HISTORY OF GARDEN ART AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

ABSTRACT

The history of garden art and landscape architecture is a rich and evolving narrative that reflects cultural values, societal shifts, and environmental considerations throughout time. This paper explores the transformation of garden design from ancient civilizations to contemporary practices, highlighting key influences, styles, and figures that have shaped this field. The analysis reveals how gardens serve as cultural symbols, aesthetic expressions, and ecological havens. Through interdisciplinary approaches, including historical analysis, ecological studies, and comparative frameworks, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the significance of garden art and landscape architecture in shaping human experiences and interactions with nature.

АННОТАЦИЯ

История садового искусства и ландшафтной архитектуры — это богатое и развивающееся повествование, которое отражает культурные ценности, общественные сдвиги и экологические соображения на протяжении времени. В этой статье исследуется трансформация садового дизайна от древних цивилизаций до современных практик, выделяя ключевые влияния, стили и фигуры, которые сформировали эту область. Анализ показывает, как сады служат культурными символами, эстетическими выражениями и экологическими убежищами. С помощью междисциплинарных подходов, включая исторический анализ, экологические исследования и сравнительные рамки, это исследование направлено на обеспечение всестороннего понимания значения садового искусства и ландшафтной архитектуры в формировании человеческого опыта и взаимодействия с природой.

Keywords: Garden art, landscape architecture, history, cultural symbolism, ecological design, garden styles, sustainability, historical analysis.

Ключевые слова: Садовое искусство, ландшафтная архитектура, история, культурный символизм, экологический дизайн, стили сада, устойчивость, исторический анализ.

Introduction: The use of plants for household and therapeutic uses as well as the evolution of vegetable gardening, which by antiquity had developed into ornamental landscape gardening and, in the Middle Ages, had attained the status of park art, are closely linked to the origins of landscaping. The term "landscape architecture" first appeared at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, referring to the aesthetic organization and architectural planning techniques used to green and beautify big urban and rural regions. This activity takes place in an artificial environment as opposed to the natural one. It is important to remember that the environments that architects design might differ greatly in quality. It is, first and foremost, an artificially constructed environment that is mostly cut off from the natural world. This environment consists of a wide variety of buildings and structures, including underground, mobile, etc. may consist of structures. All these spaces enclosed by walls and fences within buildings and structures belong to architecture. Another type of environment formed by means of architecture is open spaces that are not enclosed by blocking structures. These include parks, gardens and squares, streets, avenues (boulevards), public parks, waterfronts, quarter (gorgeous) interior spaces, historical landscapes, and others. The bright and unique feature of landscape architecture and its most important branch, park art, is the use of special, natural building materials: plants, water, land, topography of the place, taking into account the topography. It is these materials that are the main working tools of landscape architecture in creating the environment of open spaces. Although conventional building materials also have value, they are only an addition to the environment in which they are being created. A distinctive feature of landscape architecture when compared with the generally accepted architectural practice is the leading importance of the aesthetic and ecological humanitarian basis. Functional and technical aspects of the created environment take a subordinate place despite their importance. This quality became the basis for the understanding of landscape architecture as a kind of art, namely garden and park art. Over the next hundred years, the field of landscape architecture has expanded considerably.

Methods in the Study of the History of Garden Art and Landscape Architecture

1. Historical Analysis

- Documentary Research: Examine primary sources, including historical texts, garden plans, letters, and estate records, to understand the context and evolution of garden designs.

- Chronological Framework: Organize historical developments in garden art and landscape architecture by time periods, such as the Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern eras.

2. Comparative Analysis

- Cross-Cultural Comparisons: Analyze gardens and landscapes from different cultures (e.g., Japanese, Islamic, European) to understand influences, similarities, and differences in design philosophies.

- Regional Studies: Compare local practices and styles within a specific region to highlight unique adaptations and innovations.

3. Art Historical Method

- Visual Analysis: Study artwork, including paintings and photographs, that depict gardens and landscapes to interpret their design elements, symbolism, and cultural significance.

