Chicago Landscape Design is an expression of intense creativity and innovation, using basic shapes and the building blocks to create a new appearance that combines both the natural beauty of such a physical area and the artistic flourishes of its architectural heritage. Invented in the 1890s, Chicago Landscape Design remains one of today s most popular trends. Chicago has long been known as one of the nation s best cities to live in, with its rich cultural history and architectural inheritance. Chicago has long been home to a number of the country’s most famous artists, including some of our country s most famous painters and architects.
One of Chicago s most famous landscape designers is Frick and Frack and the team they employed, consisting of landscape architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Edward Steiner, have made Chicago their home. Frank Lloyd Wright was born and raised in Chicago and his first job was building homes for the people of Chicago. After several years he decided to move to New York City and this is where his distinctive style and eye for detail really began to take shape. Frick and Frack, the land developers hired by Frank Lloyd Wright, came up with the first of their ideas for the Chicago landscape design plan. They envisioned a city that was relatively flat and seamless, free from any obstacles that might encroach its smoothness.
They soon decided that part of this vision was to include hardscape elements such as hills and river bluffs, in addition to the more visual aspects of nature that were meant to complement the more natural qualities of Chicago. Thus the concept of incorporating hardscape elements into the Chicago landscape design was born. As time went on, they added various other types of landscape elements including ponds, fountains, and open spaces. Today we are focusing on the elements that are included in the modern-day hardscape elements of Chicago landscape design.
One of Chicago’s first major landscape architects is Louis Sullivan. Louis Sullivan was born and raised in Chicago. He graduated in science and worked for several years in the architectural department of the Sears Building, before he decided to pursue landscape design. Though he had never been specifically trained as a landscape architect, he spent much of his time trying to figure out what kind of landscape design would be best suited for a section of Chicago’s northern part. He finally decided that he would concentrate his efforts on gardens and trees. At the time, he was working with the commission of engineer Wm. Rice Burbank, who was responsible for building the State Park.
Chicago landscape design owes a lot to the landscapes that were created by Sullivan. Burbank was impressed by Chicago landscape design and asked Sullivan to help him with the design of his park. Though they worked together, it was Sullivan’s choruses and woodland elements that really helped to make Chicago’s northern region beautiful. His vision of incorporating woodland into the park was later copied and improved upon by landscape architects such as Frederick Law Olmsted and John Van de Kamp.
The most common landscape element in Chicago landscape architecture is the retaining wall. Though many have tried to improve upon this classic element, Chicago remains a favourite place for people to spend their weekends. Chicago’s parks also include parts of hardscape elements such as trails and greenspace. Water features and ponds are also common in Chicago landscape gardens.
Trees and shrubs play a vital role in Chicago landscape design. A common feature in many of Chicago’s parks is a large tree-shaded area. These can be incorporated into various different landscape designs by cutting them down or adding climbing plants to them. The trees and shrubs are great elements because they help to filter the air and provide shade for smaller areas such as benches or steps. Also, the greenery helps to keep the city cool in the summer months, which is a huge benefit during the hot summers.
Though hardscape elements are very important in Chicago park design, it is crucial that you don’t overdo them. You want to create a natural feel to your outdoor space, but not let it become too cluttered or too overwhelming. If there are a lot of hardscape elements, you should try to balance them out with softscape elements such as flowers. However, if you are creating a natural feel, then there’s no need to use any kind of decoration. It should all be kept in its natural state.