Landscape elements of this mid-rise New York City residential building’s second-floor courtyard garden were determined by the massing of the building, its structure limitations, micro-climatic conditions and light levels.

The courtyard materials’ colors, textures and variety of foliage qualities were composed to highlight the contrasting characteristics of each. Dynamic seasonal conditions have been revealed by the massings and layering of different plant types. Plant selection was carefully choreographed to satisfy varying light levels in a predominantly shady condition. Structural limitations influenced what plant types were possible. Such constraints were reconciled with the courtyard’s paving and “place-making” designs. A serpentine Bamboo grove and an espaliered evergreen hedge established dense privacy screens between the private terraces and the public garden. These hedges were anchored at each end with sculptural landforms that visually frame the courtyard’s internal block openings.

Contiguous lightweight growing medium zones at varying depths accommodate simple arrangements of a limited palette of leafy forbs and shrubs. The planting design and material compositions were inspired by Asian garden courtyards, and balance variety with uniformity and repetition. Subtle separations, like material changes, distinguish areas and foster use flexibility. While visually compelling from above, once experienced on the ground, the garden offers residents a unique calming escape and a spiritually uplifting dynamic landscape for relaxation and contemplation.