For centuries people have had a direct connection with nature, they harvested food, they hunted animals, and they used resources from the land to build shelter. This gave them a direct connection with the natural world. This connection is essential because it restores the human spirit. This environment is stimulating but not in the way a city is. Here, a person can reflect. Here they can reconnect with the innocence that is found among wild species. Additionally the scale and natural phenomena people witness in the wilderness is humbling and leads us to examine the validity and authenticity of our daily lives.
As settlements became cities across the United States, natural resources were depleted and some creatures were hunted into extinction. The pristine landscape was being destroyed. The first restorative measure taken was the inception of the National Parks. Visitors could once again connect to nature, if they had the time and money to spend. Simultaneously, the industrial revolution was occurring, cities were growing and life’s pace was increasing. Landscape urbanism was introduced at the turn of the 19th century, which offered some of the qualities of the untouched landscape. These urban translations of the natural landscape were able to conjure some of the reflections and playfulness of the natural world. This thesis is an exploration of what specifically stimulates us in nature and how it is successfully translated over the course of the 20th century in American cities.
This is a good start but be more specific as to what is the question you're asking? What is " landscape urbanism"? What is it about the landscape and the urban environment that interests you? Elizabeth Ghiseline's seminar class is tackling some of these issues and she has readings you might want to check out. I know that Elizabeth Cilley is in her course now to ask for the readings. Read and think deeper so that the images you select for the visual abstract and your idea map delve into the meanings of this topic.
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