A very common misconception about landscape architects is that we design plant and tree spaces...and we do, but very infrequently. The term "landscape" in the title was originally used to describe a space, either dimensional or non-dimensional... "the landscape of the savanna is", or "the landscape of early Christianity is littered with...". It wasn't until the 1960's that the term really started being used to describe the planting areas in a residence...."a home's landscape". Which is very unfortunate as it places an immediate stereotype on the profession. I noted the events of a fairly typical week in our landscape architecture office, and none of it had anything to do with plants a
"A park such as in now under consideration, should be primarily and essentially a rural retreat in a city....its highest purpose is not to furnish instruction, nor pure air, nor a place for exercise on foot or horseback, but to furnish that relief and repose of mind which natural scenery brings to those who are wearied by city sights and sounds. Of course, a park designed and constructed with such a leading motive will not fail to furnish pure air and a field for exercise and opportunity for study; but, if it is designed primarily with subordinate uses, its highest purpose will not be recieved." Garden and Forest Magazine March 4, 1891 I recently discovered the above quote when going thru s
I am constantly suprised by a client's desire for a "fantastic" design...followed up by the same client getting cold feet and eliminating the most distinctive and creative portion of the design out of fear of expanding their comfort zones. Its the sculpture, the lighting, the water feature, the distinctive construction materials that make a site unique. We often eliminate the design elementst that will make their project unique and magazine worthy. By nature, distinctive architecture is about pushing the design edge in a carefully controlled manner. I am asked in interviews "Can you make this project stand out?". My reply is, "Of course we can, that is what we were trained to do! But do
We have been asked to design a memorial for Chris Kyle, and our team is taking great pride in being able to visit with the men and women who knew him. We find out information about the man, and his service to our country during his active duty days with the Navy SEALS, but also after retiring from the military and helping out those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). All are describing him as a very humble, honorable, and straight-foward guy. It is fantastic to learn about Chris and all of the SEAL guys. We need as much information and input from them as possible. Our number one priority on this is to get the project "right" by his teamates and his family. That supercedes every
