In-Depth Notes on Landscape Architecture from 17th to 19th Century

English Landscape During the 17th-18th Century

  • Agricultural Revolution:

    • Significant advancements in agriculture during the 18th century in England.
    • Transformation of bogs and reclamation of land.

  • Enclosure Act:

    • Enabled landowners to enclose common lands.

  • Technological Advancements:

    • Improvements in science and technology led to better roads and vehicles, facilitating pleasure travel.
    • Transition from travel for necessity to travel for enjoyment.

  • Artistic Reactions:

    • Changes in perception of the landscape influenced painting, literature, and design.
    • The idea of experiencing the landscape rather than just surveying it.

Picturesque Style

  • Philosophy:

    • Involves active engagement in landscape rather than passive observation.
    • Emphasizes aesthetic abstraction among natural forms.

  • Unified Compositions:

    • Concept of arranging fragments of nature into cohesive designs.

Key Figures in Landscape Design

John Vanbrugh (1664-1726)
  • Contributions:
    • Architect known for Castle Howard (1699) and Blenheim (1705).
    • Influenced picturesque landscape designs associated with his structures.
Charles Bridgeman (1690-1738)
  • Important Landscape Designer:
    • Transition from geometric garden designs to the English Landscape Garden.
    • Introduced cultivated fields and forests as design elements.
    • Developed the Ha-Ha: a dry ditch to create unobstructed views.
Anthony Ashley Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury (1671-1713)
  • Philosopher & Influencer:
    • Advocated for aesthetics in landscape design, rejecting rigid geometries.
Joseph Addison (1672-1719) & Alexander Pope (1688-1744)
  • Both were influential writers sharing views on landscape aesthetics emphasizing natural simplicity.

Stowe Landscape Garden (1715)

  • Notable Features:
    • Most popular landscape garden and first guidebook written for garden tourists.
    • Collaborators included Bridgeman and Vanbrugh, creating a mythological and philosophical landscape.

William Kent (1685-1748)

  • Influences:
    • Transitioned from coach painting to landscape architecture influenced by Italian artworks.
    • Focused on attractive landscape compositions, emphasizing visual artistry over plant knowledge.

Capability Brown (1716-1783)

  • Major Contributions:
    • Emphasized park-like landscapes where buildings blended seamlessly into nature.
    • Renowned for notable projects like Petworth House, Blenheim Palace, and Stowe.

Landscape Illustrations and Sketchbook Entries

  • Students are encouraged to document significant points through sketches and illustrations of important landscapes like Rousham, Stowe, and Redbooks of Humphry Repton.

Urban Landscapes in England

Hampton Court & Kew Gardens
  • Hampton Court (1660): Layout reflects French influence with axes and canal.
  • Kew Gardens (1760): Under Brown’s redesign, Kew evolved into a botanical institution with diverse architectural styles.
Regent’s Park & St. James Park
  • Regent’s Park (1811): Initially a residential suburb, later opened to the public, integrating parks and urban planning.
  • St. James Park (1820): Redesigned by Nash, transforming it into a picturesque setting.

Thomas Jefferson's Influence on Landscape Architecture

  • Promoted the English garden style in America through Monticello and the University of Virginia.
  • Advocated for visionary urban planning that integrated nature with civic architecture.

Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903)

  • Pioneered the landscape architecture profession with projects like Central Park, emphasizing public access to green spaces.
  • His designs integrated natural landscapes into urban settings, making both accessible and enjoyable.