LANDSCAPE

DESIGN
Lecture # 8
Ar. Samrana Qureshi

FEATURES OF
LANDSCAPE
Hardscapes

LANDSCAPE FEATURES
Soft Landscaping Elements

Comprise elements of ecological sequence or all living

things in gardens/parks
Includes: Earth moving and soil enhancement, planting,
shrubs, semi mature trees, seeding and turfing, mulching
and use of aquatic animals etc

Hard Landscaping Elements

Comprise features created through construction

materials
Includes: Patios, paths/ pavings, driveways, retaining
walls, fences, gazebos, pots/planters, water features,
garden/street furniture, lighting, and sculptures etc

Fences/Walls

Fixed & non-growing element of landscape

Two primary functions: Security & Privacy
Incorporated to provide enclosures, to provide
privacy, articulate a space, act as retaining
elements against erosion and stabilizing a slope,
and to separate walkways from the planting
areas and lawn spaces.
Brick, classic cut stone, concrete, wood and
metal grills, glass blocks, reinforced earth blocks,
mortar-less stackable concrete blocks are the
materials most commonly used.

The height and type of fence/wall may vary

with its use in overall design concept of the
project. They may be at seating height or up to
1.8m or more in height to provide privacy.
Fences are installed according to the theme of
architectural design e.g wrought iron fence for
spanish colonial architecture etc
If used properly, the fencing can provide sound
insulation, and create microclimate by directing
wind and sunlight.
Retaining walls may be provided depending on
the site conditions.

Types
Wooden Fences:

Provides endless possibilities of design

Provides traditional view
Ensures privacy
Reduces noise
May not be cost effective everywhere due to availability
of wood or high maintenance cost

Vinyl (PVC) fences:

Cost effective for large properties

Requires least maintenance measures
Doesnt warp or split
Can be painted
Becomes brittle in winters and may not be used for areas
with extreme winter season

Types
Metal Fences:
Generally made of iron or other materials
Most commonly used for providing security
Chain link fence is the least expensive security fence
Transparent fences are preferred in areas requiring security
measures & minimum height required is six feet
Green Fences:
Comprise hedges, dense shrubs, and small trees (Lecture 3)
Sound Deadening Fences:
Required for areas near highways
Include materials with more mass to buffer or dampen the sound
Comprise masonry and wooden fences
Commercially manufactured double-paneled fencing are
available
Plants and trees can be used in combination

Types
Retaining Walls (Adapted as fences)
Conventional block walls

One of the core building materials

Solid & Stable, provided for permanence
Needs little or no maintenance
Economical
Architecturally attractive & traditional

Mortar-less & dry-stacked concrete

Most commonly used building material due to easy installation

and speedy construction
Fits & aligns itself due to vertical interlocking tabs
Add tones and textures than conventional blocks
Larger and heavier than conventional and hence expensive but
advantage to be dissembled and moved

Retaining Walls (Adapted as fences)

Wooden retaining walls

Gives attractive and organic look

Easy to use
Limitation of use in moisture & insects/termite protection
Requires treatment for strength & hardiness

Reinforced earth walls

Depending on the soil type different methods are used

Using alternate layers of welded wire matting with layers of

compacted earth
Using concrete crib walls, made of latticework of concrete
elements and filled with earth
Provides advantage of achieving greater heights that a single
system would allow

The use of the same

materials in the
house, the
walls, and the
This substantial concrete brick retaining
pavement creates a
wall incorporates design details and hues
This architectural
use
of enclosure
combines
solid
columns
Attractive
block
This
and
white
complementary
picket
fence
isplantings
atothematic
combine
match
for the early
simple and unified
that
work
refine
and
distinguish
it. The
Wooden
fence
around
a
Garden
The
fence
effectively
blocks
the
view
of
this
pool
apparatus.
Stackable
block
can
be
quite
attractive
as
The
retaining
wall
supports
the
slope
while
providing
spans
trellis
with
containerized
plant
materials.
toand
provide
a of
beautiful
landscaped
American
home
border
that
design.
itfurther
adjoins.
design.
Privacy to this
conversation
area
ofwalls
the
patio
is
provided
by
the
lattice
fencing
that
encircles
hedge
serves
to
soften
the it.
looks
Timber
retaining
help
stabilize
this
steep
slope
wellStone
as space
effective
and
fairly
quick
to
install
for plant
installation.
Fence:
Made
River Rock
Concrete
CribofWalls

Paths/Walkways/Paving
Stones

Paths & walkways give access to built up areas

and allow users to enjoy the surroundings
From ancient times pavements have been
created by concrete, stones, brick and wood,
which have been added with various
new/adapted synthetic materials due to
environmental economic & legal concerns
Selection of materials for pavement would
depend in function, cost, availability and theme
of construction
While creating the walkways/paths, it should be
considered what kind of users and how much
foot traffic would be expected.

