BAHIRDAR UNIVERSITY

INSTITUTE OF LAND ADMINISTRATION

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
INTRODUCTION TO LANDSCAPE DESIGN

BY - DAGMAWIT GETAHUNE. ID- 1505633

BEZAWIT GENETE. 1505555
REKIK GETA. 1410515

DATE 09-03-17

SUBMITTED TO - MR. YONAS

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Biography of Frederick Law Olmsted

Frederick Law
Frederick Law Olmsted (1822–1903) was an American landscape architect, journalist, social critic,
and public official, best known for his pioneering work in the design of public parks, particularly
his role in creating Central Park in New York City. Olmsted’s work in landscape architecture helped
to shape the field and was foundational to the development of urban parks in the United States.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Olmsted initially pursued a career in farming, but his interests
shifted after his travels in the mid-1800s, which took him through England, where he studied
landscape design. Upon his return to the U.S., he took a position as a reporter for The New York
Times, and later, as a writer and editor, he gained recognition for his writings on the condition of
the Southern United States during the pre-Civil War period. Olmsted's early journalistic career
was marked by a deep interest in social reform, particularly in issues relating to public health and
urban living conditions.

In 1857, Olmsted was appointed as the landscape architect for the design of Central Park in New
York, an effort that marked the beginning of his career as one of the most influential figures in
the development of American parks and public spaces. Olmsted’s design for Central Park, which
he created in collaboration with architect Calvert Vaux, emphasized the idea that public green
spaces could serve as a democratic refuge from the urban chaos of industrialization. Their design
prioritized naturalistic landscapes, with winding paths, large open spaces, water features, and
varied topography to encourage both leisurely strolls and active recreation.

Calvert Vaux

Olmsted went on to design many other iconic landscapes, including the grounds of the U.S.
Capitol in Washington, D.C., Prospect Park in Brooklyn, and the campuses of several American
universities. His approach to landscape architecture was deeply influenced by his belief in the

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healing power of nature, particularly for city dwellers in rapidly industrializing societies.
Olmsted’s designs often sought to balance the natural environment with the needs of urban
populations, creating spaces that could provide physical and mental restoration.

Architectural Landscape Literature of New York's Central Park

INTRODUCTION

Central Park is an urban park between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side neighborhoods
of Manhattan in New York City that was the first landscaped park in the United States. It is the
sixth-largest park in the city, containing 843 acres (341 ha), and the most visited urban park in the
United States, with an estimated 42 million visitors annually as of 2016. It is also one of the most
filmed locations in the world.

Central Park, located in the heart of Manhattan, is often regarded as the seminal work in the
history of American landscape architecture. Olmsted and Vaux’s design for the park, which was
chosen through a design competition in 1857, was groundbreaking in its approach to urban park
planning. Their vision was based on a philosophy that connected urban green spaces with the
principles of public health, democracy, and aesthetics.

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CENTRAL PARK - Case Study

Location -Central Park fits itself in the center of Manhattanin New York.
-The region of Manhattanin Classified/Remarked for skyscrapers.
Area -Central Park is the Fifth-largest park in New York City. -The massive park spreads over an
area of; 843 acres or 341 ha or 3.41 km² (4 km × 800

General Information
-Central Park is a Masterpiece of landscape architecture designed in the 19th century. -
Designated New York City‟s First attractive Landmark in 1974 which is the Central Park. -Central
Park is the Most visited city park in the United States with 40 million visitors in 2013. -One of the
most crowded areas with an desirable skyline. -One of the most filmed locations in the world.
Form & Spirit of the Park Contrast with the context 1. Green & Open space Vs Urban Grey &
congested spaces. 2. Formal outline within grid planned city put Organic inside. -Located in the
midst of the busy and Congested life of New Yorkers but regards as place for meditation.
-Central Park present a Lungs for the city.
How did the idea of the Park arise?
- Between 1821 -1855, New York City nearly quadrupled in population. So New York city began
expanding northward up Manhattan Island. - This was accompanied by Need for a great public
park, the idea began to publicize since 1844 and by William Cullen Bryant, as well as by the first
American landscape architect, Andrew Jackson Downing. -In 1850–1851, An attempt was failed
to start embodies the idea. - In 1853, the New York legislature settled upon a 700-acre (280 ha)
area from 59th to 106th Streets for the creation of the park, at a cost of more than US$5 million
for the land. -In 1857, the state appointed a Central Park Commission to oversee the
development of the park, at that time the commission held a landscape design computation.
-In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. and Calvert Vaux submitted the entry for the design
Competition for a recreational space that would one day go on to become the revered
Naturalistic Hub that it is today claiming the honor of being one of the Great Public spaces.

