What role did the Olmsted Brothers play in landscape architecture history?

The Olmsted Brothers were instrumental in advancing the practice of landscape architecture in the United States through their significant contributions to creating parks and campuses that are still regarded as masterpieces of landscape design. Their work built upon the principles established by their father, Frederick Law Olmsted, who is often considered the father of American landscape architecture.

The Olmsted Brothers' firm, active from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, was responsible for designing various iconic public spaces, including urban parks, college campuses, and community layouts. They embraced principles of design that emphasized the natural beauty of the landscape, the integration of parks within urban settings, and the creation of environments that foster social interaction and well-being. Noteworthy projects include major urban parks such as the Emerald Necklace in Boston and the design for the National Zoo in Washington, D.C.

Their legacy also includes a more organized approach to the profession of landscape architecture, helping to establish it as a recognized profession with formal education and standards. The Olmsted Brothers played a key role in shaping not only individual sites but also the broader understanding and appreciation of landscape architecture in America.