UNIT-3: GARDEN DESING

 Moghul Gardens of India,

 Japanese Gardens,
 Italian Gardens,
 Basic Principles of Landscape Design
 Visual aspects of Plant Forms

Moghul Gardens of India

Introduction
1. With the rise of Islam around the 7th and 8th century came a new type of
Architecture & Landscape
2. This architecture began in Arabia & spread in places like Persia, India & Spain.
3. The Concepts of appropriate Islamic Architecture & Landscape were not rigid
& were therefore adaptive to preexisting concepts & forms of architecture.
4. The Islamic Garden is an ensemble of Islamic ideals & Local traditions &
varies according to the historical & geographical context.

Concept
1. Gardens are composed of both Natural & Man-Made Elements & reflect
the relationship between Man & Nature. (Place of Retreat)
2. In the Islamic world, Garden is cited as a Symbol of Paradise.
3. Planning of Garden was Simple – it was divided by means of 4 water
channels into 4 quarters.
4. 4 water channels symbolized the 4 rivers of paradise as outlined in the
Quran-Water, Milk, Wine & Honey.
5. In Persian “Garden” called as “Char Bagh” where as Bagh was enclosed
by a wall to provide privacy & protection.
6. In later times, this basic design was modified & new forms were
developed.
7. Concept of the Garden- as a reflection of the cosmos – a centrifugal or
outward directed force flows out from the building into a natural
paradise.

Role of water in Moghul Garden

1. Water considered as the Soul & Life of this Paradise Garden.
2. Water occupied a Central position in the Islamic Gardens symbolizing Purity
& Paradise (while offering the qualities of tranquility, coolness & reflection)
3. The Irrigation was carried by these water channels or QUANATS.

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 4. Gardens have either an Octagonal Pool or a Tomb or any other focal point at
its center.

Basically 2 types of Moghul Gardens

o TOMB GARDEN (those surrounding a mausoleum or Tomb)
o PLEASURE GARDEN (those develop or pleasure)

o First type of garden was built by the owner during his own life for holding
receptions & banquets.
o After his death it was converted into a tomb.
o The plan of the tomb was based on “Char Bagh“ concept.
o Center of the garden was the tomb building & form its various facades
the water channels radiated in the 4 directions.
o E.g. Humayun’s Tomb – an exception to this is the setting of Taj Mahal,
which is located at the end of the garden
o Later type of garden was related to the traditional formal paradise layout
o Gardens were primarily developed for enjoyment & also for displaying
power & wealth of empire.

Elements
Mughal gardens had 3 essential components:
o Water,
o Plants(Fruit trees & Flowering trees)
o The Built Form

Water
1. The Mughals gave a lot of importance to Water.
2. As the Mughals came form the a hill country, the idea of building a
garden in terrace came to them naturally
3. Water was used as a Water was used as Sculptural element or to give
illusion of Sculpture.
4. The reflective quality of water was used to the fullest extent & used to
complement focal elements or to reflect sky.
Chaddars
From terrace to terrace the water was let down as the beautiful slopes called Chaddars
which means.
White shawls of water where marble or stone chutes carved in various patterns.
So that water running over them was thrown up an broken into ripples & splashes.
5. Many of water devices – tanks, canals, waterfalls, cutes & fountains were
employed in the gardens.
6. The series of Niches were also provided behind the waterfall which is
called Chinnikhanas
7. Chabutra- another feature which gained importance by spouting jets of
water.

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 8. Pavillions were provided at the junction of water channels to provide
good view & as ancillary focal points.

Plants
1. Usually Mughals planted mixed avenues of Cypresses & flowering trees
(white flower variety of Kachnar or the Orange & the Lemon trees)
2. Apple & Plum trees were planted along with Cypress, Willow & Chenar.
3. Oranges & Pomegranates were also planted.
4. Trees like Oranges, Pomegranates, Almonds, Plum and White Kachnars-
Symbolized Youth, Life & Hope.
5. Trees like Cypress – Symbol of Death & eternity.
6. Fruit Trees – cherry, coconut, date, grape, guava, mango, melon,
mulberry & Flowering Trees – iris, lilac, daffodils, tulips, marigold, lotus
were used.
7. Trees were used at junctions for shade & also as framing & the path
defining features

Built Forms
1. The Central Focal point of the entire Garden.
2. 4 entrance gateways were provided, symbolizing 4 gate ways to paradise
3. At the centre of their axis, the main pavilion was located.

