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Dutch firm plans botanical garden and “tree bridge” in Houston

Dutch landscape architect West 8 is planning a botanical garden, complete with a "tree bridge" in Houston, Texas.

The 120 acre garden will take the place of a golf course in Glenbrook Valley, close to William P. Hobby Airport.

Local residents have opposed the idea, citing the loss of the golf course as well as congestion and construction disruption.

Despite the backlash, Jeff Ross, president of the Houston Botanic Garden, said: "No change happens without angst."

The garden is to be divided into two main precincts: the Island and the South Gardens.

South Gardens will incorporate a hike and bike trail and an open garden that will host events.

The Island will "be dominated by gardens, both naturalistic and cultivated", and will contain a conservatory building, educational facilities, an events pavilion, a cafe and a lecture hall.

It is unclear when the project will be completed.

Images via West 8

Edited on 23/2/16

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Comments

  1. The site is no where near George Bush Airport, it is near Hobby Airport. This is on the opposite side of town from Bush. Saying local residents oppose it is also false. There is a small group that adjoins it that has voiced opposition, but in the general area, support is strong. Doubt the tree bridge ultimately gets built. It really isn’t suitable for the climate here, and of course the potential for hurricane damage.

  2. This tree-bridge must be one of the most bizarre ideas conceived by an architect and an insult to the natural environment. Furthermore, what a lost opportunity to: (1) rather plant the trees in terra firma, preferably along the river edge to enhance the biodiversity of two edges, water and land; and also, (2) to create opportunities for induced meanders, thereby improving the hydraulic flow of the river, which in turn, will benefit the overall riverine ecosystem, not to mention, the dissipation of water energy during excessive flows or flood conditions. Good architects must understand how nature works and use biomimicry to create designs that work with, rather than against, natural systems and flows of energy.

  3. Frankly, the tree bridge looks terrible. I have no doubt it would look even more unnatural and contrived in real life were it to be built (without the benefit of the optimistic concept graphics.. i.e. the fanciful colouration of the trees)

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