Detailing for Landscape Architects: Aesthetics, Function, Constructibility

Really helped me while studying for the LARE. Also refreshed me after being out of school for several years. I recommend for the Landscape Architect's office library.

Beginning and Beginning-Intermediate landscape architecture students seem to suffer (in varying degrees) in three areas. They often tend to see design as 'putting things' in space rather than understanding basic principles of order, form and potential meaning. In addition, many of them have never built anything - and specifically not anything in the landscape. And, of course, they have a shallow well of experience in the designed landscape to draw from when 'in-forming' their own work. Thus, there is a tendency for young designers to fixate on a superficial and objective image of a thing. Showering students with a barrage of 'good examples' has some benefit in deepening the well. But, without also supply frameworks for examining and evaluating what they see, many students will remain stuck in the world of 'Taco Bell' architecture.This book describes basic principles that must be considered in the creation of landscape construction details. These principles are illustrated with clear and simple hand drawn details (unfortunately a dying art.) The clear presentation of process and principles coupled with illustrations that place the emphasis on issues rather than on things make this a solid introductory text. I can foresee using this text as a basis for teaching students to critique 'canned' details. Or, as a way of exploring why certain things look exactly like they do.If you are looking for reference material (e.g. detailed calculations of retaining walls, or strength charts for treated lumber) look elsewhere. Do the same if you want color photos of products from the ASLA Expo. If you are interested in how to think about designing details, start here for a direct and unencumbered introduction.