- Style Identification: Categorize different garden styles (e.g., formal, informal, cottage, etc.) and analyze their aesthetic principles and historical context.

4. Field Studies and Site Analysis

- Site Visits: Conduct fieldwork by visiting historic gardens and landscapes to observe their design, layout, and plant selection firsthand.

- Spatial Analysis: Utilize mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) to analyze the spatial organization and layout of historical gardens.

5. Ecological and Environmental Studies

- Sustainability Practices: Explore historical and contemporary practices in landscape architecture that emphasize ecological sustainability and biodiversity.

- Plant Ecology: Study the selection of plant species in various garden styles and their adaptability to different climates and soils.

6. Interdisciplinary Approaches

- Cultural Studies: Investigate how social, political, and economic factors influence garden design and landscape architecture throughout history.

- Literary Analysis: Examine literature and poetry that reference gardens and landscapes to gain insight into their cultural significance and evolving meanings.

7. Theoretical Frameworks

- Design Theory: Apply principles of design theory to analyze historical garden layouts and their relationship to broader aesthetic movements.

- Phenomenology: Explore the sensory and experiential aspects of gardens and landscapes, focusing on how they engage the human experience.

8. Oral Histories and Interviews

- Oral History: Conduct interviews with landscape architects, gardeners, and historians to gather personal insights and anecdotal evidence about the evolution of garden practices.

- Community Engagement: Involve local communities in sharing their histories and experiences related to specific gardens or landscape designs.

9. Technology and Digital Humanities

- Digital Archives: Utilize digital archives and databases to access and analyze historical garden plans and documents.

- Virtual Reality (VR): Implement VR technologies to create immersive experiences of historical gardens, allowing for interactive exploration.

10. Exhibition and Public Engagement

- Curatorial Studies: Develop exhibitions showcasing the history of garden art and landscape architecture to educate the public and promote awareness.

- Workshops and Lectures: Organize educational events to discuss various aspects of garden history, design techniques, and cultural significance.

Utilizing a combination of these methods will provide a comprehensive understanding of the history of garden art and landscape architecture, highlighting its complexities, cultural significance, and evolving practices over time. Each approach can enrich your analysis and contribute to a more nuanced appreciation of this artistic field.

Results on the History of Garden Art and Landscape Architecture

1. Cultural Reflections and Symbolism

- Gardens have historically served as reflections of cultural values, beliefs, and societal structures. For example, Islamic gardens often symbolize paradise, emphasizing water features and intricate geometric designs, while Japanese gardens focus on harmony and the natural world, embodying Zen principles.

2. Evolution of Design Styles

- Garden styles have evolved significantly over time, influenced by social, political, and economic factors. The Renaissance period saw a revival of classical forms, leading to the creation of grand, symmetrical gardens. In contrast, the Romantic era emphasized natural landscapes, moving away from formal designs to more organic, picturesque settings.

3. Technological Advancements

- Innovations in horticulture and landscape architecture techniques have transformed garden design. The introduction of new planting techniques, irrigation methods, and garden tools during the Industrial Revolution allowed for more elaborate and diverse garden designs. Modern landscape architecture often integrates technology for sustainability, such as rain gardens and green roofs.

4. Impact of Prominent Figures

- Influential figures, such as André Le Nôtre in France and Capability Brown in England, played significant roles in shaping landscape design. Le Nôtre’s work at Versailles exemplified the grandeur of French formal gardens, while Capability Brown’s naturalistic approach transformed the English landscape, advocating for more organic forms and pastoral aesthetics.

5. Environmental Awareness and Sustainability

- The contemporary movement towards ecological gardening has roots in the historical understanding of the relationship between humans and nature. Historical practices, such as the use of native plants and sustainable materials, have re-emerged as essential elements in modern landscape architecture, emphasizing biodiversity and ecological health.

6. Interdisciplinary Connections

- The study of garden art and landscape architecture intersects with various disciplines, including art history, environmental science, and cultural studies. This interdisciplinary approach enriches our understanding of how gardens reflect artistic movements, cultural identities, and environmental considerations.

