Landscape architecture, a neglected art form, is often overlooked. It can, however, create breathtaking and beautiful spaces when it is done correctly. This article will look at the best landscape designs by some of the most famous landscape architects. These designers have created some iconic landscapes throughout history, including Gertrude Jekyll.
What is Landscape Architecture?
Landscape architecture is a design process that creates and improves outdoor spaces. This includes planning, the design process, land management and stewardship.
Landscape architects are often in collaboration with other professionals including architects, planners and engineers.
It’s a relatively recent field. It has been around for only 150 years. The first time it was developed was in response to the Industrial Revolution when cities grew rapidly and needed more open space. Landscape architecture can be found in many environments today, ranging from large city parks to small private gardens.
Landscape architects have the responsibility of creating beautiful spaces that also function. Landscape architects must take into account a number of factors such as the climate, the topography and the needs for the space. They should also consider environmental concerns such as erosion.
Landscape Design versus Landscape Architecture
Landscape design and landscaping architecture are related but separate fields. Landscape architects must have a certain qualification, whereas landscape designers do not.
Landscape design The process of creating an outdoor space that is both visually appealing and functional. It can be anything from selecting plants and flowers to designing seating areas and walkways. Landscape designers work closely with their clients to create spaces tailored to their needs.
Landscape architecture This is similar but deals with large scale projects, such as parks or public squares. When planning a project, it is important to consider things such as drainage, traffic flow and environmental impact.
Landscape architects must consider both aesthetics as well as function. There is some overlap in the two fields. Many landscape architects have also received training in landscape design.
Many of the landscape architects who worked in architecture also worked as architects.
Famous Landscape Architects
There are many landscape architects who have had a significant impact on the world of architecture. Some of these landscape architects designed iconic landscapes found around the globe, while others pioneered new techniques and methods 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 Its gardens. He created a series terraces, sculptures and fountains that are still used today.
His passion for garden design was passed down to him by 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 an eye for perspective, geometry and the French formal 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 covers more than 800 acres. This is a very popular tourist attraction in the city.
Olmsted created parks and landscapes throughout other large cities such as Boston, Buffalo and New York. His designs were inspired by the idea to create natural environments in the city. He also believed that gardens and parks could be used as a way to improve city life.
Best Frederick Law Olmsted landscape designs:
- Central Park, NYC
- Buffalo Park System, New York
- Elm Park in Worcester, Massachusetts
- U.S. Capitol Grounds Washington D.C.
- The Biltmore Estate is located in North Carolina
- Parc du Mont-Royal, Montreal
3. Calvert Vaux
Calvert Vaux is an English-American landscape artist who was best known for the partnership he had 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 in Brooklyn
- Downing Park in Newburgh (New York)
- Rockwood Park, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
- The State Reservation at Niagara
4. Lancelot “Capability” Brown
Lancelot Brown has been dubbed one of the greatest landscape architects ever. He was well-known for his naturalistic designs that used water and trees to create a feeling of beauty and serenity.
Capability is his unusual nickname. He was known to tell clients how great their property’s potential (or capabilities) were. The grounds of the is one of his most well-known works. Blenheim Palace Woodstock, Oxfordshire was the site of the Duke of Marlborough’s estate.
Best Capability brown landscape designs
- Stowe Landscape Gardens Buckinghamshire
- Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
- Wrest Park in Bedfordshire
- Hampton Court Middlesex
- Burghley House Gardens & Deer Park
- Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
- Harewood House (Yorkshire)
5. Roberto Burle Marx
Roberto Burle Marx, a Brazilian landscape architect and campaigner for the preservation of Brazilian rainforests was one of Brazil’s most famous landscape architects. He was a painter and stage designer as well.
A great example of Burle Marx’s work is at The Copacabana Promenade, in Rio de JaneiroThe beautiful mosaic tiles are a highlight of this stunning home. Burle Marx is an avid plant collector. He has now had over 50 plants named in his honor.
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 in Miami
- Instituto Moreira Salles, Rio de Janeiro
- Ministry of Education and Health (Rio de Janeiro)
6. James Corner
James Corner, a landscape designer and urban planner who is well-known for his work with the High Line New York City. James Corner Field Operations has also designed notable landscapes like Domino Park Brooklyn is a great place to live.
Corner is interested in exploring the relationship between nature and the city. He is especially skilled at revitalizing abandoned industrial sites in a manner that stimulates the imagination.
Best James Corner landscape designs:
- The High Line, NYC
- Shelby Farms Park in Memphis
- Freshkills Park, Staten Island
- Navy Pier Chicago
- Race Street Pier in Philadelphia
7. Gertrude Jekyll
Gertrude Jekyll is a British landscape designer and horticulturist, who was known for her innovative use of color. She wrote more than 1,000 magazine articles and several books. Her work was influential in the Arts and Crafts movement.
Gertrude was often in close collaboration with Sir Edward Lutyens. All in all, she created more than 400 beautiful garden designs. David Austin’s Gertrude Jekyll English bush rose in bright pink is a fitting tribute.
Best Gertrude Jekyll landscape designs:
- Barrington Court Manor is Somerset
- Gravetye Manor is located in Sussex
- Hestercombe House is Somerset
- The Glebe House in Woodbury, Connecticut, has a Gertrude Jekyll Garden.
- Castle Drogo, Devon
8. Louis Benech
Louis Benech is an accomplished French landscape architect. He aims to blend his designs into existing landscapes. His design team has created more than 300 park and gardening projects.
