This book discusses the continuing relevance of enclosed gardens to contemporary architecture by describing some of the greatest and most influential historical and contemporary examples. The enclosed garden, or hortus conclusus , is a place set apart from the wider terrain where architecture, architectural elements and landscape meet. By its nature it is ambiguous. Is it an outdoor room, or is it captured landscape? Studying the evolution of enclosed gardens and the concepts they generate is a highly effective means for students to learn more about the design requirements for proximal outdoor spaces. A wide range of case studies are analysed in a text richly illustrated with diagrams, sketches and photographs.