Landscape architecture is an art form that is often overlooked. However, when done well, it can create beautiful and breathtaking spaces. In this article, we will take a look at some famous landscape architects and their best designs. From Gertrude Jekyll to Louis Benech, these designers have created some of the most iconic landscapes in history!
What is Landscape Architecture?
Landscape architecture is the design of outdoor spaces that create and improve the environment. It includes the planning, design process, management, and stewardship of land and vegetation.
Landscape architects often work with other professionals, such as architects, planners, engineers, developers, builders, and environmentalists to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces.
This is a relatively new field that has only been around for about 150 years. It was first developed in response to the Industrial Revolution, when cities were growing rapidly and there was a need for more open spaces. Today, landscape architecture is used in many different environments, from busy city parks to private gardens.
Landscape architects are responsible for creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. They must consider a variety of factors, such as climate, topography, and the needs of the people who will be using the space. They also need to be aware of environmental issues such as erosion and aim for sustainable design.
Landscape Design versus Landscape Architecture
Landscape design and landscape architecture are two separate but related fields. To be a landscape architect, you need a specific qualification whereas you can be a landscape designer without formal qualifications.
Landscape design is the process of creating a visually appealing and functional outdoor space. This can include everything from choosing plants and flowers to designing walkways and seating areas. Landscape designers often work with clients to create spaces that meet their specific needs and desires.
Landscape architecture is similar, but often deals with larger scale projects such as parks and public squares. Consideration must be given to things like drainage, traffic flow, and environmental impact when planning a project.
Landscape designers may focus more on aesthetics, while landscape architects need to consider both aesthetics and function. However, there is some overlap between the two fields, and many landscape architects also have training in landscape design.
Another overlap is with architecture itself, as many of these renowned landscape architects also worked as building architects.
Famous Landscape Architects
There are many famous landscape architects who have made significant contributions to the field of architecture. Some of these architects have designed iconic landscapes that can be found all over the world, while others have pioneered new methods and techniques for landscape design. Here’s our pick of the best!
1. André Le Nôtre
André Le Nôtre is known for his work on Versailles Palace and its gardens. He designed a series of terraces, fountains, and sculptures that are still in use today.
Born in Paris, France in 1613, his passion for garden design came from his father. Jean Le Nôtre was employed by King Louis XIII to look after the Tuileries gardens.
André took over his father’s role as head gardener there in his twenties and eventually became the head gardener to King Louis XIV. He had a particular eye for perspective and geometry, perfecting the French formal garden style.
Best André Le Nôtre landscape designs:
- Palais de Versailles
- Château de Chantilly
- Vaux-le-Vicomte
- Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye
- National Estate of Saint-Cloud
- Château de Fontainebleau
2. Frederick Law Olmsted
Considered by many to be the father of American landscape architecture, Olmsted’s most famous urban design is Central Park in New York City. Completed in 1858, the park spans more than 800 acres and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
Olmsted also designed parks and landscapes in other major cities like Boston and Buffalo. His designs were based on the idea of creating natural environments within the city, and he believed that parks and gardens could be used to improve the quality of life for city residents.
Best Frederick Law Olmsted landscape designs:
- Central Park, NYC
- Buffalo Park System, New York
- Elm Park, Worcester, Massachusetts
- U.S. Capitol Grounds, Washington D.C.
- The Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
- Parc du Mont-Royal, Montreal
3. Calvert Vaux
Calvert Vaux was an English-American landscape architect who is known for his partnership with Frederick Law Olmsted. Together, they designed many of America’s most famous public parks, including Central Park in New York City.
Vaux was also responsible for the design of Downing Park in Newburgh – a tribute to his former partner Andrew Jackson Downing who died in a steamboat accident in 1852.
Best Calvert Vaux landscape designs:
- Central Park
- Prospect Park, Brooklyn
- Downing Park, Newburgh, New York
- Rockwood Park, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
- The State Reservation at Niagara
4. Lancelot “Capability” Brown
Lancelot Brown is considered one of the most famous landscape architects in history. He was known for his naturalistic landscapes that often used trees and water features to create a sense of serenity and beauty.
His unusual nickname, Capability, came from his habit of telling clients about the great capabilities (aka potential) of their properties. One of his most famous works is the grounds of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, which was designed for the Duke of Marlborough.
Best Capability Brown landscape designs:
- Stowe Landscape Gardens, Buckinghamshire
- Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
- Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
- Hampton Court, Middlesex
- Burghley House Gardens & Deer Park
- Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
- Harewood House, Yorkshire
5. Roberto Burle Marx
Roberto Burle Marx was a famous Brazilian landscape architect who campaigned to preserve the Brazilian rainforests. He was also a painter, stage set and tapestry designer, and he used these skills to create some truly stunning landscapes.
