João Ceregeiro

Historic gardens and landscape heritage are what nourish his soul as an architect, while he divides his time in the administration of the Portuguese Association of Landscape Architects (APAP). Some say that time is knowledge, and João Ceregeiro has been in this business long enough to have a mature and consistent vision of the space that each project should occupy. You might want to stay on this page, because the APAP President is ready to reveal some secrets about outdoor spaces that might come in handy for you this summer. 

How is the role of landscape architect?
Landscape architecture is constantly striving for an open dialogue between nature and the work of man, establishing paths and steps towards their balance. As landscape architects, we achieve this through our integration in the space, regardless of its size or scale. This relationship or communion is achieved through observing and analysing the environment: by collecting information from multiple sources, and through a perception of chronological time – Kronos –, the transformation of space reaches the moment of synthesis – Kairos –, where it is possible to implement a proposal. 

And how would you describe your creative process? 
The process involves phases or stages, such as the gathering of information, the analysis, the debate, the proposal or project, the construction and, finally, a chapter that is often undervalued, but very important, that of maintenance. Given the multiple interactions at each moment, each phase can be reviewed and reactivated again throughout the process. 

Is enhancing the surrounding space and, when possible, bringing it inside the house one of the main priorities?
Enhancing the surrounding space is enhancing the landscape. We live in a time when it has become imperative to restore the landscape and with it the resources of soil, water, biodiversity and a new mobility, bringing it into the city’s unbuilt spaces, entering backyards and indoor gardens of the houses on a more intimate scale. 

Does the climate influence the project site?
If so, in what ways?We work with living matter, in the open space. Among the natural factors, climate is the one that is the most important in the design choices. The light, temperature, humidity, wind, the way the workspace is exposed to the various agents, the correlation with the terrain and the surrounding physical elements all have a huge influence on the design of the project and its implementation.

"We live in a time when it has become imperative to restore the landscape”

Which elements do you use most often and how do you maintain them throughout the different seasons?
In most cases, the vegetation is central to the composition of the space. The selection of the plant species is based on an evaluation of native species and those that, through time and use, have become part of the cultural context. A good project involves the knowledge of the specific plant requirements, their ecology and the competitiveness between the species, ensuring a balance over time. 

Name four sustainable tips for the outdoor space of a home.
Rationality in the choice of species according to their needs; groupings according to ecological affinities; making uses compatible with the supportability of the proposal and an efficient irrigation system. 

Can we say that everything is landscape?
Absolutely. Everything is landscape. It mirrors the work of humankind and our history is etched in it. It is from there that we can diagnose the present and anticipate the future. 

Hanging or wall lights? Hanging, light from above.
Pots or planters? Clay pots.
Installing an outdoor kitchen: yes or no? Yes, a grill between stones.
Sun lounger or hammock for chilling out? Hammock, more lively.
Building a deck: yes or no? Yes, but permeable.
Metal or wooden furniture? Wooden, of course.
An object you can’t do without in outdoor spaces? Bench / chair.