Designing America's waste landscapes / Mira Engler.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Engler, Mira, 1957-

Contributor:

Center for American Places.

Series:

Center books on contemporary landscape design

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Waste disposal sites--United States.

Waste disposal sites.

Landscape design--United States.

Landscape design.

United States.

Landscape architecture--United States.

Physical Description:

xxi, 281 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

Baltimore : J. Hopkins University Press, ©2004.

Summary:

"In Designing America's Waste Landscapes, landscape architect and scholar Mira Engler takes a close look at the landfills, recycling and waste transfer centers, and sewage treatment plants that accommodate and redistribute the by-products of consumption. For Engler, waste is not only a pervasive, essential, and constructive process of civilization; it is a key element in the way we consider, order, and shape our landscape. Yet the overwhelmingly negative, defensive perceptions we have of these places - and their marginalization within public debate - limits our ability to respond creatively and effectively to the growing problem of waste disposal." "Engler address two distinct aspects of waste landscapes in America: the historic and cultural context of waste and the theories, practices, and concerns of the planners, engineers, landscape designers, and other waste management professionals. She reviews the physical evolution of waste sites across the country, scrutinizes perceptions and representations of these landscapes, and highlights attempts by environmental designers and artists to change public perceptions. Illustrated with more than 70 photographs, maps, drawings, and other images, Designing America's Waste Landscapes is a cogent and compelling inquiry into the scientific, environmental, and aesthetic parameters of cutting-edge waste management technology and design."--Jacket.

Contents:

Contemplating waste : theories and constructs

Private landscapes of waste

Dumps : centers of waste treatment, research, and education

Waste recycling/reuse institutions : places of material transactions and resource parks

Sewage treatment plants : wastewater gardens

Challenges for thought and action.

Notes:

"Published in cooperation with the Center for American Places, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Harrisonburg, Virginia."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 245-261) and index.

ISBN:

0801878039

9780801878039

OCLC:

52214802

Online:

Contributor biographical information

Publisher description