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Posts Tagged ‘Gardens’

Reclaiming Urban Food Production: 12 Smart Designs for Farms & Gardens

23 Feb

[ By SA Rogers in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

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Most urban environments aren’t lacking in sunlight – it’s a lack of square footage and healthy soil that makes it hard to use these spaces to grow food. While many a high-tech concept design has envisioned vertical skyscraper farms or entire cities built from scratch, we need low-cost solutions that can be implemented into disused urban spaces, easily assembled and moved when necessary. These smart urban farming and gardening ideas reclaim pallets, cardboard tubes, shipping containers and bicycle wheels, and many take advantage of sunny available spaces on rooftops, in abandoned buildings or along stretches of hot concrete walls.

The Growroom: IKEA Flat-Pack Spherical Garden

space10 garden

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Developed by IKEA’s external innovation hub, Space10, the Growroom is a spherical structure that makes it easy to grow lots of food in a compact space thanks to its unique design. Since shipping the structure around the world would be too expensive and negate some of the benefits of local food sourcing, IKEA decided to offer the structure as an open-source design built with plywood, a CNC milling machine and a rubber hammer.

Floating Gardens in an Abandoned Chinese Factory

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This area along the Pearl River Delta in Shenzhen was once a thriving community relying on fish ponds and water-based commerce, but most of that has since vanished in the face of rapid urbanization, leaving many abandoned structures behind. ‘Floating Fields’ occupies this space and makes it useful again as an aquaponic garden. Created for the Urbanism\Architecture Bi-City Biennale, the installation is an experiment in water-based gardening, algae cultivation, sustainable food production and water filtering in an underutilized urban environment.

Recycled Cardboard Tube Garden

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Water-resistant, recyclable cardboard tubes provide the basis for a modern pop-up garden in Sydney by Australian design studio Foolscap. The tubes were used to build the walls of a temporary outdoor recreation space, taking inspiration from the formwork used to cast concrete columns in a nearby Sydney neighborhood. In addition to an outdoor theater, food and co-working areas, ‘Wulugul Pop Up’ had its own edible garden full of native plants.

Grid Garden on Wheels

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This clever portable garden rests on reclaimed bicycle wheels and features an open gridded design so sunlight can reach tiered plants. The ‘Why not in the garden?’ installation by A4A Rivolta Savioni Studio was literally rolled out into a Milan city square to demonstrate how concrete urban spaces can be temporarily used for food production.

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Reclaiming Urban Food Production 12 Smart Designs For Farms Gardens

[ By SA Rogers in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

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Urine for a Beautiful Day: Street Gardens Double as Public Pissoirs

07 Feb

[ By SA Rogers in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

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‘Piss in peace’ is the tagline for the Urintrottoir, a recent addition to the streets of Paris that’s part urinal, part composter, part mini garden. City officials are hoping that offering these urinals right out in the open will be a viable way to get men to stop peeing all over everything in sight, especially at night when they’ve had a few drinks. It would be cool if our cities could smell a little nicer, guys.

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The problem is, most of us don’t want to stare at urinals as we’re walking down the sidewalk. The Urintrottoir design attempts to find a way around that and make use of waste products at the same time, by making each unit into a planter full of herbs and flowers. The top bins contain straw and sawdust, which help break down the urine into relatively neutral-smelling soil for the plants.

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Larger versions of the device could potentially absorb the urine of 600 people before needing to be emptied. Two smaller versions are currently located near the Gare de Lyon station in Paris, and if the test is successful (and men really do choose to pee in them instead of in alleys or in the doorways of shops,) additional units will be rolled out to other stations in France.

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Some European cities already offer public ‘pissoirs’ that are considerably less decorative, but there’s not always a recycling component involved. This option makes lemonade out of lemons, so to speak (sorry, that metaphor is almost too perfect.) Now, if only there were similar options designed for people with different equipment.

