LANDSCAPE

DESIGN
Prepared by: Scott Andrew Serrano
DEFINITION
The term “Landscape” refers to an area, as perceived by people, whose
character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human
factors’ (ref European Landscape Convention).

The Home Quality Mark defines “Landscape” as an area, as perceived by

people, whose visual features and character is of environmental, social and
economic value, usually as a result of the action and interaction of natural and
human factors, such as aesthetic, heritage, scenic, cultural and leisure benefits.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Landscape design, also known as
landscape architecture and
landscaping, is the arranging and
modifying of features in a landscape,
urban area or garden. It involves the
planning, designing and managing of
open spaces to create urban and rural
environments.
LANSCAPE DESIGN
Landscape design can be incorporated
into a wide variety of projects, from
parks and green spaces, to gardens,
sports sites and large estates such as
housing developments, business parks,
universities, hospital complexes, and
so on. It may be used to regenerate or
improve sites such as brownfield sites
or contaminated sites and may be part
of a biodiversity offsetting program to
help mitigate for the loss of habitat
that may result from a new
development.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Among its many uses and benefits,
landscape can help soften spaces
between buildings, can provide links
between spaces, can provide a route
for people, water and animals, can
provide a space for contemplation,
assembly or recreation, can provide a
space for gardening, can help
improve environmental quality, and
so on. A well-designed and maintained
landscape can attract people to a site
and can have a positive impact on
property value and personal wellbeing.
LANDSCAPE INSTITUTE
The Landscape Institute (LI) works to
protect, conserve and enhance the
natural and built environment for the
public benefit. It suggests that,
“landscape architecture is rooted in an
understanding of how the environment
works and what makes each place
unique. It is a blend of science and art,
vision and thought. It is a creative
profession skilled in strategic planning,
delivery and management”
Landscape design involves the arrangement of a
wide range of elements, including:
• The landform itself.
• Built structures.
• Circulation routes, such as roads, paths,
steps, ramps, railings, and so on
(including accessibility considerations).
• Vegetation and planting.
• Water features, art and other
installations (such as educational
installations).
• Furniture.
• Lighting.
• Drainage, such as sustainable urban
drainage systems (SUDS).
• Signage.
OUTDOOR ROOMS
Creating “Rooms” throughout the
Landscape
• Provides a welcoming atmosphere
• encourages movement
• Defines special use areas
• Allows for family privacy
OUTDOOR ROOMS
• Public area – “front yard”
• Family living area – “back yard”
• Service Area – utilitarian space
• Private Living Area – frequently a
quiet
• spot located off the Master Bedroom
FAMILY LIVING AREA
Links homes to yard for social
occasions. Usually the largest area
where most activities take place Sun
and wind orientation for maximum
usage.
Thoughtful design created for
individual families results in:
• Greater use of entire home
space
• A personalized statement of
family
values
• Improvement and increased
home value
PRINCIPLES OF LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Focalization
Proportion And Scale
Balance
Order And Unity
Repetition
Rhythm And Sequence
Interconnection
FOCALIZATION
• Focalization is created as a visual break in the
sequence and flow of the landscape.
• The focal point is the point or area of the
landscape that attracts the viewer’s eyes.
• The visual break captures the attention of the
viewer and draws it to the focal point.
• Without a point or area on which to focus, the
viewer’s eyes become lost and confused
throughout the landscape.
• As a designer, create an accent or focal point that
is strong and effective.
• Do not incorporate too many focal points into the
landscape. Otherwise, their effect will be lost.
Use the design elements (line, form, texture, and
color) to move the viewer’s eyes through the
landscape to the place of the focal point.
PROPORTION AND SCALE
• Proportion is the relationship that exists among the components of a landscape. It
also describes the relationship between the components of the landscape and the
landscape as a whole.
• Proportion involves the size relationships between and among the components
making up the landscape.
• Proportion describes the mathematical relationships among the dimensions of
space and site components making up an area.
• These mathematical relationships are totally separate from human perception
dimensions. In a sense, proportion is similar to a ratio. For example, corner
plantings next to a house that are two- thirds the distance from the ground to the
eave are proportional to the house. The height of the corner plantings is
proportional to the height of the eave.
• Scale is the human perception of the size of space and form related to the human
dimension. Scale is relative to the perception of the viewer. For a large two-
story house, corner plantings that are proportional to the house may appear out of
scale to the viewer.
A design is in proper proportion
and scale when a pleasing
relationship exists among and
between each component and the
design as a whole.
BALANCE
• Balance is a design principle defined in terms
of weight.
• It is the equalization of visual weight from
one area of a landscape composition to
another. SYMMETRICAL BALANCE
• Two distinctlydifferent types of balance
exist in landscape design:

