Landscape Architecture: A Manual of Site Planning and Design [Hardcover]

John O. Simonds (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0070577099 | ISBN-13: 978-0070577091 | Publication Date: September 1, 1997 | Edition: 3

Landscape architecture bible--now better than ever. If you want to keep pace with the latest thinking in landscape design, turn to the Third Edition of John O. Simonds' Landscape Architecture. Packed with hundreds of new inspirational photos, clear diagrams and time-saving checklists, this revised classic gives you a systematic approach to designing outdoor places and spaces. From the basics of using the natural landscape as the ecological basis for all land use planning to breakthrough methods for designing habitations and communities, it gives you step-by-step procedures for selecting and analyzing sites. . .assessing environmental impact. . .developing detailed designs. . .and more. This completely updated resource also shows you how to design for sustainability and managed growth. . .reverse urban sprawl. . .revitalize run-down urban areas. . .utilize original methods for planning open spaces. . .and develop regional blue and green ways.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

THE Master Guide to the Theory and Practice of Landscape Architecture

The new edition of this modern classic by author John Simonds takes contemporary landscape architectural theory and puts it straight to work. In the schools of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Planning, the book has established itself over the years as the finest single source of ideas and information on:

* The fundamentals of landscape and environmental planning
* Nature as the all-embracing framework
* Topography and earth modeling
* Treatment of wetlands, waterways, and waterbodies
* Design response to climate and weather
* Guidelines to site selection and analysis
* The site planning/development process
* Site systems
* Design treatment of views and viewing
* Pedestrian and vehicular trafficways
* Growth management and the preclusion of urban sprawl
* The integration of dwellings and gardens
* Helpful ideas on walls, paving, decks, signage, lighting, pools, fountains, and outdoor furnishings
* Neighborhoods and communities
* The revitalization of suburbs, towns, and cities
* Historic prevervation and dynamic conservation
* Land restoration and reclamation
* Outdoor living and recreation

Landscape architects, architects, and all those involved with the shaping of our living environment will find in this book a systematic approach to the creation of more usable, efficient, and attractive outdoor ways and places. Completely revised and up-dated, this colorful edition includes hundreds of "teaching diagrams," plans, photographs and a new graphic display of current "best of show" examples. Simply put—it is the best one-volume course ever written on land planning and landscape design.

About the Author

John Ormsbee Simonds is recognized worldwide as a leading spirit and thinker in the fields of landscape architecture and environmental planning. His degrees from Michigan State University and the Harvard Graduate School of Design have been followed by years of travel, research, and observation which have provided him with firsthand knowledge and understanding of the most advanced land planning approaches and technology.

In a long and distinguished career he has served for 15 years on the architectural faculty of Carnegie-Mellon University, lectured widely in the United States and abroad, written several best-selling books and numerous articles. His firm, Environmental Planning and Design (EPD) of Pittsburgh, of which he is now partner emeritus, has served as planner of record for more than eighty planned communities and four new towns. Among the many awards won by the firm are those for the Chicago Botanic Garden, Pelican Bay in Florida, and a state environment action plan for the Virginia General Assembly.

Mr. Simonds is a past President and Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, which awarded him its highest honor, the ASLA medal. He was a member of the President’s Task Force on the Environment and the Florida Governor’s Task Force on Natural Resources, and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Design, Great Britain.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 3 edition (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070577099
• ISBN-13: 978-0070577091
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #556,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wise and wonderful!, November 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Landscape Architecture: A Manual of Site Planning and Design (Hardcover)

I was surprised to see the two prior comments and suspect that they were not written by anyone in the landscape architecture field. This book has been the classic introductory text since the 1960s. As a text, it does not purport to be a definitive reference but rather to acquaint the student and layperson with the breadth of landscape architecture. It is not at all focused on the surface alone--Simonds has been one of the pioneers of sustainable ecological design, and the book proves it, covering, among other topics, natural water systems, native plants, greenways, and climate. As Simonds states, "The work of the landscape architect...is to help bring people...into harmonious relationship with the living earth--with the 'want to be' of the land." This book points us in the right direction!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent resource for students and landscape architects., January 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Landscape Architecture: A Manual of Site Planning and Design (Hardcover)

This book is an EXCELLENT research and design tool, especially for landscape architecture students. The color photographs are incredible and numerous. Also there are HUNDREDS of simple to understand, wonderful illustrations. I find so much of the material helpful not only in guiding my design thought processes but also for use in presentations as well. Although I have many landscape architecture books, I find this is the one I go back to over and over again. I cannot emphasize enough how valuable it is too me and worth every cent it cost me. I truly believe that it should be a must for every future landscape architect.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for anyone interested in Landscape Architecture, April 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Landscape Architecture: A Manual of Site Planning and Design (Hardcover)

This book covers all aspects of Landscape Architecture. For a student, this book takes landscape architecture and turns it around and exposes all facets. For a professional, it offers more points of view to stimulate your creativity.