Sense of Place is an architectural and landscape design-guidelines book developed by a team of architects, landscape architects and national park staff for Yosemite Valley, a world-class park area undergoing constant change. The 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. New or altered facilities should be designed to be compatible and respectful of the park setting, both natural and human-made.

The ultimate goal is to enhance the unique sense of place embodied by this extraordinary Valley. 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 environment 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 as well as development of a design ethic in Yosemite precedes the guidelines portion of the book. View publication.