Examples:
TOMB GARDEN-the garden of TAJ MAHAL
LANDSCAPE

Geometry
1. Major shapes used are squares.
2. The “Char Bagh” is laid in front of the tomb building in contrast to other tomb
gardens of Mughals
Siting
1. The background for the built form is provided by the sky & fore ground with the
garden.
2. It is almost a flat terrain but the water channel runs all through the length of the
garden.
Planning

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 1. Tomb is placed in the rear end the complex with the river Yamuna running on
the backside.
2. Main garden forms the foreground to the Mausoleum.
3. Garden is accessed through an ornate entrance way.
Landscape Elements
1. Green carpets of garden runs form the main gateway to the foot of the Taj.
2. Most arrangements of the Taj are based on 4 or its multiples & the gardens were
thus laid out in the quadrate plan.
3. Two Marble canals studded with fountains & lined with cypress trees cross in the
centre of the garden dividing it into 4 equal squares.
4. Each of the 4 quarters are subdivided into 16 flower beds by stone paved raised
pathways,
5. At the centre of the garden, halfway between the tomb & the gateway, stands a
raised marble lotus tank with a cusped.
6. Tank as been arranged to perfectly reflect the Taj in its waters.
7. Fountains & Solemn rows of cypress trees only adorn the north-south water
canal.
8. Water was drawn form the river by a series of PURS & was brought through a
broad water channel into an oblong storage tank of great dimensions.

PLEASURE GARDEN-shalimar bagh, Kashmir

Geometry:
1. Major shapes that dominate are Squares.
2. Planning based on “Char Bagh” concept with more emphasis on linearity
3. Water stream running through the whole garden divides it axially.
Siting:
1. Garden is sited between a mountain & Dal Lake to catch water flow.

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 2. It has a stream which comes form the hills & flows into the Dal Lake.
3. The whole garden is sloped through the use of terraces.
Scale:
1. The garden is divided into quarters about 100m each into different levels.
2. These quarters are further subdivided into similar proportions
Planning:
The plan consists of three four folds-
1. Diwan-i-aam (Public Audience)
2. Diwan-i-khas (Private Audience)
3. Harem (Women’s Quarters)

Spatial Organisation:
Space 1: Public Area
Space 2: Private Area
Space 3: Women’s Quarters
1. Enclosures defined by pavilions & avenue of Chenar trees.
2. Use of terraces & general slope of the garden more of an emphasis on linearity &
one direction rather those 4 equal parts.
Landscape Elements:
1. Entrance from the lake is through a Spacious Canal bordered with green turf &
running between 2 rows of Chenar trees.
2. On both sides of the Chenar avenues were orchards.
3. Chaddars were used to enhance the effect of rapidly running water.
4. Chinnikhanas were extensively used in front of the black marble pavilion.
5. Pools with spouting fountains further embellish the garden.

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Japanese Gardens of India
Introduction

Nature:
Represented as “Art in Japan” & it is physically or visually framed within the
Rectangular bounds of the garden wall.

Man:
1. Japanese garden is not simply nature.
2. It is & has always been crafted by Man.

Culture:
Japanese culture also perceives & pursues beauty in the perfection of the man-
made type in
1. The delicate proportions of the paper screen.
2. The wooden lattices on the traditional town houses.
3. The clear linearity of the modular system of classic Japanese architecture

Geography:
1. Japan constitutes of 3 main islands.
2. It comprises of rounded mountains & valleys.
3. Only one-eighth of the kind can be cultivated.

Climate:
1. Climate is humid.
2. Average temperature is 56% & average rainfall is 1.5mm with 215 days of
sunshine.
Vegetation:
1. Soil is rich with no permanent grass.
2. Planting uses natives – evergreens give an unchanging structure of beauty,
while flowering plants provide seasonal interests.
3. Indigenous trees-oak, maple, birch, cherry & plum, blossom.
Symbolic meanings:
Iris – Purity
Pine – Longevity
Cherry Blossoms – Perfections
Principles of Landscape Design
Theme
1. Abstraction of truth assimilated form nature.
2. No distinction between the landscape garden, the architecture & the
surrounding landscape.

