Description
Book SynopsisHow can an abstract term like “Topology” become pertinent and effective to landscape thinking today? There is a schism between the way landscape is understood scientifically, either as a normative network or an environmental system, and the way the same place exists emotionally for people. This disparity which prevails in today’s landscape calls for a change of approach, both in terms of action and perception. Topology, in this instance, is not confined to the science of continuous surfaces in mathematics, it can pay greater attention to deeper spatial, physical, poetic and philosophical values embedded in a long tradition of designed nature. The strength of landscape topology is that it can weave together and integrate heterogeneous fields of action into a single meaningful whole. It brings disciplines together on a common topological “vellum” capable of improving our understanding of landscape as a cultural construct with all its inherent beauty and strength.
Trade ReviewTheory is proposed and dissected in this collection of writings on landscape by European academics and thinkers. "Topology" is designated as the guiding theme, but it's not restrictive, and authors delve into "The Relationship Bewteen Plants and Landscape Architectural Design," "Landscape and Modernity," and "The Sensuality of the Engineer." Dense in spots, this book is for readers who want to think about and mull over big ideas on landscape.--William S. Saunders "Landscape Architecture Magazine "
