A Grounded Forest Solution for Urban Environments
As 70% of the world population is expected to live in cities by 2050 (United Nations, 2018), a radical approach towards cityscape is needed to allow citizens to access nature in their daily lives.
We propose to include trees and their needs, both above and below ground, as an absolute necessity at the beginning of the development of public spaces.
Tomorrow, we must introduce forests in our cities rather than planting solitary trees. We will receive great benefits in return such as improved public health and climate change adaptation.
Global urbanization challenges ask for a new attitude towards trees and a new craftsmanship that we develop at SYLVA, creating a bridge between landscape architecture and urban forestry.
As a design practice we want to organise a flexible collective of participants in order to make tailor fit solutions for every project.


Jean-François Gauthier
Landscape Architect [M.Sc.]
I am a landscape architect involved in urban renewal projects.
My practice lies at the edge between a fascination for forest ecology systems and artistic experimentation.
Using various mixed-media techniques, I aim to create speculative landscape designs that visualize what a forest can look like in the public domain.
With the project ‘Trees First’, I explore the system and possibilities of the urban forest; focusing on trees in the city as a starting point for better public space design.
I am currently coordinator for the Pre-Master & Minor in Landscape Architecture at the Academy of Architecture in Amsterdam.
Collaborations
Contractors
College van Rijksadviseurs
Provincie Zuid-Holland
Municipality of The Hague
Stimuleringsfonds voor de Creatieve Industrie
Academy of Architecture Amsterdam
Design consultants
Membership

BlueCity
SYLVA is located at the BlueCity, a model city for the circular and blue economy and home to 55 entrepreneurs.
Come visit us at:
Maasboulevard 100
Rotterdam, 3063NS, The Netherlands
+31 (0)6 57 50 54 30
SYLVA VAT number
NL003203306B77
Dutch Chamber of Commerce
77508521
Feel free to e-mail us at info@sylva.la.