11 Typology Introduction

The Rustic Landscape of Rim Village, 1927-1941

Typology

 

Introduction

Documentation of the historical development and designed landscape of Rim Village is fundamental in the process of assessing the relative value of remaining landscape features and patterns. In order to determine significance, however, it is essential that the landscape be analyzed and evaluated within an appropriate historic context, using National Register criteria. There are many ways to analyze a historic landscape but in every case the objective is to first, clearly identify the individual features that comprise the historic landscape (in terms of form and function) and then, analyze those features in relation to each other, and within the context of the overall design intent.

In this study the analysis of the historic landscape took the form of a landscape TYPOLOGY. Based on historical research and field analysis, eighteen individual landscape features were identified that collectively comprised the essential philosophies, themes, materials, and character of the historic landscape. In this regard, the typology is not generic but very specific to Rim Village. All eighteen features were organized into five components: CIRCULATION; VEGETATION; STRUCTURES; SMALL-SCALE FEATURES; and CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGIES. These components represent individual chapters in the typology. Each chapter includes a definition and description of the feature, based on the historic record within the significant historic period, 1927-1941. Descriptions include detailed discussions of the dates for implementation, the original design, and uses associated with each feature. In some cases, additional background information may be included in the description as it relates to or reflects the general design intent and Rustic philosophy. Finally, each chapter includes an analysis and evaluation of significant features. All historic landscape features that remain today were evaluated both in terms of design (form and material) and function (use and pattern). In general, those features that were significant in the historic design and retain original qualities of design and function, were determined to have integrity.

Primary data used in the typology, unless otherwise noted, was taken from the collection of “Resident Landscape Architects’ Reports to the Chief Architect, 1929-1938” (Box 1, “Crater Lake 1929-1934” (6 folders); and Box 2, “Crater Lake 1935-1938” (4 folders), in RG 79, Records of the National Park Service), located in the National Archives and Records Administrative Center, San Bruno, California. Additional background material was taken from Albert Good’s Park and Recreation Structures (1938).

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