Abstract
Gilles Clement
Gilles Clement the academic ‘gardener’ has influenced landscape architectural theory to return to the intrinsic value of nature in design. His position at the French school of design Ecole du paysage and authorship of numerous books and other publications sets him as a critical exponent of biodiversity and the “garden in motion” (jardin en mouvment)
Clement’s study into Agricultural Engineering and Landscape Architecture along with extensive emperic research into mankind’s relationship with nature allows him rare insight into sustainability, this culminates in “The Planetary Garden”.
Clement’s naturalist style subverts imposing design systems of design theorists such as the geometrically inclined Burley Marx and A new avenue of design in managed natural cycles respecting the autonomy of nature, creating a fine balance between preservation and intervention learned from observation of the third landscape. Working with, rather than against nature as discussed though out the discourse of permaculture reduces the need for input.
On abandoned land bought in 1977 Clement built his home – La vallee with his own hands from local materials. This allowed experimentation though “sustained observation”. Opposite to imposition the land dictates, preserving biodiversity and ecological systems. He is concerned with preserving the “natural character of the local environment” seen also in the work of AE bye, the inherent beauty of nature’s rhythms is articulated.
In the garden of Melle, an Art commission designed to be long term Clement utilised nettle - urtica dioica ‘naturally’ occurring on the site as an alternative method for treatments such as pesticides (this practice was banned by the agricultural appropriations law like many organic options.) The garden includes a micro lagoon referring to the treatment of the regions polluted water. Set on making his denial of the standards public and expanding global literary theory in relation to sustainability through politics.
