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The Enduring Design Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., in the Nation's Capital
Series: Power, Architecture, and Politics: The Design of Washington and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts Symposium
Presented By: Arleyn Levee, landscape historian and preservation consultant
Date Recorded: May 19, 2010
Duration: 00:52:25
Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., known as Rick, was extraordinarily prolific in multiple fields of endeavor—as professor, landscape architect, planner, conservationist, advisor, writer and public servant. While his designs grace landscapes across the country and his planning has given coherence and beauty to cities far and wide, his more than five decades of public service for diverse state and federal agencies has had an impact of greatest consequence. In particular, his lengthy involvement in Washington, D.C. and its environs to recapture the essence of L’Enfant’s unique and elegant vision, expanded to meet 20th century demands, has left an indelible legacy of artfully planned spaces, of both major and lesser import, many of which are unrecognized as originating from his work.
