Designers must heed Sullivan’s “form follows function” to avoid beauty over function. Following nature in landscape design enhances ecological productivity while promoting sustainability with principles of use of native species, biodiversity, and conservation of natural resources.
Which architect worth her salt has not heard of Sullivan’s cardinal rule ‘form follows function’? And yet, every city has its share of structures that are good to behold, but miserably fail in functionality. Unfortunately, knowing what matters is not the same as doing what matters. This anomaly is evident even in landscape projects. While manicured landscapes can be spectacular, they stand alienated from the surrounding natural landscape. Designing for beauty often disregards vital biophysical characteristics of the land. Such designs are ecologically cut off from the larger natural ecosystems.
