Photograph by Dean Kaufman
Photograph by Dean Kaufman
The landscape architect shares the tools and inspirations that help him breathe life into the artificial.
Ken Smith is not one to blend in. The New York -- based designer moves beyond earth and stone in his work, often employing surprising elements such as bright synthetic flowers and plastic rocks. "Landscapes are made up of all sorts of synthetic things, and most people try to hide it," he says. "I don't."
1. Plastic Rock
Pieces like this hollow rock, which Smith is proposing for a roof garden atop a new Conrad hotel in New York's Financial District, make sculptural statements while sidestepping weight restrictions. ($131, lowes.com)
2. Model Off-highway Truck
Smith's business-card holder is a model of a Caterpillar truck normally reserved for earth-moving jobs. "I'm always pushing things around, so this appeals to me." ($69, shopcaterpillar.com)
3. Reference Book
"The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces,...
Photograph by Dean Kaufman
The landscape architect shares the tools and inspirations that help him breathe life into the artificial.
Ken Smith is not one to blend in. The New York -- based designer moves beyond earth and stone in his work, often employing surprising elements such as bright synthetic flowers and plastic rocks. "Landscapes are made up of all sorts of synthetic things, and most people try to hide it," he says. "I don't."
1. Plastic Rock
Pieces like this hollow rock, which Smith is proposing for a roof garden atop a new Conrad hotel in New York's Financial District, make sculptural statements while sidestepping weight restrictions. ($131, lowes.com)
2. Model Off-highway Truck
Smith's business-card holder is a model of a Caterpillar truck normally reserved for earth-moving jobs. "I'm always pushing things around, so this appeals to me." ($69, shopcaterpillar.com)
3. Reference Book
"The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces,...
- 3/23/2011
- by Tim Mckeough
- Fast Company
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