RMITLA10-TF3&H3

Geometry = Design

How important is geometry to modern landscape design?

Arguably geometry could be the single most important aspect of present Landscape Architectural design. Geometry advanced immensely in the early 20^th century art movement of cubism. Exploring the concept of simplicity and how powerful it could be.

In this paper I will explore the notion that without the geometry informed by the art movement cubism, we wouldn’t have the landscape Design we see today. When we think of cubism and geometry, we think colour, extraneous materials, decorativeshapes, essential structural lines, and simplicity. Cubism is the reduction of fragmentation of natural forms into abstract geometrical structures. I intend to discuss these ideas in relation to the practices of West 8.

West 8 is known for designing large public spaces, master plans and landscape Interventions. It’s most clear to see in their master plans the influences of cubism and its geometry. Particular projects like Chiswick Park in London and Chasseterrein in the Netherlands. The fragmentation of the geometry in Chasseterrein is quite evident while colour; extraneous materials can be seen throughout Chiswick Park.

A reference can also be linked between West 8 and Roberto Berle Marx’s, a well-known Brazilian landscape architect known for his geometric designs. We can see a relationship between Berle Marx’s mosaic patter on Copacabana Beach and the Luxury Village design in Moscow by West 8. “Burle Marx’s emphasis on the visual has given rise in certain quarters to a cubist interpretation of his Landscapes”

Geometry is such a prominent characteristic in modern landscape design. It’s apart of structure; materiality, aesthetics and the movement of a site just to name a few. The similaritiesbetween modern landscape and the geometry in cubism are hard to ignore. Where would landscape Architecture be without cubism’s geometry?

Keywords: Geometry, Cubism, Landscape Design