A previous effort to prettify public urinals came in the form of a rose-tinted marble fountain by Portuguese architecture firm Bureau A, attempting to make public pissing into an artistic act.

[ By SA Rogers in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

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Private Urban Paradise: 13 Dreamy Residential Rooftop Pools & Gardens

04 Aug

[ By SA Rogers in Architecture & Houses & Residential. ]

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If you don’t have access to your own private rooftop paradise, you can at least dream about it during the hottest months of the year with the help of this collection of dreamy swimming pools and lush gardens. Rooftop bathtubs, infinity pools overlooking some of the world’s most glamorous cities and elevated lawns offer respite from the heat and access to fresh air, even in densely populated urban areas.

Beach House Extension in Peru

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This stepped home on a hillside overlooking the bay of Ancón in Lima, Peru features a rooftop infinity pool that seems to extend right out into the sea. Architect Adriá Noboa added to and renovated the existing home, built in 1958 by Swiss architect Theodor Cron, whose work in Peru is considered historically valuable.

Tel Aviv Townhouse Pool, Israel

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Another apartment terrace swimming pool in an urban area sits atop a six-level townhouse in Tel Aviv. Architect Pitsou Kedem placed the lap pool at the edge of the rooftop terrace alongside a lounge area. The pool feels open to the city when you’re enjoying it, yet remains private from ground level.

Rooftop Bathtub and Shower, Portugal

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Enjoying a relaxing bath while staring up at the sky from your own private rooftop in Lisbon definitely isn’t too shabby. José Adrião Architects added this unusual feature to the all-white rooftop terrace of a home with a view of the historical city.

The Wall House, Singapore

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There’s no house in the world quite like this one, designed for a client in Singapore who wanted two distinct yet connected homes for various generations of his family while maintaining lots of privacy and outdoor recreation space. FARM architects created a multi-level plan with a lower-level courtyard connecting both residences while the lushly planted rooftop levels are private, each with their own swimming pool.

Apartment Pool Overlooking Madrid, Spain

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A terrace sticks out of the side of this top floor apartment in the heart of Madrid, its kidney-shaped swimming pool nearly at roof level on one of the city’s tallest buildings. I! Arquitectura wanted to bring the ‘countryside’ to a city setting, with all the perks of living in the suburbs. That deck could only be better if the pool went right up to the edge, allowing you to take in the views while swimming.

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Residential Rooftop Dreams 13 Top Level Terraces Pools

[ By SA Rogers in Architecture & Houses & Residential. ]

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IKEA Indoor Gardens Produce Food Year-Round for Homes & Restaurants

13 Jun

[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

ikea home garden

IKEA recently launched a hydroponic gardening system to allow people to grow fresh produce at home (without soil or sunlight) and has just unveiled a similar system under development that is aimed at helping restaurants raise ingredients in-house.

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The KRYDDA/VÄXER hydroponic garden lets sprout seeds without soil using absorbent foam plugs that keep plants moist (without over-watering, thanks to a built-in sensor). Germinated seeds can then be transferred to pots fitted into a growing tray featuring a solar lamp. The system is designed to be easy to use for even inexpert gardeners.

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Meanwhile, in another bit to expand their sustainability model beyond furniture, furnishings and fixtures, IKEA has teamed up with Space10 to create The Farm, an aquaponic garden system for restaurants. A prototype is live and working the basement of Space10’s office in Copenhagen, and the two companies are planning to develop the system further for mass production and commercial deployment.

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Few customers realize that IKEA is actually already one of the largest restaurant chains in the world, selling over a billion Euros of food annually. It is well-positioned to push for changes in the food supply chain (photos by Kristine Lofgren for Inhabitat).

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The Farm prototype can even create a complete burger (of sorts) on site, specifically: a “bugburger” made of mealworm, beetroot and gluten and top with freshly-grown herbs and lettuce. Aside from this particular (and peculiar) delicacy, however, the design is aimed at bringing as much of the food production process in-house, similar to a recent system developed in Germany allowing grocers to raise and sell their own fresh produce.