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 3. During ancient period-“Shinto” the indigenous faith of Japan was practiced.
4. So the belief in the concept of “Kami” a divine spirit that permeated all
objects, influence the design.

Conceptual development
Ancient & Medieval Period – Gardens in Japan were mainly designed for the
aristocracy & were found in Buddhist temples.
6th Century – Shinto- the indigenous faith of Japan was the practiced religion.
The concept of garden was not present
10th – 12th Century – Classical Japanese garden which expresses the people’s great
love of nature emerged.
They had the concept that the individual parts of the building should be merged.
13th Century – Temple Garden developed.
14th Century – Symbolic lever garden arose (E.g. Ryon-ji) Zen priest act as architects.
16th Century – The transitory period (like renaissance) gardens were animated & less
rigid in designs
17th Century – Various forms & elements were tried out. Katsura Place.
19th Century – Entry of European culture & creation of public parks

Characteristics
Scale
1. The scale of Japanese Garden varies widely within the same e.g.
2. The scale of these Gardens is left totally to the mental state of the observer
Siting
Relationship with the surrounding:
The landscape of Japanese Gardens varies between two extremes with respect to
the surrounding.
1. Sense of Enclosure
2. Sense of Openness
Sense of Enclosure
1. Whole Garden space is tightly enclosed within high walls, putting an end to
any interaction between the inside & the outside.
2. The Garden for the contemplation in the Zen Buddhist compounds is usually
of the “Kare Sensui” type which reflects the outside nature in no way.
3. Functions – Mediation & Contemplation
Sense of Openness
1. The Garden flows out visually – into the surrounding landscape & conversely
draws natural features form a distance into gardens composition.
2. Physical boundaries merge into the background giving an impression of
boundlessness.
3. Ever changing nature of spaces along the path of circulation.

Symbolism

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 1. Stones were given sexual attributes & depending on their form & context –
given various meanings.
2. Earthen mound & Rock – representing Shumisen Mountain of the Buddhist
cosmos.
3. According to Zen Philosophy, the Sand area represents the Cosmic Ocean.
4. Sand represents Purity.
5. Stream represents life.
Landscape Elements
Landforms:
1. The Natural Landforms & Topography is adhered to.
2. Small Earthen mound or a group of carefully arranged stones represents an
entire mountain
3. Island in Japanese was symbolized as a “Horai Rock” & even Turtle Island
which became symbols of longevity.
Vegetation
1. Trees – frequently maintained to reflect a form found in nature.
2. “Kankari”- the topiary art of trimming trees, shrubs & bushes into shapes.
(Mount Horai) etc.
3. Tree shapes – were often maintained to form a rhythm with an element of
the built forms, like a gateway or the roof line.
Water
1. Water - essential element in any Japanese Garden.
2. Pond – a fundamental element in Japanese Gardens.
3. Waterfalls depending on their height & width are attributed as male or
female.
4. Bridge – both functional & ornamental addition to the garden. An
ornamental device to promote spiritual & intellectual radiation.

Stones
1. Stones – is a fundamental element in Japanese Gardens.
2. Serve as a material for features such as paths, bridges & walls.
3. Arrangement of stones indicates a principle of architecture in Japanese
Garden architecture.
4. Main stone is laid little left to the central axis.
5. Supporting stone is laid left to the main stone.
Stepping Stones
1. They are placed in varying intervals. They create regular paths in various
patterns; the placement of stones is calculated.

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Stones Water Basins
1. Two kinds of Stone water basin – “Tea Garden” called “Tsukbai” is kept there
to be used in kneeling position.
2. One outside the verandah is kept high to be used while standing up.
3. Stone water basins are made of natural lightly worked stones.
4. Water basin is replenished frequently be bamboo pipes.

