10.4 Principles of Landscape Development

principles of design

Landscape design is based on the following principles.

10.4.1 UNITY

The selection and placement of plant material can be used to blend, screen, and soften incompatible architecture or other unattractive visual impacts.  Plant material, as a unifying element, can be placed in front of a building or view to frame and enhance the visual impact.

10.4.2 BALANCE

Plant material can be selected and placed to provide visual equilibrium or balance through the use of either a symmetrical or asymmetrical planting scheme.  Symmetrical plantings are generally more formal while asymmetrical plantings are informal.

10.4.3 CONTRAST

Plant material can be selected and placed to provide differences in size and shape, which adds interest to the environment.  Plants can be located to provide a backdrop for other plants, such as a hedge behind a bed of annuals or perennials.

10.4.4 RHYTHM

Repetition of a single plant or a mass of plants provides visual interest and formality to the landscape.  Rhythm produces emphasis and unity and is especially effective in articulating main circulation routes.

10.4.5 COLOR AND TEXTURE

Plants can be selected and placed to provide visual interest according to their color and texture.  Colors are classified as either warm (red, orange, yellow) or cool (violet, blue, green).  Texture is classified as either coarse or fine.

10.4.6 SIMPLICITY

Landscape plans should be broad and simple in form to limit excessive maintenance.  Plant material should be grouped in beds with simple edges that are easy to mow.  Small turf areas should be avoided because of the difficulty of mowing.  The use of annuals should be minimal because of the high maintenance involved.

10.4.7 ULTIMATE EFFECT

The landscape plan should be prepared with consideration for the mature size of all plants.  The spacing of all material should utilize nursery industrial standards for mature material to account for spread as well as height.  The ultimate height of the material should also be considered in relation to windows and other visual concerns.

10.4.8 SPATIAL ARTICULATION

Plants can be selected and placed to create enclosed spaces or to separate spaces from one another.  They can also be used to direct people by visually defining and reinforcing patterns of movement.  The degree of enclosure, separation, or movement is dependent upon the density, form, and type of plants used.

Landscape Design Standards