The Nature of Recreation: A Handbook in Honor of Frederick Law Olmsted

by Richard Saul Wurman, Alan Levy

The Nature of Recreation is a handbook through which the reader-participant can learn to discover what he really wants and needs in the way of recreation. By stressing the identification of performance components in the environment, and with the aid of questions and exercises, the book enables the reader to define and articulate his recreational needs—and maybe those of his neighbors down the street or across town, depending on the scope of his social imagination. Originally created to accompany and supplement the exhibitions on Frederick Law Olmsted mounted by the National Gallery of Art in Washington and the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, this book goes beyond the scope of traditional museum catalogs and so extends the scope of the genre. In this respect, the book is designed and planned to lead a full life independent of an exhibition. And should the reader come away from it determined to use his newly acquired analytical skills and constructive demands as a participating citizen, it will be to the benefit of us all and truly in the spirit of Olmsted.

The handbook is filled with photographs and diagrams. Olmsted's work is depicted in tones of brown, and more recent creations are shown in green. These two sections (with text about and by Olmsted and on recreation in general) run in parallel throughout the book along with a third section that brings together interesting facts about various facets of recreation.

76 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 1972

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely a great book put out by MIT Press. This information is rather dated as far as park designs, but the tribute to Olmstead is well-written and Olmstead's own words are rather inspiring. The punch out areas, encouraging raders to design their own park is a unique addition.