Landscapes develop and evolve through an interacting series of processes ndash; climatic; geological; ecological and cultural ndash; over varying periods of time. These processes shape the structure and character of the landscapes which we experience. Over time; distinctive patterns emerge ndash; ranging in scale from the distribution of small plants to the sculptured sides of a huge canyon. Our perception of these patterns goes beyond just their visual appreciation ndash; beautiful though they may be ndash; into a richer understanding of how we experience our environment.By understanding this complex patternndash;process interaction we can obtain a deeper awareness of landscape and our place in it ndash; as inhabitants and as shapers. The book explores the nature of patterns and ways of classifying them before studying the nature of perception (primarily visual but including other senses); then proceeds to relate this perception to aesthetics and from there to the design process. From this point the main driving processes in landscape are introduced alongside the resulting patterns; these being climatic; landform; ecosystem and cultural aspects.It is this integrative approach of looking at landscape as a kind of self-organising system; overlaid by conscious human planning activities and the unity of pattern and process; which makes this book unique. Landscape draws from a wide range of neighbouring disciplines; of which the landscape planner or designer needs to be aware; but which are often taught as distinct elements. Bell binds these fundamentals together; which enables the landscape to be lsquo;readrsquo;; and this reading to be used as the basis for planning and design.This second edition updates and refreshes the original material with added sections and new photos; particularly making use of the developments in satellite photography. Featuring full colour throughout; this textbook is ideal for anyone studying landscape architecture or any of the disciplines which intersect with the landscape; and which affect it.
#2195004 in eBooks 2012-11-27 2012-11-27File Name: B00AHANJFQ
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Important BookBy RogerNature-friendly Communities is an important and timely book. Useful to both professional planners and community leaders; these case studies show what is possible; and encourage us all to move in these directions. Very readable; great information.3 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Warning: This Book Contains Some PropagandaBy R. DavisAfter my experiences with the Nature-UNfriendliness of BaltimoreCounty; with regards to being harassed by the county for havingwildflowers and native plants in a Nature-friendly landscape; Iwas absolutely shocked to see Baltimore County listed as one ofthe top-ten supposedly "Nature-Friendly" communities. Would atruly Nature-friendly community issue someone a criminal citationfor having "weeds and tall grass;" which are wildflowers andnative grasses; growing on ones property? Would a trulyNature-friendly community have laws stating that all plants whichare allergenic(as are most plants); all plants that are poisonous (as are many cultivated plants; as well as many nativeplants!); any plants subjectively determined to be "weeds"over a foot tall and any types of grasses over a foot tall;are illegal? Unfortunately; Baltimore County only appears to beNature-friendly as long as ones neighbors have no complaintsabout Nature-friendly landscapes and dont telephone codeenforcement to complain about "weeds and tall grass." Of course;tall decorative grass growing outside of a county office buildingis apparently not viewed as a violation of those same laws thatthe countys citizens are subjected to.Although Ive telephoned the publisher of this book about theinclusion of Baltimore County being a mistake; theyve yet toreturn my telephone call.4 of 6 people found the following review helpful. wonderful indexBy mark wainThis is a timely and important book; especially in times that promote big business at the expense of the environment.The wonderful index is a great aid to the reader.