Landscape Architecture

In my opinion, there is as much beauty in landscape architecture as there is in construction and building architecture. As landscape architecture continues to develop, so does the style in which it is designed and created. I have always had an attraction to gardens and the individual beauty in each landscape and park. There are many different styles of landscape architecture and each style -- modern, picturesque, french baroque -- suits unique settings.
Take for example, Sea Ranch. Sea Ranch is a planned community located in Sonoma, California near Mendocino. It was constructed between 1966 and 1970 and was designed by landscape architect Lawrence Halprin and Charles Moore. Sea Ranch is not merely a park or garden, but rather a community and neighborhood built directly on the coastal cliffs of California for full-time and visiting residents. The development is ten miles long and spans 5,200 acres.

This landscape fascinates me because the buildings and homes are built directly into the landscape and follow the topography of their surroundings. It goes so far as to include the materials of the houses and construction of the buildings so the community is uniform and one with nature.

Lawrence Halprin understood the toll the weather would take on the architecture specifically wind from the ocean, repeated clashing of waves and the steep cliffs. Halprin embraced this topographic reality and designed the site completely around these natural settings.

Halprin designed this neighborhood to be more like a community rather than a specific park. My favorite park is Regent's Park in London, England.

Regent's Park was originally planned for private villas, but eventually opened as a park and garden to the public and now contains a number of entertainment sites. The Regent's Park was clearly designed for this space within London. The design is bold, unique and extravagant unlike Sea Ranch.

There is a real sense of calm and peace in this park, which are feelings indicative of a successful park. The landscape complements that of London, while also provided an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

What is your favorite piece of landscape architecture?