Stone Lanterns
1. Usually kept near the Stone Water basin.
2. Shape – the Stone pattern is not standardized.
3. Original dedication patterns have 6 major parts.
o Kurin (ornamental tip)
o Kasa (cup)
o Hibukuro (light chamber)
o Chuda (middle land)
o Sao (post)
o Tirin (base)

Fences & Walls

1. 3 types of fences – short fence that extends form the house into the garden,
inner fence & an outer fence.
2. Outer fence – thick & branches are tightly assembled.
3. Bamboo fences – very popular.
Tea House
1. At any place in the Garden or Park form which there is a pleasant view, a tea
house is proposed.
2. Lead variety to the Garden & make social life more elegant & refined.
3. Design – tearooms shows the perfect units of the Functional, Spiritual &
Artistic.

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Types of Gardens
1. Strolling Gardens – for viewing form a path.
2. Sitting Gardens – for contemplating form one place (tsuboniwa found in
machiya –traditional wooden townhouse)
3. Shakkei, “borrowed scenery” is a technique Japanese Gardeners use to make
a small garden seem more spacious.
Japanese Gardens can be divided into 4 types
1. Paradise Gardens
2. Dry-landscape Gardens
3. Stroll Gardens
4. Tea Gardens

1. All Japanese Gardens share many components & principles with the common
goal of creating a microcosm of stones, water, bridges & other elements to
create a symbolic miniature landscape.
2. Paradise & Dry-Landscape Gardens were designed – viewed form a single
point or side & scroll gardens as well as tea gardens were made to be walked
through.
Paradise Garden
1. Motsu-ji-Garden in Hiraizumi, e.g. for Paradise Garden.
2. Designed – represent the Pure Land of Buddhist Paradise.
3. Trees & mou8ntains outside the garden appear to be part of the garden &
stones are arranged to create islands & rocky shores
Dry Landscape Garden
1. Connected to Zen Buddhist Temples, gardens are made up of carefully
chosen.
2. Ryoan-ji temple in Kyoto, e.g. for Dry Landscape Garden.
3. “The Treasure Ship Stone” @ Daisen-in Kyoto – Japan’s most famous stone.
4. The “Karesansui style originate form Zen temples.
5. These have no water & few plants, but typically evoke a feeling of water
using pebbles & meticulously raked gravel or sand.
6. The garden @ Ryoan-ji, a temple in Kyoto, is particularly renowned.
Stroll Garden
1. Each step – Stroll Garden the view changes.
2. Gardens were very popular in the Edo period when they are made by the
Daimyo of Feudal Lords.
3. Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, e.g. for Stroll Garden.
4. Garden includes 4 ponds & uses “Borrowed Landscape” very well
5. In a Japanese Garden pruning the Trees & Shrubs is an art. This brings a focal
point in a Stroll Garden.
Stroll Garden
1. The Momoyama period form 1568 to 1600 a Tea Garden often has a short
path with trimmed plants on each side which lead to a teahouse.
2. This path links the real world with the world of the tea ceremony often
surrounded by a bamboo fence.

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 3. Stone basins – were first used for washing hands & your mouth.
4. Slightly raised & spaced apart stones are sprinkled with water before the
ceremony to welcome guests this is called a Rojo or dewy path.

Japanese Gardens evolved in 3 phases

Garden of Joy
o Heian era (795 – 1185 AD)
o Kamakura era (1185-1336 AD)
o Muromachi era (1336 -1573 AD)
E.g. Saiho-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple.

Garden of Seclusion
o Azuchi-Momoyama Era
o Early Edo- Era
o Momoyama Era
E.g. a Tea Garden at Kitano.

Garden as substitutes for travel

Edo Era
Meiji Era
E.g. Katsura imperial palace, Sanzen-in.
Case Study of Japanese Gardens
Ryoan-ji Temple
1. Most famous of all Japanese dry gardens –Ryoan-ji: the temple of the
Peaceful Dragon.
2. The Garden is simplicity itself – 15 rocks arranged in a rectangle of raked
white gravel – but it has provoked much speculation about its meaning.
3. It is an e.g. of Kare-sansui garden, without water, without plants, without
even a tree.
4. It is a supreme e.g. of the empty space & the interplay of right angle &
natural form.
5. Contains 15 rocks respectively & positioned with an area of rock & sand.
6. It was created with an aid of Zen monks for the purpose of Meditation.
7. Its horizontal composition invites the visitor to sit & meditate.
8. Tall stand of trees currently framing the rock garden on two sides alters the
view.
9. The ground contain a large pond garden that must date back to the period in
which this site was occupied be a noble estate.
10. The largest of the pond’s 3 islands is above.
11. The island is the site of Shinto Shrine
Tea Garden @ Kitano
1. Most tea gardens are remarkable for extreme simplicity combined with an
affection of natural wilderness.
2. Rock setting & features of ponds are the highlight of these gardens.