Width and compatibility of the path also

depends on the use and foot traffic
In hilly or sloping areas, the walkways should be
provided with easy to climb steps and edging
may be provided to provide strength to the
pavement & steps
Small paths and paved areas may be created
to develop interesting landscape areas using
benches, planters and paving materials
Curved and meandering paths can add sense
of mystery to design

The walkways and paths should be created in

level with surrounding terrain for easy mowing
and ensuring safe footing
Transitions between steps should be well spaced
Materials for paving should be selected in such
a way that it avoids tripping and slipping
especially when wet
Sufficient but not glaring light should be
provided to guide users while walking at night
Longer flight of steps should be provided with
guiding rail.

Paths/Walkways/Paving Stones
Reinvented Materials

Traditional clay bricks give pleasing

appearance but fails in supporting weight of
some modern vehicles, hence not
recommended for porches
Similar look and texture as well as required
strength can be achieved through concrete
pavers in different shapes and colors
Mosaic pavement patterns created in the past
with stones can be created by cubicle pavers
Concrete has been reinvented in other forms as
well such as stepping stones, retaining walls,
decking and paving stones, curb stones

Rubber is another product used in landscaping

as shock absorber in play grounds
Rubber tiles are also used where containment is
required, also because they do not attract
molds and insects and permit easy wheel chair
use
Wood lumber is popularly used material for
creating decks. Various other wood & plastic
composite and wood free plastics are also
available for the same.
Artificially prepare synthetic materials are in the
market for that do not mold, rot or weather over
time & are preferable for landscaping

Rubber tiles
ensure a safer
tumble to the
ground for
youngsters at this
playground.

Slate, popular for

walkways,
works
well
here
in
combination with
other materials to
help create stairs
andmust
a mortar-less
Stepping stones
terraced front walk
be large
a rustic setting.
enough tofor
fit the
users feet and be
Walkway alcove is thespaced
perfectso they
Colored
Granite cubes can be used setting
like
mosaic
tiles to create
rich
patterns
for aconcrete
secluded
moment.
permit
a pavement
natural
Fauxcrete: made
Fauxcrete:
Close-upmade
of theto
stride pattern.
to Stamped
look like cobblestone.
look like
rubber
quarried
tiles.stone.
concrete.

Patios/Decks/Arbors/Pergolas

Decks are exterior floored area, usually higher than

surroundings created for inviting the users to stay for
sometime as opposite to paths/walkways that allow the
users to walk only
Decks allow the users to enjoy the greenery in the
surrounding
Decks that are well built are quite durable. Usually they
are built with concrete bases
Patios or outdoor rooms are developed in countries with
hot climates for enjoying cool evening outdoors e.g.
Spain, Mexico and Latin America.
Patios can be fit in with fireplaces, ovens, benches and
other furniture

Redwood, Cedar Heartwood, and Plastic (Vinyl & poly

deck lumber) are commonly used materials for
constructing Decks with weather and water proofing
preservatives
Trellises, Arbors, and Pergolas can be used to add shape
and perspective to landscaped areas
Arbors, pergolas and trellises provide a natural habitat
for climbers and creepers.
A gateway arch, either single or lattice like structure is
called arbor, very commonly used for framing a path
Pergolas of different shapes are created by connecting
arbors from above and decorated with climbers

Trellises are created with interwoven wood,

bamboo or metal
Trellises create secluded and private places
especially constructed in backyards or patios
Like arbors and pergolas, trellises are also liked
by climbers and creepers due to their closely
spaced lattice strips
Pavilions or kiosks called gazebos, ornamental
or otherwise add to the beauty of landscaping
Gazebos serve as protection from sun and rain
and are popular in warm areas

Roses along
a trellis,river
Interbay
(community
An engineered
concrete
rock P-Patch
wall
brings
rustic charm to a hillside
Another
way
of
providing
arbors
with
pergolas
Synthetic
wood
decking
resists
weathering,
pests,
and
mildew
Arbor
Gates
A
Typical
Gazebo
Deck
separating
poolinner
from
building
A trellis
supports
speakers
at Jay
Pritzker
Viewed
from
rear!
garden),
Interbay
neighborhood,
Seattle,
Washington
home,while
a vine-trained
trellis
adds
to
thePavilion.
privacy
of
the
garden.

Rockery & Sculptures

Rockeries play a great role in giving grace to

the landscape design.
Rockeries are sometimes added a corner
elements and in combination with water
bodies, where used extravagantly are called
as rock gardens.
Sculptures or three-dimensional monumental
objects are important element of outdoor art,
often used with water bodies.
Abstract forms are also created for the same
purpose.

