A Sense of Place is an architectural and landscape design-guidelines book developed by a team of architects, landscape architects and park historians for Yosemite Valley, a world-class park undergoing constant change. The publisher’s intent is to inform building and site development and rehabilitation efforts in order to retain a holistic and natural aesthetic within this cherished national park—an essential aspect of long-term preservation goals and contribution to visitor enjoyment of this national treasure.

Editorial content was distilled from information gathered on field trips over the course of three years. The characteristics that constitute the appropriate design and rustic style of the park’s architecture and the built landscape were analyzed by the project team. Sketches and photographs illustrate key design points in building and landscape architecture. Content also encompasses natural-setting characteristics, including scenic views, vegetation, and natural systems and features. A historic overview on the park and its importance in the history of national park development, wilderness and scenic protection precedes the guidelines portion of the book.

Our goal graphically was to present the multiple facets of content in a clear hierarchy and legible manner, to organize subjects according to geographic area, and to ensure a user-friendly format that is both practical and inspirational.

This is ostensibly a “work book” that has not lost sight of what it’s meant to be: it’s legible, practical and modestly produced. However, the designer has brought more than a modicum of design to the pages: photography, illustration—old and new—maps, plans, glossary, bibliography all add up to an example of a well-designed, economically produced book.