Landscape Architecture Theory Press Release

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Landscape Architecture Theory An Ecological Approach

By Michael D. Murphy

Washington, DC (December 13, 2016) — For decades, landscape architecture was driven solely by artistic sensibilities. But in these times of global change, the opportunity to reshape the world comes with a responsibility to consider how it can be resilient, fostering health and vitality for humans and nature. Landscape Architecture Theory: An Ecological Approach (Publication Date: December 13, 2016) re-examines the fundamentals of the field, offering a new approach to landscape design that incorporates art, science, sustainability, and more.

Drawing on his extensive career in teaching and practice, acclaimed landscape architect Michael D. Murphy begins the book by examining influences on landscape architecture: social context, contemporary values, and the practical considerations of a working landscape architect. He then delves into systems and procedural theory, while making connections to ecosystem factors, human factors, utility, aesthetics, and the design process.

He concludes by showing how a strong theoretical understanding can be applied to practical, every-day decision making and design work to create more holistic, sustainable, and creative landscapes.

Murphy’s clear writing makes complex theory topics understandable, and his unique emphasis on the science and sustainability aspects of landscape architecture set his book apart from existing literature. As Frederick Steiner, Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, observed, “Landscape architecture is a discipline that has benefitted greatly from a few good theories, including ‘parks are good for people’ and ‘design with ISLAND PRESS | PRESS RELEASE | 1

nature.’ Even so, theory in the field has not been well organized or systematically understood. With this fine book, Michael D. Murphy wonderfully fills these gaps.”

Landscape Architecture Theory is a foundational text that will be an invaluable resource to students and working professionals alike. In this book, they will find stimulating insights to infuse their projects with a greater sense of purpose.

Dr. Michael D. Murphy is professor emeritus of landscape architecture at Texas A&M University where he taught from 1969 to 2012, and served as head of the landscape architecture department from 1989 to 1991. Dr. Murphy has extensive experience in both practice and teaching, also serving as department head at the University of Pretoria. In earlier work, he held appointments as an urban designer and ecological planner on largescale landscape assessment, planning, and design projects at Chris Mulder Associates Incorporated. He has been particularly interested in ecological design and in programming as a means of integrating the talents of multidisciplinary planning and design teams. In recent years, he has been involved in landscape restoration in the hill country of central Texas.

Landscape Architecture Theory Island Press Hardcover and Paperback Original Publication Date: December 13, 2016 336 pages | Price: $80.00 (C)/$40.00 (P)/$39.99 (E) ISBN: 9781610917506 (C)/9781610917513 (E)/9781610917520 (E) https://islandpress.org/books/landscape-architecture-theory Founded in 1984, Island Press works to stimulate, shape, and communicate the information that is essential for solving environmental problems. Today, with more than 1,000 titles in print and some 30 new releases each year, it is the nation’s leading publisher of books on environmental issues.

Island Press is driving change by moving ideas from the printed page to public discourse and practice.

Island Press’s emphasis is, and will continue to be, on transforming objective information into understanding and action. For more information and further updates be sure to visit www.islandpress.org. ###

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