'TOPIARIUM'

garden concept for Theater Instituut Nederland, Amsterdam, May 2007
Commissioned by Canal Museums for The Amsterdam Open Garden Days, June 2007

‘TOPIARIUM’ *

This garden concept for ‘Theater Instituut Nederland’ is supplementary
to the building’s classicistic style,translated into a free approach
of 17 th and 18 th century bed ornamentics.

The new garden pattern came into being by reinterpreting the tradition
of hedge shapes adjusted to the in situ demands.
The concept’s output can be regarded as a drawing especially created
for socializing, privacy, recreation and performance (on stage).

Applied hedge: Taxus baccata.

The hedges’ heights will vary from 50 cm till 2,5 m.
The stage’s backside will be surrounded by tall ones and work as natural props.
The small hedges serve as partitions as well as connections
between theatre, pavement and buildings.

Walks and other open spaces are covered with crushed shells.

* Toparius, the ancient Greek garden designer is the inventor of topiary, or the art of sculpturing hedges.

Key to symbols:

1. entrance stairs

2. stage

3. side wings

4. pedestal with bust

5. pavement and seats