His renovation of the Tuileries Gardens in Paris is one of his most well-known works. It is a stunning example of how he uses 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 in Pavlovskiy park, St Petersburg
- The Gardens of Achilleion Palace Corfu
9. Charles Jencks
Charles Jencks is an American architect and landscape designer who was famous for his designs, which often included sculptural features. He created many innovative 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 A garden with a 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 on making the Cosmic House – their extraordinary London home – open to the public.
Best Charles Jencks landscape designs:
- Landform Ueda Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh
- Jupiter Artland is near Edinburgh
- Eco-Geo Park Suncheon in South Korea
- Northumberlandia is Newcastle
- What is life? National Botanic gardens, Dublin (Ireland)
- Spirals of time, Parco Portello (Milan),
10. Kongjian Yu
Kongjian is a Chinese Landscape Architect and Eco Urbanist. His firm Turenscape was the first to pioneer the use of green space in urban areas. Sponge City approach. This construction method focuses on using rainwater as a way to prevent water shortages and reduce flooding.
Yu is known to use sensors and computer software to create landscapes responsive to the environment. In projects like the Sanya Mangrove Park he has restored the mangroves, and added bioswales for stormwater.
Best Kongjian Yu landscape designs:
- Red Ribbon Park, Qinhuangdao City
- Suqian Santaishan Flower Quilt, Jiangsu Province
- Yanweizhou Park, Jinhua City
- Chongqing City’s Tongnan Dafo Temple and Wetland park
- Shanghai Houtan Park
- Minghu Wetland Park is located in Liupanshui City
11. Martha Schwartz
Martha Schwartz, an American landscape architect with a focus on sustainability, is also a landscape architect. She also likes to incorporate fun elements into her design.
One example is the Bagel Garden ;-). This stunning work, made with purple aquarium gravel and weatherproofed bagsels, 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, a Belgian Landscape Architect was best known for his topiary gardens made of boxwoods and yews. His designs often use evergreens to provide interest through the seasons.
Wirtz took inspiration from the preciseness 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 claim that a Wirtz-designed garden will always be recognizable, as it makes a statement.
Best Wirtz landscape designs:
- Jubilee Park in 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 most well-known works is the regeneration in New York City’s Bryant Park.
Olin uses hand-drawn drawings to create tranquility and calm in urban environments. Olin Studio also created a design for a new Origin Park Clarksville is located in Indiana.
Best Laurie Olin landscape designs:
- 11th Street Bridge Park, Washington D.C.
- Bryant Park
- Redesigning Columbus Circle in New York
- Los Angeles Sculpture Garden of Fran and Ray Stark
- Hudson Yards Redevelopment Project
14. Peter Walker
Peter Walker is a landscape architect from the United States who uses both natural and manufactured materials to create his designs. He creates landscapes that are beautiful and functional by using stone, wood and plants.
His most famous work is the National September 11 Memorial, which is located in New York City. It features two large pools surrounded by plants and trees.
Best Peter Walker landscape designs:
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum, NYC
- Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
- Barangaroo waterfront renewal project, Syndney
- San Francisco Transit Center, Park and Transit Center
- Hong Kong New Central Harborfront
- Quzhou Sports Complex, China
15. Michael Van Valkenburgh
Landscape architect and educator Michael Van Valkenburgh, from the United States, adapts his designs for each site. Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc., his design firm, has completed over 350 projects in Canada, France, the United States and Korea.
The redesign of Brooklyn Bridge Park. This 85-acre urban park in Brooklyn, New York City has integrated play elements including small hills and climb surfaces for children.
Best Michael Van Valkenburgh landscape designs:
- Gathering Place in Tulsa (Oklahoma)
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Gateway Arch National Park in St Louis
- Woodland Garden at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Monk’s Garden, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston
16. William Kent
William Kent was an accomplished British landscape designer, furniture designer, and painter of the early 18th Century. He has left a lasting heritage. He is sometimes referred to as the father or the English landscape garden. He popularized natural gardening.
He was also a talented architect and had creative control over his designs. He brought in furniture to complement the style of the house.
Best William Kent landscape designs:
- Stowe Landscape Garden, Buckinghamshire
- Chiswick House is located in London
- Houghton Hall & Gardens, Norfolk
- Rousham House & Gardens, Oxfordshire
- Holkham Hall in Norfolk
17. Lawrence Halprin
Lawrence Halprin was a landscape designer who specialized in the design of interactive civic fountains. He was the pioneer of interactive civic fountains such as Ira Keller Fountain Portland is a city in Oregon.
Freeway Park The first park to be built over an interstate is located in downtown Seattle. This park, which was built in 1976, features fountains, walkways, plazas, and plazas.
Best Lawrence Halpin landscape designs:
- Ira Keller Fountain in Portland, Oregon
- Lovejoy Fountain Park, Portland, Oregon
- Freeway Park in Seattle
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies in 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 wants to reforest cities.
The Bosco Verticale residential buildings in Milan are a good example of his creative approach. They integrate forest, architecture, and urban life by integrating over 900 trees of 23 local species.
Best Stefano Boeri landscape designs:
- Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) in Milan, Italy
- Ramagrama Stupa Buddhist pilgrimage site project in Lumbini, Nepal
- Forest City, Nanjing in China
- Wonder Woods, Utrecht in the Netherlands
Famous Landscape Architects
Landscape architecture has a rich history and is an incredibly complex field. The following are some of many landscape architects who have had a significant impact on rural and urban environments. Each of them has their own style and created some really 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? Tell us in the comments what you think!
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