Design With Nature (Ian McHarg)

"Design With Nature" is a pioneering book by Ian McHarg, published in 1969, advocating for an environmentally conscious approach to landscape architecture and urban planning. McHarg emphasizes that human designs, such as buildings and cities, should harmonize with natural systems, rather than disrupt them. He introduced the concept of overlay mapping, where planners assess land characteristics, like soil, water, and vegetation, to guide sustainable development. This approach encourages preserving ecosystems and using natural features in design, ultimately leading to more resilient and balanced environments. McHarg's work has influenced how we think about sustainable design and environmental planning today.