ELECTIVE 1

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

SUBMITTED BY: SUBMITTED TO:

OCRETO, MAVERICK JADD BSA-4A AR. MARNIE CAPANAN, UAP
 ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
COLOR - is a critical design element
that impacts the overall visual
experience. It sets an emotional tone
through associations - warm hues feel
energetic, cool ones calming. Vibrant
colors grab attention while muted
recede, allowing designers to guide
the viewer's focus. Symbolism tied to
certain hues reinforces messaging.
Contrast in brightness separates
foreground from background content.
Repeating or limiting the palette
connects disparate elements. In
essence, deliberate color choices
determine much of a design's aesthetic
appeal and effectiveness at engaging
the audience and directing their
attention to what matters most. Considered application of color theory
principles elevates a creation from mundane to exceptional. Even those
with no formal training can benefit from understanding that color
psychology and strategic use of hue, saturation and brightness
differences can profoundly influence how compositions are perceived and
interpreted.
LINE - are one of the most fundamental elements of design. As a design
element, lines communicate information, direct attention, divide space, and
create visual interest through their various characteristics
FORM- Form refers to the shape and structure of 3D objects depicted in
a 2D design. As a key design element, form impacts composition through
qualities like shape, scale, orientation, overlapping, negative space,
proximity and alignment. Thoughtful composition and arrangement of 3D
forms builds rhythm, leads the viewer's eye, reinforces messaging, and
creates visual harmony. Form elicits psychological responses through
associations with familiar shapes, objects and spatial relationships.
Masterful form manipulation clarifies design hierarchies and imparts
depth, motion and dimensionality.

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TEXTURE - is a key visual design element that refers to the look and feel
of a surface. Though inherently tactile, visual textures communicate
physical qualities and emotions. actual and implied tactility through
strategic texture shapes audience perceptions and experiences.
Coarseness and smoothness delineate boundaries; while orderly versus
chaotic surfaces communicate attributes like strength and dynamism. As
critical visual cue, thoughtful texture application helps craft compelling
compositions.
SCALE- a design element that refers to the proportionate size
relationships between the elements in a visual composition. As objects have
no set dimensions in the 2D design plane, it is the relative sizes of forms,
lines, negative spaces, patterns and other elements that determine scale.
 PRINCIPLES OF LANDSCAPING
BALANCE- is a core principle of landscape design that refers to the
strategic distribution of visual weight and interest throughout the space.
Three types of balance achieve this stable distribution through different
means:
Symmetrical Balance: This centers
views down the middle of the
landscape, with evenly distributed
and mirrored landscaping features
on either side. Pathways, borders,
plantings, water features and
installed elements on one side
exactly reflect those on the
opposite side. Symmetrical balance
provides a formal, orderly
aesthetic. It hinges on precision in
the mirroring of the two halves.

Asymmetrical Balance: Also called

informal balance, this relies on
equal visual weight. It mixes
visually prominent features with
open space to create equilibrium.
Areas with striking sculptural
elements like specimen trees
balance against simple grass or
hardscape. Heavier planted areas
contrast with lighter porch
spaces. As it allows more variety in
arrangement, asymmetrical balance
provides a more organic feel.

Textural/Color Balance: This uses

a gradation of colors, forms, and
plant heights to establish weight
and interest distribution. For
example, narrow single-story
shrubs maintain equilibrium with
wider adjoining multi-story trees.
Warm-toned boulder groupings
offset cooler-toned pavers.
Texture balances avoid rigidity
through varied visual expression
of balanced landing points.
FOCALIZATION- Focalization refers to the design principle of creating
planned focal points that naturally attract and guide the viewer's eye
through key areas in a landscape. Strategic focal points perform several
functions. By composing a series of distinct visual points gathered
through compelling forms, groupings and concentrated details, designers
narrate an immersive viewing experience across the entire landscape.
Distinct accents artfully spread out give rhythm.
UNITY- a core design principle for landscapes that creates visual
coherence through the strategic repetition, consistency and
complementary blending of plants, materials, features and themes.
compositional unity transforms disparate outdoor areas in a continuous,
interrelated landscape tied together by consistent materials, details,
plants and sightlines. This provides design cohesion.
PROPORTION - refers to the balanced sizing of landscape elements
relative to their surroundings and to each other. Careful proportion
creates proper scale relationships that reinforce design unity, highlight
focal points, and lend aesthetic harmony
ORDER- is a foundational principle of landscape design that organizes
elements to facilitate usability while also increasing aesthetic appeal.
Order creates functional coherence and visual harmony. order translates
functional goals into a sensible narrative expressed through structured
zones, shapes, access patterns and upkeep timing. This higher landscape
coherence makes spaces easily interpretable and enjoyable.
REPETITION - Strategic repetition of plants, materials, colors, textures,
and decorative details links disparate landscape areas into a unified,
cohesive whole. Tasteful repetition is achieved through echoing foliage
shapes, plants color patterns, hardscape materials, ornamental motifs,
sight lines and shapes. echoing plants, colors, textures and details
through thoughtful repetition creates harmony, familiarity, and
connectivity across the landscape. This maintains design cohesion even
among purposefully contrasting or asymmetric compositions.