Jens Jensen: A Legacy in Landscape Architecture
Jens Jensen was a pioneering Danish-American landscape architect whose innovative designs, including an unrealized project for The Barker Mansion, significantly influenced the Prairie Style aesthetic and the preservation of natural landscapes.
About Jens Jensen
Jens Jensen (1860-1951), a distinguished Danish-American landscape architect, was instrumental in shaping the Prairie Style design aesthetic. His innovative approach to landscape design is exemplified in various projects, including a notable commission for Mr. and Mrs. Barker. Regrettably, due to their untimely deaths in 1910, this envisioned garden design remained unrealized.
Jensen’s influence extended beyond private commissions. He played a pivotal role in the redesign of numerous public parks in Chicago, driven by a profound commitment to enhancing public spaces for all. His work reflects a dedication to accessibility and community engagement in urban environments.
In addition to his contributions to public parks, Jensen designed several residential gardens across the Midwest, each embodying his unique vision and respect for the natural landscape. His love for the Indiana Dunes was particularly significant, as he actively championed the preservation of vital portions of its shoreline.
The Barker Mansion is excited to announce that we are currently in the process of creating a garden inspired by Jensen’s designs, honoring his enduring legacy in landscape architecture.
Original Jensen Designs
More than 100 years after their inception, the original Jens Jensen garden designs are brought back to life at The Barker Mansion.
