ABSTRACT

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.

chapter Chapter 1|8 pages

Introduction

chapter Chapter 2|10 pages

History of landscape architectural criticism

chapter Chapter 3|22 pages

Motives and methods for critique

chapter Chapter 4|7 pages

Theoretical overview

chapter Chapter 5|19 pages

Theoretical positions

Art and aesthetics

chapter Chapter 6|18 pages

Theoretical positions

Meaning and politics

chapter Chapter 7|19 pages

Theoretical positions

Experience and emotion

chapter Chapter 8|23 pages

Theoretical positions

Context

chapter Chapter 9|18 pages

Theoretical positions

Function and performance

chapter Chapter 10|23 pages

Critique of the unbuilt

chapter Chapter 11|21 pages

Combining and contrasting critiques

chapter Chapter 12|24 pages

Communicating criticism

chapter Chapter 13|4 pages

Conclusion