The Future of Landscape Architecture
[Photo of El Parque Ecologico Xochimilco, in
The photo shown above shows a sky
view shot of El Parque Ecologico Xochimilco
In
also shaping it into a masterpiece. As we proceed into the 21st
century the most important issue will be the condition of the global
environment.
Landscape Architecture is no longer
concerned simply with arranging places for pleasant use. It is evolving into an
art that meets the challenges of a society interested in improving the quality
of life. Landscape architects are trying to make as much use of our land
resources by preserving it while at the same time creating art out of nature.
They do this by using the design process, hence finding solutions to our
environmental concerns.
The design process is a systematic
approach, which converts inputs into outputs, or ideas into completed products
(ITEA, 2000). In order to be successful
as a landscape architect, one must follow these principles of design. By doing
so, it would make it possible to balance art with nature. The design process is
the most crucial part of a project because it involves identifying a problem,
researching and gathering information, generating ideas and alternatives, and
finally choosing a solution.
Landscape Architecture applies artistic, scientific, and technological
principles to the research, planning, design and management of both natural and
built environments (ASLA, 2000). It is
landscape architects that design landscapes to meet the changing needs of
today’s society. They are accredited for our roads and highway systems,
housing, recreational and commercial facilities, and campuses.
In the past landscape art primarily dealt with arranging places for safe, pleasant living, now as there is an increase in concern for the environment; it has taken a different route. It is no longer and exploitation of nature, but a way to see its true beauty by making use of it and shaping it so that it can be used to its full capacity. It seems that Landscape architects have begun to focus their effort towards social and behavioral aspects for the needs of mankind.
Vol.
25 issue 2, p100.
In
an article “Remaking the Landscape”, Beardsley points out that the focus of
landscape architecture is changing. It has become a means of expressing one’s
attitudes towards nature. Today, landscape architects are met with a variety of
challenges when working on a project, from working with a limited budget to
integrating their artistic and scientific skills into a successful project. El
Parque Ecologico Xochimilco, an environmental project in
Issue
2, pg18.
"Designers develop a preference
for a particular way of structuring their design process. Some prefer to make
decisions along the way, moving deliberately from one step to the next, while
others engage in a free-flowing design in which nothing is frozen until all
aspects seem right."(Lynch & Hack qtd. in Erdman 3) It seems the free
flowing design is most commonly used. The reason for this is,
it is rare to see something turn out the way it was originally planned. This
allows for changes to be made that will probably affect the project greatly.
"Her impulse is not to impose
form, it is to evoke form out of what is given-The landscape, the building, the
light, the natural materials at hand” (Menand 56).
Modern landscape architects are seeing the need to make use of our land
resources as much as we can, they in turn, turn it into a piece of art while
preserving it at the same time. Landscape architects and Maya Lin share a bond
in the fact that they choose to work with what is there, the challenge is to
create it into a beautiful piece of art, while at the same time creating
harmony between us and nature.
Works Cited:
Beardsley, John. “Remaking the Landscape” Wilson Quarterly. Spring
2001,
Vol. 25 Issue 2, p100
Erdman,
Issue 2, pg 18