MODULE 3.3: HARDSCAPES.

1. Write a note of Hardscape OR Explain the following terms

a) Paving
b) Retaining walls
c) Shelters
d) Seating
e) Tree guard
f) Planters
g) Lighting
h) Traffic control and protection
i) Signage
j) Sculptures
k) Fences
ANSWER: Hardscape consist of elements such as
a) Paving:
Paving is the method of creating durable surfaces laid
down on an area intended to sustain traffic (vehicular
or foot traffic). The most common modern paving
methods are stone and concrete. In the past, brick was
extensively used. Today, permeable paving methods
are beginning to be used more for low-impact
roadways and walkways.

(c) Smitha Navda,BMSCE,2012

b) Retaining walls: They are used to create

relatively level areas at different elevations,
where changes in elevation can’t be
accomplished by grading because of limited
horizontal distances or where changes of grade
must be accomplished with least disturbance to
topography.

CLASS NOTES: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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5 Semester ‘A’ Section
 • c) Shelters: Shelters are often
major elements of a site. They
can be used as a visual
reference to the historical or
cultural character of a place.
The choice of an appropriate
design idiom should reflect an
understanding of the social and
cultural forces that have given
the place its unique identity.
Shelters often serve as focal
points of a site they should be:
1. Readily visible
2. Easily accessible
3. Sited to take advantage of
views
4. Sited adjacent to major
pedestrian routes

TYPES:
• Tensile Fabric Structures
• Pergolas: A pergola is a garden
feature forming a shaded walk
or passageway of pillars that
support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice, upon which woody vines are trained.
• Trellis: An open framework, latticework, or design of wood or steel in a vertical wall
or horizontal overhead. Vegetation supported vertically or horizontally.
• Canopies: A covered shelter for protection from sun, rain, snow, tree-litter, etc., that
generally projects over a sidewalk, driveway, entry, window or similar area.
• Gazebos: A gazebo is a pavilion structure, sometimes octagonal, in parks, gardens,
and spacious public areas.

(c) Smitha Navda,BMSCE,2012

d) Seating: Seating should be sited so as to:

• Be sheltered from wind
• Take advantage of site views
• Be situated back of circulation paths
• Provide a variety of options for pedestrians such as sunlight, shade, multitude,
activity, formality, informality etc.

CLASS NOTES: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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5 Semester ‘A’ Section
 They include benches, stoops, ledges, seat
walls, steps etc.

e) Tree guard:

Tree guard: An element used for the protection

of tree growth in the younger stage and it is also
(c) Smitha Navda,BMSCE,2012
used to maintain nutrients and moisture levels in
cold area.

f) Planters:
Planters: small containers
for growth of plants.
Standard sizes are
diameter 12”, 18”22”, 24”
and 30”.

CLASS NOTES: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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5 Semester ‘A’ Section
g) Lighting: The height of light standards is
the single factor that most directly
determines the quality of the light and the
consequent ambience of the site.
• Exterior lighting can be generally
categorised as:
1. Decorative lighting
2. Vehicular use lighting
3. General site lighting
4. Pedestrian use lighting
5. Feature lighting

 Bollards: Bollards are low profile

sturdy posts embedded in the floor to
protect some other fragile structures or
to exclude vehicles from pedestrian
precincts.
 The message they convey here is
not of `STAY OUT' but that of `COME IN
ON YOUR FEET'.
 Where vehicular traffic is to be
restricted for a few hours only, light
weight temporary bollards are also used.
 Bollards unlike railings do not
form visually barriers.

(c) Smitha Navda,BMSCE,2012

CLASS NOTES: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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5 Semester ‘A’ Section
H) Traffic control and protection:

(c) Smitha Navda,BMSCE,2012

CLASS NOTES: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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5 Semester ‘A’ Section
i) Signage’s: Signage is any kind of visual graphics created
to display information to a particular audience.
This is typically manifested in the form of way finding
information in places such as streets or outside of buildings

j) Sculpture: Sculpture is three-dimensional artwork

created by shaping or combining different materials.
• Materials may be worked by removal such as carving; or they may be assembled
such as by welding.
• Different materials like stone,wood,steel,marbel etc. can be used.

(c) Smitha Navda,BMSCE,2012

k) Fences: Fences, screens & walls are used for a variety of reasons:
• Visual privacy
• Physical inclusion
• Control of people & animals
• Modification of environmental factors like noise, wind,
sunlight etc.
• Purely aesthetic reasons

CLASS NOTES: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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5 Semester ‘A’ Section
DESIGN INFORMATION
• An integral part of the architecture of the entire site.
• Should be compatible with adjacent buildings and fences or walls.
• should be of durable material such as brick, wood, wrought iron, decorative concrete
block or similar
• Fences should generally be stepped up or down to accommodate changes in
topography rather than sloping with the ground.
• Fences adjacent to sidewalks should be at least 12” or 1’ (30 cms) from the sidewalk.
INSTALLATION MATERIAL
• Limited Solid Material. All fences which have 50% or less solid material will be
considered limited solid material fences.
• Less than 50% solid material may be spaced eight feet (8’) on centre.
Example: chain link or split rail fences.
• Solid Material. All fences which have more than 50% solid materials will be
considered solid material fences.
• Types:Momumentalmetal,wooden,PVC,wire fence.

• All fences must be installed within or on the property lines. It is the property owner’s
responsibility to locate the property lines.
• A fence, a hedge or a wall located in a side yard or rear yard area adjacent to a
driveway, alley or street, must comply with the visibility triangle requirements.

(c) Smitha Navda,BMSCE,2012

CLASS NOTES: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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5 Semester ‘A’ Section