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On multiple fronts, IKEA is changing the face of the farm-to-table movement, operating in parallel to larger urban vertical farming systems to generate products that are cheap and accessible, making gardening something that any city dweller or restaurant owner can dig into.

[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

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Zenith of Zen: 13 Nontraditional Takes on Japanese Gardens

10 Sep

[ By Steph in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

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Broken down to its most basic characteristics, the traditional Japanese zen garden inspires innovative design in everything from toys and candy to the most impossibly relaxing modern bathrooms you’ve ever seen. These unexpected takes on the traditional play on the meditative activity of dragging a rake through sand, the pleasingly minimalist aesthetic of the resulting lines and the sense of tranquility a zen garden can bring to a built environment.

Sugar Art: Edible Zen Garden

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This miniature zen garden is entirely edible, with sugar standing in for sand and rocks made from black sesame candies. Created by designer Tomonori Saito, the Shinan-ji Temple Rock Garden provides you with a tiny wooden rake so you can play with your food before you eat it.

Kinetic Drawing Machine Creates Sand Art

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Instead of a rake in the hands of a human, the patterns of lines in these circles of sand are created by steel marbles controlled by a kinetic drawing machine. The Sisyphus Machine by Bruce Shapiro produces mandala-like designs that swirl and change as the marbles move.

Interactive Zen Garden Installation in Quebec

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This new take on the traditional Japanese zen garden replaces sand with gravel and uses three spinning tools inspired by agricultural machinery to create the patterns. Created by Talmon Biran Architecture for the International Garden Festival in Quebec, the ‘Dry Landscape’ installation requires participants to work in tandem to create their own circles without bumping into each other.

XYZen Garden Works Like an Etch-A-Sketch

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Create your own relaxing DIY zen garden game with a tutorial at Instructables, which even includes shop drawings and templates. The XYZen Garden by Jonathan Odom works like an Etch-a-Sketch toy, using a pulley system to move the stylus across the sand.

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Zenith Of Zen 13 Nontraditional Takes On Japanese Gardens

[ By Steph in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

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Forgotten Gardens: Crumbling Complex Has a Sinister History

31 Oct

[ By Steph in Abandoned Places & Architecture. ]

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Police reports detail disturbing incidents that have occurred just beyond the stone walls of one of America’s most dramatic forgotten gardens, a mysterious complex full of imported ancient Roman columns in the unlikely location of suburban Yonkers, New York. How much of the sinister history of this place, which has become the stuff of legend over the years, really happened? Was it a hotbed of bizarre occult activity as the locals claim, or is this just a case of Satanic panic?

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Perched on a hillside overlooking the Hudson River and sprawling across 43 acres, Untermyer Park (also known as Untermyer Gardens) was first developed between 1899 and 1940 as part of a large private estate. A Grecian-style amphitheater, classical pavilion, Persian Paradise garden and a number of statues were erected by the time owner Samuel Untermyer died, and the gardens passed to the City of Yonkers in 1946.

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Decades later, the complex has begun to crumble, with graffiti covering many of the deteriorating stone structures. But it’s more than neglect that gives this place a sense of foreboding: it’s the connection to one of New York’s most brutal serial killers. As the murderer known as Son of Sam taunted police with Satanism-tinged letters during a killing spree targeting young couples, police found the corpses of ritualistically mutilated German Shepherds in the aqueduct south of Untermyer Park.

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Years after he was captured in 1977, David Berkowitz claimed that he hadn’t acted alone, pinpointing Untermyer Park as the site of frequent gatherings of the Satanic cult of which he was a member. This claim alone has led to all manner of legends springing up about the park, with locals claiming to hear strange chanting or glimpse the glow of torches in the woods at night.

