Elements of Landscape Design:

Natural Elements

 Water – Magnificent Element

 Landform

Artificial Elements

 Pavements
 Sculptures and Water Bodies
 Planting
 Fences, Drainage and Lighting
 Rock Gardens and Street Furniture

Land form

Garden design is a major part of landscape Architecture. Study of the landform helps facilitates site
planning and landscape design. Topography and slopes determine framing, screening of views, plant
growth with which the former is achieved; siting of built surfaces and artifacts in landscape. However, the
topography and the associated slopes when based on geology and soil characteristics assist in economic
and sustainable landscape design.

Castle lake garden | Garden design

All of landscape design ultimately depends on soil and water retention. At large or small scale, the shape
of the earth indicates geological forces at work or of modern landuse, hints at the work of our ancestors
or of ancient people.

Three important factors to consider in Garden design:

1. Shape of the ground
2. Provision of Circulation
3. Vertical elements of Planting and Enclosure
The shape of the earth has primary consideration since reshaping has to consider existing levels within
and adjacent to the site. This avoids flooding and accommodates surface drainage enabling quick reuse
of the site after rain. In small sites ground modeling can give depth and mystery to the site in directing the
view and the focus of the user. At its most elemental earth shaping is a sculptural concept, a
rearrangement of mass and void, a subdivision of space. Technical conditions for stable earth shaping
are contouring and slope stability.

Lake garden | Landscape design

Existing drainage systems, swales, streams, gullies seasonal floods need to be recorded through survey.
Settlement and consolidation of new slopes has to consider existing trees that may become unstable or
die due to absence of water retention in new slopes.

Slopes need to accommodate access to all parts of the site and for planting and
landscape treatment.
1. Ramps should have slopes of 1 in 3 and never more than 1 in 10
2. Steps – 1 in 4
3. Disturbed soils should be graded 1 in 5 for safety
4. Agriculture – 1 in 6
5. Forestry – 1 in 4.
6. Grass does not grow well in 1 in 1 slope. Machine mowing slopes are usually 1 in 4.
7. Grassy slopes for pedestrian use should be 1 in 10 for comfort or else tend to get muddy.
8. Football and other grounds – 1 in 30 to 1 in 80.

Slope and Planting depend on quality of subsoil drainage since waterlogged sites are unstable and the
soil itself is devoid of air necessary for roots. The soil water flows through these spaces and carry
bacteria. Roots tend to go deeper in fast draining soil leading to healthier soil and stability. The open and
healthy nature of soil that is ideal for plants can be achieved cultivation, drainage and applications of
compost. Soil is created when living organisms colonizes mineral detritus. It is the interface between the
solid rocky globe and the biosphere; the term for the mere life-supporting elements , oxygen above all
that envelops us. It is normal to distinguish between the top soil, where the marriage of rocky matrix and
biological life has gone furthest, and the subsoil where the influence of the biosphere is comparatively
slight.
Design of Pathways

 The Path defines the passage in the landscape created. It could be paved or unpaved. Paving
materials are used to eliminate hazards from mud and dust and to form a smooth surface for ease
of circulation.
 Various design patterns in the pathways help beautify the surroundings and look pleasing to the
eye.
 The paving material could be natural or man-made. Man-made paving materials are available in
a wide variety of textures and colours. Some of the materials used are explained in the following.
Use of Stone as a Paving material
 Stone, one of the oldest paving materials, offers good, durable, wearing surface with a minimum
maintenance required. Rubble and ashlar masonry are the two forms of stone used for paving.
Rubble masonry is rough stone, as it comes from the quarry, but may be trimmed somewhat where
necessary.

