Landscape Narrative

Second Section in Litton's Article: Descriptive Approaches to Landscape Analysis

Landscape Narrative:

Litton explains that, “Pragmatically, it is instructive to examine the language used in narrative accounts of landscape and to be aware of what artists such as Catlin and Moran would have done” (pg. 77).  Since the Picturesque movement in the 18^th century, books and paintings have used a similar landscape narrative to describe iconic places which has shaped our perceptions of what aesthetic landscapes should look and be like.  By using landscape narrative that people familiar with, the author explains that it is easier to establish “common threads of perception” that can guide the landscape architect toward which landscape elements people prefer the most.  Litton also suggests that “we should be acquainted with cultural and historic perspectives that landscape descriptions can carry” (pg. 77).  To avoid confusion, the author argues that it is necessary to distinguish the difference between direct description of the landscape and the “appearance of personal or professional values attached to the outdoor environment” (pg. 78).  He points out both descriptions are important because they offer diverse samples of how people perceive the landscape and to what aspects and visual values they consider important.  These descriptions also represent the different relationships people have with the landscape, “whether seeking its protection, fitting it into a life philosophy, using it as a background to a set of activities, making man-made changes compatible with it or simply enjoying it” (pg. 78).  

Landscape Narrative applied to Vistas:

The cultural and historical significance of each vista is often revealed through interpretive panels and descriptions in landscape terminology that is easy to understand and relate to.  Many of these pristine places still retain the same aesthetic qualities that they did several centuries ago.  Great Smoky Mountains National Park is composed of vast forests, magnificent mountain ridges and summits, and early Appalachian homesteads that have been protected for the enjoyment of present and future generations.  Each vista was deliberately placed, designed to reveal the culture and historical significance of this iconic place.  Even though the relationship people have with nature varies, the “common threads of perception” allow landscape architects to create place that a majority of people would consider aesthetically pleasing.  Landscape architects traditionally are taught how to see the “wholeness of the landscape”; the natural elements woven together to create an un-fragmented space.  Using aesthetic evaluation techniques along with visual analysis, landscape architects and environmental planners highlight the aspects of nature people value and screen the elements that are undesirable.