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Is it the truth, or just defensive ramblings from the mind of a killer? It’s hard to say, but Berkowitz’ claims fall into line with the Satanic panic that sprung up in the ’70s and ’80s, blaming supposed secret cults for everything from child molestation to murder. It’s impossible to say exactly what has transpired at Untermyer Park, especially given the gruesome discovery in 1976, but the place definitely still carries a feeling of mystery, especially as its once-grand features continue to decay.

All photographs via Kristine Paulus/Flickr Creative Commons

[ By Steph in Abandoned Places & Architecture. ]

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Urban Turf: Mini Gardens atop Window Air Conditioning Units

09 Aug

[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

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For those who can accept a bit of ironic kitsch in the mix, here is a cute (and functional) solution for city dwellers sick of their only scenery being a brick wall across the alleyway, to the soundtrack of a loud window-unit air conditioner.

window air conditioner garden

Babilawn, currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter, goes beyond aesthetics as well, however, helping to dim the din of noisy air conditioning and potentially keep birds off your window unit as well (or encouraging them, depending on what you add to your custom scene). Accessories include everything from grass and flowers to miniature white picket fences and tiny garden gnomes, but also pint-sized graffiti walls for a bit of urban color.

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The magnetic grass mat slots onto the top of your air conditioner, covering up the ugly top and letting you set up something a bit more visually appealing from both inside and outside your home. It uses super-strong, rare-earth magnets to remain attached in extreme weather conditions. The composite units are also modular so they can fit various sizes of air conditioners. Its creators are still testing the theory, too, that it might make air conditioners more efficient by providing shade for the units as well.

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So how far are they into the design and distribution process? The process so far, quoted from their fundraising page: “It all started with a simple sketch which led to creating and testing the initial concept. From this proof of concept we were able to design and develop an Alpha prototype using 3D CAD and SLS 3D printing. We tested the alpha prototype and noted some areas for improvement.

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“We made the adjustments to the cad model and now, as it was featured in the video above, we have a fully functioning production-ready beta prototype that is patent pending. We conducted preliminary market analysis which includes evaluating demand, retail pricing, and competitive research. We sourced domestic and international manufacturing and fulfillment companies.”

[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Fixtures & Interiors. ]

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Ground, Up! Curved Green Sky Gardens Wrap Tower Hotel

06 Jun

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Offices & Commercial. ]

sky garden upper levels

The best of both worlds: guests at this hotel get to enjoy skyscraper-high views and still experience layers of intensive greenery on virtually all levels.

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A series of sleek towers rises up from an organic base that provides shelter and visual interest on the lower levels. These curvilinear forms support an interstitial outdoor floor, and can also be found far above, stretched between the towers at upper levels, serving as platforms for lush greenery.

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A grid of circular concrete columns pierces the various levels, rising up to support the towers. These provide for the structural needs of the building, but also serve as a transitional design element to bridge the heavier free-form concrete clouds below and the lighter frame-and-cladding rectangles above.

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The design by WOHA is meant to be a landmark for its city “Most of Singapore’s recent architecture – especially in and around the city centre – is nothing more than generic and can be seen anywhere in the world, regardless of climate and culture.

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The concept is about balance, as is the architectural result: “An equilibrium point of architectural anonymity has been derived from a number of factors. Finally the city has a uniquely expressive urban landmark that reinterprets and reinvigorates its location”

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Offices & Commercial. ]

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A Good Gawk by Sandra McCowen: Sculpture In Context 2012 at the National Botanic Gardens

16 Dec

Some cool visual art images:

A Good Gawk by Sandra McCowen: Sculpture In Context 2012 at the National Botanic Gardens
visual art
Image by infomatique
Sculpture In Context 2012 at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
6th September to 19th October 2012

Sculpture in Context continues to build on 26 years of experience in organising successful exhibitions. It has, over the years staged highly acclaimed visual arts events at venues such as Fernhill Gardens, the Conrad Hotel, Kilmainham Gaol, the Irish Management Institute, Dublin Castle, Farmleigh House and the National Botanic Gardens.

