LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/320919
100 Landscape Architect and Specifier News I n f o r m a t i o n R e q u e s t # 5 3 9 Beginning in 1875, Frederick Law Olmsted worked with Boston's park commissioners to design linear parks to connect Boston Common (pictured) to Franklin Park. This seven-mile route, on which people still travel on foot or by bicycle, is know as the Emerald Necklace. It is the only remaining intact linear park designed by Olmsted, considered the father of landscape architecture in the U.S. The park master plan was completed in 1989. PhOTO: STEPhEN KELLy A new documentary about the life, work and legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted, "Frederick Law Olmsted: Designing America," will air on PBS, Friday, June 20, at 9 p.m. The documentary is a production of WNED-TV Buffalo-Toronto, and Florentine Films/ Hott Productions Inc. Lawrence Hott and Diane Garey are co-producers. Hott is also the director; Garey is the editor. Hott and Garey have received an Emmy, two Academy Award nominations, five American Film Festival Blue Ribbons and a George Foster Peabody Award for their film work. Director and co-producter Hott, who has been making environmental films since 1978, appreciates what goes into landscape design. He particularly admires Olmsted's park planning, and notes the design of many parks today shows the influenced of Olmsted, even though he passed away in 1903. Hott scouted various parks in filming this documentary, spending days in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Central Park in Manhattan, the Emerald Necklace parks in Boston, the parks and parkways of Buffalo, Jackson and Washington parks in Chicago, and the new Olmsted-like park in Louisville. Hott notes that Olmsted parks always have water features, winding trails and "hidden surprises." Hott had though of making an Olmsted film for decades. He proposed the idea for the film to WNED, Buffalo's Public Broadcasting Station, as Olmsted created the first park system there. He considers Olmsted a pioneer in the "democratization of public space," working at a time when there was a great influx of immigrants to major U.S. cities. It was considered important to give the "huddled masses" green space to recreate and relax. Hott believes Olmsted's foreword-thinking urban planning, and the notion of creating public open spaces, is as important and relevant as ever. In addition to the national film production, the Olmsted project will include six short films about Olmsted parks for distribution on the web, a website and educational materials for schools. PBS to Air New Olmsted Documentary 100-101.indd 100 5/22/14 2:14 PM