Field studies, by definition, are a compilation of raw data collected outside a laboratory, library, or workplace. It's a study conducted in a real world setting with real practitioners who aim to understand different aspects of the practice or phenomena that occur in that place.

 

For Planterra, field study is literal; it's how our office exists. Our mobile field office lets us engage in direct observation and investigation, and experience wonder and imagination within some of America's most beautiful places, both during our office hours and longer after. With the vast landscapes of the West at our fingertips and the attitude of a humble observer, we use a combination of photography, journaling, sketching, and follow-up research to understand natural landscapes more fully.

 

We then apply this knowledge to our design work. By studying what makes a landscape feel serene, restorative, wild or exhilarating, we can integrate these pieces into the design of outdoor spaces inspired by the public lands we treasure most.

 

 The goal of these studies is two-fold. The first is to feed a desire to experience and continuously learn about the diverse landscapes of the West, and second to sharpen the senses through observation when in nature. The result is a portfolio of our bespoke, hand-collected resources that help both designer and client identify physical design components that can be used to create landscapes influenced by the most beautiful parts of America.

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This series is continually growing, as our study and experience of different eco-regions of the West expand.