H.W.S. Cleveland\u27s landscape for Oak Hill Cemetery: A design analysis

摘要

Oak Hill Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is one of H.W.S. Cleveland\u27s early Midwestern cemetery landscapes that is relatively intact. This case study of Oak Hill Cemetery highlights how Cleveland communicated his design ideas through landscape. Specifically, the design analysis of Oak Hill Cemetery reveals Cleveland\u27s design aesthetic in the landscape.Cleveland was influenced by ideas about the affective quality of the landscape found in early American literature. Consequently, he studied the natural environment in the places where he worked to find inspiration for his designs. Cleveland\u27s belief in the transformative power of the landscape, together with the 19th century rural cemetery movement, shaped his professional practice in landscape architecture. This cultural movement that swept across America influenced the Board of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association as well. Its effect is revealed in the history of Oak Hill.Cleveland\u27s design aesthetic was conveyed through a general design philosophy that he discussed in his written work; he rarely stated specific principles of design. Therefore, the principles explicated in this case study are the author\u27s own interpretation of Cleveland\u27s approach to design. These principles provide a framework for the design analysis of Cleveland\u27s landscape for Oak Hill Cemetery. The analytical description offers insight into how Cleveland communicated his design aesthetic. Furthermore, it shapes our understanding of his work and contributes to the larger body of knowledge about this pioneer landscape architect.