Illinois Institute of Technology—College of Architecture [iit.edu/arch]

Wednesday mornings, January 11 - May 2, 2012

A survey of the history of landscape architecture, this course explores the development of human interaction and design on the land from prehistoric cosmological forms like Stonehenge through the beginnings of the profession of landscape architecture with Frederick Law Olmsted and Prairie designers O.C. Simonds and Jens Jensen. Readings and lectures highlight the major design shifts throughout history. The course emphasizes both analytical and holistic approaches to the study of historic designs, and provides opportunities to connect the readings to physical sites through field trips.

Vernacular Landscape (LA497)

Illinois Institute of Technology—College of Architecture [iit.edu/arch]

Tuesday mornings, January 10 - May 1, 2012

The everyday built environment comprises much more of the world than do “designed” structures and spaces; both approaches influence and are influenced by the other. In this course we explore a variety of landscape types that can be called “vernacular,” along with their functions and structures. Readings include a classic text on vernacular landscape from J.B. Jackson, who defined the term, and more recent writings by John Stilgoe, who has taken the field in new and provocative directions.  Look at outsider art environments for perspective on the ways non-trained designers approach their work. Study rural settings, main streets, ethnic environments, and use of materials in traditional cultures. An individual project provides the opportunity for each student to explore a personal interest in-depth and to share their findings with the class.

Early Garden History

Chicago Botanic Garden—Design Certificate Program [www.chicagobotanic.org/school/catalogs]

January 22 – March 25, 2012  (10 Sundays)
1 – 3:30 p.m. in the Design Studio

Garden Design Certificate Requirement
As a garden designer, you are part of a great custom at the heart of every culture. Study the garden traditions of Europe, Asia, and the Mideast as they evolved from the earliest civilizations through the early 1900s. Learn why certain design elements have endured the test of time, and how you can adapt them for use in your own projects. Discover how the critical element of design takes good graphics and a knowledge of plants and turns them into masterful and cohesive gardens. The School’s CEUs=2.5

White City/Green City: Daniel Burnham’s Chicago Plan and Green Space

Chicago Botanic Garden [www.chicagobotanic.org/school/garden_design.php]

February 2 – 23, 2012 (4 Thursdays)
1 – 3 p.m. in the Linnaeus Room

Can enough green space and beautifully designed buildings and landscapes solve all our problems? Architect (and Evanston resident) Daniel H. Burnham and his colleagues thought they just might as they planned the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. And they believed the same as Burnham created a master plan for the Chicago region in 1909 with Edward Bennett (of Lake Forest). Some of their hopes were borne out and some were dashed by devils like Henry Holmes (who lived in Wilmette) and the sinners in the Levee District. Explore the story of the greatest fair ever, the architects and landscape architects who brought it into being, how the fair led to the Plan of Chicago, and the counter-forces that challenged the dream of a white and green city.

Recommended background reading (not required to follow the course material and discussions):
Eric Larson, The Devil in the White City.
Carl Smith, The Plan of Chicago.

COMING UP SUMMER 2012:

Chicago’s Landscapes (LA497)

Illinois Institute of Technology—College of Architecture [iit.edu/arch]

Details to follow

Modern Garden History

Chicago Botanic Garden—Design Certificate Program

Details to follow