A great example of Burle Marx’s work is at the Copacabana Promenade in Rio de Janeiro, which features beautiful mosaic tiles. An avid collector of plants, Burle Marx now has over 50 plants named after him.
Best Roberto Burle Marx landscape designs:
- Sítio Roberto Burle Marx – IPHAN, Rio de Janeiro
- Copacabana Promenade, Rio de Janeiro
- Parque Burle Marx, São Paulo
- Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
- Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro
- Ministry of Education and Health, Rio de Janeiro
6. James Corner
James Corner is a landscape architect and urban designer who is particularly well known for his work on the High Line in New York City. His architectural firm, James Corner Field Operations, have also designed other notable landscapes, such as Domino Park in Brooklyn.
Corner is particularly interested in the relationship between the city and nature. He is particularly skilled in revitalizing post-industrial sites in a way that provokes the imagination.
Best James Corner landscape designs:
- The High Line, NYC
- Shelby Farms Park, Memphis
- Freshkills Park, Staten Island
- Navy Pier, Chicago
- Race Street Pier, Philadelphia
7. Gertrude Jekyll
Gertrude Jekyll was a British landscape architect and horticulturist who is renowned for her use of color in garden design. She wrote several books and over 1,000 magazine articles and her work had a big influence on the Arts and Crafts movement.
Gertrude often worked in collaboration with the architect Sir Edward Lutyens. In all, she designed more than 400 beautiful gardens. The bright pink Gertrude Jekyll English shrub rose by David Austin is a fitting tribute.
Best Gertrude Jekyll landscape designs:
- Barrington Court Manor, Somerset
- Gravetye Manor, Sussex
- Hestercombe House, Somerset
- Gertrude Jekyll Garden at The Glebe House, Woodbury, Connecticut
- Castle Drogo, Devon
8. Louis Benech
Louis Benech is a French landscape architect who aims to integrate his designs with existing landscapes. He and his design team have created over 300 park and garden projects.
One of his most famous works is the renovation of the Tuileries Garden in Paris, which is a beautiful example of his use of stone and plants. Benech always considers sustainability and site maintenance in his projects, so they’re as functional as they are aesthetic.
Best Louis Benech landscape designs:
- Water Theater Grove, Versailles
- The Élysée Palace Gardens, Paris
- Tuileries Gardens, Paris
- The Rose Pavilion, Pavlovskiy Park, St Petersburg
- Gardens of the Achilleion Palace, Corfu
9. Charles Jencks
Charles Jencks was an American landscape architect and architectural historian, famous for his unique designs that often incorporate sculptural elements. He created many groundbreaking public spaces.
Charles and his wife Maggie Keswick Jencks (also a talented garden designer) co-founded the Maggie’s Centres for cancer patients, after she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He designed the Maggie’s Gatehouse Glasgow garden which features a giant DNA sculpture.
Today, Charles and Maggie’s daughter Lily carries on the family legacy, with her design firm that integrates art, landscape and architecture. She is working to make the Cosmic House, their extraordinary London family home, open to the public for guided tours.
Best Charles Jencks landscape designs:
- Landform Ueda, Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh
- Jupiter Artland near Edinburgh
- Eco-Geo Park, Suncheon, South Korea
- Northumberlandia, Newcastle
- ?What is Life?, National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, Ireland
- Spirals of Time, Parco Portello, Milan
10. Kongjian Yu
Kongjian Yu is a Chinese landscape architect and ecological urbanist whose firm Turenscape has pioneered the Sponge City approach. This construction model focuses on absorbing rainwater and using it to counter water shortages and to reduce flooding.
Yu often uses sensors and computer programs to create landscapes that respond to the environment. In key projects such as the Sanya Mangrove Park, he has regenerated the mangroves and added bioswales to catch stormwater.
Best Kongjian Yu landscape designs:
- Red Ribbon Park, Qinhuangdao City
- Suqian Santaishan Flower Quilt, Jiangsu Province
- Yanweizhou Park, Jinhua City
- Tongnan Dafo Temple Wetland Park, Chongqing City
- Shanghai Houtan Park
- Minghu Wetland Park, Liupanshui City
11. Martha Schwartz
Martha Schwartz is an American landscape architect who also has a strong focus on sustainability. At the same time, she likes to integrate fun elements into her designs.
A case in point is the Bagel Garden in Boston, which she created in her own front garden while her husband was away ;-). Using weatherproofed bagels and purple aquarium gravel, this eye-catching work is anything but boring!