Stone Pavement

 Ashlar masonry is hewed or cut stone from the quarry and is used much more often than rubble
for the surfacing of the walls.
Use of Bricks as a Paving material
 Bricks are the oldest artificial building material in use today. They offer a great variety of textures
and colours as well as flexibility in use.
 Brick Pavement

 Composed of hard, burnt clay and shale, brick is available in many colours due to the variation
in the chemical content of clay. Bricks can be used to make tiles with varied shapes. Because of the
hard surface and resistance to wear and cracking, these tiles are best suited for outdoor paving.
 These could be laid on stone bases or on concrete slabs. The most common patterns are
running bond, herringbone and basket weave.
Use of concrete as a Paving material
 Concrete maybe poured in situ, offers a variety in texture and colour and forms a durable
walking surface. It is extensively used as a paving material.
 Concrete lends itself to variations in finish, and maybe smooth or rough, with aggregates
exposed when desired.
Use of Asphalt as a Paving material
 Asphalt does not offer the variety of textures that concrete does, although it provides a softer
walking surface.

Asphalt Paving

 Asphalt is not as durable as concrete; it is less expensive and is used extensively for walkways
on college campuses, in large parks and recreational areas, and in the construction of roads.
Sculptures and Water Bodies

The combination of Sculptures and Water Bodies has always been considered unique since the Roman
Times….

Trevi Fountain in Rome - Combination of Sculpture and Water Body

Use of “Sculptures” in the Landscape Design

 Sculptures sometimes act as focal points in courtyards or plaza areas. They maybe created
from natural or artificial materials at a great variety of forms, colours and textures are possible.
 Stone and wood are some natural elements which may be employed to make sculptures.
 Placement of a sculpture within a space depends upon sunlight and shadow patterns, which
project the object in various ways during different times of the day.
 Night lights can also be adjusted to highlight the interesting aspects of the sculptures from
various angles.
 The sculpture should be so located to take advantage of varying sight lines.
Use of “Water Bodies” in Landscape Design
 This is the most interesting object in landscape design.
 Water, which is a natural element, can be a prominent feature in the landscape.
 It may be used in the form of fountains or pools for its reflective qualities, differences in sound or
cooling effect.
 Programming the flow of water in fountains is done by an electronic timing system which may
also control the night light sequence.
 The water flow and lighting must be coordinated to achieve maximum effect.
 Sculptural elements of granite or concrete can be integrated in a water cascade or fountain
effect.
Planting

Planting is the major and the most important element of Landscape Design… The plants cover 80% of
the ground to be landscaped….

They can be either plants, trees, shrubs, bushes or groundcover.

In this article, we will also discuss planting in plant containers and importance of groundcover…

 Part of a landscape could be designed by studying the existing varieties of trees, shrubs,
flowers.
 Plant material is an important design element. It can articulate space, provide privacy or act as a
focal point.
 It can also provide shade or act as a wind break, surfacing material or filter.
 It may enframe a view. It gives rise to shadow patterns which add interest during daylight hours.
Plant Containers
 These are tree planters or pots. Tree planters must be of appropriate size to enable trees to
grow above structures such as Parking Garages.
 Trees and plants grow much better when they are planted directly in the ground.
 Pots are small plant containers which are versatile or maybe moved or arranged for displays.
Concrete is most commonly used for plant containers.
 These could be in the form of concrete rings, which are precast or made in-situ.
Groundcover
 This is the landscape element that flows through the entire design and ties everything together.

Groundcover - Element of Landscape Design

 Grass is the best example of groundcover. It can be easily cut or maintained.

 Groundcover adds to total appearance of the landscape.
English Gardens is the master of Landscaped Garden Architecture…. All the above mentioned elements
of Design have been beautifully used in the design of English Gardens! English Gardening Style is
considered as the “Legendary Gardening Style”.

Use of Fences or walls in the Landscape Design

 Fences or walls may be used to provide enclosures, articulate a space, or act as retaining
elements. Brick, stone and concrete are the materials most commonly used. Wood or metal grills
can also be used as fences to separate walkways from the planting areas and lawn spaces.

