Expressions

In this portrait of Calvin Abe, FASLA, an award-winning landscape architect and founder of AHBE Landscape Architects in Culver City, California, he reflects on his journey of discovering landscape architecture as a medium for self-expression. Calvin’s unique approach to the field centers around abstract qualities and storytelling, allowing him to create landscapes that transcend mere aesthetics and deeply resonate with the culture, environment, and ecology of a place. This video explores his philosophy by delving into three distinct projects: the No Name Garden, Infonet’s corporate headquarters, and the Los Angeles River Center Gardens.

The No Name Garden was a temporary installation located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, specifically in the Little Tokyo district. Calvin’s vision for the garden revolved around a floating green circle, seamlessly integrated into the existing plaza. He added a blue carpet, symbolizing the connection between the urban environment and nature, while a strategically placed sprinkler head emitted a mesmerizing sound. The garden was designed to offer visitors a unique and immersive experience, enabling them to forge a deep connection with the natural world and create lasting memories.

At Infonet’s corporate headquarters in El Segundo, Calvin’s landscape design reflected the company’s spirit of technological innovation. The challenge lay in transforming a mandatory parking lot into a functional plaza that retained its capacity for parking. Through ingenious solutions, such as trellis screens and carefully selected bamboo, The AHBE team created a rhythmic landscape that merged sustainability with functionality. By incorporating recycled materials, the design emphasized the importance of environmental consciousness within the technological realm.

The Los Angeles River Center Gardens served as a testament to Calvin’s vision of capturing the essence of a place. The park sought to encapsulate the transformative journey of the Los Angeles River. Drawing inspiration from the river’s headwaters, concrete channels, and estuaries, the AHBE team crafted an immersive experience. A symbolic fountain and meandering channels guided visitors through a thoughtful narrative that highlighted the river’s cultural significance. By surpassing the replication of a native environment, the park encouraged contemplation and reshaped perceptions of the river and its place within the urban landscape.

Calvin’s commitment to creating landscapes that transcend conventional expectations and leave a lasting impact is a testament to his profound dedication to the field of landscape architecture. Through his artistry and storytelling, he strives to provoke thought, foster connections with nature, and encourage a deeper understanding of the interplay between culture, environment, and ecology.

2005
Short
U.S.A.
English
8 minutes
Evan Mather