Best Martha Schwartz landscape designs:
- Grand Canal Square Plaza, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin
- Qatar Petroleum Grounds, Doha
- Marina Linear Park, San Diego
- Splice Garden, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, United States
- Boston Bagel Garden
- Jeju Dream Tower landscaping
12. Wirtz Family
Jacques Wirtz was a Belgian landscape architect who was known for his boxwood and yew topiary gardens. Many of his designs use evergreens, in order to give interest throughout the seasons.
Wirtz was inspired by the precision of oriental gardens. Jacques’ sons, Martin and Peter Wirtz are also acclaimed landscape architects who are carrying on the family tradition. Wirtz International Landscape Architects like to say that you can always recognize a Wirtz garden as they make big statements, whether the garden is large or small.
Best Wirtz landscape designs:
- Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf, London
- Alnwick Castle ground, Northumberland
- Les Jardins du Carrousel, Tuileries, Paris
- Art Gallery De Ziener, Asse, Belgium
- University of Antwerp Campus
13. Laurie Olin
One of America’s most renowned landscape architects, Laurie Olin is the recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious National Medal of Arts. One of his best known works is the regeneration of Bryant Park in New York City.
Drawing by hand, Olin strives to create a sense of calm and tranquility in urban environments. The Olin Studio has also been commissioned to create a design for the new Origin Park in Clarksville, Indiana.
Best Laurie Olin landscape designs:
- 11th Street Bridge Park in Washington D.C.
- Bryant Park
- Redesign of Columbus Circle, NYC
- Fran and Ray Stark Sculpture Garden, Los Angeles
- Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project
14. Peter Walker
Peter Walker is an American landscape architect who is known for his use of both natural and man-made materials in his designs. He often uses stone, wood, and plants to create landscapes that are both beautiful and functional.
One of his most famous works is the National September 11 Memorial in New York City, which features two large pools that are surrounded by trees and plants.
Best Peter Walker landscape designs:
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum, NYC
- Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
- Barangaroo waterfront renewal project, Syndney
- Salesforce Transit Center and Park, San Francisco
- Hong Kong New Central Harborfront
- Quzhou Sports Campus, China
15. Michael Van Valkenburgh
This American landscape architect and educator adapts his designs to each site, so they are all slightly different. His design firm, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc has completed more than 350 projects in the United States, France, Korea and Canada.
One of their notable projects is the redesign of Brooklyn Bridge Park. This 85 acre urban park located in Brooklyn, New York City includes integrated play elements for children including small hills and climbing surfaces.
Best Michael Van Valkenburgh landscape designs:
- Gathering Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Gateway Arch National Park, St Louis
- Woodland Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Monk’s Garden, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
16. William Kent
An accomplished British landscape architect, furniture designer and painter in the early 18th century, William Kent has left a lasting legacy. Sometimes known as the father of the English landscape garden, he popularized the natural gardening style.
Also a talented architect, he had complete creative control over most of his designs, bringing in furniture that would complement the house style.
Best William Kent landscape designs:
- Stowe Landscape Garden, Buckinghamshire
- Chiswick House, London
- Houghton Hall & Gardens, Norfolk
- Rousham House & Gardens, Oxfordshire
- Holkham Hall, Norfolk
17. Lawrence Halprin
A renowned American landscape designer, Lawrence Halprin paid close attention to the user experience in his designs. He pioneered interactive civic fountains, such as Ira Keller Fountain in Portland.
Freeway Park in downtown Seattle is the first park built over a highway. Completed in 1976, the park features a series of plazas, fountains, plazas and pathways.
Best Lawrence Halpin landscape designs:
- Ira Keller Fountain, Portland, Oregon
- Lovejoy Fountain Park, Portland, Oregon
- Freeway Park, Seattle
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California
- The Sea Ranch master plans, California
18. Stefano Boeri
Stefano Boeri is known for his “vertical forest” designs that seamlessly integrate vegetation, greenery and sustainable elements into urban landscapes and architectures. This innovative landscape architect aims to reforest the city.
His projects like the Bosco Verticale residential towers in Milan demonstrate this creative approach. Featuring over 900 trees from 23 local species, they integrate forest, architecture and urban life.
Best Stefano Boeri landscape designs:
- Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) in Milan, Italy
- Ramagrama Stupa Buddhist pilgrimage site project in Lumbini, Nepal
- Forest City in Nanjing, China
- Wonder Woods in Utrecht, Netherlands
In Conclusion: Famous Landscape Architects
As you can see, landscape architecture is a complex and fascinating field with a long history of amazing designs. These are just some of the many famous landscape architects who have made significant contributions to rural and urban landscapes. Each one has their own unique style, and they have all created some truly stunning designs.
If you’re interested in learning more about landscape architecture, be sure to check out some of their work. You’ll be amazed at what these talented individuals can do.
What’s your favorite design by a famous landscape architect? Let us know in the comments!
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