Landscape as Art: Exploring the Intersection of Landscape Design and Fine Arts
/Some of the most valuable examples of art are not those that are locked in galleries and exhibitions. The architecture of our homes, the buildings we work in, and the features of our cities make up part of the fabric of daily life — even interior designs. When we mindfully crank up the artistic elements of these features, we create spaces that foster greater well-being and inspire deeper connections to our surroundings. Let’s take a look at some interesting and enriching approaches to this combination.
Pairing Art and Purpose
The convergence of landscape design and fine art is complementary. Art is given a more tangible purpose by being implemented into the world we live in, even in a backyard upgrade. For example, a sculpture surrounded by native plants accentuates them both through a fanciful juxtaposition, much more than a simple patch of grass can do.
And beyond the backyards of the world, more ambitious undertakings truly illustrate the impact of landscape design and fine arts.
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Lance Cheung/USDA @wikimedia commons
The High Line in New York City
The High Line is a prime example of the reuse of obsolete urban spaces. This park features a disused railway track that was repurposed into a city park, rather than being destroyed or left to decay. Alongside the artistic aspects of blending urban features and a green oasis, the High Line also serves a purpose as a natural ecosystem in the heart of the city. The choices of plants provide habitats for local wildlife and pollinators. Aside from these benefits its walking paths, seating areas, and performance spaces support the well-being of residents and visitors.
LEED Platinum University of Arizona Environment + Natural Resources II in Tucson, Arizona
This portion of the University of Arizona’s campus is dedicated to being both a visually stimulating piece of landscape art and a functional environmental laboratory. Aesthetically, the courtyard and architectural elements seek to represent many of the natural landscape characteristics of Arizona.
danielhast @flickr
The shapes and positioning of the buildings evoke the forms of mesas and canyons while throwing dramatic shadow and light contrasts. Importantly, the design also actively and passively supports studies into sustainability that are the focus of the faculty, alongside offering a venue for students to socially gather.
Incorporating Sustainability into Artistic Landscapes
The art world is increasingly recognizing that while fine art as part of the landscape is enriching, it shouldn’t be to the detriment of the local ecosystem or the wider environment. This is evident in the various ways that sustainability trends are influencing art. For instance, the materials used for public art now are more likely to be natural, recycled, or more resilient. There’s also a greater tendency to showcase nature, such as by using shapes inspired by natural features or highlighting how beautiful yet vulnerable our environment is.
When designing apartment complexes, parks, neighborhoods, or public art, utilizing this approach can have a powerful impact. Some of the sustainable elements worth considering include:
Water management in water features: Water features in both urban and residential spaces add an artistic flare. However, you can increase the impact of these by both using and showcasing water management practices in the design. This could include visible rainwater harvesting. A good example of this is Binford Middle School in Virginia, which has adopted a sculpture that features permeable surfaces that both manage stormwater runoff and directly irrigate gardens.
Utilizing native plants: Native plants are not just a feature of artistic landscapes but also serve a vital sustainability purpose. They are food for local pollinating insects while also enriching the soil and boosting the regional ecosystem. By incorporating this plant life into the landscape or within public art, you can honor your ecological heritage while supporting the ongoing biodiversity of the area.
Sustainable tourism principles are increasingly relevant in landscape design and fine arts spaces, where eco-friendly practices can elevate visitor experiences while promoting environmental stewardship. Landscape projects that prioritize native plants, water conservation, and soil health minimize ecological impact, creating immersive spaces that blend artistry with sustainability.
Fine art installations that use recycled or natural materials can further inspire eco-conscious thinking. By engaging with these sustainable environments thoughtfully, visitors contribute to a larger mission of preserving beauty—both artistic and natural—through mindful interaction and reduced waste.
When incorporating these sustainable elements, it’s also important to consider the balance of the passive and active. Passive features, like using recycled materials, are great elements to include in buildings and sculptures. However, you can complement these with items that actively make the features more sustainable — like the aforementioned rainwater harvesting or even wind power turbines — to extend the value of the fine art.
The Impact of Innovations
The intersection of landscape and fine art can also benefit from technological and design advances. By being open to exploring the potential of both current and long-standing innovations, there are opportunities to enhance the sustainability of these projects.
Some of the most prevalent examples of this are the global innovations that improve resilience to climate change. For instance, in Germany, developers are minimizing the detrimental impact of heat islands with green roofs. This involves planting grass, shrubs, and flowers on roofs to absorb heat, which cuts down on air conditioning use while boosting the aesthetic of the space.
CHUTTERSNAP @unsplash
Passive solar design, which has ancient Greek and Chinese roots, is boosted by contemporary technology to maximize sunlight through optimized panes of glass and trap heat in thermal mass walls. This energy is then stored or released as needed. Passive solar prioritizes natural energy efficiency while also leaning into architectural design features that leverage natural light and open-plan spaces.
A great example of how sustainable innovations are enhancing landscapes is the living walls and roof gardens in and around the Adelaide Zoo complex. As a piece of landscape art, this project embraces the beauty of native grasses and fringing plants to add a dynamic and diverse natural canvas that winds its way over and around formerly dull concrete structures. At the same time, it’s an innovative approach to passive water collection that both provides natural irrigation to the zoo and mitigates urban heat islands.
Conclusion
The intersection of landscape design and fine art can present enriching additions to everyday life. There are also ways to boost the positivity of these areas with sustainable design choices and innovations. In public spaces, though, it’s wise to include community members in improvements. By seeking their ideas and understanding what’s meaningful to them, the socio-cultural benefits can be even more profound.
About the Author:
Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, and eco-friendly-related content. When she isn't writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.
Some of the most valuable examples of art are not those that are locked in galleries and exhibitions. The architecture of our homes, the buildings we work in, and the features of our cities make up part of the fabric of daily life — even interior designs. When we mindfully crank up the artistic elements of these features, we create spaces that foster greater well-being and inspire deeper connections to our surroundings. Let’s take a look at some interesting and enriching approaches to this combination.