Women have played a pivotal role in the evolution of landscape architecture, overcoming the constraints of a male-dominated profession to introduce groundbreaking ideas and fresh perspectives. From early pioneers to contemporary leaders, their work has reshaped how we interact with public and private spaces, intertwining aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability in innovative ways.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, female landscape architects carved out their place in the profession, emphasizing harmony between built structures and natural landscapes. Their projects showcased a deep commitment to community and ecological balance, setting the stage for an inclusive and thoughtful approach to design that continues to inspire the field today.
As the profession evolved through the mid-20th century and into the present, women expanded their influence beyond garden-focused designs to embrace urban planning and ecological projects. The legacy of early trailblazers is seen in today's practitioners, who tackle challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and sustainability. These Modern landscape architects push boundaries through adaptive reuse, coastal resilience projects, and urban greening initiatives, embodying a profession that evolves with society's growing needs and thrives on the creativity and resilience of its female leaders.
Related Article
Next Generation of Landscape Architecture Leaders Focus on Climate, Equity, and TechnologyEarly Pioneers: Laying the Foundations (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pioneering women in landscape architecture began to make their mark despite the challenges of a male-dominated field. Their projects introduced new ideas emphasizing the balance between natural and built environments, setting a precedent for thoughtful and inclusive design. These early contributions laid the groundwork for future advancements, leaving an enduring impact on the profession.
Beatrix Farrand (1872-1959) stands out as one of the most influential figures of this era. As a founding member of the American Society of Landscape Architects in 1899, Farrand established professional benchmarks for the field. Over her distinguished five-decade career, she completed 110 projects that spanned private estates, public parks, botanical gardens, college campuses, and even the First Lady's Garden for the East Wing of the White House — together with Ellen and Edith Wilson. Farrand's work is best exemplified by the landscaping of several Ivy League campuses and the iconic Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., where her ability to blend formal design elements with naturalistic features is showcased. Her emphasis on plant ecology and the harmonious integration of built structures with their environment reflected an innovative approach that set a high standard for future practitioners.
Ellen Biddle Shipman (1869-1950), hailed as the "Dean of American Women Landscape Architects" by House & Garden magazine in 1933, brought an unparalleled artistic sensibility to garden design. Known for her intricate, lush landscapes, Shipman created spaces that balanced structured elegance with natural beauty. Projects like the Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans epitomize her signature style — richly layered plantings and intimate layouts that fostered personal, inviting atmospheres. Over her prolific career, Shipman designed over 600 gardens, primarily for elite clients, earning her a place as one of the most sought-after landscape architects of her time.
Marian Cruger Coffin (1876-1957) broke new ground by becoming the first woman to graduate from the landscape architecture program at MIT, paving the way for future generations of female professionals in the field. Coffin's designs were characterized by their grandeur and thoughtful integration of natural and architectural elements, often seen in large estate projects. Her work at Winterthur in Delaware stands out as a testament to her ability to seamlessly blend formal structures with naturalistic plantings, creating landscapes that felt both refined and organic. Coffin had a unique talent for interpreting her clients' desires and translating them into elegant, lasting designs. This keen understanding allowed her to succeed and thrive in a competitive, male-dominated industry, earning her a distinguished place in the history of landscape architecture.
Mid-20th Century Innovators: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
The mid-20th century was a period of transformation in landscape architecture, characterized by the blending of traditional practices with modern design philosophies. During this era, a new wave of female landscape architects made significant contributions, infusing their work with ecological awareness, community engagement, and practical design solutions.
Alice Recknagel Ireys (1911-2000) was an influential American landscape architect. After graduating from the Lowthorpe School of Landscape Architecture in 1933, Ireys established her practice in Brooklyn, where she designed private gardens and public spaces. Her projects, such as the Fragrance Garden for the Blind at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, showcased her dedication to inclusivity and sensory engagement, creating spaces that were as practical as they were visually appealing. Ireys authored several popular books on gardening and landscape design, including How to Plan and Plant Your Own Property (1967) and Small Gardens for City and Country (1978), which helped democratize the field and make professional design principles accessible to a wider audience.
Across the Atlantic, Sylvia Crowe (1901 -1997) was a leading British landscape architect who transformed post-war urban design with her vision for integrating green spaces into expanding cities. Recognizing the need for functional, livable environments, Crowe's work on projects such as Harlow New Town exemplified her approach of blending natural landscapes with urban infrastructure. Her designs promoted well-being through public parks and green corridors, balancing practicality with aesthetic charm. Beyond her built projects, Crowe's influential writing, such as The Landscape of Power, explored the coexistence of natural and industrial landscapes, positioning her as a key figure in advocating for sustainable urban planning. Crowe's legacy laid the groundwork for modern concepts in landscape urbanism, emphasizing the importance of green infrastructure in urban planning.
