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Lawn, Garden & Landscaping

2003-07-01 10:56:00

Landscaping design theory

: What does the term “landscape theory” mean?  How does a landscape specialist go about designing a landscape?

ANSWER: (See part 1 in June ‘03 issue)  With the basic elements defined, it is time to put them to practical use. In planning a landscape design it is necessary to work with the "principles" that stem directly from the basic elements. How effectively you implement these principles will determine the impact of your landscaping upon the viewer -- be it yourself or a prospective buyer.    Since this introduction to landscape  design theory is meant as a practical guide, the goal is not to provide abstract definitions, but examples that can be implemented in landscaping work immediately.    Three landscape design principles apply to the overall "feel" of the landscape: namely, proportion, transition and unity. Proportion is the sense that the size of the individual components or groups of components in a landscape is consistent with the landscape as a whole. In other words, the idea behind proportion is very similar to that behind the basic element, scale. But the difference is that, while "scale" is a neutral term, "proportion" is based on the premise that something is either "in proportion" or "out of proportion." A landscape that is out of proportion is one that is marred by abrupt transitions or by the lack of transition. For instance, a five-foot high stone wall might elegantly set off a large home, but would make a small home look all the smaller. The landscaping of the latter suffers from a lack of transition: the height of the wall is too close to that of the house. Transition, simply put, refers to gradual change.    Conforming to a sense of proportion is, in turn, one characteristic of a landscape that exhibits unity. Unity, or "harmony" has been achieved when the viewer senses that all the individual elements of a landscape complement each other and have been chosen with one over-arching theme in mind. The placement of landscape components in a thoughtful manner regarding their form is one method for promoting a unified feel. For instance, small trees flanking a driveway or an entrance should have the same form. Repetition also promotes unity. Like all good things, however, unity can be pushed too far. Introduce some variety, or "contrast" into a landscape.  One way is through the use of plants that vary in texture. The element texture, is subtle enough that it can be employed to inject variety into a landscape without destroying unity.    The next group of three landscape design principles, like proportion, transition and unity, are interrelated: namely, rhythm, balance and focalization. They all pertain to controlling a viewer's eye movement. Rythym in general is the patterned repetition of a motif, and in a landscaping project, specifically, it will be one or more of the basic elements of landscaping that will comprise the motif. The essential element here is line, since nothing control's eye movement more readily than a straight line. The objective of utilizing such a motif is to direct eye movement, unconsciously, in a manner that is most conducive to appreciating the landscape in question. For instance, perhaps the situation of your land holds the potential for a magnificent vista, but your current landscaping does not take full advantage of it. Or perhaps you have a piece of statuary in your front yard that you want to show off. But if your front yard is full of other interesting items, it might be too "busy" for that item to receive sufficient focus. These and other problems of rhythm can be solved through an understanding of balance and focalization.    Balance refers to consistency of visual attraction and applies to all five of the basic elements: consistency with form, with texture, etc. Understanding balance is, in turn, important for an understanding of focalization. Focalization is the forcing of the viewer's perspective to a focal point. More intense focalization is created through the use of balanced, consistent arrangements of elements.    Let's return, then, to the two problems introjected above. The first is a problem of framing and can be solved by reducing clutter, opting instead for minimalist landscaping with bold, straight lines. The second, a problem of drawing attention to one component in a busy front yard, could be solved by the use either of color or of line. The statue could be surrounded with color that would direct the viewer's eye unconsciously to that area. Planting flowers that are red or yellow en masse would do the trick nicely. So would an appropriate use of line. For instance, a straight path of paving stones leading up to the statuary, or bedding plants arranged so as to form a straight edging that will focus the viewer's gaze in the intended direction.    It will be seen from the foregoing discussion that landscape design principles refer to nothing more ethereal than simply arranging the basic elements in combinations that bespeak a well-reasoned plan. While not pretending to be an exhaustive discussion, the above examples should nonetheless serve to settle fears that landscape design is the exclusive province of wizards with unfathomable powers. Landscape design is the province not of wizardry, but of planning, problem-solving and a "principled" approach.