Frederick Law Olmsted
The OG Landscape Architect
This fine looking individual was a 19th century journalist, social reformer, public administrator, and-most importantly for us-the American father of landscape architecture. Before it was even a profession or term, Olmsted was trailblazing what our communal spaces in America could be. He designed Central Park in New York City and the U.S. Capitol Grounds in Washington D.C. long before anyone could have predicted their tremendous influence upon our current collective consciousness. His democratic spaces, connections to nature, and sustainable landscapes are vitally relevant in our pursuit of addressing inequality and climate change today.
What is Landscape Architecture?
It’s a profession. But more importantly it’s a way of understanding our relationship to space. Just as the field of architecture guides and informs how we inhabit and experience our built environment, from home to work to every building we set foot into, landscape architecture does that for our outdoor spaces: the quiet retreat of your backyard, the lively nearby park, the parking lot at the local library, the gardens outside a hospital window, the patio at your favorite restaurant, the hallowed hemlocks of a university campus. These spaces were designed by landscape architects who pay attention to the impact these spaces have on our well-being, aesthetic enjoyment, safety, and the health of our environment.
TRUEFORM landscape architecture studio
Standing on the shoulders of giants
When TRUEFORM landscape architecture studio was created in 2012, its founders wanted to thank their clients and colleagues, so they designed and gifted shirts featuring Frederick Law Olmsted. Each year since, TRUEFORM has designed and distributed a new shirt featuring an important subject in the field.
Over the past decade, TRUEFORM has used these shirts to help educate the broader public about landscape architecture, not by teaching or evangelizing, but by starting conversations.
Now, upon the occasion of their 10-year anniversary, they’re celebrating by returning to their roots, but with a twist in order to reach a broader audience. If you find yourself here, we hope you feel inspired and move around the various environments of your daily life with new appreciation. Our goal is to transform the background noise of design into the symphony of lived experience.
Founded in 1899 on the heels of Olmsted’s contributions, ASLA is the professional association for landscape architects in the United States, representing more than 15,000 members. Landscape architects lead the planning, design, and stewardship of healthy, equitable, safe, and resilient environments.
Impact Further
Landscape architecture intersects with diverse fields, from city planning and engineering to conservation and advocacy. The profession is often in place to bridge these gaps and to integrate sustainability into conversations around urban development.
Equality in Landscape Architecture
WxLA is an advocacy initiative that encourages and leads efforts toward equality in Landscape Architecture. WxLA stands for increased transparency, leadership, and representation for womxn.
Sustainable Development
SITES is the most comprehensive system for creating sustainable and resilient land development projects.
The Healing Power of Landscapes
The Therapeutic Landscapes Network is a knowledge base and gathering space about healing gardens, restorative landscapes, and other green spaces that promote health and well-being.
