Vision and Method

THE LANDSCAPE AS A SYSTEM

H+N+S approaches the landscape as a system of layers that interact with each other. The office takes the landscape-forming forces and processes, such as soil formation, hydrology, natural dynamics, infrastructure development and occupation, as a starting point. The quality of the design stems from the logic of the layers of the landscape and the meaningful intervention by humans in its (natural) environment.

In this process, the agency is always looking for multi-layeredness, for smart linking opportunities that make a plan more feasible or more valuable. The quest to realize added value in every plan is the trademark of H+N+S Landscape Architects.

CULTURE OF COLLABORATION

H+N+S works for the central government, provincial and municipal authorities, water boards, market parties, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private individuals. Where possible, the office works closely with the residents and users of the city and the landscape. Giving form and content to the relationship between man and his environment is an important source of inspiration for H+N+S. This translates into an attitude in which we are constantly alert to what is happening in society and what drives and concerns people.

Collaboration is also an important core concept for the project teams within our office. H+N+S is a monodisciplinary office where almost every designer is a landscape architect. Our employees are very aware of the profession and its development and have a broad interest, but know the limits of their competences. H+N+S therefore often collaborates with experts from other disciplines such as architecture, cultural history, urban planning, ecology and civil engineering. Over the years, the agency has built up a broad collective expertise with this network of specialists.

THE BINDING FORCE OF THE DESIGN

A complex reality is hidden behind current themes, such as coastal safety, Room for the River and energy transition, in which various (technical) disciplines make an important contribution to the complex tasks that arise from this. Moreover, such themes often involve various interests, which in some cases are diametrically opposed. H+N+S Landscape Architects applies an integrated approach to each project that is aimed at seeking connection.

H+N+S uses the binding force of the design in this type of project, whereby the agency 'draws together' the input from the various disciplines. In consultation with the parties involved, the designers involved explore how a transcending concept can be developed that is widely supported. In recent years it has become apparent that there is a growing need for such substantive and process integration in projects.

FUTURE CHALLENGES AND DUTIES

At our (professional) future from a rich past with a positive-critical basic attitude. We believe that landscape architects in particular can play a more and more broad and meaningful role in our society and that the creativity, spatial integral thinking and imagination of our profession is needed more than ever. The new social and spatial developments stimulate us to further innovate and develop our office and our professional philosophy. Therein lies the challenge for the agency's next 30 years.

H+N+S is working continuously and in mutual coherence on the following major social challenges/themes, striving for a beautiful, functional and sustainable Netherlands and abroad. We keep looking and tinkering...

• Water and space
• Nature development
• Infrastructure
• Outdoor space
• City and Country
• Renewable energy
• Cultural heritage
• Design Research