Louis Le Roy: Ecotect
Piet Vollaard, Rob Hendriks
Nai010 Publishers, 2026
€49,95
Louis le Roy (1924–2012) was a Dutch landscape architect and artist who gained international recognition for his innovative vision regarding the relationship between humanity and nature. He developed a methodology in which natural processes and human involvement shape the landscape. He initiated several ecological projects, both in the Netherlands and abroad—the most well-known being the ‘ecocathedral’ in Mildam (1966). To this day, his projects are actively maintained by volunteers.
*Louis le Roy. Ecotect* examines Le Roy’s complete body of work through photographs and its evolution over time. Le Roy worked spontaneously, producing almost no preparatory drawings. His philosophy is explored through key concepts such as the ‘fusion of nature and culture,’ complexity, and the unfettered creative development of both humans and nature. By examining his work from various perspectives—as a visual artist, a ‘wild’ gardener, an advocate for civic participation, a critic, and a philosopher of nature—the versatility and coherence of his practice and ideas become clear.
His projects and his book *Natuur uitschakelen – natuur inschakelen* (‘Disengaging Nature – Engaging Nature,’ 1973) were highly influential in the emergence of a ‘wilder,’ more ecological approach to gardening. Given today’s imperative to build in a more nature-inclusive way, alongside a growing call for collective action, Le Roy’s projects and philosophy serve as a significant source of inspiration for designers, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts alike. IN DUTCH!
ISBN: 9789462088757