-Original plan for Central Park called the “Greensward Plan” at the Museum of the City of New
York.
-The map, which dates to 1858, is rarely on public display.
The power of design back to:
-The most influential innovations in the Central Park design, were the “Separate Circulation
Systems" for pedestrians, horseback riders, and pleasure vehicles.
-The Park as space within space but integrated with its context naturally with Traffic which is
entirely hidden in sunken roadways screened with densely planted shrub belts.

Building & Construction the Park

 Before the construction of the park could start, the area had to be cleared of
its inhabitants, most of whom were quite poor.
-Between 1858 -1873,

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 * The construction of the park had come a long way, and most of the major obstacles had been
overcome. * During this period, more than 14,000 m³ of topsoil had been transported in from
New Jersey, as the original soil wasn't good enough to sustain the various trees, shrubs and the
plants the “Greensward Plan” called for.
*Also included were the more than four million (trees, shrubs & plants) representing the
approximately 1,500 species which were to lay the foundation for today's park.
-Around the turn of the 20th Century The Park faced several new challenges; - Cars had been
invented and were becoming commonplace, bringing with them their burden of pollution. -The
general mental view of the people was beginning to change. No longer were parks to be used
only for walks and picnics in an idyllic environment, but now also for sports, and similar
recreation.
- During 1943, the Parks Commissioner & planner Robert Moses enhanced the
Park by adding: 1. the Wollman rink 2. 21 playgrounds 3. Famed sculptures like „Alice in
Wonderland.
-1970s
-The Public Theatre's annual Shakespeare in the Park festival was introduced in this period. -The
Park became a Place for events of unprecedented scale, including (political meetings and
demonstrations, festivals, and massive concerts). -1980s up to now -The main thing in 1980‟s
was preparing a Comprehensive plan for rebuilding the Park with the completion of it in 1985 . -
After that Management changes were done and maintenance operations
were managed. -Since 2007, the Conservancy had invested approximately $350 million in the
Restoration and Management of the Park. The Central Park Conservancy is the not-for-profit
organization that raises the Park's nearly $80 million annual budget and is responsible for the
work it takes to keep Central Park beautiful.
Activities in the Central Park
*Sports *Baseball and Softball * Basketball * Bicycle
Riding *Bird Watching *Boating * Chess * Ice
Skating *Lawn Sports *Model Sailboats *Paddleball
*Running * Relaxatio * Horse-Drawn Carriages *Zoo *Bouldering
* Cross-Country Skiing

Design and Planning Philosophy: Olmsted and Vaux’s design for Central Park was a reaction to the
rapidly growing, industrializing New York City, which at the time was experiencing severe
overcrowding and pollution. The park’s layout is marked by its use of rolling topography, wooded
areas, meadows, and water bodies. Olmsted and Vaux embraced a picturesque style of landscape
design that mimicked the natural beauty of the English countryside while offering a visual respite
from the harsh realities of city life. They avoided geometric, formal designs, favoring curvilinear
paths and undulating terrain, which created a sense of discovery and surprise for park visitors.

The central idea behind the park was that it should be a space for all classes of society, where
people could escape the stresses of urban living and find solace in nature. The design aimed to
provide an environment where people could engage in both active recreation and passive

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contemplation. At the heart of this philosophy was Olmsted’s belief in the therapeutic benefits of
nature, which he thought could improve the physical and mental well-being of city inhabitants.

Frederick Law Olmsted’s Works and Additional Site Details about New York’s Central Park
Frederick Law Olmsted’s Works: Frederick Law Olmsted is best known for his transformative role
in the field of landscape architecture, particularly for his design of urban parks. His work in
landscape design extends far beyond Central Park, with many projects that continue to influence
modern park design. Olmsted's philosophy emphasized the value of public green spaces, not only
for aesthetic enjoyment but as vital components for improving public health and social well-
being.

