by Roxi Thoren (Get the Book)The nature of landscape architecture has changed, owing in part to the changes in nature, both Mother and human. As the effects of climate change are being felt and anticipated, the consequences of decades of narrowly focused economic, social, and political policies are reconfiguring how our cities, suburbs, and open spaces need to function in order to achieve maximum impact with minimum disruption. With so much at stake, today's urban planners need to rely on landscape architects as integral members of their team from the outset rather than end-stage consultants called in to add aesthetic interest to their engineered creations. By showcasing more than two dozen visually, socially, ecologically, and technically stunning sites, Thoren identifies innovative landscape interpretations that are being applied to today's most challenging infrastructure problems. She also celebrates visionary landscape architects who are creating a paradigm shift within their profession. Five types of sites are profiled, from the resurgence of ecological urbanism that incorporates and highlights natural systems within a city environment to edible landscapes that develop agricultural oases in the heart of urban food deserts. Taking readers on an intriguing international journey, Thoren eloquently profiles the vanguard of imaginative, artistic, and inspired designers who are creating an invaluable legacy for their profession and the land itself.
