Sky-high Water Garden

from The Weatherstaff PlantingPlanner – intelligent garden design software

I’ve visited lots of gardens, but The Water Garden at Emquartier – slap bang in the middle of a luxury shopping mall and five storeys above the city streets – was a new experience for me.

EmQuartier is Bangkok’s brand new shopping mall, next to Phrom Phong BTS station and just across Sukhumvit Road from the well-established (and recently renovated) Emporium mall. Alongside the modern glass and chrome architecture, there’s been a real effort to create breathing green spaces on every level.

Waterfall Quartier landscape design software
Waterfall Quartier
Peacock Feature landscape garden design
Peacock Waterfall Feature

Outdoor walkways connect the different zones and from these vantage points, as well as superb views of the city, you can spot the foliage of the Water Garden high up in the Helix Quartier and an impressive waterfall, complete with enormous peacocks, overlooking the atrium.

Rainforest Chandelier - garden design, landscape design
The Rainforest Chandelier

Spiralling down over 100 metres from the roof, the Rainforest Chandelier – designed by Patrick Blanc of Vertical Gardens fame – creates a striking first impression of The Water Garden. Echoing the chandelier, the floor then spirals up and up, enabling visitors to circle the gardens and then continue upwards, to select from one of the 50 or so dining outlets between the sixth and ninth floors.

Below the living chandelier, a curved wall of stone – displaying a variety of tropical plants grown hydroponically and over which a cascade of water continually flows – follows a path down to the lotus pond.

curved wall landscape design software
Water cascades over the curved wall
Plants growing hydroponically  landscape design software
Plants growing hydroponically
Lotus pond garden design software
Lotus pond

A glass doorway leads to the outdoor courtyard with its interconnecting pools and swaying bamboos. Strategically placed viewing platforms give spectacular panoramic views of the city and the nearby green oasis of Queen Benjasiri Park.

Water garden landscape design software
Water garden overlooking the city of Bangkok
City view at dusk from Weatherstaff landscape design software
City view at dusk

Lobster pot-style gazebos provide quiet sitting areas for catching up with friends and admiring the gardens and views.

Lobster pot gazebos landscape design software
Lobster pot gazebos

A wooden walkway over a pond winds between Bodhi and Banyan trees, a spirit house nestling beneath their branches.

Between Bodhi and Banyan Trees landscape design software
Between Bodhi and Banyan Trees

Dusk was falling as we arrived, transforming the gardens into a magical world. Tiny starry lights hung suspended from the ceiling, flames flared from metal torch holders and hidden lights illuminated the trunks and foliage.

Flickering flames garden design software
Flickering flames

Flames flickered from a glass cube floating on the water.

Watching the city landscape design
Watching the city

It is a beautiful spot to watch night descend on the city.

Sky-high Water Garden - from Weatherstaff garden design software
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The Weatherstaff Team