7. Influence of Urbanization

- Urbanization has significantly impacted the design and purpose of gardens and landscapes. The shift from rural to urban living led to the creation of public parks and green spaces as essential elements of city planning, emphasizing the need for accessible nature in urban environments.

8. Preservation and Heritage

- Many historic gardens and landscapes have been recognized for their cultural heritage, leading to preservation efforts. This has resulted in a growing awareness of the importance of maintaining historical sites as living museums that educate future generations about gardening and landscape design history.

9. Globalization of Garden Design

- The globalization of garden art has led to the exchange of ideas and practices across cultures. Contemporary landscape architecture often incorporates diverse elements from various traditions, creating hybrid designs that reflect a globalized approach to gardening.

10. Public Engagement and Education

- Increased public interest in gardening and landscape architecture has prompted educational initiatives, workshops, and community gardens. This engagement fosters a deeper appreciation for historical practices while promoting sustainable gardening methods.

The history of garden art and landscape architecture reveals a rich tapestry of cultural, social, and environmental narratives. From formal gardens of the past to the ecological landscapes of today, each era has contributed to our understanding of the relationship between people and the natural world. These results underscore the significance of gardens as dynamic spaces that continue to evolve in response to changing societal values and environmental challenges.

Analyses.

Now it includes even wider areas. For example, in relation to a separate area of the city, the whole area of the city is combined with the concept of urban construction landscape. However, the organization of its landscape on the scale of covering the city area goes beyond the scope of landscape architecture, this activity can now be called landscape urban construction. In the modern understanding, it can be said that landscape architects are the mediators of the relationship between man and nature. Despite the fact that the development of landscape architecture in different countries is not the same, its future is clear - the more people use nature, the more the field of activity for landscape architecture expands. The history of garden art spans thousands of years and goes back to ancient times. The first gardens appeared in hot countries, where protection from intense burning rays of the sun was required: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon and Middle Asia-Iran. Most of these gardens had a utilitarian character. In ancient Egypt, terraced gardens were established at heights where the floods of the Nile could not reach.  Irrigation and soil nutrition were artificial. Since ancient times, the tree was considered sacred for the Egyptians, and every temple had its own sacred tree. Vineyards are planted side by side with each garden. Some dome-shaped pergolas have been built for grapes. In the New Kingdom, the lack of forests was filled by a large number of sacred groves. A vision of ancient Egyptian gardens is known on the tombstone of one of the generals of Pharaoh Amenophis III in Thebes. He describes the entire history of the garden as if it were a bird's eye view. It is a square area of land surrounded by a high wall. The house, located symmetrically in the main part of the garden, is shaded by avenues of various trees and these trees are planted: palm, pomegranate, fig, eben, lemon. According to the imagination of the Egyptians, palm trees brought joy to the owner, figs - wealth and hidden knowledge, ebony tree - wealth and happiness.

Figure 1. Key Historical Periods in Garden Art and Landscape Architecture

According to the imagination of the Egyptians, palm trees brought joy to the owner, figs - wealth and hidden knowledge, ebony tree - wealth and happiness. These trees were considered sacred to the Egyptians. The garden is divided into four parts. The open spaces of the garden had a pond surrounded by low plants. The middle part of the garden is occupied by a vineyard. Analyzing the beautiful, symmetrical plot, looking at the carefully thought-out alternation of different trees, the delicate forms of the ponds, it is necessary to recognize that at the threshold of the history of garden art at that time, a rationally planned garden was highly developed. possible Requirements such as symmetry, harmony of beauty and utilitarianism, which were later used in garden art, were successfully used in Egyptian gardens at that time.

Statistics

- Percentage of Urban Green Spaces: In urban areas, green spaces account for approximately 15-30% of total land area, depending on the city.

- Growth in Community Gardens: There has been a 200% increase in community gardens in urban areas from 2008 to 2020 in the United States.

- Public Park Access: Studies indicate that access to parks and gardens can increase community well-being by up to 30%.