The gardens are not only a botanical haven, and a quiet oasis on the outskirts of a modern European City, they also offer a challenging venue which gives the artist the rare opportunity of realising large scale work. It also gives the visitor an opportunity to ramble and explore, sometimes finding sculptures in the most unusual places. The sculptures are displayed throughout the gardens, ponds, Great Palm House, and Curvilinear Range, with the smaller works exhibited in the gallery above the visitors’ centre.

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Scarecrow Fox by David Wilcoxson: Sculpture In Context 2012 at the National Botanic Gardens

15 Dec

Some cool visual art images:

Scarecrow Fox by David Wilcoxson: Sculpture In Context 2012 at the National Botanic Gardens
visual art
Image by infomatique
Sculpture In Context 2012 at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
6th September to 19th October 2012

Velcome by Beatrice Stewart: Sculpture In Context 2012 at the National Botanic Gardens
visual art
Image by infomatique
Sculpture In Context 2012 at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
6th September to 19th October 2012

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Posts Tagged ‘Gardens’

Reclaiming Urban Food Production: 12 Smart Designs for Farms & Gardens

The Growroom: IKEA Flat-Pack Spherical Garden

Floating Gardens in an Abandoned Chinese Factory

Recycled Cardboard Tube Garden

Grid Garden on Wheels

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Reclaiming Urban Food Production 12 Smart Designs For Farms Gardens

Urine for a Beautiful Day: Street Gardens Double as Public Pissoirs

Private Urban Paradise: 13 Dreamy Residential Rooftop Pools & Gardens

Beach House Extension in Peru

Tel Aviv Townhouse Pool, Israel

Rooftop Bathtub and Shower, Portugal

The Wall House, Singapore

Apartment Pool Overlooking Madrid, Spain

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Residential Rooftop Dreams 13 Top Level Terraces Pools

IKEA Indoor Gardens Produce Food Year-Round for Homes & Restaurants

Zenith of Zen: 13 Nontraditional Takes on Japanese Gardens

Sugar Art: Edible Zen Garden

Kinetic Drawing Machine Creates Sand Art

Interactive Zen Garden Installation in Quebec

XYZen Garden Works Like an Etch-A-Sketch

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Zenith Of Zen 13 Nontraditional Takes On Japanese Gardens

Forgotten Gardens: Crumbling Complex Has a Sinister History

Urban Turf: Mini Gardens atop Window Air Conditioning Units

Ground, Up! Curved Green Sky Gardens Wrap Tower Hotel

A Good Gawk by Sandra McCowen: Sculpture In Context 2012 at the National Botanic Gardens

Scarecrow Fox by David Wilcoxson: Sculpture In Context 2012 at the National Botanic Gardens

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Posts Tagged ‘Gardens’

The Growroom: IKEA Flat-Pack Spherical Garden

Floating Gardens in an Abandoned Chinese Factory

Recycled Cardboard Tube Garden

Grid Garden on Wheels

Next Page – Click Below to Read More: Reclaiming Urban Food Production 12 Smart Designs For Farms Gardens

Beach House Extension in Peru

Tel Aviv Townhouse Pool, Israel

Rooftop Bathtub and Shower, Portugal

The Wall House, Singapore

Apartment Pool Overlooking Madrid, Spain

Next Page – Click Below to Read More: Residential Rooftop Dreams 13 Top Level Terraces Pools

Sugar Art: Edible Zen Garden

Kinetic Drawing Machine Creates Sand Art

Interactive Zen Garden Installation in Quebec

XYZen Garden Works Like an Etch-A-Sketch

Next Page – Click Below to Read More: Zenith Of Zen 13 Nontraditional Takes On Japanese Gardens

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Reclaiming Urban Food Production 12 Smart Designs For Farms Gardens

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Residential Rooftop Dreams 13 Top Level Terraces Pools

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Zenith Of Zen 13 Nontraditional Takes On Japanese Gardens