The Swiss Way

 Shifting Sites: The Swiss Way, Geneva by Georges Descombes is an interesting perspective on our mindsets as designers. Descombes states a quote, “Landscape is never finished or completed, like a can of preserves; it is an accumulation of events and stories, a continuously unfolding inheritance.” We often think a project is finished when construction is completed which is logical. However, societal norms are believed to have a start and a finish. I think we as designers bring this same mindset into landscape architecture.

In the Swiss Way, this path had neither a start or finish in its actual pathway nor its construction phase. Descombes also states, “A typical architectural assumption is that one always adds something to a place.” This statement made me reflect and I thought to myself whenever I am considering design it's always “what can i add to make this space better?” In some cases adding an element could be the right thing to do. However, the Swiss Way basically is emphasizing the natural landscape design that already exists.

I think more landscape designs should strive to emphasize the existing landscape and forms rather than always designing for changing what is there.