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Green spaces: an interview with Raphaël Saive
Interview from the 2020 partial lockdown period. Raphaël Saive’s remarks are presented as a paraphrased summary.
At the time, Raphaël Saive was a partner at Gilbert Henchoz landscape architects, renamed Arfolia in 2022. References to the agency’s partnership describe the situation at the time.
Landscape architecture
He described a practice working across the Lake Geneva region and internationally for private clients, architects, developers, institutions and public authorities.
Green spaces in Geneva
He described Geneva as a mix of urban, agricultural and natural areas, highlighting the contribution of trees to the living environment and the need to account for existing vegetation in projects. Applicable procedures and regulations should be checked with the authorities when planning work.
Gardens, rooftops and terraces
Green spaces also include landscaped rooftops and terraces. He stressed early coordination between client, architect and engineer, especially to check the loads the structure can support. Villa gardens can be designed as a personal extension of the home.
Requests after lockdown
In 2020 he observed increased interest in gardens and outdoor areas, with some households redirecting part of their holiday budgets towards landscaping.
What the interview offers a property project
An outdoor space is more than its surface area. Exposure, views, access, existing planting and intended uses influence its design. For a buyer, examining the garden or terrace complements the assessment of the home.
Planning a planted terrace
A planted terrace or roof requires attention to structural capacity, waterproofing, drainage and maintenance access. Solutions depend on the building and should be reviewed with qualified professionals. In a condominium, check the rules and any necessary permissions before work begins.
Looking after existing planting
In Geneva, work on some trees may require authorisation. The canton describes the procedures for tree removal and pruning. For new planting, check boundary distances and the tree’s mature size early in the design.
Saive’s remarks are presented in their 2020 context. These practical considerations are additional editorial guidance, not new statements attributed to him.
