. . . as we anticipate the world of the twenty-first century; landscape architecture is at a crossroads. If the discipline embraces ecological design and planning; then it has a leadership role in contemporary society throughout the world. If landscape architecture; however; turns inward and ignores its larger responsibility to the public good; then it will become marginalized and less relevant. --George F. Thompson and Frederick R. Steiner. The essays contained in this book are written by a cross section of the most respected teachers and prac-titioners of landscape design from around the globe. Ecological Design and Planning offers a unique opportunity to learn about the latest thinking and practices in the art and science of ecological landscape design from such leading lights as Michael Laurie; Carol Franklin; Laurie Olin; Elizabeth Meyer; Mark Johnson; and Ian McHarg. The common thread that runs through these essays is the authors conviction that the growing rift in landscape design--ecology vs. aesthetics--is an artificial one. Each author expresses abiding concern for the ecological preservation and enhancement of the site; while demonstrating clearly--with both words and pictures--that the best designs are those that harmonize aesthetic form and ecological function. Ecological Design and Planning is a source of ideas and inspiration for landscape architects and planners; architects; and all those who understand the importance of designing with nature. "It is high time that we citizens of the world begin to understand that our situation on earth is not one in which nature must rule over culture; or culture over nature; as if one can separate the two in the first place. It is high time to reflect upon the geographies and landscape histories of the past throughout the world so that we can bring forward--again--the concept that only by designing and planning with nature and culture can we begin to heal the landscapes and places of everyday existence--urban; rural; and wild--in environmental and aesthetic terms. Gods own junkyard need not continue to dominate our public landscapes; nor our own backyards and city streets." --George F. Thompson and Frederick R. Steiner New essays by: James Corner; Carol Franklin; Mark Johnson; Michael Laurie; Ian L. McHarg; Elizabeth Meyer; Forster Ndubisi; Laurie Olin; Claire Reiniger; Sally Shauman; Meto Voom; and Joan Hirschman Woodward. Photographs by Steve Martino
#2732500 in eBooks 2008-05-02 2008-05-02File Name: B000U0SBV0
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Unlike other photo/plan booksBy Doug McCartneyIve stopped buying plan books because they seem to be close to useless so I hesitated on ordering this one. No two houses are similar - variety! Theres only one drawn illustration; the rest have photos - sometimes of the interiors; sometimes multiple pages of photos. I think that its very worth having and so it goes on my favorites shelf. These homes seem to be both comfortable and inviting; and with a little modernization theyll be very enjoyable according to todays standards. We want bigger kitchens and more bathrooms now than they did a century ago; but otherwise the houses seem to very closely meet my visions. All are in the 1500 to 3000 square-foot range. The first house I build will be very similar to one of my several favorites from this book.33 of 33 people found the following review helpful. Architect-Designed Homes of the Late TwentiesBy ClassicdudeThis book is a facsimile of AMERICAN COUNTRY HOUSES OF TODAY by architect Lewis A. Coffin which was originally published in 1934. The introduction is only two pages; but it discusses the past; present; and future of country houses (that is; houses out of a strictly urban environment); a discussion with observations; questions; and fears that are still valid today. The author asks why we cannot make houses that are better planned; more liveable and more beautiful than those built by architects of the past. Coffin asks why the basic principles of simplicity; of proportion; of balance; and of well designed detail cannot be adopted along with new materials and technology. Why indeed? He blames the lazy or incompetent architect that finds it easier not to have to struggle towards the basic principles of good design for unsuccessful houses that mar the landscape throughout the country; still an issue today.This book consists of two parts. The first part begins with the design of a modern house with a classical precedent; but the rest are built designs as evident by the photo of the exterior. In some instances; interior views are also shown. And floor plans; both floors as applicable; are shown for each of the architect-designed houses. About 60 architectural firms are represented including Dwight James Baum; Delano & Aldrich; Frank J. Forster; Howe & Lescaze; Mellor & Meigs; the Office of John Russell Pope; and Royal Barry Wills. Most houses fall in the category of Colonial -- Cape Cod; Georgian; Monterrey; California Ranch; Creole -- but there are also English Cottage; French Country; Regency; and even a couple in the International Style. Although a few are quite modest; most are moderately substantial. Judging from the mature plantings; most of these houses were designed and built before the hardships of the Great Depression had set in.The second part consists of some of the more notable submittals to the Small House Competitions of 1932 and 1933. Held by an organization called The Better Homes of America to promote quality in small houses; there were restrictions in cubic footage and designs had to be executed by architects within the previous 5 years. Floor plans along with at least one photo; like in the first part; are presented for 21 houses; includig the one pictured on the cover of this Dover edition. This reviewer is particularly enamored of a modest board-and-batten cottage with a wood shake roof owned by Dr. Seeley G. Mudd of Santa Barbara County; California; the site is only about 35 feet wide; but it is 782 feet long and extends across a beach to the edge of the Pacific Ocean.Instead of finding a horrible design in any one of the house plan magazines currently found in stores across the country; persons wanting to find ideas for the basis of a new home would do well to include one book like this as part of their research. At the very least; a design from an archival source might be used as a starting point for those wanting a compact and economic plan that is also attractive. This is an interesting book for all who enjoy the history of American Architecture and traditional residential design.13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A Look Into the PastBy RecklessFor those interested in residential American architecture; this book is great fun. About 100 houses are shown. Each house is given one to two pages; for each house the owner and architect are named; and an exterior photo and floor plan are shown. For about half of the houses; several exterior photos and interior photos are also included.I originally bought this book to search for ideas in designing our new home; but my kids and I love to flip through it to go back in time and imagine what went into building each house and the families that were lucky enough to live in them.