Role of Water in Landscape

Introduction
 Water has been used by landscape architects as a key aesthetic factor.
 It was implemented for breaking the monotony caused by the solid
materials used by architects or artists.
 It’s a neutral architectural element which cannot be clearly classified
as natural or built.
 Its significance in visual and non-visual landscapes depends on the
perception of the observer.
Water is a multidimensional object of research which appears in various
fields:
1. Environmentally : A natural resource for living
2. Socially : A sensitive basis for developing human activities
3. Financially : It influences tourism, agriculture, fisheries, etc.
4. Culturally : Related to folklore, mythology, art and religion
5. Aesthetically : Represented as a beauty element of nature.
Role of water in landscape aesthetics-
Water has a very special quality as an element in landscape design. Water
add sound, movement and enjoyment into the landscape.

Water related landscape values-

1. Sound of water or water birds
2. Movement of rivers, waterfall or waves
3. Colours of water and coasts
4. Reflection on water surface
5. Possibility of expanding biotopes of certain species
6. Water creates a sculpture effects
 Various water features in landscape architecture
A water feature can be as simple as a small reflecting pool or as
elaborate as a waterfall cascading into a fish pond with a fountain. With
so many options to choose from, it is helpful to recognize the four basic
categories of water features; ponds, fountains, waterfalls and
streams.
Ponds:
The four basic types of ponds are, reflecting pools, ornamental pools,
water gardens and fish ponds. Each of these may be any size, shape
or depth.
1. Reflecting Pools- Reflecting pools are designed to be decorative
features usually in a garden as a central feature. They often have
formal, geometric shapes with walking surfaces that overhang their
edges all the way around. For added artistic beauty these water
features are normally located near a decorative landscape feature that
is vividly reflected in the glassy surface of the water.

2. Ornamental Pools- Ornamental pools are generally located near a

deck or patio. They are designed around an ornamental piece like a
spouting statue a vertically cascading fountain or a bell fountain.
3. Water Gardens- Water gardens are living water features, replete with
aquatic plant life that is full of vibrant colours and textures. Plants,
both inside and outside the perimeter of the pond create a lush natural
 setting.

4. Fish Ponds- Fish can be added to almost any type of water feature as
long as certain life sustaining criteria are met. Gold fish and Koi are
common favorites. They add a splash of colour in motion.

Fountains:
An almost limitless variety of shapes and sizes of fountains may be added
to your water feature. The sound of water tumbling and splashing on itself
combined with a refreshing mist carried by the breeze is truly
invigorating.

Waterfalls:
Like fountains, waterfalls add sound, motion and vitality to your water
feature. Often created with natural stone slabs or boulders, waterfalls
bring a vertical dimension. Waterfalls capture your interest from a
distance as they dance and flow.

Streams:
Streams are ideal for meandering along paths, walkways or even pool
decks. Acting as natural filters, streams are often designed to flow into
waterfalls and cascade into a pond to help sustain the entire ecosystem of
a water feature.

Cascading:
Cascading is phenomenon of falling water from a sources and reaching to
destination passing through many steps.
 It is a form of falling water.
 Can be natural of artificial type.
 Can be created in steps or other geometrical forms.