Landscape as Urbanism: A General Theory

Landscape as Urbanism is a theoretical approach to urban design that emphasizes the role of landscape in shaping the built environment. It is based on the idea that landscape is not simply a backdrop for buildings, but rather an integral part of the urban fabric. Landscape architects who work from this perspective see their role as creating livable, sustainable, and beautiful cities by designing and managing the spaces between buildings.

Landscape as Urbanism: A General Theory

by El Greco

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	97281 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	216 pages

FREE

Landscape as Urbanism has its roots in the work of landscape architects such as Frederick Law Olmsted and Ian McHarg. Olmsted, who designed Central Park in New York City, believed that parks and other green spaces were essential for the health and well-being of urban residents. McHarg, who wrote the seminal book Design with Nature, argued that landscape architects should use their knowledge of ecological processes to create more sustainable cities.

In recent years, Landscape as Urbanism has gained popularity as a way to address the challenges of urbanization. As cities become more crowded and polluted, landscape architects are increasingly being asked to find ways to create more livable and sustainable environments. Landscape as Urbanism offers a framework for thinking about how to do this by integrating landscape design into the planning and design of cities.

Principles of Landscape as Urbanism

The principles of Landscape as Urbanism can be summarized as follows:

* Landscape is an integral part of the urban fabric. It is not simply a backdrop for buildings, but rather a space that is actively used and experienced by people. * Landscape can be used to shape the built environment. By designing and managing landscapes, landscape architects can create more livable, sustainable, and beautiful cities. * Landscape design should be based on an understanding of ecological processes. By working with nature, landscape architects can create more sustainable cities that are resilient to climate change and other environmental challenges.

Benefits of Landscape as Urbanism

Landscape as Urbanism offers a number of benefits for cities, including:

* Improved livability. Landscape can be used to create more livable cities by providing spaces for people to relax, play, and socialize. It can also help to reduce air pollution, noise pollution, and heat island effects. * Increased sustainability. Landscape can be used to create more sustainable cities by reducing energy consumption, water consumption, and waste production. It can also help to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and providing habitat for wildlife. * Enhanced beauty. Landscape can be used to create more beautiful cities by providing visual interest and variety. It can also help to connect people with nature and improve their overall well-being.

Examples of Landscape as Urbanism

There are many examples of Landscape as Urbanism in practice around the world. Some of the most notable examples include:

* Central Park in New York City. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Central Park is one of the most iconic parks in the world. It provides a much-needed oasis of green space in the heart of Manhattan and is used by millions of people every year. * The High Line in New York City. The High Line is a former elevated railway that has been transformed into a public park. It offers unique views of the city and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. * The Millennium Park in Chicago. The Millennium Park is a large urban park that includes a variety of features, such as a concert venue, an ice skating rink, and a botanical garden. It is a popular destination for people of all ages and is a model for sustainable urban design.

Landscape as Urbanism is a powerful approach to urban design that can help us to create more livable, sustainable, and beautiful cities. By integrating landscape design into the planning and design of cities, landscape architects can help to improve the quality of life for all urban residents.

Landscape as Urbanism: A General Theory

by El Greco

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	97281 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	216 pages

FREE