Description

A comprehensive biography of a groundbreaking landscape architect.

Grün (green) offers an in-depth look at the life and work of Günther Grzimek (1915-96), an innovative landscape architect who transformed his field, German parks, and notions of open areas. Grzimek advocated for a new form of urban greenery in Germany, a demokratisches Grün, or "democratic green space." His vision united design, urban planning, and social equality, eschewing ornament for function. He also campaigned for practice-oriented training in landscape architecture. Though most renowned for the Olympiapark in Munich, Grzimek's entire oeuvre is timeless.

This sweeping biography offers a wellspring of discoveries about this trailblazer. Tracing the history of modern landscape architecture in Germany, Grün details Grzimek's collaborations with famous architects, town planners, and other artists--including the graphic designer Otl Aicher, who outlined this volume alongside Grzimek in the 1980s. Featuring plans, images, texts, and excerpts from Grzimek's writings, this book illuminates the philosophy of a figure who embedded progressive ideals about democratic society into public spaces where German people continue to relax, play, and communicate.