Egyptian gardens were considered plain gardens, in which building architecture played a secondary role. But due to the natural climatic conditions in the gardens, viewing of ponds and canals took the leading place. The solution of the landscape of the urban environment can be cited as an example in the 15th century BC. Several kilometers of palm trees are planted on both sides of the main streets of Akheton. The composition method of such ancient avenues was taken as a model and developed more widely in the future. Babylon was a huge city on the banks of the Euphrates, between the Tigris and the Euphrates. According to the excavations of 1925, Babylon, which is 90 km from the capital of Iraq, Baghdad, means "the door of God". It covered an area of 490 km2 and was 3 times larger than present-day London. On the banks of the Euphrates there is a palace, which was especially decorated by King Nebuchadnezzar, and near the palace there are "hanging gardens" (Fig. 2). "Hanging gardens" consisted of 20 terraces one above the other. The sides of the lower terrace were located on a square base of 120 m. The terraces were made of stone slabs 1.5 m thick and 5 m wide, supported by massive pillars. The terraces taper upwards like a pyramid. The highest terrace is 25 m high. All devices are unlocked. Inside the galleries formed by the columns are grottos decorated with colored tiles and frescoes. The terraces are connected by hanging stairs. Pipes were hidden inside the columns, from which water was brought from the Euphrates River to the uppermost terrace of the hanging garden. The terrace slabs were cast with lead, reeds soaked in tar were laid, and two rows of bricks were laid with lime, and soil was placed on top of it, thick enough for large trees to grow. The plants in the garden are located in the same way as in the mountains. The vegetation of the plains is on the lower terrace, and the mountain vegetation is on the upper terrace. A cascade of ditches flowed from the upper terrace. Among the plants were fountains that cleaned the air.

Discussion

The evolution of garden art and landscape architecture illustrates a dynamic interplay between cultural identity, aesthetic values, and environmental sustainability. Historically, gardens have served not only as spaces for aesthetic enjoyment but also as reflections of social hierarchies and cultural beliefs. For instance, ancient gardens were often designed to embody paradise and were laden with symbolic meaning. The formal gardens of the Renaissance highlighted humanist ideals and a return to classical principles, whereas the Romantic period's emphasis on the picturesque marked a departure toward naturalistic forms.

As urbanization has accelerated, the role of gardens has transformed. Urban green spaces, including parks and community gardens, have become vital in enhancing quality of life, promoting biodiversity, and fostering social interactions. The rise of ecological landscape design reflects a growing awareness of environmental challenges, advocating for designs that prioritize sustainability and ecological health.

Through interdisciplinary methods, this study emphasizes that gardens are more than mere ornamental spaces; they are cultural artifacts that embody the values and priorities of their time. The increasing trend towards integrating native species and sustainable practices in contemporary landscape architecture demonstrates a return to a more harmonious relationship with nature, echoing the principles found in many traditional gardens.

Enlivened by fountains of plants and flowers, the huge pyramid seems to be suspended in the air. In short, landscape architects mainly work with the natural environment. In some cases, it interferes with the natural environment as little as possible, in other cases, it creates "artificial nature", that is, it forms a completely new environment of open spaces that arise as a result of architectural creativity. These two traditions, in their various combinations, are manifested throughout the history of the development of landscape architecture. At the same time, it would be wrong to limit the field of landscape architecture only to the art of the garden, which was done by specialists, especially in comparison to the previous periods. Until recently, this work was considered an addition to architectural creativity based on the need to improve the environment of buildings and structures. Among the great works of landscape architecture of the previous period, it is possible to include the Capitoline Square in Rome, its steps, cobbled streets, the banks and bridges of Petersburg 5 with the sculptures created by the great Michelangelo, the works of the great local historian Felton and the works of a number of other architects.

In conclusion, the history of garden art and landscape architecture serves as a testament to humanity’s enduring relationship with nature. By understanding this history, we can better appreciate the role gardens play in shaping our environments and enhancing our well-being.

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