Landscape Architecture: The Public Realm, Infrastructure, and Climate Change
with Martha Rothman
Five Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon
January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27
on Zoom
Limited to 20 participants
The course will look at design of the outdoor public realm as it relates to social as well as formal issues. Beginning with Frederick Law Olmsted and Witold Rybczynski’s book A Clearing in the Distance: Frederick Law Olmsted and America in the Nineteenth Century, we will examine Olmsted’s outlook on social issues and how it influenced his design practice and life’s work. We will then look at examples of mid-20th – 21st century landscape design practices; two major projects reclaiming the water’s edge-- Brooklyn Bridge Park and Presidio Tunnel Tops; and current concepts and projects addressing coastal resiliency, ending with a discussion on the Herring River Restoration. Through each example, we will look at water as an element of landscape design and its evolution from creating a place of repose to being a force to be controlled.
As an architect, I will present examples of how landscape architecture addresses social issues of the time-- for our time, the pressing issue being climate change. Landscape architecture as a discipline has become a forceful driver of projects as sustainability and resiliency have become essential issues for our survival. From the founding of landscape architecture as a recognized profession, Frederick Law Olmsted’s prodigious work has been deeply-rooted in infrastructure and socially-focused, with an intention to improve lives on a large scale.
I welcome participants with background and knowledge in environmental science and design professionals to join the class and add their perspectives to the discussion, as well as residents, seasonal residents and non-residents of Cape Cod with an interest in design and climate.
As in previous OUW classes on architecture, I will begin each class with a visual presentation about selected landscape architects and their work, followed by discussion. Articles and videos will be emailed in advance of each class to provide information and stimulate discussion.