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Spaces: Design as Landscape Architecture,
by Hans Loidl and Stefan
Bernard.
"What does the landscape architect
actually do as a designer?" The authors tackle this
question in this heavily illustrated and beautifully designed
book. But do they answer the question? If one expects the
authors to explain the day-to-day activities of professional
landscape architects, there's only disappointment, but if
the reader is instead looking for an explication of the
relationship between basic, abstract design and the outdoor
spaces we inhabit, this book delivers. The authors cover
the subjects space, place, and path in one section and then
they detail how these can be made good in next. These subjects
are treated both broadly and specifically, though this book
does not try to be completely exhaustive or prescriptive,
so the former predominates. While this book is clearly aimed
at students of landscape architecture, as well as young
professionals, it also serves as a clear reminder of those
basics of good design -- be it landscape architecture or
building design -- that can get lost in the pursuit of something
novel or progressive. The authors surely don't take a reactionary
stance, but they definitely believe that certain considerations
underlie all good design, and they present that in an understandable
way.
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