LANDSCAPE DESIGN PRECEDENT RESEARCH

 Beatrix Farrand's college campus landscape design work.

As precedent research for a college campus commission (public space landscape design) I've been studying Beatrix Farrand's college campus landscape design work. Farrand's landscape design work at public institutions included Yale, University of Chicago, Oberlin, Vassar, Hamilton and Princeton.  My understanding is that the Graduate College of Princeton is the site where her work is best preserved. 

A few of Beatrix Farrand's classical landscape design principles were applied at the courtyard gardens of the graduate college... unify and simplify the campus by avoiding random planting, seasonal color, use of evergreens for structure, an arts and crafts philosophy of including local stone and flora, "wall coverings" (complementing the architecture with various vines and espaliered shrubs and planting "noble" trees (maple, beech, oak, ash).  For more on Ferrand's work, I recommend Diana Balmori's text, "Beatrix Farrand's American Landscapes."

Found behind Wyman House, which is the dean's residence is a sunken, walled garden. This was Beatrix Farrand's garden design almost ninety years ago, since restored in the past ten years. Based upon the plant palette, I surmise that public garden designer Lynden Miller has worked with this garden.

A brilliant design move!  Conifers echo the spires on the gothic architecture.   Photo ©ToddHaimanLandscapeDesign2014

A brilliant design move!  Conifers echo the spires on the gothic architecture.   Photo ©ToddHaimanLandscapeDesign2014

Sundial as focal point, center of garden design.  Photo ©ToddHaimanLandscapeDesign2014

Sundial as focal point, center of garden design.  Photo ©ToddHaimanLandscapeDesign2014

Berberis, sedum, juniperus squamate, hydrangea, ageratum, geranium macalatum all provide an array of color.  Photo ©ToddHaimanLandscapeDesign2014 

Berberis, sedum, juniperus squamate, hydrangea, ageratum, geranium macalatum all provide an array of color.  Photo ©ToddHaimanLandscapeDesign2014

 

This arched pergola is created by hornbeams and piperail.  Photo ©ToddHaimanLandscapeDesign2014 

This arched pergola is created by hornbeams and piperail.  Photo ©ToddHaimanLandscapeDesign2014