to ensure it met code regulations.
Permitting & Regulation Maestros
The maze of permitting, rules and regulations around building and maintaining commercial buildings is easily navigated when a landscape architect is on your team. When designing commercial or public-oriented spaces, all constructed and planned additions must comply with zoning laws, environmental regulations, and accessibility standards. Landscape architects are well-versed in these requirements and can ensure that your project meets all required codes and guidelines, streamlining the approval process and avoiding costly delays or fines.
If your project involves people-focused work environments, water management, or integration with previously existing roadways or surrounding buildings, HagerSmith Design’s landscape architects can help orient your commercial build for success. To learn more about landscape architecture and their range of services, click here.