Landscape Planning Environmental Applications

by William M. Marsh

Increasingly landscape planning requires an understanding of how the landscape functions. Marsh's book provides a unique integration of landscape architecture, forestry, ecology, and geography.

This Fourth Edition incorporates the rapid expansions taking place in the field. It addresses several topics of concern in both public and private sectors such as flooding wetlands, species conservation, and groundwater. Readers will also discover how physical geography, planning, and landscape architecture relate to environmental problems and issues.
* An overview of environmental topics as applied to development, land use, and environmental problems of the landscape
* Focuses on landscape processes, systems, forms, and analysis
* Places greater emphasis on urban environments and site-scale problems
* Arms the reader with a collection of best management practices, which can be applied in the field
* Presents updated case studies that examine planning and design problems

Genres: Geography, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Design

480 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1981

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used the second edition of this book 20 years ago as an architecture grad student taking a landscape architecture class, primarily about landscape ecology. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say it was revelatory and enlightening. It gave me valuable understanding I’d lacked of landscape and landscape processes. I hadn’t realized how ignorant I was about these things, things which I’d be (and have been) impacting as an architect and planner. As a hiker/backpacker and kayaker it also laid a foundation for greater understanding and appreciation of the natural places I’ve visited.

Perhaps most importantly, it gave me a better understanding of fragile ecosystems, of wetlands and their functioning, and better knowledge of other matters important in land use and minimizing its negative environmental impacts. I’ve recently been reviewing the book again and reading the few chapters we omitted in class 20 years ago. It’s easily one of the best texts I’ve ever used, and useful for students and professionals in numerous disciplines.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

read the first 2 chapers so far. ive never had to read a book for a class that was authored by the instructor. prof. marsh is a classic professor. he wears a tie and sports coat. he uses chalk instead of powerpoint and he insists that the students take notes with pen and paper instead of computers. he's just preaching to the choir when i'm there but i'll soak up his gospel any day of the week.
17 jan 2010

essentially read the book cover to cover. great integration of science and ecology into planning.

will marsh is a great instructor and inspiration

[Helen Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good resource for preparing for Section 2 of the LARE. Lots of useful practical information for designers and planners.

[mehdi]

Env, Design Elements, Planing tips.