Landscape architecture plays an important role in shaping the places in which we live and work. But what is it? Landscape architects are involved; amongst other things; in the layout of business parks; the reclamation of derelict industrial sites; the restoration of historic city parks; and the siting and design of major pieces of infrastructure such as motorways; dams; power stations; and flood defences; as well as the planning of parks and gardens. Taking ahistorical perspective; Ian Thompson looks at both the roots of landscape architecture and the people that established it.This Very Short Introduction explores some of the misconceptions about landscape architecture and considers the disciplines origins in landscape gardening. Thompson takes a look at a number of areas; including the influence of Modernism; the difference between landscape design and landscape planning; and the way that planning legislation has driven the growth of the discipline. He also explores contemporary environmentalism; the debate as to whether landscape architecture is an art ora science; landscape architecture in the community; post-industrial projects; and its relationship with ecological urbanism.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts; analysis; perspective; new ideas; and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
#2397997 in eBooks 2014-05-29 2014-05-29File Name: B00K1DWZUO
Review
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful. Its more than just sexBy Kindle CustomerIn this short work; Diana Gabaldon gives us her secrets for writing sex scenes that draw readers into a story emotionally. Using several examples; most drawn from her own works; and employing a delightful sense of humor; Gabaldon is able to explain why certain types of sex scenes illuminate characters; carry the plot forward; and leave readers feeling fulfilled; while others leave them either squirming with embarrassment or bored.If you look closely; however; youll see this book gives you more than simply information about how to write sex scenes. Gabaldon shows you how to draw a person into a scene; any scene; by using such writing techniques as varying the focus of the scene (close-up vs. panoramic); using a touchstone (something familiar to anchor the reader in a scene); and employing the Rule of Three (use three or more of the senses--taste; touch; sight; sound; smell--to give the reader a visceral sensation of being somewhere; again to anchor him or her in the scene).This book is like an advanced writers course. It shows that writing a good sex scene is about so much more than just sex. And beyond that; it shows how to write a good scene; whether sex is involved or not.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Great information; but I wanted a little more meat.By Christy NicholasI have read all of Gabaldons books; and enjoyed this one as well. While I truly treasure the actual advice given; especially the details of variety in scenes; and how to zero in on particular senses; I was slightly disappointed that the majority of the text was excerpts from her book. I realize they were needed for example; but I thought it was a bit on the excessive size. I wanted more meat; and less icing; I suppose.Still; it is valuable information and definitely worth the price. As an aside; the Chapter 11 title made me laugh. The first sex scene I ever wrote was that between my parents; the act that actually conceived me; for my novelization of their love story (Better to Have Loved). Talk about awkward!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Underpainting and the rule of three.By Brenda LouI Give You My Body by Diana Gabaldon reads like a friendly chat with the author. Her use of examples throughout the book really helps to illustrate the advice she writes about.The two main takeaways for me are underpainting and the rule of three. The underpainting to add depth and realism to the scene; and how she does it was illuminating. The rule of three using 3 out of the 5 (or 6 if writing paranormal) senses was powerful and something I am adding to my writing toolbox for sure.I highly recommend this book to writers and readers alike.