The creation of a large park in Manhattan was first proposed in the 1840s, and a 778-acre (315
ha) park approved in 1853. In 1858, landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux
won a design competition for the park with their "Greensward Plan". Construction began in 1857;
existing structures, including a majority-Black settlement named Seneca Village, were seized
through eminent domain and razed. The park's first areas were opened to the public in late 1858.
Additional land at the northern end of Central Park was purchased in 1859, and the park was
completed in 1876. After a period of decline in the early 20th century, New York City parks
commissioner Robert Moses started a program to clean up Central Park in the 1930s. The Central
Park Conservancy, created in 1980 to combat further deterioration in the late 20th century,
refurbished many parts of the park starting in the 1980s.

The park's main attractions include the Ramble and Lake, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, the Jacqueline
Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Sheep Meadow; amusement attractions such as Wollman Rink,
Central Park Carousel, and the Central Park Zoo; formal spaces such as the Central Park Mall and
Bethesda Terrace; and the Delacorte Theater. The biologically diverse ecosystem has several
hundred species of flora and fauna. Recreational activities include carriage-horse and bicycle
tours, bicycling, sports facilities, and concerts and events such as Shakespeare in the Park. Central
Park is traversed by a system of roads and walkways and is served by public transportation.

Its size and cultural position make it a model for the world's urban parks. Its influence earned
Central Park the designations of National Historic Landmark in 1963 and of New York City scenic
landmark in 1974. Central Park is owned by the New York City Department of Parks and
Recreation but has been managed by the Central Park Conservancy since 1998, under a contract
with the municipal government in a public–private partnership. The Conservancy, a non-profit
organization, raises Central Park's annual operating budget and is responsible for all basic care of
the park.

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Central Park is bordered by Central Park North at 110th Street; Central Park South at 59th Street;
Central Park West at Eighth Avenue; and Fifth Avenue on the east. The park is adjacent to the
neighborhoods of Harlem to the north, Midtown Manhattan to the south, the Upper West Side to
the west, and the Upper East Side to the east. It measures 2.5 miles (4.0 km) from north to south
and 0.5 miles (0.80 km) from west to east.

Central Park is split into three sections: the "North End" extending above the Jacqueline Kennedy
Onassis Reservoir; "Mid-Park", between the reservoir to the north and the Lake and Conservatory
Water to the south; and "South End" below the Lake and Conservatory Water. The park has five
visitor centers: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Belvedere Castle, Chess & Checkers House, the
Dairy, and Columbus Circle.

The park has been described as the first landscaped park in the United States. It has natural-
looking plantings and landforms, having been almost entirely landscaped when built in the 1850s
and 1860s. It has eight lakes and ponds that were created artificially by damming natural seeps
and flows.There are several wooded sections, lawns, meadows, and minor grassy areas. There are
21 children's playgrounds, and 6.1 miles (9.8 km) of drives.

Central Park is the sixth-largest park in New York City, behind Pelham Bay Park, the Staten Island
Greenbelt, Freshkills Park, Van Cortlandt Park, and Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, with an area
of 843 acres (341 ha; 1.317 sq mi; 3.41 km2) Central Park constitutes its own United States
census tract, numbered 143. According to American Community Survey five-year estimates, the
park was home to four females with a median age of 19.8. Though the 2010 United States Census
recorded 25 residents within the census tract, park officials have rejected the claim of anyone
permanently living there.

Central Park (New York City, 1857)

Olmsted's most famous and influential project, Central Park, was his first major work and remains
the pinnacle of his career. Designed with architect Calvert Vaux, the park covers 843 acres and is
considered one of the greatest achievements in landscape architecture. Its naturalistic design,
featuring rolling hills, wooded groves, meadows, and water features, was created as a place for

