Designs on the Landscape

Explores the principles of landscape design, combining the theory of landscape aesthetics with the practice of good architectural design. Considers why certain environments may be valued; analyzes historical designs focusing on their relevance to contemporary design of the principles discussed. Outlines the philosophical problems of dealing with subjectivity and the difficulties of evaluating incremental change. Recognizes that visual and cultural aspects are intimately related to technical and functional matters and accordingly sets out to treat these as parts of the whole. Most chapters include brief case studies based on everyday surroundings.