2024 Bill Millsap Fellowship: Lightness by Design
by Ben Henschen
The project begins with an in-depth study of Halprin’s design process for the Yosemite Falls Corridor, utilizing critical documentaries and archival material to understand his design philosophy. A key aspect of this process is the role of sketches, which served as essential tools in his design development, offering a unique and expressive visual language. This research provides the foundation for a comparison between traditional sketching and the potential of film to communicate the emotion and character of a landscape.
The exploration continues with a case study of Lupine, where the sequencing and shot selection used by Werner are analyzed to develop a method for organizing film timelines. This analysis highlights how Werner’s careful choice of visuals creates a sense of whimsy, lightness, and emotional depth.
The study reveals how film, through its temporal and dynamic nature, can evoke the soul of a landscape in a manner like the abstraction found in Halprin’s sketches. Building on this framework, the project culminates in a field study at Yosemite Falls, where Halprin’s design is experienced firsthand. The natural beauty of the landscape, along with Halprin’s architectural vision, is captured through film, paying homage to his sketches. The footage is then organized using the principles established in the Lupine case study, ensuring that each shot resonates with Halprin’s design.
The outcome is a short film that documents the Yosemite Falls Corridor through a layered visual approach, drawing inspiration from both Halprin’s sketches and Werner’s cinematic techniques. The film captures the fluidity, lightness, and emotional depth of Halprin’s design.
Ultimately, Lightness by Design underscores the potential for film to enrich the landscape architecture profession, offering new perspectives and a dynamic way to interpret and communicate design. The project highlights how different visual mediums—sketching and film—work together to offer complementary insights into the design process, expanding the vocabulary of landscape architecture and enhancing how we perceive and experience the built environment.
