Garrett Eckbo's Design Approach: An Evaluatıon of the Site Plans He Designed

 

This study evaluates the modernist design approach applied in the mid-20th century, based on the site plans of which Garrett Eckbo conducted landscape designs. The study follows a theoretical and analytical method of research. This research is carried out through reviewing an evaluating related literature, settlement plans and photographs of the examined projects. The research focuses on the Eckbo’s works that reflect the holistic viewpoint and social awareness of design on the ground that he is one of the major contributors to the development of the 20th century modernist design concept. The projects he conducted together with the multidisciplinary teams he has been involved for immigrant farm workers and housing cooperative projects were to the settlement scale. Dynamic geometry, energy, simplicity and directness, the products of Eckbo's designs for over 60 years, make these designs quite successful in that period. Eckbo's main contribution to the landscape design approach of the period is to integrate design, art and social change in an unusual way with his ability to read correctly. It can be deduced that the projects examined are the reflections of a new conception of landscape design he achieved by combining the ideas of modern architecture with the social and physical needs of cities.