Peter Walker

 

Tanner Fountain

I was immediately drawn to this landscape due to its unusual nature. It is a very interesting and unusual way to explore a fountain feature using water as mist rather than jets. I like how the mist has been used to create cloud like form that almost appears as if it an object floating over the ground creating an exciting illusion. The rocks laid in a circular pattern overlap the grass and tarmac making the fountain seem like it has just fallen into the landscape from space adding successfully to the mystery. They are also clearly well used in their function as a place to sit or lean against. The uniqueness, creativity yet simplicity in Walker’s design is something I am very impressed by and I get a lot of inspiration from to do the same. ___________________________________________________________________________________

PWP Landscape Architecture (no date) Tanner Fountain, Harvard University. Available at: https://www.pwpla.com/projects/tanner-fountain-harvard-university (Accessed: 24 February 2026).

Jacques Wirtz

 

Alnwick Castle Garden

I selected Alnwick Castle as it is a garden of Wirtz’s that I have visited myself. Whilst it was when I was younger, I remember being impressed by the grandeur of the cascade. Looking at it again I am impressed curvaceous flowing shape that despite the large use of hard materials in its constriction creates a soft appearance when combined with water. Also, the evergreen archways alongside creates a year-round backdrop and structure to the landscape with windows out differing views to visitors as they travel through them. And I like how behind this this is mature trees breaking the well-maintained formality of the fountains. I like how the garden also nods to the symmetry of historic French gardens whilst breaking away from the straight lines instead having gentles curves throughout.

___________________________________________________________________________________Sandomir, R. (2018) ‘Jacques Wirtz, innovative landscape designer, dies at 93’, The New York Times, 2 August. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/02/obituaries/jacques-wirtz-innovative-landscape-designer-dies-at-93.html (Accessed: 24 February 2026).

Martha Schwartz

 

Jacob Javitts Plaza

At a first glance I enjoy how bright green colour is striking and contrasting strongly with the dark paving below clearly showing an element of fun in the plaza.  It is clear a lot of the intention with this design is for it to be viewed from above due to the large scale and length of the benches and due to their only being two colours in the plaza. The bench appears as a line drawn on a blank canvas which could perhaps be representing how the immigrants visiting the immigration office have a chance to start from a fresh slate and draw their own path. However, due to the absence of planting the plaza feel very exposed to wind and rain not offering any place to shelter and overall feels very cold. So, whilst I do think it succeeds somewhat in providing a place for people to site in groups and talk, I don’t think it is designed on a human scale to encourage this.

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fity.club (no date) Martha Schwartz landscape architecture , fity.club. Available at: https://fity.club/lists/suggestions/martha-schwartz-landscape-architecture/ (Accessed: 24 February 2026).