One of my favorite childhood memories is staying at Opryland
hotel. Essentially the hotel brings the outside in through the use of atriums. The
atriums are then filled with numerous exotic plants, large waterfalls, canals,
walking paths, and restaurants scattered throughout. There is something unique
and enchanting about this place that could leave you walking around for hours.
Even once in your room you are constantly tempted to be back in jungle-like
environment by sitting on the balcony listening to the waterfall. The nature in
the atrium is under preservation yet it has without a doubt become dependent on
humans. The question then becomes is this environment still considered
wilderness or a part of the natural world? I now wonder if philosophers such as
Carlson, Scruton, and others would agree that a proper aesthetic experience
could be had in this manmade environment.
A place similar to this is the Krohn Conservatory, in
Cincinnati, which is filled with numerous types of plants from various climates
and locations. Both the Krohn and Opryland may be questionable as to what type
of aesthetic experience can be had when viewing these manmade environments. Although
both would not be defined as wilderness in the traditional sense, I believe
they succeed in evoking a positive aesthetic experience for all who visit.
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| Opryland |
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| Cascade room |
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| Krohn waterfall |
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| Krohn Garden room |
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