Olmsted

921 Words2 Pages

Landscape architecture has been around since the beginning of time, but it was not until Frederick Law Olmsted came along that the idea of integrating design into the landscape with plants, water, and structures turned into a profession. Not only did Olmsted work on parks and college campuses, but also insane asylums. There are seven different design principles, which Olmsted incorporated into his projects that start with the letter S: scenery, suitability, style, subordination, separation, sanitation, and service. The scenery aspect of design is about “the small spaces and areas [that are] intended for active use. [It is the] creation of designs that give an enhanced sense of space: indefinite boundaries [and the] constant opening up of new view.” Olmsted also wanted to avoid the “hard-edge [and] specimen planting” because these make the landscape seem less natural and more manmade. Suitability is the “creation of designs that are in keeping with the natural scenery and topography of the site: respect for, and full utilization of, the ‘genius of the place.’” Style has to do with “designing in specific styles, [because] each [various style will create] a particular effect” on the entire area. Depending on what is done, a calm place can be created that is full of richness or even a place that seems uneasy and full of mystery. Subordination is the overall design and the effect it is intended to achieve. Separation deals with “areas designed in different styles.” Each one needs to be set apart from one another “in order to insure safety of use and reduce distractions for those using the space; separation of conflicting or incompatible uses.” Sanitation is about creating a place that has “adequate drainage and other engineering considerations [that] promote both the physical and mental health of” people who occupy the space. In service, the designs should “service a

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