Book Recommendations
Dieter Kienast saw beauty in nature even in weeds, deliberately incorporating “unwanted” plants into his work. His approach to nature and design is more relevant today than ever.
Dieter Kienast (1945–1998) was one of Switzerland’s most influential landscape architects and the first professor of landscape architecture at ETH Zurich, where he headed the chair established in 1997. With a PhD in plant sociology, he brought people, plants, and materials together in his projects to create living spaces—places where strict geometry meets wild vegetation, and design and nature challenge each other.
« A plant growing where you don’t want it is an example of planting that is well suited to its location.
Dieter Kienast
Professor of Landscape Architecture
Kienast was always exploring the tensions between control and wild growth, order and chance. From this, he developed an aesthetic of his own: landscape architecture that is not only functional but beautiful, too. This perspective continues to shape how we understand modern garden and landscape design. That’s why Holdener Naturgartenbau also follows the principle of “planting suited to the site,” making room for even the most unassuming plants.
This book explores Kienast’s groundbreaking design philosophy through words and images. It shows how skillfully he brought theory and practice together. His iconic projects—from the Masoala Rainforest Hall at Zurich Zoo and St. Gallen City Park to the outdoor spaces at Tate Modern in London—continue to shape our understanding of public space.