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urban dwellers to escape the stresses of industrial life and enjoy a taste of nature.
Prospect Park (Brooklyn, New York, 1865)
A few years after completing Central Park, Olmsted and Vaux were tasked with designing
Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The park, which covers 585 acres, follows a similar design philosophy
as Central Park but is tailored to its unique site. Prospect Park features rolling hills, expansive
meadows, and dense woodlands. Olmsted’s design also included a large lake, ravines, and a
meadow specifically designed for recreational use, with an emphasis on offering a space for
relaxation and social interaction for all classes of New Yorkers.
The Grounds of the U.S. Capitol (Washington, D.C., 1874-1892)
Olmsted was commissioned to redesign the grounds surrounding the U.S. Capitol, which were
undergoing a major transformation in the late 19th century. Olmsted designed a landscape that
complemented the architecture of the Capitol building, with sweeping lawns, curvilinear paths,
and formal gardens. His design also incorporated the creation of a westward view toward the
Washington Monument.
The Emerald Necklace (Boston, Massachusetts, 1878-1895)
The Emerald Necklace is a series of parks connected by parkways and waterways in the Boston
area. Designed by Olmsted, the project was intended to provide the city with a green corridor
that linked several important parks and natural areas. The necklace includes the Back Bay Fens,
the Riverway, and Franklin Park, and serves as an early example of using natural landscapes to
improve urban environments.
Fairmount Park (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1870s)
Olmsted designed parts of Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, expanding on the existing park's
features by adding more scenic vistas and designing new roadways, trails, and gardens. Olmsted’s
approach was to blend the natural and built environments to create a harmonious space for both
recreation and relaxation.
World’s Columbian Exposition (Chicago, 1893)
Olmsted played a significant role in the landscaping for the World’s Columbian Exposition held in
Chicago in 1893. The fairgrounds were designed with grand, open spaces and beautiful gardens,
which served as a model for future world’s fairs and large-scale public exhibitions.

Key Features of Central Park's Landscape:

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The Great Lawn and Open Spaces: One of the most famous features of the park, the
Great Lawn, serves as a large, open space for picnicking, sports, and relaxation. It is designed as a
flexible, flat area that contrasts with the park’s more dramatic topography.
Woodlands and Naturalistic Landscaping: Central Park includes a variety of wooded areas
designed to evoke the feeling of a rural forest, complete with winding trails and hidden glades.
These areas encourage visitors to engage with the park in a more intimate, contemplative way.

The Reservoir and Waterways: The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, which sits in
the park’s northern section, is a key water feature. It is surrounded by a walkway and offers
spectacular views of the park’s skyline. Olmsted and Vaux also incorporated several smaller
bodies of water, including the picturesque ponds and the Central Park Lake, which provide
serene, reflective spaces within the park.
Bridges and Gateways: Throughout Central Park, Olmsted and Vaux incorporated numerous
bridges, both functional and ornamental, to facilitate movement across the park and enhance the
aesthetic experience. These bridges are typically constructed in a way that complements the
park’s natural landscape, using materials such as stone and wrought iron.

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East side of Rat Rock
There are four different types of bedrock in Manhattan. In Central Park, Manhattan schist and
Hartland schist, which are both metamorphosed sedimentary rock, are exposed in various
outcroppings. The other two types, Fordham gneiss (an older deeper layer) and Inwood marble
(metamorphosed limestone which overlays the gneiss), do not surface in the park.
Wooded areas and lawns

Wooded area of The Ramble and Lake

There are three wooded areas in Central Park: North Woods, the Ramble, and Hallett Nature
Sanctuary.North Woods, the largest of the woodlands, is at the northwestern corner of Central
Park. It covers about 90 acres (36 ha) adjacent to North Meadow.The name sometimes applies to
other attractions in the park's northern end; these adjacent features plus the area of North
Woods can be 200 acres (81 ha).North Woods contains the 55-acre (22 ha) Ravine, a forest with
deciduous trees on its northwestern slope, and the Loch, a small stream that winds diagonally
through North Woods.

Recreational Facilities: The park was designed to accommodate various forms of

recreation, including walking, horseback riding, boating, and ice skating. These facilities were
integrated into the park’s design in such a way that they felt part of the natural environment
rather than imposed upon it.

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Cultural and Social Impact: The creation of Central Park marked a turning point in the

development of public spaces in the United States. It set a precedent for other cities to create
large urban parks as part of a broader movement toward improving public health and urban
living conditions. Central Park’s success demonstrated the value of public green spaces not only
for leisure but also for fostering civic engagement and a sense of community.

Olmsted’s belief that landscape architecture could be used to address social and psychological
needs is reflected in Central Park's ongoing role as a gathering space for diverse groups of people.
Over the years, it has become a site for cultural events, performances, and social activism,
further cementing its place in the city’s identity.

Legacy: Frederick Law Olmsted’s work in Central Park remains a cornerstone of his legacy. It
revolutionized the way Americans viewed public spaces, and the park’s design principles have
influenced countless other urban parks around the world. The park itself, now a UNESCO World
Heritage site, continues to evolve but remains a testament to Olmsted’s vision of blending nature
with urban life to create spaces that promote well-being, democracy, and community.