Rockery & Sculptures

Rockeries play a great role in giving grace to

the landscape design.
Rockeries are sometimes added a corner
elements and in combination with water
bodies, where used extravagantly are called
as rock gardens.
Sculptures or three-dimensional monumental
objects are important element of outdoor art,
often used with water bodies.
Abstract forms are also created for the same
purpose

Outdoor Furniture
Furniture

and fixtures designed to be

provided for streets and gardens not only
is crucial for fulfilling the function for which
the landscape is developed but also adds
value to the landscape design quality

Outdoor

furniture includes benches,

chairs, tables, dumpsters, Street lights,
lighting fixtures etc

The uses of
synthetic
material assures
that this
built-in bench will
outlast one built
from even the
most durable
wood.

Waste Bin, Wallingford Castle Gardens

Sculptural Furniture

Outdoor fireplaces & kitchens

Fire pits, outdoor grills and barbecues extend

use of outdoor landscape areas
Design and dcor or fireplaces include use of
tiles, concrete, stone, stucco and firebricks
If the landscape design also includes a pool
or a spa, outdoor kitchen may be designed
near it for allowing use of both.
Climate, foliage and available space in the
outdoors determines which fuel will work best
The fire pit should be placed away from
structures and fire hazards

Fire pits and fireplaces should be in harmony

with surrounding architecture
Fire it should be located such that it becomes
effective outside light source
Fire pit elements should be sturdy and
weather resistant and designed that is not
affected by the prevailing wind direction
Fire pits and fireplaces should be designed
visible from living room
Mobile fire pits with detachable fittings and
handles are preferable

Special consideration may be given to heavier

foundation for fire pits and fireplaces, especially in
seismic areas
Emissions from the fireplaces need to be
controlled especially with respect to the city rules
& regulations regarding outdoor fire places
In most of areas, low-emission type closed system
fireplaces meet the urban emission laws
In most cases, property value goes up with
provision of outdoor fireplaces & grills

Portable grillAn
with
antique
wheelbarrow
outdoor
barbecue
area shaded with pergolas
features can handle a large gathering.

Lighting

Illumination or lighting creates appealing nightscapes in

addition to its primary function of providing safety &
security
Energy efficient lighting technologies have emerged and
commonly used for lighting nightscapes
While designing a lighting plan, consideration is to be given
to both effect and fixture
With respect to features, various eye catchers are available
in the market
While designing a lighting plan, it would be required to
understand the character of architecture, needs of clients,
amount of light, nature of area (dangerous etc), and what
features to light
Various ways of lighting includes up-lighting, down-lighting,
back lighting, path lighting, & Shadow lighting

Incorporated into the

walkway design, this
internal post lighting is an
effective
Tasteful night lighting can create a new and different
welcoming
"beacon,"columns
and
Incorporated into a two-board wood fence
design, concrete
made to
landscape during the evening hours, or extend the use and
to illuminate
the
look like rock
topped
withtopped
coach lights,
a refined
country
appeal to
A are
rustic
rock post
with serves
a lending
Crafts-looking
lantern
appreciation of the daytime design.
and
path to the
paver-laid
driveway
approach.
serves the
to light
the entry
of address
a wooded
driveway.

Drainage
Drainage

for storm water may

be planned in an integrated
manner with the pavement to
become pleasing to eyes.
Precast concrete grates can be
used around trees so that they
look aesthetically pleasing and
also allow water to be
absorbed by the trees.

Metal Grating Cover for Drainage

Selection criteria for

hardscapes
Considerations to be kept in mind while selecting
elements & materials for hardscapes

Function:
The hardscape elements are selected for functions
e.g.

Securing childrens play yard

Containing a pet
Blocking view from outside
Protecting from sun, wind and rain etc.
Providing privacy
Improving aesthetics

Cost:

This includes initial investments for materials as

well as design cost, labor cost & maintenance
cost
This also requires taking into consideration that
high initial cost of materials may have lower
maintenance cost and vice versa

Strength:
The selection of surfacing as well as enclosing
materials have to be assessed and taken into
consideration while selecting

Weather Effects:

Characteristics of the materials should be assessed

according to their behavior towards weather,
climate and regions other ecological conditions

Client Preference:

The selection of material depends on choice of

the clients but they need to be advised
professionally
The clients should be briefed about the
availability of various choices, brands and their
comparative analyses with respect to the cost
and characteristics

Integration with other components:

It is important to select the elements and materials

consistent in style and scheme for creating a
harmonious landscape design

Maintenance concerns:
Keeping

in mind maintenance cost of materials is

the most important consideration especially with
respect to the cost of landscaping
This concerns requires consideration for selection
of both elements and materials e.g. choosing
water bodies in areas deficient in water, or
choosing turf grass for heavy foot traffic area