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 3. Tea gardens are generally divided into an outer & inner enclosure.
4. These gardens are separated by a rustic fence with a gateway.
5. The outermost enclosure contains the main entrance gateway.
6. Beyond this is often a small building.
7. It was generally the custom for the samurai or military class to change their
clothing before attending the Tea Ceremony
8. These gardens contain Wooden & Stone Lanterns, Water basins, Rocks &
Gateways.

Katsura Imperial Place

1. This was built in the early Edo Period as a residence for Prince Hachijo no
Miya Toshihito (1579-1629)
2. The garden to the south of the villa is a stroll garden & also a boating garden,
its pond large enough to accommodate modes vessels.
3. The villa as it stands today is famous for its spare, almost minimalist design, a
classic e.g. of Sukiya Style Architecture.
4. The garden to the south – the villa is a stroll garden of extraordinary
complexity, full of twists & turns & surprising vistas.
5. Boating garden, its pond large enough to accommodate modest vessels.
6. One of the first views of the garden is looking to the south towards the
largest of Katsura’s five tea houses.
7. In the foreground of this view is a “rocky shore” of carefully chosen pebbles.
8. Although certain sections of the shores of Katsura’s pond are bounded by
rocks, some of the land areas descend directly into the water.
9. Largest islands – Oyamashima, of Great Mountain Island - is connected to the
mainland be 3 arched, earth covered bridges.

Italian Renaissance Gardens

(Period – 14th- 17th Century)

Environment:
1. Climate & topography was irregular.
2. North were the Flat Planes of Lombardy chilled be the Alps in the Center
where river valley & planes that were mild in winter & hot in summer & in
the south the climate was tropical.
3. Landscape design developed in the areas – Tuscany, Rome & across the north
form Genoa to Venice.
4. Tuscan Landscape was composed of
o Small hills & valley enriched farm buildings.
o Textured irregular patterns of olive & vine plantation.
o Punctuated with hardwood trees (Ilex & Cypress)
o Water was adequate.
Philosophy:
1. Fundamental idea of renaissance was that man was the center of universe.
2. This leads to the concept of individuality applied to garden design.

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Landscape:
1. Garden was made for man & dignified him, the proportion gave him peace,
the form therefore crucial.
2. The interior of the house thrust itself outward, leveled to the rising & falling
site.
3. Shapes made more by intuition than by mathematical calculation.
4. The site was usually on the hillsides because of the views & the climate; the
descending terraces were carved out of the ground & harmonious with it.
5. Contents were basically
o Evergreen Trees & Shrubs
o Stone
o Water
6. Includes – box parterres
o dark cypress
o groves of llex
o sculpture
o stairways
o pergolas, arbors
o water in repose and fountains

7. Natural landscape was integrated into the panorama of the villa, it is the
setting to which the villa in the foreground had to be linked perceptively.
8. In Palladio’s agricultural villas the garden is a ceremonial introduction to the
steps.

Geometry:
1. All patterns & spaces were strictly geometrically & ordered.
2. The major shapes that dominate the landscape – square & rectangular
shape.

Spatial concepts:
1. Spaces – considered as outdoor rooms & most of them related to the human
dimensions, all plans were strictly following Geometry & Symmetry.
2. Most of the gardens – designed basically as “Intellectual retreats” for the
scholars & poets.
3. Union of architecture with the contours of the land – achieved through
Sculptural Compositions.
4. Transition between indoor & outdoor spaces was very gradual.
5. Villa – projected against the backdrop of landscape.
6. The garden spaces were considered – extensions of the house.
7. Thus the concept of “Outdoor Room” became famous.
8. Axial planning formed – important aspect – Special articulation.

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 9. Spaces –were clearly delineated & a articulated by way of levels, trees,
sculpture or water.

