INTRODUCTION TO

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
& LANDFORM
Environmental Analysis & Landscape Architecture I & II
(ARCH - 51022 & 52022)
Lecture 1 (23rd November, 2022)
 OUTLINES

Introduction to Landscape Architecture

Landform
Significance
Expression of Landform
Landform Types by Form
Functional Uses of Landform
Assignment 1
INTRODUCTION TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
 WHAT IS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE?
A Professional Design discipline that deals with integrating
people and the outdoor environment in a manner of
beneficial to both.
It is also defined as "the art of design, planning or
management of the land arrangement of natural and
manmade elements.

WHAT DOES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

DO?
They have the ability to study, analyze and solve numerous
design problems that relate to the outdoor environment.
They must possess knowledge and skills in a variety of
related disciplines including art, civil engineering, ecology,
geography, sociology, psychology, horticulture and business.
 TWO GENERAL SETS OF MEDIA

1 2

Pencil, ink, magic maker, paper, Landform, plant materials, buildings,

cardboard, computer, and things like pavement, site structures (stamps,
used to portray a design intent in a ramps, walls, etc.) and water used to
graphic or model form. create the actual three dimensional
reality of the design.
 NATURAL LANDSCAP

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

NATURAL LANDSCAPE MANMADE LANDSCAPE

LANDFORM
1. SIGNIFICANCE
THE BASE FOR ALL ACTIVITIES
“Landform” is synonymous with “topography” and refers to
the three dimensional relief of the earth’s surface. In simple
LANDFORM HAS GREAT SIGNIFICANCE
term “Landform” is “the lay of the land”
in landscape because of its direct association with so many other
elements and aspects of outdoor environment
REGIONAL SCALE - MACROLANDFORM
Valley, mountain, rolling hills, prairies, and plains

SITE SCALE - MICROLANDFORM

Mounds, berms, slopes, level areas, or elevation changes vis
steps and ramps

SMALLEST SCALE - MINILANDFORM

subtle undulations or ripples of a sand dune, the textural
variation of stones and rocks in a walk
It acts like the framework of a building or the
bones of an animal; it formulates the overall order
and form of the environment. Other elements are
then seen as being a covering or facade on top of
this frame.

Landform has a direct bearing upon
the aesthetic character and rhythm
of the landscape at any scale.
Aesthetic Character
Level Landforms have a strong To provide a sensation of
internal sense of visual continuity separation and isolation from one
and unity. The sky is a dominant valley to another.
element where clouds and the sun
form a strong ceiling and light
source.
Spatial Sensation

The steeper or higher the slope. The greater the

sensation of outdoor space created.

Bold, rugged landforms are able to nurture a

feeling of uncomfortable, excitement and
aggressiveness in a space.

Smooth, flowing landforms produce a

balanced, sensuous and relaxed sensation
 VIEWS DRAINAGE
The vertical plane The steeper the ground,
creates sequential the more the quantity
viewing of an object and and the faster the rate of
completely high runoff slope, wet from
undesirable elements. insufficient drainage.

FUNCTIONAL
MICROCLIMATE
U S E and
Flat - flexible
Affects sun exposure,
capable for
wind exposure and
development,
precipitation
Steep - restrictions
2. EXPRESSION OF CONTOUR LINE

LANDFORM A line on a plan drawing that connects all the points that are an equal
vertical distance above or below a horizontal reference plane,
sometimes referred to as a datum or bench mark

CONTOUR INTERVAL
The vertical distance between any two contour lines on a
given plan and is constant number often noted in the legend,
or title block

GRADING
Any change or alternation in the ground’s surface is referred
to as “grading”
 5 Basic Principles

FIRST SECOND THRID FOURTH

An existing contour line is A proposed contour line A contour line always A single contour line
drawn freehand and is is shown on plan as a joins and meets itself never divides itself to
shown as dashed line solid line even if it is many miles form two separate
away from a particular contour lines of the same
site. elevation
 FIFTH
Contour lines never cross one another except to represent a
natural bridge or overhang.
 RATIO METHOD
2:1 - Absolute maximum slope allowed on a site without
experiencing erosion.
3:1 - Preferred maxmum slope for most lawn and planting area
4:1 - Maximum slope maintainable with a lawn mower

PERCENTAGE METHOD
0-5% (Flat) - Maximum flexibility for development and can
accommodate massive site elements
5-10% - Suitable for most types of land uses and functions
10-15% (Rolling) - Provide a general outward orientation with
potential views from higher vantage points
15% + (Steep) - Environmental and monetary costs usually prohibit
major development
 3. Landform Types by Form

