ID. NO: M.

Sc/ARC/20/0378
COURSE CODE: ARC 715: LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

 DEFINATION OF TERMS

 What is Landscape?

 A landscape is simply an outdoor environment, whether design by nature or man-

made (by professionals).

 “A piece of land which we perceive comprehensively around us, without looking

closely at single components, and which looks familiar to us” (Haber, 2004)

 What is design?

• It is the process of creation of Object/ Space/ System/ Policy

• To serve a pre-determined purpose / Objective
• To solve one or more specified problems
• To enhance the quality of environment of the delineated space

 What is Landscape Design?

 According to Williams and Tilt (2006), landscape design is the art of developing
property for its greatest use and satisfaction.
 Beaulieu (2020) defines Landscape design as the art and science of arranging the
features of the environment for aesthetics and/or functional reasons.

1) Elements of Landscape design

“All design whether in the landscape, on a canvas or in a magazine, draws upon common
tools of composition.” (Toscano, 2022). These qualities can be controlled by the designer not
only in the selection which is made of the components, but also in the way those components are
used. These qualities are sometimes referred to as design elements:

i. LINE
In landscape design, the form of a line creates a sense of direction as well as a
sense of movement. The outline that creates all forms and patterns in the
landscape.

ii. FORM

Form is the outline or three-dimensional shape of an object.

 iii. MASS
Mass is the degree of solidity of forms. Heavier, denser or darker foliage will
create the effect of greater mass.

iv. TEXTURE

Texture is the surface quality of an object. Texture is how something feels

when it is touched or looks like it would feel if touched. The coarseness or
smoothness of the leaf, bark, and foliage of plants and trees and of buildings,
patios, and walkways define texture in landscape Design.

v. COLOUR

 Colour can be used for harmony or contrast. Generally (but not always) designers use
contrasting colours sparingly. In general pale, cool colours (blue, green, white, silver
and pastel shades) create a relaxing atmosphere in the garden, while hot, vibrant
colours (reds, yellows, orange, bright pink) demand attention and subconsciously
encourage activity.

2) What are/is the benefits/visual usefulness of landscape design

It has been highlighted by various studies the benefits (physical and mental health) of
associating with nature, generally in landscapes distinguished by plants (i.e., “greenspace”)
and water (i.e., “bluespace”). Nonetheless, natural landscapes are not always green or blue,
and the effects of other landscapes are worth attention (Li et al., 2022).
There are four ways in which the landscape is valuable: aesthetically, economically,
functionally, and environmentally (Helfand et al. 2006; Williams and Tilt 2006):
i. Aesthetic value;
Add visual beauty, Emphasize desirable features, Appeal to all five senses (smell,
taste, feel, sight, hearing), Hide undesirable features.
ii. Economic value;
Increase property value, Reduce energy costs (buffer wind, control solar wind
gain)
iii. Functional value;
Aesthetic value, Enhance liveability, Conservation and environmental
protection, Solar heat control, Wind control, Sound control.
iv. Environmental effects;
Moderate temperature, Reduce glare and wind, Clean the air, Use water
efficiently.
 Reference

Haber, W. (2004). Landscape ecology as a bridge from ecosystems to human ecology.

Ecological Research, 19(1), 99-106. Doi: 10. 1111 /j. 1440-1703.2003.00615.x
Williams, J. D., & Tilt, K. (2006). Residential landscape design. Alabama Cooperative
Extension System. ANR-813. www.aces.edu.
Beaulieu, D. (2020, September 17). Guide to landscape design.
https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-landscape-design-2131075
Li, H., Browning, M. H., Rigolon, A., Larson, L. R., Taff, D., Labib, S. M., & Kahn Jr, P. H.
(2022). Beyond “bluespace” and “greenspace”: A narrative review of possible health benefits
from exposure to other natural landscapes. Science of The Total Environment, 159292.
Toscano, K. (2022, February 6). 3 key landscape Design Elements.
https://www.southernlivingplants.com/plan-your-garden/3-key-landscape-design-elements/
Helfand, G. E., Park, J. S., Nassauer, J. I., & Kosek, S. (2006). The economics of native
plants in residential landscape designs. Landscape and Urban Planning, 78, 229–240
(Elsevier).