“Landscape Architects Should Approach Pools and Water Features as Values That Must Be Protected”

“Landscape Architects Should Approach Pools and Water Features as Values That Must Be Protected”

At a time when the climate crisis, water management, and quality of life are becoming increasingly critical, landscape architecture is evolving beyond a discipline focused solely on open-space design into a holistic field that redefines the relationship between humans and nature. Evrim Karaman, Chair of the Istanbul Branch of the Chamber of Landscape Architects (TMMOB), evaluates the vision of landscape architecture and the role of pools and water features in sustainable design, offering a multidimensional perspective ranging from biological ponds to material selection.

Evrim Karaman defines landscape architecture as “a multi-layered discipline that restores the relationship between nature and people, placing ecological balance and quality of life at its core.” Emphasizing that the vision of the Chamber of Landscape Architects is to position landscape architecture as an indispensable professional field in the creation of sustainable and livable environments, Karaman notes that discussions surrounding the climate crisis and water management are making the importance of this discipline increasingly visible.

Stating that pools and water features should be considered integral components of the landscape, Karaman says, “Pools are not merely technical structures; they are living spaces that directly influence a place’s identity, patterns of use, and ecological balance.” She adds that this holistic approach enhances spatial quality while also delivering significant benefits in terms of sustainable water management.

Drawing attention to the need to consider aesthetics, functionality, and user experience together in poolside design, Karaman underlines that decisions regarding materials, textures, planting, and lighting must be addressed in conjunction with sustainability. “Sustainability lies at the center of this relationship,” she says, emphasizing that the use of local materials, low-maintenance solutions, and water-efficient design strategies provides long-term benefits.

Placing particular emphasis on responsibility in water management, Karaman states, “Landscape architects are responsible for approaching water not as an unlimited resource, but as a value that must be protected when designing pools and water features.” Rainwater harvesting and greywater systems, design strategies that reduce evaporation, and the integration of energy-efficient technologies form the foundation of this approach.

Highlighting the strong potential of biological ponds and natural swimming pools from a landscape architecture perspective, Karaman describes these systems as “environmentally compatible solutions that treat water as a living ecosystem.” She notes that Türkiye’s climate and plant diversity are well suited to such applications and predicts that, with proper design, expertise, and user awareness, these systems will become more widespread in the coming years.

At the conclusion of the interview, addressing young landscape architects, Karaman draws attention to the importance of emotional spatial design alongside technical knowledge in pool and open-space projects, stating, “Questioning not how a space looks, but how it makes people feel is what truly makes a difference.” Defining landscape architecture as a discipline that repairs the bond between humans and nature, Karaman emphasizes that this field requires responsibility, sensitivity, and a holistic perspective.