Hollaway Studio is an architectural practice, specialising in landscape architecture, that embraces the past, the present, and the future and places people and feeling at the core of its architecture philosophy.
We are passionate about every project and are committed to delivering high-quality work. We are experienced in delivering large-scale landscape design projects. Our expertise includes public realm design, greenspace planning, and feasibility studies. Our approach is collaborative and inclusive, and we strive to deliver complex and challenging schemes.
Design begins with feeling – for place, for the past, for the needs and wants of the now, and for a future that matters. It listens. It empathises. It’s pragmatic. It’s an understanding that informs everything we do. It makes buildings that work – truly, beautifully. This is how we approach all landscape architecture projects.
A landscape architecture practice is nothing without its people, and the very best practices are those in which everyone has a voice – however different it may be. We are extremely fortunate Hollaway is exactly this: an extraordinary bunch of thinkers, talkers, and doers. These are the people that get buildings made.
As has been the case with many a seaside town, the urban planning and development that marked much of late twentieth century Folkestone had it turn its back on its greatest asset: the sea. Part of a redevelopment of the harbour at large, Folkestone Fountains undoes – in a single and technically brilliant leap – the error of its ways, reconnecting the town to that which gave it life in the first place.
Hollaway’s approach to landscape architecture always starts with people and place. How does a space contribute to the community it will inhabit? How will people interact and engage with the architecture created in this space? Under his leadership and hands on approach Guy Hollaway has created a design-led Practice committed to innovative building solutions, with work ranging from prestigious one off commissions to large scale regeneration projects.
The RIBA award-winning landscape architecture practice has built its reputation working on a wide array of projects, including a cutting-edge skate park, the world’s first heritage theme park, a bespoke artist’s studio in an open field, and a high-end seafood restaurant. The breadth of these projects may be wide, but each one brings the perfect balance of playfulness and sincerity, with a firm focus on placemaking, sustainability and the experience of the individuals who will use the space.
London
10A Acton Street WC1X 9NG
+44 (0)20 7096 5425
Kent
The Tramway Stables, Rampart Road
Hythe CT21 5BG
+44 (0)1303 260 515
The art of designing the environment
For many people, the general misconception is that landscape architecture is purely to do with gardening. However, gardening is only one part of this enormous topic. In a more embracing description, landscape architecture is the art of designing the environment to blend in with other elements like roads and buildings. Of course, parks and gardens feature in this artistic architectural work.
Contribution of landscape architecture to society
Because this area of study focuses on creating cities to harmonise with public spaces, there is more to it than meets the eye. The beautification element that landscape architecture is known for goes beyond the visual appeal. Instead, what it does is to project and protect the natural environment from destruction. Indeed, as the world rapidly transforms into large pockets of industrialised cities, the temptation to convert every square metre of land into a structure is relatively high.
However, there is a strong focus on creating harmony between the natural and the artificial with landscape architecture. Additionally, landscape architecture speaks volumes about a society’s commitment to creating a sustainable environment. More so, it communicates a society’s recognition of healthy living and shows an acknowledgement of creating equilibrium between the natural and manufactured elements.
Why landscape architecture is important
Unless you have an appreciable background in landscape architecture, you may not have adequate information on the importance of this field. Below is a discussion on the significance of this not-too-well-known area of architecture.
Combats Toxicity
As the world rapidly becomes highly industrialised, atmospheric pollutants continue to increase at alarming levels. For example, toxic gases from factories, fumes from vehicles, oxidation of heavy metals, etc., all factor into the contamination of the environment. Fortunately, to a large extent, landscape architecture attends to these environmental issues.
Naturally, plants absorb toxins from the air, making them efficient solutions to tackle air pollution. With landscape architecture, the sustainable use of trees and plants, in general, makes it ideal for combating toxicity. The balance creation in the ecosystem is what this field stands for.
Stormwater Management
Ideally, stormwater should naturally be reabsorbed by soil. Unfortunately, due to industrialisation and rapid urbanisation, there are more concrete grounds than soil. However, landscape architecture helps to apply the brakes on the negative consequences of urbanisation.
Therefore, by creating balance in the ecosystem, stormwater gets taken care of without much hustle. How does this happen? Landscape architecture helps to loosen the soil to take care of stormwater.
Preserves Nature
This is perhaps the principal element that guides landscape architecture. Environmental greenery plays a vital role in city planning. For that reason, the world can also survive with a near-perfect balance between nature and industrialisation. Fortunately, more people are acknowledging the importance of nature preservation. Perhaps, that explains the global agenda to reduce waste, recycle and live in harmony with nature.
To conclude, landscape architecture is a vital part of global planning. Indeed, the development of the world cannot happen without it. Hopefully, you know now that it goes beyond home gardening and sheer beautification.