104 CONFERENCE ON NATURAL BEAUTY 



public parks and plazas, etc., funded by private developers but en- 

 joyable or useable by the general public. 



PATRICK HORSBRUGH.* Much has been said in favor of foliage. 

 More needs to be known about the value and vitality of water, in 

 conditions of high population pressures. 



A special study is therefore recommended of the social and thera- 

 peutic significance of water : the ecological and local climatic effects 

 of water; the visual, auditory, sensual, spiritual, and aesthetic benefits 

 of the need to expose water in its varied forms in the urban scene. 



Whoever saw an ugly reflection? I plead that funds be allotted 

 from a foundation or from Federal sources for the making of a 

 comparative survey, an illustrated report and a film (28 minutes) in 

 praise of water as an essential part of improved urban design. 



In desert places, exhibition of water in even a minor display 

 assumes something of a spiritual significance, as in a Persian garden. 

 In lush environments where it may be used more freely, water pro- 

 vides a symbolic elegance and personal identification with the public 

 scene. In any event, water deserves more adequate recognition 

 and widespread uses within the increasingly dense urban enviria. 



DONALD W. INSALL. Beautification programs always start with 

 "Let's plant trees". We in Britain, used to make a mistake: until 

 recently, we were forever planting, not trees, but small flowering 

 shrubs. Small flowering shrubs are entirely out-of-scale with the 

 modern urban townscape. Washington is incredibly lucky you 

 have real trees. Washington, please keep it this way. Other cities, 

 please follow. 



But trees are not the end of it. Beauty is not the same as beautifi- 

 cation. Beauty is simplicity and truth; and a beautiful city is one 

 with personality, well designed and planned, just being herself. Fritz 

 Gutheim is right. Cities are as different as people. How can we 

 help a city to express her special character and beauty? Not by 

 drawing board planning, but first by sensitive analytical survey. 

 Then by playing up every feature, every asset, every charm. By 

 clearing away confusion, eyesores, muddle. By seeking and seizing 

 every opportunity as it comes. You cannot do it with cosmetics, 

 with flowerbeds, or even with trees. 



First study and know your city ! 



*This is an extension of remarks made by Mr. Horsbrugh during the panel 

 discussion. 



