What is the significance of the Beaux-Arts style in landscape architecture?

The significance of the Beaux-Arts style in landscape architecture lies in its emphasis on classical aesthetics and symmetry. This style, which originated from the École des Beaux-Arts in France during the 19th century, is characterized by grand and formal designs that often include symmetrical layouts, axial alignments, and the use of classical elements such as columns, pediments, and fountains. The Beaux-Arts approach integrates architecture and landscape architecture, showcasing harmony and proportion that is rooted in classical ideals.

This style influenced many public parks and urban landscapes in the United States, particularly in the designs of significant sites such as the Mall in Washington, D.C., and New York City's Central Park revisions. By adopting these principles, landscape architects were able to create spaces that conveyed a sense of order and magnificence, appealing to the aesthetic values of society at that time. The approach contrasts sharply with more contemporary styles that may prioritize minimalism, environmental conservation, or the exclusive use of native plants.