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Inspiration: Intelligentsia Venice's Vertical Garden

The long awaited Intelligentsia in Venice opened last week so we stopped by to take a look for ourselves. The west side location is very different from the look of the Silver Lake shop starting with an entry courtyard for hanging out that's decked out with a vertical garden that will only get more grand with time.
 
 

The whole space was designed by Ana Henton of MASS Architecture and Design, a local LA architect who was a protégée of Frank Gehry's for 5 years. The space is a mix of glass and steel and includes stadium style seating in the atrium with a mass of plants growing down from the top of the walls and growing onto a metal industrial inspired trellis. We love the dark grey walls and the wood used in the seating (anyone know what it is?). The atrium is a small space and overall pretty narrow but the use of a whole wall for plants is bound to make the space feel larger without taking up space on the ground. A great plan for small balconies or decks that don't have a lot of room for pots of plants or planting beds.

Have you check out Intelligentsia? Or do you have a favorite local store or restaurant with a great small garden?

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gardening, small garden, vertical garden

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Comments (5)

I hope more buildings incorporate this piece of green heaven in their design.

posted by baileyb on June 16th 2009 at 7:20pm
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They had lovely architecture to work with considering the space was foremerly occupied by Scentiments, an upscale floral and gift shop. The buiding and local was a great score for Intelligentsia. Can't wait to visit!

posted by Seaside on June 16th 2009 at 9:37pm
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They had lovely architecture to work with considering the space was foremerly occupied by Scentiments, an upscale floral and gift shop.

The buiding and local was a great score for Intelligentsia. Can't wait to visit!

posted by Seaside on June 16th 2009 at 9:39pm
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Does anyone know what the long, thin hanging plants are?

posted by Mboston on June 17th 2009 at 12:26pm
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Wow! What is the material for the wall covering? It has marble looking but certainly not marble.

See beautiful natural stone garden decorations here:

Marble Granite Stone
Garden Stone Decor Garden Ornaments Landscaping Stones

posted by stoneguy on June 17th 2009 at 4:44pm
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