Week 10 – Stone in Landscape Design with David Richardson & Lisa Nunn (FMDC)

Overview

This week focused on the use of natural stone within landscape architecture, delivered by David Richardson and Lisa Nunn of FMDC. The lecture explored how stone is used in paving, kerbs, and public realm design, highlighting both its aesthetic and technical importance.

It also introduced industry standards and best practice when selecting and specifying stone materials.

• Key Learning

A key takeaway from this session is that natural stone is a durable and high-quality material that must be carefully selected based on its properties and context.

The lecture highlighted:

• Stone enhances the visual quality of public spaces

• It is long-lasting and low maintenance

• There are three main types:

  • Igneous (granite, basalt)

  • Sedimentary (limestone, sandstone)

  • Metamorphic (slate, quartzite)

Each type has different properties affecting durability, texture, and appearance.

• Material Performance & Specification

The session emphasised that stone must be specified correctly to ensure long-term performance.

Key considerations include:

• Slip resistance for safety in public areas

• Durability and weather resistance

• Finish types (e.g. flamed, honed, sawn) affecting texture and grip

• Thickness and installation method depending on use

This highlights that stone selection is both a design and technical decision.

• Application to Design

This lecture is directly relevant to my Woolwich design, particularly in the selection of materials for paving and public spaces.

Stone can be used to:

• Define primary circulation routes

• Create high-quality market spaces

• Provide durable surfaces in high-traffic areas

Different finishes can also be used to differentiate between zones while maintaining a consistent material palette.

• Reflection

This session reinforced that material choice plays a key role in both the appearance and performance of a landscape. Natural stone offers a balance between durability, sustainability, and visual quality, making it suitable for public realm design.

It also highlighted the importance of selecting materials that respond to both context and function, ensuring long-term success.

Overall, this lecture has influenced how I approach materiality within my design, ensuring that surfaces are both practical and visually cohesive.