In conclusion, Central Park stands not only as a masterpiece of landscape architecture but also as
a symbol of the transformative power of public spaces in urban environments. Frederick Law
Olmsted’s vision for Central Park has endured for more than a century and continues to influence
the design of parks and public spaces globally. Through his work, Olmsted demonstrated the vital
role that thoughtful, well-designed landscapes can play in shaping the physical and social fabric of
cities.

Additional Site Details about New York’s Central Park:

Central Park is an iconic space that remains one of the most celebrated urban parks in the world.
Since its creation in the 1850s, it has become an essential part of New York City’s identity. Here
are some important details about the park’s landscape and features

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Size and Layout:
Central Park is 843 acres (341 hectares), stretching from 59th Street to 110th Street, and
between Fifth Avenue and Central Park West.
The park is divided into several sections: the northern part is more natural and rugged, with
forests, streams, and the Harlem Meer, while the southern and central parts are more formalized
with manicured lawns and public amenities.
Landscape Features:
The Great Lawn: The Great Lawn is a vast, open space located in the middle of the park. It serves
as a hub for recreational activities such as baseball, sunbathing, and concerts. The Great Lawn is
often associated with public gatherings, including the famous summer concerts hosted by the
New York Philharmonic.
The Ramble: A 36-acre woodland area in the park, the Ramble is a dense, natural landscape with
meandering paths, streams, and a variety of trees and shrubs. It is designed to offer a sense of
wilderness within the urban environment, attracting birdwatchers and those seeking solitude.
The Mall: A wide, tree-lined promenade, the Mall is one of the park’s most famous paths, with
statues, benches, and central walkways. It leads to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, which
overlooks the park’s largest water feature.
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain: Located at the south end of the park, Bethesda Terrace is an
iconic gathering place, featuring a grand staircase and the beautiful Bethesda Fountain. The
fountain’s central sculpture, “The Angel of the Waters,” symbolizes healing and restoration.
The Reservoir: The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, which spans 106 acres, is a large body
of water located at the park’s northern end. It offers scenic views of both the park and the city
skyline, with a popular running track that encircles it.
Strawberry Fields: A memorial to John Lennon, located near the Dakota Building on the west side
of the park, Strawberry Fields is a peaceful, contemplative garden with a mosaic that reads
“Imagine,” commemorating Lennon’s song of peace.
The Central Park Zoo: Located on the park’s southeast corner, the Central Park Zoo is a family-
friendly attraction that features a variety of animals from around the world, including penguins,
snow leopards, and sea lions. The zoo also includes a children's zoo, which is particularly popular
with young visitors.
The Boat Lake: The Central Park Lake, located to the west of the Mall, is a large body of water

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where visitors can rent rowboats in the warmer months. The lake provides scenic views and acts
as a central recreational space.
Design Elements and Structures:
Olmsted and Vaux’s design was deeply influenced by their belief in the restorative qualities of
nature. The park’s winding paths and organic layout were meant to guide visitors through a
variety of scenic vistas.
Bridges and Arches: The park is crisscrossed with over 40 stone bridges, arches, and tunnels.
Notable among them are the Bow Bridge (one of the most photographed spots in the park), the
Belvedere Castle, and the charming stone bridges that cross over the park’s many streams.
Gates and Entrances: The park features several grand entrances, including the ornate Bethesda
Terrace steps, the Central Park West entrance, and the grand gates at 59th Street, which all
emphasize the transition from the city’s busy streets to the calm and green environment of the
park.
Cultural and Community Impact:
Central Park is not only a landscape but also a cultural landmark. Over the years, it has hosted
countless events, including concerts, performances, and protests, adding to its role as a
democratic space for all New Yorkers.
It is home to a variety of cultural institutions, such as the Central Park Conservancy, which
manages the park’s upkeep, and the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art, which uses the park as
a setting for many of its outdoor exhibitions.
The park serves as a gathering place for local communities, offering spaces for social interactions,
recreational activities, and events such as the annual SummerStage concerts and Shakespeare in
the Park productions.
Conclusion:
Frederick Law Olmsted’s vision for Central Park has stood the test of time, creating a space that
continues to provide beauty, recreation, and respite for millions of people. His work on Central
Park, along with his broader contributions to landscape architecture, transformed urban spaces
and set a new standard for public parks in America and beyond. The park remains a vital part of
New York City’s cultural and social fabric, an enduring testament to Olmsted’s belief in the
restorative power of nature in the urban environment.

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