Landscape Architecture sites in Central/South America

[Laura C]

If you could travel anywhere in Central or South America for the landscape architecture, what places would you go and why? 

[Kevin J. Gaughan]

Laura, I have been traveling through Central and South America since June. I have noticed that landscape architecture as we think of it is much more prevalent in South America and especially in larger cities. Some of my favorites include Santiago, Lima, Quito, and Bogota. Out of all the countries I visited, it seems like Colombia and Chile are further ahead than the rest in our field. However, in Central America there are some good examples of eco-development and sustainable design, especially in Costa Rica. However, there are also tons of examples of very unsustainable design as well which, as a designer, can be a little overwhelming at times. As I have traveled I think I have learned more as a designer from the cultures than I have from the physical examples of gardens, parks and plazas.

[Laura C]

“As I have traveled I think I have learned more as a designer from the cultures than I have from the physical examples of gardens, parks and plazas.” That’s interesting, could you expand on that? I’m writing a proposal to travel to Latin America and study landscape…

Which places in Chile and Colombia stood out to you?

(and where are you in South America right now?)

[Tanya Olson]

Hello?! Any of Roberto Burle Marx’s gardens (Brazil) or Luis Barragan’s landscapes (Mexico). I would particularly love to see Marx’s personal gardens – just amazing texture color and modern sensibilites.

[Laura C]

It’s finalized—-I will be in Chile and Mexico for a year next year, 6 months in each place. I am so excited!

In Chile, I definitely want to go to Santiago, Valparaiso and spend time in Patagonia and visit the Atacama desert. To save on costs I will be WWOOFing for part of it.

In Mexico I want to visit the floating gardens (I forgot where they are at the moment) and Oaxaca and Chiapas. And of course Luis Barragan’s work, I need to do more research though.

I am just looking for general advice—- has anyone been anywhere particularly spectacular that they recommend that hasn’t been mentioned? Or have any Chile/Mexico travel tips?

I will be doing this the year after I graduate college, so I would appreciate any knowledge that land8lounge people can offer!

[Laura C]

Or are there any good books on landscape that people would recommend me bringing?

[David Farber]

^ Ive been to a ton of landscape architecture sites all over the US. But this one in brazil beats them all check it out:

http://www.inhotim.org.br/uploads/File/apresentacao_ingles.pdf

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