The Santa Gilla Experiment

Over the last four years the Institute of Landscape Architecture under the direction of Professor Chjristophe Girot at the ETH in Zurich, Switzerland has been at the forefront of a precise topological methodology in applied landscape architecture to large-scale sites. Students in both the regular architectural programme as well as the Masters of Advanced Studies in Landscape Architecture programme of the ETH have learnt to analyse and design landscapes on vast urban sites using these new tools. The method uses computerized 3D modelling, CNC milling and visualisation techniques to develop conceptual thinking and design about landscape amelioration at the scale of an entire urban territory. It addresses, for instance through the analysis of existing topological conditions, the creation of new landscape structures capable of responding to the demand on the ecological water management of waterways and of urban run-off creating vast remediation fields. But the method aims not only at remedial interventions, it seeks also to enhance the economic value and leisure qualities of a region through environmental beautification. The Santa Gilla Experiment that was developed on the Cagliari site in Sardinia 2008, is exemplary in showing the tremendous potential of such large scale landscape architectural thinking and design for the future of a region.