Friday, February 3, 2012

Interesting Facts About Landscape Design

 
Manila Bulletin
January 16, 2011, 1:52am 


Some facts that you should know about landscape design are that it focuses on landscape planning and the implementation of the design plan, it may involve collaborating with other disciplines, it combines nature and culture, it is different from landscape architecture, it considers various objective factors, and it may be learned at educational institutions.

Gardens and parks with beautiful landscapes don’t just happen on their own. In fact, some of them can take years of planning, designing and integrating of various design elements, as well as planting and tending to the plants. Professionals who are trained and skilled in Scottsdale landscape design are hired to do these tasks. These professionals can transform gardens or parks into works of art and pay close attention to colors, textures, function, form and other design elements. Here are additional facts you should know about landscape design:

It focuses on landscape planning and the implementation of the design plan

Landscape designers focus on the planning of a garden or landscape and mapping out the consecutive steps that should be taken to execute the plan. Planning is necessary in order to come up with a cohesive landscape design. They may ask for input and instruction from the property owner, draw inspiration from various sources, take photographs of the property, make sketches and apply various drafting tools. They will also measure the property and come up with a list of materials and tools necessary for executing the plan. Landscape designers then implement the plan by applying their technical expertise. The landscape plan and execution will include components from fields like aesthetics, horticulture and design.

It may involve collaborating with other disciplines

From the planning phase to the actual site construction, landscape design may involve the overlapping of various talents and technical expertise. Landscape designers may collaborate with other technicians from disciplines like civil engineering, botany, horticulture, craftsmanship, surveying and others. They may also integrate technologies such as computer software to help them plan more accurately and efficiently.

It combines nature and culture

Landscape design aims to combine various cultural features with natural elements. Landscape designers will make decisions about modifying the landscape, replacing it, and which natural features should be retained or changed. These professionals will also work closely with their clients in order to come up with a cohesive design plan that harmonizes nature and culture, as well as the client’s own preferences and needs.

It is different from landscape architecture

There is a basic difference between landscape design and landscape architecture although these two share many similar technical functions and terms. To put it simply, landscape architecture is broader in scope compared to landscape design. Landscape architecture includes not only the design phase but also the engineering aspect like integrating drainage and irrigation systems, soil climate and other engineering works. Also, landscape architects are typically required to have a professional license for their practice.

It considers various objective factors

Apart from the artistic elements involved, landscape design also takes into consideration objective factors like the location’s climate and microclimate, drainage system, topography, surrounding infrastructures and facilities, lighting system, natural plants present in the area and many other measurable factors.

It may be learned from educational institutions

In the past, landscape designers were only trained through apprenticeship. It was not until the early 1900s that the first institutional education for landscape design was introduced. Over the years, the program became available at many levels. Some universities also have their own departments devoted to landscape design and offer relevant minor programs like landscape engineering, landscape design history, fine arts, natural resources, horticultural botany and many others.

Landscape design is evidence that culture and nature can indeed coexist.

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