Jens Jensen The Living Green is a 2013 documentary that tells the story of the renowned Danish-American landscape architect, Jens Jensen, and his crusade to preserve natural landscapes in a modernizing America. The documentary is directed and produced by Carey Lundin, and it features interviews with landscape architects, historians, and experts in conservation and sustainability.
The film is narrated by Jensen Wheeler Wolfe, a landscape architect who is also the great-grandson of Jens Jensen. Wolfe provides insight into Jensen's motivations, his design philosophy, and his passion for reconnecting people with nature. Wolfe also shares personal stories about his great-grandfather, which add a familial touch to the documentary.
The film delves into Jensen's life, from his childhood in Denmark to his immigration to the United States in the late 19th century. Jensen's first job in America was as a street sweeper, but he soon became a successful self-taught gardener, eventually designing parks and public spaces in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee.
Jensen's designs were inspired by the Midwestern prairie landscapes, and he believed that natural landscapes could have a therapeutic effect on people. He also believed that Americans were becoming disconnected from nature due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Therefore, he advocated for preserving open green spaces as a way to reconnect people with the natural world.
The film highlights some of Jensen's notable projects, including the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago and the Schiller Park in Milwaukee. Jensen's designs were characterized by their use of native plants, meandering paths, and a focus on creating naturalistic vistas. He also believed in the importance of incorporating natural elements like water features and rock formations to create a sense of harmony between human creations and the natural world.
The documentary also touches on Jensen's activism, particularly his involvement in the conservation movement. Jensen believed that preservation of natural landscapes was essential for ensuring the health and well-being of future generations. He fought against the construction of dams and power plants, and he wrote essays and books advocating for conservation and sustainability.
Jens Jensen The Living Green is not just a biographical documentary; it also offers a thoughtful meditation on the relationship between humans and nature. By examining Jensen's life and work, the film reminds us of the importance of preserving natural landscapes and reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world.
The documentary is visually stunning, featuring breathtaking shots of some of Jensen's most famous designs, as well as stunning footage of Midwestern landscapes. The film also features interviews with experts in landscape architecture, conservation, and sustainability, who offer insight into Jensen's legacy and his relevance to contemporary debates about environmentalism.
Overall, Jens Jensen The Living Green is an inspiring and thought-provoking documentary that celebrates the life and work of a pioneering landscape architect. Through Jensen's story, the film offers a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving natural landscapes and reconnecting with nature in an increasingly urbanized and industrialized world.
