But if I retain the landscape, where will I park???

Kenneth Frampton emphasizes the importance of sensitivity to landscape and climate in architectural design as part of his concept of critical regionalism. He argues that architects should consider the natural context of a site, including its topography, vegetation, climate, and local building traditions, when designing buildings.

Frampton suggests that architects should engage with the specific environmental conditions of a place to create buildings that respond harmoniously to their surroundings. This may involve designing structures that take advantage of natural light and ventilation, incorporating passive solar design strategies to minimize energy consumption, and using locally sourced materials that are suited to the climate.

Furthermore, Frampton highlights the need for architects to respect the cultural significance of the landscape and to design buildings that complement and enhance the natural environment rather than imposing on it. This approach not only fosters a deeper connection between architecture and its surroundings but also contributes to sustainable design practices by reducing the ecological footprint of buildings.

By advocating for sensitivity to landscape and climate, Frampton seeks to promote an architecture that is rooted in its context and that fosters a sense of place, while also addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing the built environment.

This type of design thinking is rarely experienced in the U.S. due to several factors, mainly the states being so car/road dependent, thus knocking down trees and leveling hills, as well as a less established culture to pull design inspiration from than that of much older European nations. That’s not to say the U.S. does not have good design practices, but it could certainly learn a thing or two from European design and Frampton’s take on design, especially that on landscape sensitivity.