LEVEL CONVEX RIDGE CONCAVE VALLEY

LANDFORM LANDFORM
LANDFORM

Static Dynamic A stretched out version Self-centered space Linear

Nonmoving Outward orientated of a convex landform Inward orientated Directional
In balanced Serving a focal point Outward orientated Isolation Creating movement
LEVEL LANDFORM

Qualities of of level Landform

Stable
Neutral
Restful
Peaceful
At equilibrium with gravity
Creates an open, spacious , exposed feeling and no sense
of privacy, no protection from objectionable sights, sounds,
no defense against sun and wind.
Horizontal lines and forms are harmonious elements.
Vertical element easily becomes a dominant element and
focal point.
the peaceful aspect of level landform allows it to serve as a
setting or backdrop to the eye-catching use of other
elements.
Can be described as multidirectional , allow for equal
choice of movement in all direction.
CONVEX LANDFORM

Can serve as a focal point on the landscape

The important structures are placed on top of convex landform to
create a greater feeling of reverence and also respective feeling for
the object or person .
Can be enhanced by other elements such as buildings or trees on the
summit.
Modifies microclimate in the exterior environment, sun and wind
exposures.
RIDGE

A “stretched out” version of a convex landform and has the ability to

capture the eye and lead it along its length
Provides vantage point and have a feeling of outward orientation into
surrounding landscape
The ridge tops make logical locations for roads, paths, and other
elements of circulation road, parking, housing unit.
CONCAVE LANDFORM

Can be created by earth excavation or two convex land place near to

another.
The degree of spatial enclosure in a concave landform depends upon the
relative height and steepness of the surrounding slopes.
Focuses the attention of anyone in the space toward its center or bottom
floor.
The sense of security is rather false because the concave landform is
vulnerable from higher ground surrounding.
VALLEY

Also linear and directional

Suitable location for movement
The valley floor is often fertile ground and the location of very productive
agricultural land
Drainage, need much care if there is a road
4. FUNCTIONAL USES OF
LANDFORM

SPATIAL DEFINATION
Space may be created by
Excavating into the base plane
Filling earth
Building up from the existing base plane
Complementing existing convex landforms with added high points
Change elevation to establish terraces or level variation
Perception of space
The floor area of space
The steepness of enclosing slopes
The horizon, silhouette line
CONTROL VIEW

To frame views to a particular focal point in the environment It can be created a sense of anticipation and curiosity when
one sees only a portion of an object

Objects placed on high point or summit are easily seen from It encourages the viewers to move toward the object with
great distances and objects located on the side slopes of a the hope of seeing more of it to create a sequence of
valley or ridge are seen from lower areas changing views
CONTROL VIEW

Can hide an object at the toe of the slope from the more
distant vantage point on the top of the high point

The crest of a slope itself can screen views of objectionable

Landform may be built up in the form of earth mounds or objects located at the toe of the slope for vantage points on
berms to screen out displeasing objects or screen top of the hill
INFLUENCE MOVEMENT EFFECT MICROLIMATE
To influence the direction, speed, and rhythm of both Landform can be used in the landscape to modify microclimate
pedestrian and vehicular movement by means of sun and wind
to affect the rate of movement in a design
AESTHETIC USES
Landform can be used as a compositional and visual element
Can be shaped into soft, sensuous forms
Can be molded into hard forms with rock and concrete
May also produce different visual effects under the influence
of light and climate
ASSIGNMENT 1
ASSIGNMENT 1 : TERM PAPER + PRESENTATION
Choose a 100sqft area site which has a significant character of landform
LANDFORM such as an area within the Kandawgye Park or People's Square or the
neigbourhood area and study the landform of its site according to the
following contents.
(Due Date & Date of Presentation - 30th Nov, 2022)

CONTENT
1. Drawing with expression methods of landform
a. Use freehand sketch or digital drawing with contour
b. Calculate the slope with one of the expression methods
2. Site Photo
a. Overall photo covered the 100sqft site
b. Photos from the point to learn about the space
3. Landform type
4. Functional uses of landform
5. Spatial sensation (How do you feel about the space)
6. Idea about proper modification
7. Reference List
LAYOUT
A4 size (portrait)
Pyihtangsu Font/ Size 11 (Title Bold)
Line spacing 1.5
Label every figure (Fig. 1.1, Fig. 1.2, Fig. 2.2,…)
Margin (Above, Below & Right - 1", Left - 1.5")
Make word spacing full with margin
Page number
In header or footer
Name of Course & Academic Year

MARKING SCHEME
1. Roll call - 20%
2. Term Paper - 30%
3. Presentation - 30%
4. Semester-end Project - 20%
 THANK YOU

REFERENCES
"Basic Elements of Landscape Architectural Design",
Norman K. Booth, 1983, New York.