ASYMMETRICALBALANCE
SYMMETRICAL BALANCE
Symmetrical balance is a formal balance. It is
sometimes referred to as bi-lateral symmetry.
Symmetrical balance is recognizable in that an
exact sameness occurs on either side of the
composition.
The same components are repeated on the
both sides of the composition. If a line (center
axis) were drawn through the middle of the
form or space, each side would be identical.
The visual and actual weight is equally
distributed on each side.
ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE
A symmetrically balanced landscape compares to a
level balance scale. Both sides of the scale are level
with the exact same weights on each plate.
Asymmetrical balance is an informal balance. It
does not repeat the same plant material in the
same quantity or in the same relative position on
either side of the center axis.
An asymmetrically balanced design implies equal
weights on either side of the center axis. However,
it does not have the “sameness” on each side.
An asymmetrically balanced landscape compares to
a level candy scale.
Imbalance in a landscape is not desirable.
ORDER AND UNITY
• Order and unity are emotional and visual reactions to the overall structure and organization of the
design elements.
• The designer blends the design elements and the design detail decisions of materials with the
existing site conditions to establish order and unity.
• The concept created by order and unity is carried out throughout the design.
• Order is the overall organization and structure of a design. It is the basic scheme or “skeleton” of the
design.
• Order is created and carried out through the composition. Examples of order in a design may be
symmetrical versus asymmetrical balance or a formal versus naturalistic arrangement.
• Unity is the harmonious relationship among all elements and characteristics of a design.
• A unified design is homogeneous and congruous. A design lacking unity appears disorderly and
haphazard.
• Too many components and materials and the complex use of the elements create competitiveness
and a lack of integration within a design.
• To establish unity in a design, stay simple and minimize differences.
• Always remember to simplify diversity and reduce the number of differences between the
components in the landscape
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REPETITION
• Repetition involves repeating or using an element more than once throughout
a design.
• It helps establish and add order and unity to a design.
• Repetition provides a common feature throughout the design that pulls the
design together.
RHYTHM AND SEQUENCE
• Rhythm and sequence describe the dynamic unity or the related, orderly movement that
implies continuity.
• They are the apparent flow of lines, textures, and colors that express a feeling of
• motion rather than confusion.
• Order and repetition help establish rhythm and sequence in a design. Rhythm and
sequence characterize continuity and connection from one part of the design to another
part.
• They group the components together, drawing the design together. This keeps the
viewer’s eyes busy and allows them to follow easier through the design.
• Rhythm and sequence lead the viewer’s eyes easily and smoothly along a deliberate,
dominant, and visual path.
• The viewer’s eyes move back and forth with a feeling of smooth motion between the
components of the site and the focal point.
• As a designer, accomplish rhythm and sequence in a design by repeating one or more of
the elements such as line (creating a pattern), form, texture, and color. In addition, build
on the other design principles to create rhythm and sequence in a design.
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INTERCONNECTION
Interconnection is a design principle for producing unity in the design.
Various components in the design are physically linked together.
Repetition helps in establishing interconnection.
A designer may incorporate interconnection into the entire design or into only a
small space within the design.
 TYPES OF LANDSCAPE

