There are many books that tell us the practicalities of landscape design. “Landscape Design: A Cultural and Architectural History” by Elizabeth Barlow Rogers (Harry N. Abrams, $75), however, is for those with a more philosophical bent. In fact, it’s deep enough to be on a college syllabus. This is a history book of sorts about how we have shaped the landscape around us, beginning with prehistoric peoples and including modern design projects, such as New York City’s Central Park. A unique, encyclopedic book for those with the deepest of interest in landscape design.
Home workplace
“At Work at Home: Design Ideas for Your Home Workplace” by Neal Zimmerman (Taunton Press, $29.95).
The author is an architect with 25 years of experience as a corporate workplace designer. Since 1994, when he converted the family den to his first home workplace, he has specialized in home workplace design.
It’s a good specialty, considering that more than 50 million Americans work from home, either part time or full time. That includes home-based business entrepreneurs, corporate telecommuters and overloaded employees who feel compelled to bring work home in the evenings.
In this book, Zimmerman offers tips on designing a home office on a tight budget, the basic features of a well-designed office, strategies for assessing your needs and wants and insights on balancing work and family life under one roof. Chapters include “Attic Workplaces,” “Basement Workplaces” and “New Construction: Crafting a New Vessel.” A perfect gift for that workaholic you know and love.
