Landscape Architecture Criticism

Landscape Architecture Criticism offers techniques, perspectives and theories which relate to landscape architecture, a field very different from the more well-known domains of art and architectural criticism.

Throughout the book, Bowring delves into questions such as, how do we know if built or unbuilt works of landscape architecture are successful? What strategies are used to measure the success or failure, and by whom? Does design criticism only come in written form? It brings together diverse perspectives on criticism in landscape architecture, establishing a substantial point of reference for approaching design critique, exploring how criticism developed within the discipline. Beginning with an introductory overview to set the framework, the book then moves on to historical perspectives, the purpose of critique, theoretical positions ranging from aesthetics, to politics and experience, unbuilt projects, techniques, and communication.

Written for professionals and academics, as well as for students and instructors in landscape architecture, it includes strategies, diagrams, matrices, and full colour illustrations to prompt discussion and provide a basis for exploring design critique.

"Landscape Architecture Criticism brings the long-overdue consideration of landscape criticism to the fore. Bowring sees and advocates for the widest possible application of criticism. The book is highly helpful for academics and students of landscape architecture. The book should be of interest to practitioners and designers hoping to enhance the way they look at their work and the work of others." —Landscape Australia

Jacky Bowring is Professor of Landscape Architecture at Lincoln University, New Zealand. She is the author of A Field Guide to Melancholy (2008), Melancholy and the Landscape: Locating Sadness, Memory and Reflection in the Landscape (2016), and editor of Landscape Review, and explores ideas about landscape architecture through research, critique, and design, including a winning design in journal LA+’s international competition to design an island.

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