Understanding Analytic Content in Landscape Architectural Maps
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Date
2016
Authors
Jepson-Sullivan, Andrew
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Landscape architects are often required to produce graphics that
serve both as a presentation of data and as an exploration of design and
process. These images are used to not only show what a landscape will
look like when constructed, but also to understand how the composite
parts of the landscape, both tangible and intangible, interact with each
other. There is a lack of understanding about how to best compose these
images so that they perform both aspects equally well. This project
examines one aspect of this challenge: the presentation of analytic
information in landscape architectural images, specifically, in landscape
architectural maps.
This project proposes a framework for analyzing, categorizing,
and contextualizing the basic visual methods that landscape architects use
to communicate analytic information in maps. Edward Tufte’s Principles
of Analytic Design are used as a basis for this analytic framework, in
order to 1) better understand the visual characteristics and techniques
that maps use to present analytical information, 2) break down analytic
representation techniques into their component parts so that they can
potentially be applied to other landscape architectural image typologies,
and 3) create a visual language to better discuss the component parts that
make up landscape architectural images.
This analysis is structured around two map sets consisting of
maps made by landscape architects Ian McHarg and James Corner. The
results of this analysis are a set of identified analytic representational
techniques used to communicate analytic content in landscape
architectural maps, discussed and explored through both narrative and
visual description.
Description
118 pages. Examining committee chair: Mark Eischeid