E.g.: Villalante, Bagnala

1. Designed by Vignolia in 1566.
2. This masterpiece of Italian garden art is also called as “Water Garden”
Siting
1. Gently sloping hill side with a wooden forest. Villa is located along the slope.
Axial Planning
1. Clear cut axis extending beyond the front gate.
2. Planning – along axis – various features “Punctuation”
3. Cleat cut “Transition” at every stage.
4. The axis finally culminated & comes to rest in the arch water parterre

Hierarchy
1. A clear hierarchical setup – seen along the axial planning.
2. Space 1: the largest beyond which there is a narrowing down of space
because of clearing in the groves.
3. Space 3 & 4: are the second in line in terms of hierarchy.
4. Space 5: narrows down to meet the wooded forest beyond.

5. Design – Composition in Progression with punctuation along the axis in the

form of events.
6. Events – forms of water, sculpture etc have been placed responding to the
topography.
7. Rectangular shape – linear progression
8. Transition between the garden & surroundings – rudder.
9. Garden did not seem harmonious with the surrounding.
10. Garden was laid – basis of formal shapes & patterns.

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 11. Pattern – was an architectural prototype – formality of life modified be the
circumstances of the movement.

Components of Landscape Design

6 grand compositional elements of garden & landscape design.
 Water
 Landform
 Vertical structures (e.g. buildings)
 Horizontal structures (e.g. paving-Hard Landscape elements)
 Soft Landscape Elements
 Climate

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Landscape Design
 The creative arrangement of space to achieve harmony, utility & beauty
between man & nature.
Four Factors
 Process
 Theory
 Design Elements
 Design Guidelines

Process
 Design process synthesizes Planning & Analysis with Project requirements.
 Results in a landscape design solution - is Functional & Pleasing within budget
limitations.
Main components in Design Process
 Project Programming
 Site Analysis
 Concept Design

 Project Programming
1. Analyzes requirements, priorities & user needs.
2. Input is obtained form personnel who have an association with the project.
3. Information & feed back form the basis of the project program requirements &
determine the various activities or functions.
 Site Analysis
Focuses on site characteristics that help define the final design.
Evaluation Factors:
1. Views:
a. Highlight good views
b. Screen objectionable views
2. Existing conditions:
a. Preserve mature trees
b. Protect unique vegetation
c. Preserve natural & historic features
3. Soils:
a. Identify poor soils
b. Identify suitable soils
c. Identify wetlands
4. Topography
a. Stabilize steep slopes
b. Integrate abrupt grade changes
5. Drainage
a. Integrate runoff patters
b. Locate potential ponding areas
6. Vehicular & pedestrian circulation
a. Identify need for & location of ramps
b. Determine if screening of parking is required

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 7. Noise
a. Mitigate exposure
8. Security requirements
a. Determine special needs

 Concept Design
Using, the installation landscape theme, plant list & analysis of the existing site
conditions, the designer develops the concept design drawings.
Realistically & naturally rendered – a well executed concept design drawing is
the designer’s best communication instrument.
Once approval is obtained – the designer can develop the final design &
construction documents.

Theory
Artistic principles are applied in developing a quality design solution.

1. Proportion & Scale

o A visually pleasing & functional relationship should exist between the 3
dimensions of length, width & height.
2. Balance
o Accents should be carefully distributed in the design – provide
aesthetically pleasing integration of elements.
o Both formal & in formal plantings & site amenities can achieve balance in
the design solution.
3. Unity
o Fitting together the component parts to form pleasing whole results in
unity.
4. Harmony
o Aesthetic integration of diverse elements results in harmony.
o Within a design, harmony can be accomplished through the use of site
amenities of a similar style
5. Line
As part of the landscape design, the creation of lines should be pleasing &
proportionate.
o Expressed through paths, walls, and fences & planting masses.
6. Emphasis
o Is Directing attention to one object or portion of a composition
o Vertical elements in open areas of installations can be dramatic &
create interesting focal points
7. Contrast
o The diversity of adjacent elements in terms of color, texture or
tone.

