LANDFORMS / EARTH FORMS

• Landform is synonymous with topography, refers to the three

dimensional relief of the earth’s surface.
• Serves as a base for all outdoor activities – can be thought of as
artistic and utilitarian element for design.

1. MACROLANDFORMS – Regional
scale – types of valleys, mountains,
prairies, etc.

2. MICROLANDFORMS – Site scale – mounds,

berms, slopes, level areas, etc.

3. MINILANDFORMS – subtle undulations,

ripples of a sand dune, textural variations of stones
and rocks in a walk.
Sloped landform blocks
views and creates
spatial edges. Level
landform does the
opposite.
DIFFERENT LANDFORMS LANDFORMS IN REGIONAL
SCALE

Himalaya, alps,
Western Ghats
Embankmen
t Swale

Bangalore out skirts

English landscapes,
Valley
Mound

Landscape Deccan plateau etc.

Curve

Gully
DEVELOPMENT OF LANDFORMS
What is your
preference? Any
examples for
Accentuation?
Ragi gudda,
Mahalakshmi
layout, Hanumanth
nagar, Bull temple

Dramatize the
landform to make it
more appealing
or retain as it is but
never neglect the
landform by
making it flat.
 LAND FORM AND CONTOUR READING
By looking at the contour map one can visualize ridge, valley, uniform
slope, steep slope, mounds, flat areas etc.
 CONTOURS AND LANDFORMS
Uniform slope, convex slope, concave slope, ridge, valley, steep slope,
retaining wall etc. can be identified in a contour map
LAND FORM - CUT &
FILL
Cut – waste of soil and
disposal has to be taken care
Fill – Bring extra soil from
outside
Cut & fill – balanced, what is
removed is filled back
Represent slope always in
percentage or ratio
Sections helps to modify and
locate building, road, gutter,
retaining wall etc.
CONTOUR MAP AND SECTION

Contour map indicates

the existence of
landforms.

Site sections are useful

to understand the
landforms.

Sectional elevations or
sectional views helps
to explain what you
have visualized.
LAND FORM AND DECK

In any sloping site there is scope for

using bridges, decks, stilts etc.

How, where, when and why used is

Landscape Architect’s choice
LAND FORM
ALONG WATER
BODY EDGE

Results in dock,
deck, overlook and
terraces

LAND FORM
It always results in
water body, bridges,
steps, level
differences, vistas,
retaining walls,
cascades etc., make
use of them in your
 LAND FORMS & WATER BODY

Slope along water body

also can be considered
under landforms. Various
manmade and natural
alternatives can be
suggested.

LAND FORM & SLOPE RETENSION

Slope can be retained in
many ways. It depends on
the Landscape architect’s
concept, visualization and
selection based on function
and site conditions.
LAND FORMS AND SECTIONS
Helps to explain the one that cannot
be explained in plans
Many interesting features can
be visualized and explained
New concepts and ideas can be
developed and demonstrated
LANDFORM ADVANTAGES
Prepare well for your first internals and revert back for any doubt or quarries.

Thank you