From Concept to Form in Landscape Design

One of the most difficult tasks for a designer is to translate concepts into specific and detailed organizations of space. From Concept to Form in Landscape Design , Second Edition provides vital, functional techniques that make the transformation easier and more effective. This perceptive resource examines both traditional and nontraditional methods of landscape design, providing the conceptual and philosophical foundations for ideas and their visual expression. The revised and expanded Second Edition includes: A new chapter dealing with the creative thought process for generating ideas Precise case studies showing sequential form evolution Hundreds of detailed photographs to assist in visualizing various techniques Inspiring images from nature for naturalistic form development Atypical design examples as impetus for innovation Accompanying web site with projects for classroom students and self–learners alike From Concept to Form in Landscape Design , Second Edition presents the landscape transformation process in a highly visual manner, creating both a vivid learning experience for students and a useful toolbox for working designers. Replete with compelling, valuable, and accessible insights for designing outdoor spaces, Reid′s book is an ideal blend of inspiration and application.

Preface. Credits. Chapter 1 The Concept. Creativity. Philosophical Concepts. Functional Concepts. Chapter 2 Geometric Form Development. The 90°/ Rectangular Theme. The 135°/ Octagonal Theme. The 120°/ Hexagonal Theme. Circles on Circles. Concentric Circles and Radii. Arcs and Tangents. Circle Segments. The Ellipse. The Spiral. Chapter 3 Naturalistic Form Development. Design Approaches. The Meander. The Free Ellipse and Scallops. The Free Spiral. The Irregular Polygon. The Organic Edge. Clustering and Fragmentation. Fractal Geometry. Chapter 4 Principles of Design. Basic Elements of Design. Organizing Principles. Integration of Form. Chapter 5 Beyond the Rules: Anomalous and Provocative Design. Acute Angle Forms. Counter Forms. Deconstruction. Social and Political Landscapes. Eccentric Landscapes. Landscapes of Distortion and Illusion. Chapter 6 Case Studies. Project 1. Silver Arch Sculpture Garden. Project 2. Courtyard of Circles. Project 3. Corner Lot Garden. Project 4. Pools of Pleasure. Project 5. Tsukubai Dialogue. Project 6. Canopied Retreat. Project 7. Platform Connections. Appendix. Guide Patterns. Geometric Construction Methods. References. Index.

Grant W. Reid , FASLA, has a master′s degree in landscape architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a licensed landscape architect in the state of Kansas, principal of Grant Reid Designs, and a retired professor of landscape architecture at Colorado State University. In 2005, he received the Outstanding Educator Award from the Associated Landscape Contractors of America Educational Foundation.