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 o The designer integrates plant material with distinctly different
foliage color texture or form to highlight & draw attention
8. Variety
o Is created by introducing different forms or types of elements.
o Introducing too many elements can create a chaotic,
unmanageable environment.
9. Repetition
o Is achieved by massing or grouping individual plants.
o Repetitive elements in the landscape reflect architectural
geometry & can improve the connection between indoor and outdoor space.
10. Form
o Trunk, branches & leaves together create the form of a tree & give
definition to its shape.
o Different plant forms are- columnar, round, vase, weeping, pyramidal,
oval &irregular
o Structures, landforms & the plant materials all contribute to the
composite form of the landscape design

11. Texture
o Is defined by the size, surface & spacing of small detailed components
that create diverse & varied patters of light & shade.
12. Color
o A harmonious design in terms of color is most easily obtained by
providing dominance in one color.
Design Elements
1. Plants
2. Inert Materials
3. Landforms
4. Site Amenities
5. Circulation
6. Water Features

Plants
o Plants can be categorized as
a. Trees
b. Shrubs
c. Groundcover
d. Vines
e. Annuals
f. Perennials
g. Grasses
o Evergreen plants keep their leaves throughout the year.

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 o Deciduous plants shed all or most of their leaves at one time of the year.
Functional use of Plants
o Besides adding seasonal variety & beauty plants can achieve the
following functions through appropriate application.

Wind Control
o It can modify wind speed on the ground for distances up to 30 times
height.
o Dense masses of large evergreen trees planted to intercept prevailing
winter and summer winds can influence energy efficiency of facilities.
Temperature Modification
o Locating densely foliated trees and shrubs to the south west & west of
facilities can reduce heat gain.
o Deciduous trees planted to the south, east & west of facilities will provide
summer shade but will not block winter sun.
Noise Abatement
o Trees, shrubs, groundcover & turf buffer noise.
o Plants diffract & break up sound waves, changing their direction & reducing
their intensity.

Glare control
o Trees, shrubs & other vegetation can effectively reduce glare & reflection
when place between the light source & the observer.

Visual Effect
o Plants not only contribute to the aesthetics of a space or area they also
serve a function with the landscape.
o Plants can be used to accomplish a desired effect.
a) Streetscape
b) Foundation
c) Barrier
d) Screen
e) Accent
f) Wetlands
g) Surface erosion control
h) Parking area
i) Wildlife

a) Streetscape
Trees planted along a street can reduce glare, define transportation
network hierarchies & soften the man-made environment.
An ideal street tree possesses the following characteristics
i. 30 to 45 feet in height
ii. Forms a canopy

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 iii. Relatively free of debris
iv. Highly tolerant to pollution, diseases & pests
v. Deeply rooted & drought tolerant.
o Shrubs, ground covers & vines can accent, screen define space or provide
barriers to circulation.
o A well-designed mix of plants can add interest along an installation’s
streets.

b) Foundation
o Foundation plantings help anchor a building visually to the ground plane
by providing a transition between the vertical & horizontal planes.
o Foundation plantings can range form formal arrangement of
shrubs to a blend of trees, shrubs, ground covers, annuals.

c) Barrier
o Barrier control or divert vehicular & pedestrian movement.
o Massing of plant material can be effective in controlling access to certain
areas.

d) Screen
o Plant material can be used to shield or screen undesirable features.
(Mechanical equipment, sub stations, pumps stations, transformers,
dumpsters, service areas, docks & electrical switch gear)
o Densely foliated evergreen shrubs are most effective as screens.

e) Accent
o An accent plant demonstrates a sharp contrast through its forms, flower or
character.
o Accent draws attention, add visual diversity and enliven the composition of
landscape plan.

f) Wetlands
o The wetlands ecosystem can be very Biologically-productive area.
o They thrive in constant soil moisture.
o They contribute to the shelter of the native wildlife while adding to the
natural beauty of the area.

g) Surface Erosion Control

o Ideal plants for erosion control are fast-growing, self-rooting native
groundcovers with exceptionally shallow & fibrous root systems.
o Even shallow slopes can be eroded when exposed to high volumes of water
due to extended runoff form major storms.
o Designers should address the entire site for erosion potential & mitigate
appropriately.

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h) Parking area
o Plants in parking area need to be hardy varieties that can thrive in confined
growing area & are able to withstand drought, reflected heat & are pollution
tolerant.

i) Wildlife
o Landscape development for wildlife requires the designer to consider the 4
basic needs of wildlife: Food, Water, Shelter, & Space

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