Just received in the mail the ne plus ultra of landscape architecture tomes?EUR??,,????'??+the first edition of Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards, editor-in-chief Leonard Hopper, RLA, FASLA, graphics editor, Smith Maran Architects, published by J. Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2007.

The book?EUR??,,????'???s preface sums up the value of this work: ?EUR??,,????'??This book brings together in one place a broad array of essential information developed by more than 100 contributors from leading private landscape architecture, multidisciplinary design firms, academia and public agencies from across the United States.?EUR??,,????'??

Editor-in-Chief Hopper states landscape architects are ?EUR??,,????'??at the intersection of science and art, between the architect and the planner, between the civil engineer and the client.?EUR??,,????'?? The editorial advisory board?EUR??,,????'???s challenging premise was to define the profession of landscape architecture, including these objectives:

Comprehensive coverage of landscape architectural technology (more than just a book of details).
Topics about process and approach.

Detailed enough to be an important resource for every landscape architect and design professional.

Advocate for environmental responsibility beyond the walls of buildings.
Include the most innovative work done in an area.

Present ?EUR??,,????'??green?EUR??,,????'?? aspects of all technologies, materials.

Present the broad issues and concerns of professions related to ?EUR??,,????'??green?EUR??,,????'?? and LEED.
Re-assume leadership in LEED.

Hopper notes that when the founders of the ASLA met in 1899 to discuss the problems needing to be addressed by landscape architects they identified urban sprawl, natural resource depletion, urban decay and social injustice, many of the same challenges facing today?EUR??,,????'???s landscape architects. Hopper says the profession will continue to lead the debate regarding livable communities, managed growth and the protection of our natural resources. He adds it is vital to ?EUR??,,????'??strengthen personal communication and leadership skills, keep on the leading edge of design practice and technical advances, and disseminate this information to large numbers of landscape architects.?EUR??,,????'??

This work is organized into four parts, covering 150 topics. Established standards with traditional illustrations and details are included, as are new approaches and emerging trends that deserve consideration during planning and design.

?EUR??,,????'??The goal has been to create an indispensable resource for the landscape architect, one that incorporates all the essential elements about the profession, materials, processes and techniques,?EUR??,,????'?? concludes Hopper.