University of Palestine-Gaza Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture Landscape Design Lecture 1 Dr. Akram Ijla Architect; Ms. Safaa Battrawi Principles of landscape design

Principles of landscape design Landscape design involves functional use of plants combined with artistic composition Functional use of landscapes: Visual or acoustic screens Framing off-landscape views Microclimate control (e.g. shading, protection from wind) Creating enclosures (absolute or implied) Functional uses should be considered first; landscape viewed as different units with different functions

Principles of landscape design Artistic composition derived from physical properties of plants Form: Plants can be viewed as mainly horizontal or vertical Horizontal shapes are less dramatic than vertical shapes Tree forms depend on branching patterns Shrub forms result from growth habits (e.g. upright or creeping)

Principles of landscape design Physical properties of plants important in landscape design Texture: Stems, leaves, bark, and buds determine texture of plant Large or widely separated plant features create effect of coarseness Thick, tight foliage results in finer texture Simple leaves appear coarser than compound leaves Distance of view affects texture; farther you stand from plant, the finer its texture appears

Principles of landscape design Physical properties of plants important in landscape design Color: Warm colors: yellows to reds Bright, inviting and lively Cool colors: greens to violets Restful, receding, not as conspicuous Foliage most often considered in landscape design, but flowers, bark and fruit also important

Principles of landscape design Unity in landscape design Landscapes need some characteristics to tie together different (functional) units and plants within a unit Characters that provide unity in landscape design variety emphasis balance sequence scale simplicity

Principles of landscape design Unity in landscape design Simplicity (repetition) Created with repetition of form, texture, colors, or specific plant species Must prevent monotony; variety is used to ‘control’ repetition

Principles of landscape design Unity in landscape design Variety Varying forms, textures and shapes to prevent boredom

Principles of landscape design Unity in landscape design Emphasis Drawing attention to important features of landscape Can draw attention to front door of residence by using plants that offer variety in color, texture or form near the door

Principles of landscape design Unity in landscape design Balance Symmetrical balance = elements on either side of an axis are identical (formal feel) Asymmetrical balance = unlike elements of equal visual weight on each side of an axis (less formal) achieved by balancing forms of unequal size (e.g. 1 tree balanced by 3 shrubs) Color adds visual weight; brightly colored plant may need to be balanced with several plants of equal size but not brightly colored Coarse textures are visually heavier than fine textures (more fine-textured plants needed to balance coarse-textured plants)

Principles of landscape design Unity in landscape design Balance

Principles of landscape design Unity in landscape design Sequence Move viewer’s eyes over landscape in orderly fashion Achieved by gradual progression of form, texture or color Any plant that breaks gradual progression becomes a point of emphasis

Principles of landscape design Unity in landscape design Scale Relative scale or proportion of landscape affects viewer’s mood Most landscapes should be proportional to human height or height of structure

Thank you