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SOFTSCAPE
Softscape or soft landscape includes all
types of plant life, from flowers and
trees to shrubs and groundcover. It
naturally changes and evolves over
time, driven by the climate, time of
year and other conditions. Careful
consideration should be given to the
amount of maintenance that these
elements will require to stay in good
order.
HARDSCAPE
Hard landscape or hardscape consists
of the inanimate elements of
landscaping. They are 'hard' and
unchanging, although they may be
movable and adaptable to the
environment. They can also have
effects on the soft environment, such
as paving which increases water run-
off. Hardscape might include,
walkways, walls, outdoor 'rooms' and
performance areas, gazebos, fences,
and so on.
For more, see Hard landscape.
 LANDSCAPE DESIGN PROCESS

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Landscape projects cover a diverse
array of objectives. The same architect
could work on designs for a healing
garden for a hospital or design an
innovative dog park on the roof of a
luxury living complex. While the
methods and specifics change with
each project to match the particular
goals of the job site, the process stays
relatively consistent.
1. DESIGN BRIEF
This stage narrows down the realm of limitless possibilities. The architect finds a
solution that solves the problem while working within the restraints of the
location. While landscaping comes with many technical aspects, the field at its
core is a creative venture. Any landscape "problem" or "prompt" that a
developer wants to fulfill has almost limitless solutions. By asking and
answering questions, the architect narrows down possibilities to find the exact
one that suits the developer's needs and preferences. They collaborate with the
natural environment and follow the county's codes and regulations.
2. DESIGN
The design stage begins when the proverbial pencil hits the paper. The architect
takes the ideas discussed with the developer and turns them into plans on a
digital page.
• The steps of the landscape architecture design process are:
• Pre-Design
• Conceptual Design
• Design Development
• Construction Documentation
Throughout the design phases, the landscape architect will consider factors
such as cost, purpose and features of the site itself. When designing, the
location is vital to the development of the plan. The architect has to keep in
mind the original site. They must protect the natural vegetation and resources
while accomplishing the objectives of the developer.
2.1 Pre-design
The preliminary design phase consists of researching the restrictions and
requirements of the project. The architect analyzes current features in the
location, such as existing walkways, buildings and utilities. They also consider
environmental factors such as climates, micro-climates, moisture retention,
existing plants and soil erosion. They infer areas rather than focus on specific
calculations and details.
2.2 Conceptual Design
This phase of design consists of fleshing out multiple sketches of high-level
design concepts. Architects are starting to create a plan with basic numbers and
an understanding of the requirements of the jurisdiction.
For example, they need to follow the codes specific to the county, city or
township about open area requirements and landscape ratios. During this stage,
architects look at the factors the project must adhere to in order to bring the
project into compliance. Later in the conceptual stage, they try to identify
issues that may arise when getting clearances from governing bodies.
2.3 Design Development
This stage of the landscape design includes all the necessary calculations and
delves deeply into the specifics of all the structures. The architect becomes
mindful of components such as stormwater management, contour grading and
elevation drawings. They select one of the conceptual designs and refine it to
define the necessary specifications. They make sure their plan follows code and
fulfills the needs of the developer.
2.4 Construction Documentation
This phase will cycle back and forth between itself and the design development
phase. Now, the plans are finalized and sent to different review agencies for
approvals. Since this is the final stage before the contractors break ground,
every detail and calculation must comply with the governing bodies'
requirements. When plans don't fit every code, they get sent back to the
architect to get reworked to fit within those parameters.
3. CONSTRUCTION
Architects will also perform site visits to inspect the landscaping process. They
make sure it adheres to the originally approved plans. Having the designer of
the project visit the site can help mitigate any lapses in communication, from
the ideas on paper to the physical execution.
4. CLOSING OUT THE PROJECT
The close-out reviews the accomplishments of the project and confirms the
finished project fulfilled the expectations of the client. The architect then
compiles all the documents, including drawings, manuals, renderings and
specifications. The plan transfers over to the owners in case they ever want to
make changes or updates or need to reference the original source materials in
the future.