Paul Broadhurst
Landscape Designer

Websites:

• Paul R Broadhurst, Genus Loci

Paul R. Broadhurst, BSc. MLA, works throughout the United States and has projects in the UK and Australia. He has been featured on the Discovery Channel and in Sunset, Better Homes & Gardens, Northwest Homes, Landscape Architecture, and Garden Design magazines.

With a background in environmental studies (University of London), Broadhurst completed his MLA at the School of Landscape Architecture at the University of Washington. He was selected for the coveted intern programs with the US firms SWA and EDAW.

A recipient of the English Speaking Union/GCA Fellowship, and an honor award winner in the 2008 and 2009 American Society of Landscape Architecture Professional Awards, Broadhurst resides in the Pacific Northwest with his firm based in Seattle, Washington.

Paul would like to thank the ladies of the Garden Clubs of America for their hospitality and support, and for providing a behind-the-scene glimpse of some of the most exciting private landscape designs on the west coast.

Broadhurst is currently working on a book, "Five Landscapes in Cascadia".

Creating Spirit of Place: Genus Loci

The ancient Greeks spoke of Genus Loci or the Spirit of a Place. It defines the profound qualities which gives the perception of a place its character and identity.

Genus Loci only exists because we perceive it so. What makes a place memorable? What design elements create character and identity?

By understanding the spirit of place, we learn to enhance our environment. As a designer, I most commonly apply this understanding to the connections that can occur between house and landscape, or between any building and nature. For it is at this margin, between the built and the un-built, where one has the best opportunity to shape people's perception and pleasure in a place.

Their experience can be enhanced as simply as creating seating at just the right place to relax, providing calm, or creating a space that encourages engagement and socializing; or by providing a path with a clearly expressed purpose.

An understanding of Genus Loci has profound implications in creating a sense of place and is the animating principal in my work.

More island projects like this San Juan Island Residence in my portfolio. Call me for more information: 206.749.9516

University of London
School of Landscape Architecture
University of Washington