This study looks at the degree to which Emile Galle's theories of symbolic ornamentation are observed in contemporary landscape architecture design. Galle's theories consist of three components: the first relates to the functional aspects of design, and the last two relate to the aesthetic aspects. These three components are used to evaluate three case studies. In the case studies, Bicentennial Commons in Cincinnati and Canal Walk in Indianapolis show a partial though apparent utilization of Galle's theories, while Riverwalk in Milwaukee comes closest of the three to demonstrating the application of Galle's theories in Landscape Architecture. However, none fully exhibit Galle's theories. Nonetheless, the case studies, and in particular Riverwalk, exhibit the initial stages of a renewed interest in ornamentation in which culture is symbolically represented through nature. Landscape Architects, more than ever, are being called upon to embody the meaning of the land through a cultural synthesis in an expression of past/present and man/nature. / Department of Landscape Architecture