This seminar is a survey of the development of landscape architecture from the Renaissance to the present. The principal theme is the integral relationship between architecture and landscape design. Cultural and literary backgrounds are studied in relationship to the general development of landscape in Italy, France, England, and the Americas. Field trips are included. A research paper is required.
Emphasis is on French, Spanish, Italian, and English gardens, parks, and urban spaces.
The seminar focuses on landscape and urban design theory, materials, and palettes, and on the cultural and social aspects of design. The goal is to provide the student with an understanding of landscape and urban design theories as they relate to each other, and of the resulting designed gardens, parks, and urban spaces. A research paper is required. From Italy, students study the early gardens of Tuscany, the Renaissance and Baroque gardens, the great park villas of Rome, and designers such as Vignola, Ligorio, and Bramante. The Germanic people embraced the formal design of both Italy and France as well as the picturesque designs of England and France.