Landscape Architecture Around America (PHOTOS)

Living in a big city, it can be hard to find refuge from the daily grind. Landscape architecture is a rising industry that provides a sort of urban oasis, connecting people with nature in a typically hectic setting. These spaces can be both aesthetically-pleasing and practical, sometimes even finding more sustainable ways to use public space. We've compiled some of the biggest landscape architecture projects across America that are open to the public-- some were recently recognized by the American Society of Landscape Architects while others are already major landmarks in their respective cities. Take a look and vote for your favorite!

Citygarden, St. Louis, Missouri

The Citygarden is an urban sculpture park in Downtown St. Louis. The park is split into three sections: river bluffs, flood plains, and urban gardens.

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Comments

[tones]

09:02 PM on 01/14/2010

oases huh

[KIVPossum]

09:18 AM on 01/13/2010

Public parks are one of the things I love about Chisinau. Although we are densely packed it doesn't seem that way because almost 1/3 of the acreage in the city is public parkland; more if you consider the smaller playground-parks in every apartment complex courtyard - we're considered the greenest city in Europe. So you are never more than a few hundred meters from a large, heavily wooded, park with plenty of privacy (not enough for some folks in warm weather), benches and trails. And for a poor city we manage to have wireless in 4 of the central parks. Add in that each park has a full complement of police to walk around, get to know the regulars, and monitor the place, and you have a very pleasant urban parkland experience.

[DietPepsi]

07:49 PM on 01/12/2010

Being against green spaces in the city is sort of like being against motherhood and apple pie. Who's going to argue the point?

My wife and I did what we could to make our property around our home green. Particularly when going in situation the house to preserve the maximum number of oaks, maples, pines, and birch's. In return we have been rewarded with birds, squirrels, ground squirrels and a calm green barrier between us and all our neighbors. Stepping out on the deck is like going on vacation. Nice green view that is calm, relaxed, soothing.

I may not believe in global warming but I believe in clean air, clean water, and being green.

[v eyepete]

03:24 PM on 01/12/2010

This entire Green section is filled with great ideas and hope. Thanks for some good news and some great ideas which have seen some level of realization.

[gravey72]

08:57 PM on 01/12/2010

Most agreeable...I love that we are thinking...especially outside the box!!! And you are right,it would be nice to see some realization turn into some actualities!!! Again,I ask,where are those red tape scissors people...WE NEED THEM NOW...

[philly282]

01:27 PM on 01/12/2010

Balboa Park in San Diego should be included (as mentioned by others). also mission trails park is within san diego city limits

[mrusteika]

12:28 PM on 01/12/2010

why does huffpost hate boston?

[mikenzinbfe]

11:36 AM on 01/12/2010

trivia, f. olmsted not only was the man behind central park but also was brought in by town leaders of boulder, colorado in the latter part of the 19th c. to aid in the design of that cityscape. their goal, to "fit in better" with the surrounding environment, the flatirons, foothills, gentle flowing foothills. his use of classic design elements are still apparent and cherished today just as central park is cherished by new yorks residents and visitors alike.

[KIVPossum]

09:19 AM on 01/13/2010

Check out his work at the Biltmore Estate outside Asheville, NC.

[JScott]

10:48 AM on 01/12/2010

Yup Getty Center and Calif. Acad. of Sci. and as a comment alluded to it is in Golden Gate Park. and include the Presidio in that. And Balboa Park in San Diego should be included....that graceful arch bridge that hwy 163 passes under coming into SD is an early childhood memory. BTW when is the Murphy windmill at GG park finally gonna be restored?

/

[PatrickNM]

09:25 AM on 01/12/2010

Golden Gate Park would be number one, then Central Park. They forgot Piedmont Park in Atlanta. The Emerald Necklace in Boston.

[metroretro]

09:18 AM on 01/12/2010

My home is on the Buffalo Bayou promenade. I love the front views of the park and Buffalo Bayou and to the east, the downtown skyline. Many parts of Houston are ugly due to the lack of zoning however I think I have some of the best views in the city.

[Ashamed-in-Texas]

09:27 AM on 01/12/2010

We are nearly neighbors. I don't live far from where you are. I officed in a building on Buffalo Bayou and my office window was that amazing view.

Howdy neighbor!

[metroretro]

09:50 AM on 01/12/2010

Right back at you friend. I leve across the street from the neo cons at channel 11.

[Acolyte]

11:34 AM on 01/12/2010

Yeah, I love Buffalo Bayou, especially to get away from the downtown buildings, but I have to say that I am very enthusiastic about Discovery Park and all its promise.

[Marielard]

08:29 AM on 01/12/2010

Why is that Balboa Park in San Diego is not included in this gallery? Balboa Park is an amazing green space in the center of the city and believe that should of been included.

[Acolyte]

11:35 AM on 01/12/2010

Cuz u ain't special! >:0)