Fences or walls surrounding the Garden

 The height and type of wall varies with its use in overall design concept of the project.
 They may be at seating height or upto 1.8m or more in height to provide privacy.
 Retaining walls may also have to be provided depending on the site conditions.
 Reinforced concrete is the most economical material for constructing such walls.
Use of patterned Drainage covers in Landscape Design
 Drainage mainly involves the provision of a storm water drain. The water is collected and
treated in a water softener we quickly purchased after reading a few of the Best Water Softener
Reviews. A utilitarian element, drainage can be integrated in the pavement in such a way that it
becomes pleasing to the eye.

Drainage Grates

 Precast concrete grates can be used around trees so that they look aesthetically pleasing and
also allow water to be absorbed by the trees.

Lighting Techniques in Landscape Design
 Outdoor Lighting is used to illuminate pedestrian walkways, roads and entry areas. It may also
provide a dramatic effect when it lights up benches and fountains.
 The level of illumination varies with the extent of usage of the various external spaces.
 High intensity light is required for highways and other heavily used areas.
 Warm and coloured illumination is best suited for quiet areas along minor residential streets and
parking areas.

Design of “Rock Gardens”

 Arranged groups of rocks, big boulders, or large stones constitute a rock garden. The rock
outcrop could be naturally present at the site, which could be converted into a Rock Garden.
 Alternatively, it could be created artificially by bonding large boulders with mud, cement or
concrete.
 This can be merged with plants growing in between the rocks. A water cascade can also be a
part of the rock Garden.
 Chandigarh’s Rock Garden is a very renowned example of Rock Garden Architecture in India…
Design of Street Furniture in Landscape Design
 Any mode of seating provided in the external design space (landscape space) is known as
street furniture.
 These could be seats with backs or without backs. They are usually made of wood, concrete,
stone or metal casting.

Street furniture

 Concrete or stone seats may act as sculpture elements. These are easy to maintain and less
prone to vandalism.
 Wooden benches with backrests are most comfortable. Concrete and metal cast seats can also
have backs. Seating could also be combined with tree-planters.
 Street Furniture provides for social and recreational gathering of people in outdoor spaces.
Chandigarh rock garden is an epitome of creativity and innovation. Rock Garden is a sculpture garden in
Chandigarh, India, also known as Nek Chand’s Rock Garden. The speciality of this place is that it is
completely built of industrial & home waste and thrown-away items.

Chandigarh's Nek Chand Rock Garden

Rock garden has been established in the form of an open-air exhibition hall.

Timeline

The Rock Garden was secretly started by Mr Nek Chand in 1957. The government only learnt about it in
1975. After it was discovered, the government took it over.

Dimensions

Initially, it occupied an area of 12 acres. But it has grown and is spread over an area of forty-acres
(160,000 m²),

Garden Details
 Chandigarh's Rock Garden

The Rock Garden is still made out of recycled materials. It is situated near Sukhna Lake. It consists of
man-made interlinked waterfalls and many other sculptures that have been made of scrap & other kinds
of wastes (bottles, glasses, bangles, tiles, ceramic pots, sinks, electrical waste, etc) which are placed in
walled paths.

Upon entering, the visitor finds winding paths which provide a perfect complement to Le Corbusier’s
design for the civic grid of Chandigarh. Walls built of terra cotta pots and sherds shade cobblestone paths,
leading to large open areas occupied by pavilions built of concrete and stone. The buildings in the rock
garden borrow from architectural precedents in India: some can be related to Mughal traditions by the
use of the chattri (a domed kiosk supported on pillars) and the bangala (a curved roof whose two sides
meet at a single ridge), and the pointed arch; other structures pay homage to the simple elegance of
village domestic architecture.

Streams and waterfalls weave around these paths and buildings. Along the entire route, neglected and
thrown-away items have been transformed into fanciful creatures placed on inclined fields of sherds and
rock. All are constructed of various combinations of porcelain, concrete, and stone. People, dogs, bears,
birds, elephants, mythological and hybrid creatures can be found. One figure, a three-dimensional
mosaic of broken plates, reclines and holds a coffee cup. Some groups are organized by profession,
such as dancers and musicians, while others are eclectic ensembles of personages and animals.