Herta Hammerbacher (1900-1985) played a pioneering role in shaping the principles of ecological landscape design in post-war Germany. As the first female professor of landscape architecture at TU Berlin she influenced a generation of students over her two-decade tenure, promoting an approach known as landscape-bound gardens — which became a defining style in West German landscape design during the 1950s and 1960s. Her approach emphasized the integration of gardens with their natural surroundings, and she was instrumental in developing ecological landscape design principles. Throughout her career, Hammerbacher completed around 3,500 private and public projects in Berlin alone, with ten of her gardens now recognized as national monuments.
Modern Innovators: Redefining the Field (Late 20th to Early 21st Century)
By the late 20th century, landscape architecture was undergoing significant changes, driven by a growing awareness of environmental issues and an increased focus on urban renewal and community-driven design. This period shifted from traditional decorative garden landscapes to more complex projects that addressed sustainability, ecological balance, and social inclusivity. Women in the field began to gain broader recognition, championing approaches that intertwined environmental resilience with human-centric design.
Cornelia Hahn Oberlander (1921-2021) emerged as one of the most influential figures of her time, renowned for pioneering work in ecologically sustainable design. Born in Germany and later moving to Canada, Oberlander's career spanned more than six decades, during which she developed a reputation as a leader in incorporating ecological principles into urban landscapes. One of Oberlander's most celebrated projects was Robson Square in Vancouver. Completed in collaboration with architect Arthur Erickson, this urban plaza was designed to serve as a public space that seamlessly connected government buildings and civic areas. Oberlander's vision included the extensive use of native plants and the integration of green roofs to promote biodiversity and regulate temperature in the urban environment. The project was revolutionary at the time, showcasing how urban landscapes could incorporate green infrastructure to enhance environmental sustainability and urban livability.
Another landmark project was the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, where Oberlander's design accentuated the natural setting surrounding the building — also designed by Erickson. She carefully selected indigenous plants and created a landscape that blended with the building's architecture and the site's existing ecosystem. This project underscored her philosophy that landscape design should reflect and respect the natural environment, allowing it to evolve organically over time. In honor of her work, the Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), based in Washington, D.C., established the Cornelia Hahn Oberlander International Landscape Architecture Prize. The biennial award, first given in 2021, aims to honor and raise the visibility of exceptionally talented and visionary individuals in landscape architecture. In 2023, the prize was awarded to Kongjian Yu, the inventor of the sponge city concept.
Rosa Kliass (1932-), a pioneering figure in Brazil, is often credited with shaping Modern landscape architecture in the country. Her career began in the 1960s, and she has since developed some of Brazil's most influential public spaces. Her designs are characterized by an acute sensitivity to local contexts, combining native plantings with functional urban infrastructure. Kliass' work on São Paulo's Parque da Juventude transformed the site of a former prison into a vibrant public park. This space facilitates social interaction, recreation, and cultural activities while incorporating native plantings and sustainable water management solutions. The park symbolized urban renewal and social progress, demonstrating how landscape architecture could heal and reshape the city's fabric.
Kliass' legacy is marked by her commitment to public spaces that resonate with local communities. She actively involved residents in the design process, ensuring that the final product reflected collective needs and aspirations. Her work extended beyond design; she was a strong advocate for urban policies that integrated green spaces into the planning framework, helping to set new standards for inclusive and sustainable urban development in Brazil.
Diana Balmori (1932-2016) was another transformative figure who challenged traditional boundaries between architecture and landscape design. Founder of Balmori Associates in 1990, her practice became renowned for creating projects that bridged the gap between built environments and natural landscapes. Projects like the Sejong City administrative capital in South Korea showcased her commitment to integrating landscape with urban infrastructure. In Sejong, Balmori designed a landscape that wove natural forms and public spaces into the urban fabric, fostering connections between people and the environment while addressing ecological concerns.
Balmori was also known for her bold ideas, such as floating landscapes and green roofs, which aimed to reclaim space for nature in urban settings. Her temporary installations and public art projects challenged conventional ideas of permanence in landscape architecture, inviting communities to reimagine how they engage with their surroundings. As a proponent of interdisciplinary collaboration, she advocated partnerships across architecture, urban planning, and landscape architecture, extending her influence through academia at Yale University, where she inspired future designers to pursue resilient and creative approaches.
This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Women in Architecture presented by Sky-Frame.
Sky-Frame is characterized by its empathic ability to take on different perspectives and points of view. We are interested in people and their visions, whether in architecture or in a social context. We deeply care about creating living spaces and in doing so we also question the role of women in architecture. From the arts to the sciences, women shape our society. We want to shed more light on this role, increase the visibility of Women in Architecture, and empower/encourage them to realize their full potential.
Initiated by Sky-Frame, the "Women in Architecture" documentary is an impulse for inspiration, discussion, and reflection. The film's release is on November 12, 2024.
Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.
