[art or landscape architecture?]

“the moment you try to do something to please other people is when you fail” -from NOVO

Is Landscape Architecture art?

Lately I’ve been frustrated by the pairing of landscape architecture and school. As students, we are always being told to follow our design aesthetic, but what is that? How do we find a design aesthetic; can aesthetic be taught? I think, in a way, school can be a big stumbling block for artists and architects alike. Professors are so eager to critique the artistic decisions that students make, which is confusing. Whose design “aesthetic” should I be seeking, mine or the professors’? It seems like students have two options: to go their own way and create their art for themselves and themselves only, or to take the critique and mold future design decisions from it. There is that elusive third option to take the critique with a grain of salt, filtering it, and using the advice in future projects, but again this comes down to the designer’s decision of what advice to pursue.

I’ve been told that there’s a reason engineers aren’t allowed to design everything we see around us. People like to experience their surroundings, to have emotions stirred by them, and to derive enjoyment from them. Much like art.

So then why can’t landscape architects splatter metaphorical paint on the canvas of our designs and call it landscape architecture, when there are so many things that pass for art?

Also this is a long video but totally worth it. Young artists discuss their art and much more.

NOVA the film from ROJO on Vimeo.