Materials Used

Different discarded waste materials like frames, mudguards, forks, handle bars, metal wires, play
marbles, porcelain, auto parts, broken bangles etc.

Conclusion

Nek Chand’s Rock Garden expresses the fragility of the environment, the need for conservation of the
earth’s natural resources, the importance of balancing industrial development and sound environmental
practices.
Water Gardens typically include the integration of artificial ponds, streams, waterfalls, statues, rocks,
aquatic plants, fishes, watercourses and fountains with the natural surroundings and environment in
order to create a pleasing atmosphere.

General Historic types of Water Gardens & Landscapes

Water gardens have been designed for thousands of years for a variety of reasons and it has
produced outdoor fountain pros in every era. Here are a few interesting applications of water landscapes.

A. The Embellished Spring | Greek origin

Served as a source of potable water endowed with medicinal, legendary properties.

B. The Nyphaeum | Architectural city fountain

Highly developed by the Romans. Derived from the Greeks.

C. The Fountain of Ablution | Hindu and Islamic origin

Serves as a vehicle for obligatory cleansing before entering the mosque or a temple.

D. The Sculptural Fountains | Greek and Roman origin

Appeared in renaissance. Centerpieces for plazas, courtyards and intersections.

E. The Imperial Fountains | Bureaucratic, over-scaled version of the sculptural

Commissioned by the Pope or King to perpetuate his memory. Only at a fairly gross level, one can sort
into categories many of the uses of water in design. Even then such classification inadequately describes
the full reality and the parameters of the areas so defined.

F. Motion in Water feature | Kinetic sculpture fountain, London

Surge or wave action can be created. Prohibitively expensive mechanical systems required. Water used
to turn sculpture. Water effects with water pressure. Economics and vandalism cannot be ignored.
G. Utilitarian Water features | Sculptural Fish Ladder, Michigan

Utilitarian projects can be expanded to exploit water as a recreational tool and educational tool.

H. Roof Gardens | Kaiser Centre, Oakland, California

Constructed over concrete slab roof deck. Water in motion by underwater jets. Structural requirement to
be worked out at preliminary design stage. Periodic maintenance for watertight conditions is a must.

Garden Pond (Click to Enlarge)

An Aquatic landscape designer might modify and manipulate the naturally occurring features in a given
place to improve its visual attraction. Artificial ponds might be dug up, new watercourses might be plotted,
aquatic plants and fauna might be used to integrate the place with nature. Artificial waterfalls and
fountains might be erected, which act as a cooling oasis in the summer season. Design of water gardens
is a way to bring nature closer to human beings, to add beauty and serenity to the landscape.

Conservation of Water

Today, with the ever increasing human population, the world faces a terrible shortage of resources,
including water. Hence, an important part of water gardens in landscape architecture is recycling and
reusing water, as well as limiting the wastage of water as much as possible. Breakthroughs in indoor
water fountains for home have given garden fountains a chance to be eco-friendly, technology has that
power, we just need more people focusing on such things.

Water-efficient landscaping offers many economic and environmental benefits, including:

 Lower water bills from reduced water use.

 Conservation of natural resources and preservation of habitat for plants and wildlife such as fish
and waterfowl.
 Extended life for water resources infrastructure (e.g., reservoirs, treatment plants, groundwater
aquifers)
 Decreased energy use (and air pollution associated with its generation)

Hence, water recycling, pumping and storage is housed in the facility to decrease dependence on
external water supply. The water in ponds, fountains and watercourses is periodically replaced as it is
moving water, thus preventing the growth of algae or mosquitoes. It keeps the climate cool and serene.
Hence, water gardens nowadays play an important part in the landscapes of mansions where they are
integrated along with swimming pools and gardens.