WHAT
IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?
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The process of building a good landscape involves three
distinct steps: design; installation; maintenance.
Failure to consider any one facet can affect the success
of a landscaping project. An extremely well conceived
landscape cannot succeed if it is poorly installed,
nor can a poorly designed landscape be redeemed by good
installation procedures.
Development of the landscape throughout its history
requires high maintenance standards. |
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The design process begins with a thorough design analysis,
consisting of a site analysis and an analysis of people's
needs. Until the needs of the property and the people
using it are known, they cannot be met. As a part of
the site analysis, the land itself must be studied to
determine if alterations are necessary to provide drainage,
usable areas, and a more comfortable environment. A
general study of these beneficial land features, as
well as those requiring alteration is best; they are
refined later, as plans are completed. |
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After all factors surrounding the land and its occupants
have been studied, the designer can start to formulate
specific design concepts. The property is divided into
usable portions for the functions indicated in the design
analysis, and necessary terrain alterations are planned.
Shade, wind protection, screening, and enclosure can
then be provided. At this stage of the design process,
it is best to make general choices, not choosing specific
materials until all design criteria have been evaluated. |
All circulation routes are also considered during this
design stage. Again, it is best to determine the general
size and shape of sidewalks, drives, patios, and so
forth, without specifically determining the surfacing
to be used. Aesthetic decisions come later. |
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After all general determinations have been made about
area sizes and shapes, environmental requirements, and
circulation routes, the aesthetic design factors can
be considered. The design becomes more specific at this
point. Choices are made: a trellis or a tree for shade;
a wall, fence, hedge, or mass planting for a screen;
and so forth. Ground-surface patterns take form as surfacing
materials are chosen and lines of demarcation are determined.
All elements in the landscape can be tied together effectively
in a unified design that is aesthetically pleasing.
Textures, colors, and forms are blended together to
form a functioning landscape that is pleasant to view.
Materials selection climaxes the design process. |
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The
experienced designer will mull the separate parts of
the design process over simultaneously as he proceeds.
The designer continually shifts his attention from one
factor to another, ensuring that the final design will
be unified in all phases.
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Those
ideas that have been conceived in the designer's mind
during the design process are recorded on paper in such
away that others can read and understand them: this
is the landscape plan. The plan must communicate those
ideas to the property owner as well as to any potential
installer. Maybe most importantly, the landscape designer
uses the plan to communicate ideas to himself throughout
the design process. Recording the various design concepts
on paper during the design process allows the designer
to relate one area to another, comparing concepts for
compatibility.
*excerpts
from Landscape Design by Leroy Hannebaum. |
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