Landscape: Pattern, Perception And Process

Architectural Review, The, June, 2000 by Elsa Leviseur

By Simon Bell. London: E & FN Spon. 1999. [pounds]45

Worldwide, short-term profit-driven development is ignoring environmental and cultural costs (borne by taxpayers and users). However, advanced satellite imaging and software programmes offer tools with which to identify and reclaim damaged ecosystems and plan new landscapes.

Forester and landscape planner Simon Bell's thesis 'the patterns of the landscape reflect the long term processes which have created them' is used as a model for managing landscape change. He interweaves theories of aesthetics, visual perception, ethics, and sense of place, with geological evolution and human impacts over the ages. Drawing on previous authorities, much old ground is revisited. But Bell includes recent concepts and provides detailed descriptions of up-to-date design methods. These include useful matrices and systems to enable planning for the successful mosaic of complexity and diversity critical to the health not only of ecosystems, hut also human aesthetic needs which he identifies.

In conclusion, this ecologically insightful book raises critical issues. How can political and legislative initiatives for protecting the environment be translated into more effective action using limited resources? How can sustainable issues and the involvement of people in the planning process be implemented? How can all the necessary related disciplines be constructively informed and involved? And particularly, how can we internalize the imperative for natural diversity and, integrate it in our drive for 'progress'?